A new company German company named Veolo is on a mission to make bike cargo trailers cool. Whether you are looking to head out into the forest for a campout, go further on a multi-day gravel adventure trip, or just pop down to the local shop for a grocery run, a lightweight cargo trailer might be the perfect solution for hauling extra gear.
Sound interesting?
Veolo Bike Trailer, a lightweight modular bicycle cargo trailer
Bicycle cargo trailers and kid carrier trailers are nothing new. And they are quite practical. But they really aren’t cool. And there are few options that don’t simply feel like they would just slow you down.
Veolo’s goal then, was to create a low-profile cargo trailer that was light, fast-rolling, adaptable for small & large hauling needs, and had minimal impact on the handling of your bike or additional aerodynamic drag.
Something you could ride into the city. Or take off-road for more adventure in the outdoors.
Why would you even want a light cargo trailer?
The case for Veolo’s lightweight, suspended performance bicycle cargo trailer concept essentially boils down to a couple simple facts. One, a trailer can carry more gear that all the bikepacking bags you could imagine. Or, even a lot more than a full rack & panniers setup. But it puts that weight low where it won’t ruin your bike’s handling. And can be pulled off your bike in seconds when not needed.
And two, it’s probably a lot more practical to add a light trailer to a bike that you already ride, rather than buying a separate expensive cargo bike that you won’t really fully utilize all that often. How many people are really going to drag out a long cargo bike to get groceries. And you certainly won’t load that heavy cargo bike up to head out for a weekend camping trip.
Tech Details
Veolo’s bicycle cargo trailer features a lightweight aluminum wrap-around frame and a black powder-coated tray to carry your gear. Its two 20″ wheels sit on CNC-machined alloy swingarms with 45mm of independent elastomer-damped suspension at each side.
The load tray is 48cm wide x 78cm long. And the overall trailer is 76.5cm wide outside, with 18cm of ground clearance, and extends a total of 135cm back from your bikes rear axle. It weighs a claimed 8.5kg in total, and has a load carrying capacity of 80kg.
When you get home, the modular wheels pop off in seconds, so you can stow it against the wall to save space.
The Veolo Bike Trailer looks to do a good job of innovating where it can make a difference, and leaning on existing tech makes sense. What stands out for me in that tech details is that the standard Veolo trailer attachment uses the same hitch that Chariot child trailers (now part of Thule) has used for decades. It does mean anyone with a thru-axle bike will need a special adapter, but we’ve been happy with one made by Robert Axle Project for many years.
They also seem to use the same proven standard push-button quick release hub/axle interface that’s on tons of trailers & stroller, so it’s fast & secure to install and remove the side wheels. (This time of year, that could also mean an adventurous winter fat bike rider could probably strap on a set of Thule XC skis!)
Veolo engineered every element to survive everyday cargo use in the city and off-the beaten track. And on top of that, they guarantee that all spare parts will be available. So it should be serviceable for many years of use and abuse.
Veolo Bike Trailer – Pricing, options & availability
Upstart Veolo is using a crowdfunding campaign now to gauge interest in their Bike Cargo Trailer. And to raise funds to kick start it into serial production. And they’ve drummed up more than 98% of their 89k€ funding goal, with a week and a half remaining.
At an estimated 30% discount off their planned retail price, Kickstarter pledges still start at 550€ for the made-in-Germany modular cargo trailer. It’s not cheap, but they are selling the whole concept on quality, lightweight & performance.
And then there are plenty more optional add-ons you can pick from. Like a massive 240L waterproof cargo bag to protect all your gear. Optional racks and an optional longer tow bar to haul things like a surfboard, lumber, or a kayak! The even have an optional locking axle coupler that is compatible with another Weber standard for cyclists that already use that system.
The Veolo Bike Trailer is still just a pre-preorder stage on Kickstarter. But it looks to be a pretty sure thing that they’ll secure the necessary funding. And start mass production at the start of the 2024. Delivery to Kickstarter backers is slated for April 2024.
