When using the Cross, Ive been able to remove the bottom seat and put it in the washer. We earn an affiliate commission when you buy through our links. Its much longer than Burleys sunshades, offers much more protection, and is much easier to use. Whether youll be using the Cross primarily as a trailer, jogger, stroller, or all three, this thing performs like a dream. All the accessories and attachments fit inside the folded trailer, and then the trailer latches closed. The Cross storage (blue trailer on the right above) consists of a smaller pocket that extends only half-way down the back of the trailer. From a child comfort standpoint, both the Cross and the Lites bum padding are plenty comfortable theres really no difference. The stroller wheels attach upside down on the front wheel guards and the trailer arm snaps into place on the side of the trailer. Visual learner? FTC Disclosure: Affiliate links are included in this review. When using the Infant Sling, reclining the seat doesnt affect the sling in any way. This is due to two factors: While the original Cross models had an issue with sufficient ventilation, the 2019 update added front vents that increase air circulation, especially when the rain cover is on. The Cross comes with a zip-up mesh door that zips down easily and snaps into place at the bottom. Its fabulously simple and easy to use, in addition to being incredibly well-made. The Thule Chariot Lite is incredibly similar to the even higher-end Thule Chariot Cross. After 2.5 years my Cross is a little dirtier than when I pulled it out of the box, but wear and tear is super minimal. If you will regularly be going on rough terrain, or taking your Cross bike packing, we do recommend that extra layer of padding. This top-of-the-line trailer has been meticulously designed for performance and is a pleasure to use. Storage also Includes Pockets on Inside and Back of Trailer. I used the Infant Sling until my monster baby was 7 months old, so if youre thinking you want reclining seats for an infant, you wouldnt be using the recline function anyways. Hollandbikeshop.com has the Thule Chariot Bicycle Trailer youre looking for. (double). The Cross didnt skip a beat and our toddler was able to enjoy this mountain biking mecca just as much as the rest of us. With the mesh door down, your toddler cant throw out their sippy cups, blankets cant slide out, and overly friendly strangers cant touch your kids :). This wheel storage feature is unique to Thule and well worth the slight inconvenience of having to insert the wheels from underneath. This makes the pocket much more shallow, and great for small items like phones or snacks. Well also show you side by side comparisons of the Lite and the Cross. Sold standard with a bike tow arm and double stroller wheels, the Lite can cover the miles in whatever capacity you choose. Whether or not you feel like you need more recline than the Lite offers is up to you. Ive just never found it necessary because the Cross standard position is already so comfortable for my toddler. To the untrained eye, they may even seem identical. All opinions and images are that of Two Wheeling Tots LLC. The only downside is that the silicone tab of the hitch does require some effort to stretch in order to lock the hitch in place. View our Terms of Use. Of the high-end trailers, the Lite is the most lightweight. Those with long arms will find this easier, but I wish the buttons compressed more smoothly. Thule was founded by Erik Thulin in Sweden in 1942. They dont shift around so you never end up with a pad out of place. If youre interested in the overall features, sizing, performance, and usability of the Lite bike trailer, we cover that in great detail in our Thule Chariot Cross review. You cannot go wrong with a Thule Chariot trailer. Ive tripped over plenty of things that my toddler has managed to throw out the bottom or back of a closed trailer from other brands. For avid runners, a jogger wheel kit is a smart upgrade. To compensate, the viewing window is covered by two layers of mesh for added shade. Are you wondering if you should save $200 and get the Lite instead of the more high-end Cross? Last summer we went to king of all biking destinations -Whistler, Canada- and brought our Cross. Want to see the Thule Chariot Cross in action? The brake easily integrates into the handlebar and is activated by twisting (as shown here). The Cross adjustable suspension helps smooth the ride and is incredibly easy to adjustsimply slide the latch up or down based on the childs weight. TRAILER CAPACITY: Single or DoubleTRAILER ARM: IncludedSTROLLER KIT: Included (2-wheel)AVAILABLE KIT UPGRADES: Jogger, Ski SUSPENSION: AdjustableWEIGHT: 28 lb. But the Lite is $200 