List Price: $449.00
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I had the previous year's model. I did look at this model in the store, and it has some impressive upgrades, including a separation of the seat and the trunk area, and the parking brake doesn't cut into the tires, I believe it is integrated.
But...on either model, there is no suspension. I read a ton of reviews, and for the non-professional biker, everyone seemed to say this is THE model to get wiithout a suspension and for street riding not too far and maybe just to preschool or playground/ store and back.
I guess I should say I have a 3.5 year old and 1.5 year old.
My kids were not happy in the trailer due to no suspension. My boy complained over every bump on the road. No road is perfectly paved, and there are bumps and hills, train tracks, etc. on the way to the playground and preschool. My younger one cried the entire time, and increased crying over bumps. And I did slow down over the bumps. Even a car has suspension.
So, overall I think it's a nice trailer IF your kids are not picky like mine. But honestly I just wouldn't recommend a trailer now without a suspension system.
I understand what the other reviewer is saying about the cargo space. The older model had nice clips that could secure the cargo space. That was a really nice feature. You really could put alot of stuff in the trunk. It's too bad they got rid of that feature to close the trunk securely.
I ended up returning this model and going with the Chariot. I was on the fence for a Burley d'lite and a Chariot that have suspension system.
One other thing about the Burley vs. the Chariot. I kind of felt like the Burley was like a hotbox for the kids. The Chariot, the entire seatback above the seat cushioning is mesh, which really helps with the airflow and keeping it cool. I took the Chariot out today and my youngest fell asleep on the way there, and on the way back, did not want to get out and tried to get back in. The older one did not complain once about bumps, and he likes to complain alot.
I love the fold on the Burley vs. the Chariot, the Burley folds nicely and easily, and the length is shorter when folded (I think, but not sure), so it's easier to transport I think. The Chariot is more difficult or time-consuming to breakdown and also the footbrake is a joke. To fold the Chariot, you have to reach over on each side and use both hands to ease it to close, and take off the handlebar as well. With the Burley, you just unclip at the top, adjust the handlebar easily with the spin function, and it's folded. You can't reach the footbrake with your foot if you have the trunk full in the Chariot. The Burley has a very easy to use brake. I also like the roominess of the trunk area in the Burley. I think you can fit more in there than in the Chariot. With the Burley, I also like that you can take the seats down to use as a cargo trailer after the kids aren't riding in it anymore!
Overall I had the feeling that the kids were happier or more comfortable in Chariot, the seats seem to be more comfortable somehow, like they are reclined slightly. With the Burley, the seat height seemed to be just high enough that it still made my child's helmet push forward. Also in the Burley they seem to be sitting more upright, which isn't a bad thing, just not as comfortable. But I think the new model has a way to recline the seats, but I really don't know how. Again, would love to compare with the new d'lite. The comfort factor is ultimately why I went with the Chariot, even though it has a smaller trunk, harder to fold, etc. If the kids aren't happy, then what's the point?
I know, comparing one trailer without a suspension and one with a suspension you can't compare, and I would have loved to compare it with the d'lite. Basically I'm saying, I wouldn't recommend this Encore trailer even for casual use since it doesn't have a suspension system. I really wanted to like this trailer, also, and I really think it's a quality product, but it just didn't work for us.
The Encore is leaps and bounds better than an Instep trailer or similar trailer, you do get what you pay for. I did have a higher model Instep before, and I also returned it due to the weight limitations, the kids did not have as much space, the trunk area is a joke and I felt like things would fall out of the trunk, the hammock effect is terrible in the Instep, where with the Burley you have a seat that has a solid bottom. It's hard to describe, the Burley seats are not a hammock, it's supported by some sort of hard plastic and padding as well, it is much stronger, and there are no straps to adjust, no need. So if you are trying to decide between and Instep and this model Burley, then go with this model and don't waste your money on an Instep. Just sayin'.
The last thing about this, since the Encore is easy to fold and transport, has a smaller profile, as well as has an easy to use and fold adjustable handle, you could really use it as an everyday stroller as well as a trailer, and that goes for this model and the d'lite. Especially since they upgraded these models to more easily install the stroller wheels with a click, instad of before with a click and pin system. But again, with 2 kids, I still would just recommend going with a model with suspension.
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Works great as a trailer behind my bike. Works great with the stroller attachment either walking or running. Can't complain about a single thing, switching the trailer bar and the front wheel takes about a minute. Assembly was beyond simple. Well constructed and seems like it'll last till the kids are too big to ride it.Best Deals for Burley Encore Child Trailer
My wife and I love this buggy. We are finding excuses to ride our bikes all over now. High quality, durable, easy to use.If you don't like the price, wait for a sale. It is worth it. A friend bought a low end trailer and there is a big difference.
One comment is that if you ride a lot on bumpy roads, sidewalks, anything with cracks and so forth you should consider getting the delight as it has suspension. the encore does not cushion the ride so to speak. Totally love it though and would recommend it!
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