less than the Cross because of a few variations in features. The bottom of the trailer is made of the same thick nylon fabric as the sides. This resulted in THULE CHARIOT, a series of beautiful bicycle trailers with a level of innovation, safety and quality that can only be found in Thule Chariot bicycle trailers. In the image below, you can see the angle of the seat back on the Lite compared to the most reclined position on the Cross. After that, its really not necessary and can be a bit bulky. At Hollandbikeshop.com you'll find a wide choice of Bicycle Trailers from the Thule Chariot line. Thin, yet dense, the padding stays in place when loading and unloading kids. Compared to other trailer brands on the market, its not a big deal that the Lites seats dont recline. Also, because its removable, it could easily be lost or forgotten and may not be available if you need it unexpectedly. I use the Cross daily to bring my nugget along for my runs. The seat back of Thule Chariot Cross is angled backward, as well as the area where a child rests their legs. (Known as the Thule Chariot Lite 1 and Thule Chariot Lite 2.). One of the jogger arms, however, doesnt fit through the inside trunk loop as intended because of a blue wheel adjustment knob on the arm. Because its so thick, its best to use from fall to spring. on the trails. It comes standard with a 4-wheeled stroller conversion kit and the bike trailer arm. Its easy to adjust by pushing the blue button on either side. The arm, instead, can be stored in the main trunk space. All the little details done right make it a joy to use for all of your familys outdoor adventures. Trailers that convert to strollers have the additional benefit of allowing you to completely zip your kids into the stroller. The ability for a bike trailers seats to recline is considered one of the most high-end features of a trailer. Jogger wheel installation is a little more involved than the stroller wheels, but not too complicated. The Cross was able to absorb more of the jostling, although the Lite still did a good job. The pocket is quite deep, which is great for capacity, but its less ideal for storing small items you need easy access to. No monetary compensation was provided for this review, however, the reviewed product was supplied by the manufacturer or distributor to help facilitate this review. With every part designed and assembled to the most precise and exacting standards, these beautiful machines pull quiet and smooth, making the trailer seem at one with your bike. The advantage of this design is that when in use as a trailer, the stroller wheels actually store in the same holes, just upside down. (single), 32 lb. This is a big asset, as it prevents the trailer from coming apart when transporting. This may sound minor, but having used many trailers with thick padding that shifts around and even comes out entirely, Thules padding system is superior. Click here for a full list of Thule trailer accessories. (single), 27.5 lb. We wont re-hash that here, because all of that information is the same. Hollandbikeshop.com and third parties use cookies to collect information about your visit to this website and your personal interests, for example to show you customized ads. But from a keeping-your-trailer-clean difference, this could be a pretty important point. I did find that many times the brakes didnt fully disengage when releasing the pedal, and I had to fiddle with it to get it to fully release. As a self-proclaimed gear nerd who has used the Thule Chariot Cross for many years, I was itching to get my hands on the very similar (but more affordable) Thule Chariot Lite. BEST FOR: Active families with babies and young toddlers who are looking for a stroller and jogger that perform just as great as the trailer. However, the Cross handled it like a total champ and our 2-year-old thought it was the best thing ever. Hollandbikeshop.com uses cookies to analyze and improve the use of this website. The top is made of mesh, to allow for ventilation through the rear of the trailer (when its not stuffed full). When in use, the jogger tracks beautifully from the get-go and is easy to run with. Many trailers have a cut-out or other space to allow kids to wear a helmet without pushing their head forward. Carrie has a master's degree in Marketing from Northwestern University and thinks being a professional bike mom is living the dream. We also found that the stroller works pretty great as a jogger too. As a 510 woman, I need to extend the entire length of my arm into the pocket to reach the bottom. Its really gross. Inside the trunk, there is one large storage space, a smaller interior pocket, and two inside loops meant for holding the jogger wheel arms. If you are concerned about weight, the Thule Lite is a better option with the double weighing 27.5 lbs. Its important to note that in the Cross most upright position, a child is already in a relaxed, leaned back position. Not that looks should matter, but they do. The large back wheels allow for easy navigating over uneven surfaces and the front wheels (which are larger than on typical strollers) make for a better ride and rarely trip up on uneven patches of pavement or rocks. I let my toddler eat in the trailer fig bars, gold fish, peanut butter crackers. This sling is a baby hammock that hooks into your trailer and sits independently above the seats. Even the most reclined position in the Burley DLite X isnt very reclined its about at the same angle as the Lites stationary seat back. When more freedom is needed, the Cross (and Lite) has an upper pocket to store the rolled up mesh door. All content and images are copyrighted and should not be used or replicated in any way. Compared to the standard zip-down rain cover on most trailers, the Cross system is more challenging to put on. It really is such a smooth ride and in our neighborhood with lots of winding walking paths, its actually easier to maneuver and run with the strollers swivel wheels than with the straight-tracking jogging wheel. Compared to the Burley DLite, the Cross can recline much more. For babies less than 12-months of age, Thule offers an infant sling and babysupporter for use in stroller or jogger modes. If you do happen to have an issue, Thule does offer additional padding that can be placed on the back of the seat to push the rider forward, thereby creating a small space for the helmet. In fact, the DLites most reclined position is about the same as the Cross mostuprightposition. Probably not, but completely dependent on how you will be using your Thule Chariot. Weighing 32 lbs. Folded Trailer Latches Closes, Making it Easy to Transport. In a nutshell, its a genius blend of comfort, convenience, and quality. If you store items in the mesh pocket behind the trailer seat, the air flow will be partially blocked as well. The rain cover on the Thule Cross is so effective and so easy to use! This wouldnt be an option with the Lite. With the Thule Chariot, you can transport your child safely, easily and in style. This reclines the child and the bulk or their weight away from the shoulder straps and buckle. View our Terms of Use. From its smooth ride to its effortless design and high-quality components, we cant praise this trailer enough! The raised (curved) portion of the contoured handle also makes pushing the stroller or jogger much more comfortable for my wrists as compared to the standard flat handlebar. Every inch of the Thule Chariot Lite is proof of Thules intense focus on user experience. The bottom portion is a thick, sturdy vinyl. With both the Lite and Cross in jogger mode, we braved our way over very uneven, snowy terrain. The feather-light, compact trailer arm slides easily into the wheel guard and locks in place. In 2011 Thule acquired Canadian manufacturer Chariot Carriers Inc, which specialized in the development and production of multifunctional child carriers. Should this be a determining factor for most families? No monetary compensation was provided for this review, however, the reviewed product was supplied by the manufacturer or distributor to help facilitate this review. As the most expensive bike trailer on the US market, we know this is one of your burning questions! The Lites storage area offers plenty of room for my regular needs. The ball-and-socket design is easy to slide in at any angle and never makes any noise. Thejogger kitis an upgrade. It provides convenient storage for your phone, your keys, a water bottle, and an extra snack. It has a hole to allow water to easily pass through in the event of a spill. The Lite is what is called a multi-sport trailer, a label it executes with excellence. We earn an affiliate commission when you buy through our links. While there are many other great bike trailers on the market, the Cross is simply the best. So while theres no perfect trailer, the Cross single and double come as close as weve seen. Thule markets this padding for babies 6 months to 18 months. No monetary compensation was provided for this review, however, the reviewed product was supplied by the manufacturer or distributor to help facilitate this review. The included dark gray seat cushion is soft, yet smooth so it is easy to wipe down. However, its still the most effective rain cover on the market. Inside the chassis, there are also small pockets on both sides for snacks and sippy cups that are accessible to your child. The rain cover wraps over the entire front and top of the trailer, sealing the front and sides from any potential rain or wind getting in. Just keep it stored in the rear trunk of the trailer. For a look at the entire Thule line, check out our article Thule Chariot Bike Trailers: 8 Reasons We Love Them! Some of our mom testers use the recline in their Thule Chariots frequently, others periodically, and me basically never. Storage in the Thule Chariot Lite is ample. The single parking brake pedal easily engages the brakes on both wheels, and there is a handy red/green indicator to show whether the brakes are on or off. Last summer we went to king of all biking destinations -Whistler, Canada- and brought our Cross. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The Thule Chariot trailers (Cross and Lite) are the only trailers we know of that have a front mesh cover that completely seals shut at the bottom and in the rear. Whether youre strolling, jogging, or going for a bike ride, everything about the Thule Chariot Cross will impress you. It has two recline positions, reclining a full 7 at its max. Considering the Cross is one of the only trailers to have a top viewing window, is not surprising that the sun guard doesnt cover it. The sun guard, however, does not cover the top viewing window of the trailer. Its roomy for a 2-year-old, cozy for a 5-year-old, and slightly more narrow than the Burley DLite single. It was much more bumpy than most terrain we usually venture out on, including groomed singletrack. The rain cover on the Thule Cross is so effective and so easy to use! While we clearly didnt take it on any serious mountain biking trails, we. On several occasions Ive returned home from a run or ride to find the water spilled and cracker mush all over the seats. It also folds completely to the front to be out of the way for trailer use. Reclinable seats is the major difference that sets the Thule Cross apart from the Lite. We tested this out after a terrible milk spill, and it truly is washable! By contrast, with some other trailers that have reclining seats (like the Burley DLite X), the recline function is much more necessary. Having owned more strollers than we care to count, the Thule is incredibly smooth and as easy to push as other high-end strollers. To prevent flats,we highly recommend using tire sealant. I also regularly run in the rain because I know my child isnt going to get wet at all. Ive used a lot of trailers and been out in a lot of wind and rain. Alternatively, you could just pay $50 $65 to get the removable pads upgrade, which you can see here below. The padding in integrated into the trailer, and cannot be removed like the Cross seat bottom padding (on the right below, in the orange trailer). Bikes in the house, bikes in the garage bikes are everywhere and it's the best way of life. FTC Disclosure: Affiliate links are included in this review. (double)UV WINDOWS: YesWEIGHT: 28 lb. It was a bumpy ride, but one that was smoothed out enough to make it seem like an epic roller-coaster ride. But with our own baby, we found the most ideal time to be using the Baby Supporter is from six months to around a year. The rain cover wraps over the entire front and top of the trailer, sealing the front and sides from any potential rain or wind getting in. The Lite is an incredible multi-sport trailer that empowers you to dominate the outdoors, no matter what the weather gods throw at you. View our, Thule Chariot Lite is a multi-sport trailer, I highly recommend buying the handlebar console. While most trailers sit a child relatively upright, the angle of the Lites seat back is set in a pretty reclined position. As you can see in the image below in the blue Cross, the arrow indicates its padded area, which provides lower back cushioning. Check out our video review of the Thule Chariot Lite to see this beauty in action. and the single weighing 25.8 lbs. This accessory was a post-pregnancy life saver and sanity saver. All content and images are copyrighted and should not be used or replicated in any way. The main storage area is in the trunk which is separate from the body of the trailer and has an elastic cover. Yuck!). For most families, this wont be a determining factor between the two trailers. For a full review on the Infant Sling, check out our article Why the Thule Infant Sling is on My (Very) Short List of Must-have Baby Products. These mesh layers also create a pocket, which although designed to store the screen door when not in use, could easily hold a small towel or shirt for complete shade. With adjustable suspension, highly reclining seats, and exceptional weatherproof features, the Thule Chariot Cross is an ideal trailer for all seasons. The contoured handlebar is fully padded and adjusts from about 36 to 44 inches off the ground. Conversion kits for jogging and skiing are also available. In our opinion, the Lite is a great alternative for families using it primarily in trailer or ski mode, and who dont need the additional recline of the Cross for sleeping toddlers. Because the trunk isnt connected the back of the trailer, anything you put in there wont poke your child in the back. And for snow lovers, the ski kit for cross-country skiing and fat-biking means you can still get your fill of winter wonderland before your baby is old enough to strap on their own skis. This might just be our favorite feature of this entire trailer, which is saying a lot because every part of its design is incredible. Our full review of the Thule Chariot Lite details the following differences. BEST FOR: Multi-sport families who will use the Lite primarily as a bike trailer or ski stroller, TRAILER CAPACITY: Single (Thule Chariot Lite 1) or Double (Thule Chariot Lite 2)TRAILER ARM: IncludedSTROLLER KIT: Included, 2-wheelUPGRADE KITS: Jogging, SkiWEIGHT: 25.7 lb. As a result, there are very few bike trailers on the market that offer recline. (double)UV WINDOWS: YesRECLINES: NoSUSPENSION: Yes, not adjustable. And theres always a water bottle that comes along too. You appear to be visiting us from France. tackle the easy flow and jump trails in the bike skills area, as well as all the valley floor trails paved and dirt and plenty of inclines. Suspension is another feature only found on high-end trailers. The Thule mission has always been to bring the world closer to you, letting you enjoy life to the fullest. When pushing the trailer/stroller from behind, you cant see your child inside unless you stop and tip the stroller waaaaay back, or walk around to the side or front. as single, the Cross is light for the features it offers, but not as light as many other trailers. Quite simply, the Cross is more expensive because it is truly exceptional. While in some trailers these pads are removable, the Cross back padding is actually incorporated into the seat back. From its standout features to various conversion kits, heres everything you need to know before you buy a cross. DONT bring milk in a trailer! While we clearly didnt take it on any serious mountain biking trails, we did tackle the easy flow and jump trails in the bike skills area, as well as all the valley floor trails paved and dirt and plenty of inclines. Most other trailers (even high-end brands) have covers with a bit of slack and always end up looking a little messy. The stroller is easy to maneuver and doesnt feel bulky. It comes standard with a 4-wheeled stroller conversion kit and the bike trailer arm. The top panel of the Thule Chariot Lite is solid fabric, while the Cross has a mesh ventilation and viewing window. ), Affiliate links are included in this review. (The back of the trailer doesnt have any openings for rain to get in. Suspension absolutely smooths out big bumps in the road, whether paved or mild singletrack or just uneven sidewalk! If youre worried about not having the option to easily swap between stationary and swivel wheel while running, the Qeridoo Kidgoos front wheel can do both with the flick of a button. All content and images are copyrighted and should not be used or replicated in any way. Our team of enthusiastic colleagues is ready to help you. Optional conversion kits for jogging and skiing can be purchased separately. When she's not testing bikes, Carrie's actually still testing bikes. But, if youll be using the Lite as a stroller or jogger frequently, a solid top is a disadvantage. Reclined angle of the seat back and padded seat bottom are extra comfy for kids, Affiliate links are included in this review. View our, Thule Chariot Cross vs. Thule Chariot Lite, many other great bike trailers on the market, look at the Thule Chariot Cheetah XT, which is 10 pounds lighter. The 5-point-harness in the Cross is very easy to adjust and buckle, and the strap pads stay put where they belong protecting little necks. The trailer also comes with the required safety jogging strap (so the trailer doesnt get away from you on declines). We are a reader supported site. The Cross didnt skip a beat and our toddler was able to enjoy this mountain biking mecca just as much as the rest of us. (The back of the trailer doesnt have any openings for rain to get in.). If I had to sum up the Thule Chariot Cross in one word, it would be smart. In this review well primarily cover how the Thule Chariot Lite is different from the Cross, and when it makes sense (or doesnt) to save $200 and get the cheaper Lite. (single), 32 lb. When we took our trailer on the plane to Canada, it made ahugedifference that the trailer was latched closed and wouldnt open on the airline workers handling the luggage. The rain guard is not permanently adhered to the trailer and attaches with elastic loops in 6 places. Impeccable design and quality make for a luxurious bike trailer, Comes standard with double stroller wheels, Exceptionally smooth ride in both trailer and stroller mode, Easier to load and unload kids than other trailer brands, Weather covers are easy to use and provide thorough protection from the elements, Front mesh cover pulls taut for a sleek, polished look, and clips in at the bottom to prevent kids from tossing things out, Through-trailer ventilation with front vents and rear mesh backing (front vents can be closed in cooler weather), Stroller wheels and tow bar are stored on body of the trailer when not in use, Inside snack pockets are hard for little ones to reach, Covered top of trailer makes it difficult to see your child while in stroller mode. That way you can load the cabin full of books and stuffed animals and your toddler cant chuck anything out! If you want to use the stroller with a baby, there is really nothing better than the Infant Sling! Everything about this trailer has been well thought-through and designed with the user in mind. For easier stopping on the go, Thule also offers a rear hand brake as an upgrade, which activates both rear wheels at the same time. With the Cross suspension set for the heaviest load, (and the Lite at the Cross lightest load setting) I could feel a slight difference between the two trailer joggers. The Cross thin but dense and soft pads stay firmly in place when loading your child. Bikes in the house, bikes in the garage bikes are everywhere and it's the best way of life. Purchasing a helmet with a flat back is also a good idea. It folds up flat when not in use, latching to the frame to stay closed which provides more legroom for strolling and jogging. All content and images are copyrighted and should not be used or replicated in any way. With a lot of comfort features and innovative bells and whistles, all high-end trailers weigh more than entry-level or mid-range trailers. With a 34 inseam, my feet occasionally hit the trunk when walking with the stroller if it was not folded up, but it wasnt a problem when running. The standard sitting position in the Cross and the Lite is leaned back enough to be very relaxing and comfortable for most situations. We tested the difference with our 41 pound, 3-year-old. As a comparison of single trailer models, the Lite weighs just 25.7 pounds while the Cross weights 28.5 lbs. With sleek lines and canvas thats always pulled taut, the Thule Cross has an air of polished sophistication. Do you want to buy a Thule Chariot Bicycle Trailer online? Whether or not this is a problem is really a matter of personal preference. For the average user who doesnt plan on using the trailer in really hot or really cold conditions, the ventilation on the Cross shouldnt be an issue. The Thule Chariot Lite does not have padding on the back of the seat. Before we dive in to the meat of the review, its important to lay out that the Thule Chariot Lite is a multi-sport trailer, available in single and double capacity. If youre primarily going to be using the Lite as a trailer or ski stroller, this wont matter. Snapping onto the front of the trailer, the sunshade moves up and down on a track system. Like all jogging strollers, the front wheel is stationary and you have to push down on the handlebar to turn the trailer with the back tires. Read the review below for all the details. In fact, in the Thule Chariot Cross that Ive used for last few years, Ive only used the recline on a handful of occasions. The small mesh area in the back of the seat is blocked slightly by the storage trunk. All opinions and images are that of Two Wheeling Tots LLC. After several years of use, Ive compiled everything you need to know about the Thule Chariot Cross in this review. While the storage capacity of the Cross is significantly less than the Burley DLite, weve found that for our family, the storage is sufficient. Baby Supporter is designed for use in stroller and jogger mode, Performs phenomenally as trailer, jogger, or stroller, Loading and unloading kids is easier than any other trailer, Easy to switch between modes (trailer, stroller, jogger) totally user-friendly, Exceptionally effective rain cover and sun shade. When she's not testing bikes, Carrie's actually still testing bikes. Other exceptional trailer strollers (like the Qeridoo Kidgoo) dont have viewing windows either. However, the front vents in the newer models of the Cross definitely help mitigate this issue. Ive tested over a dozen trailers in the last year, and the Thule Cross is the easiest to load and unload your kids.