Burley Flatbed Cargo Trailer vs Schwinn Cargo Bike Trailer
Buy the Burley Flatbed if you want a light, stiff aluminum flatbed that hauls 100 lb and folds flat for storage. Buy the Schwinn Porter if you want a deeper, fabric-sided bin with tie-down loops for coolers and camping gear at a lower price. The Burley lists at $399.95 at REI as of November 3; the Schwinn Porter lists at $199.99 at Walmart as of November 3.
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Burley Flatbed Cargo Trailer
Choose the Burley Flatbed if you haul bulky or awkward cargo and want a 15.4 lb aluminum deck that folds flat and holds 100 lb.
Pros
- Light at 15.4 lb, so it barely drags on the bike
- Stiff 6061-T6 aluminum frame holds 100 lb
- Flat deck takes boxes, lumber and odd shapes
- Folds flat for storage and car trunks
Cons
- No sides, so loose gear needs straps
- 16 in wheels roll rougher on gravel
- Costs about twice the Schwinn
What separates them
| Burley Flatbed Cargo Trailer | Schwinn Cargo Bike Trailer | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $399.95 at REI as of November 3 | $199.99 at Walmart as of November 3 |
| Weight | 15.4 lb (7 kg) | 28.6 lb (12.97 kg) |
| Frame | 6061-T6 aluminum | Steel and alloy steel |
| Cargo bed | Flat open deck, 84 x 51 x 18 cm | Fabric-sided bin, 131.5 x 69 x 53.5 cm overall |
| Load capacity | 100 lb | 100 lb |
| Wheels | 16 in | 20 in |
| Folding | Folds flat | Foldable |
| Tie-downs | Flat deck, straps run anywhere | Daisy-chain loops at multiple lash points |
Price history
- Burley Flatbed Cargo Trailer: lowest $214.96 on Oct 31 at eBay.
- Schwinn Cargo Bike Trailer: lowest $199.99 on Oct 31 at Amazon.
Prices at every store
Schwinn Cargo Bike Trailer
- AmazonCheck price at Amazon
- Pacific CycleCheck price at Pacific Cycle
- TargetCheck price at Target
Specs compared
| Spec | Burley Flatbed Cargo Trailer | Schwinn Cargo Bike Trailer |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 15.4 / 7 | 12.97 kg |
| Capacity | 100 / 45 | — |
| Interior Height | 7 / 18 | — |
| Interior Width | 20.5 / 52 | — |
| Interior Length | 32.5 / 82.5 | — |
| Wheel Size | 16 / 41 | — |
| Frame | 6061-T6 Aluminum | — |
| Wheel diameter | 16in. | — |
| Cargo dimensions | 84 x 51 x 18cm | — |
| Weight Capacity | — | 100 lb |
| Cargo Type |
Questions and answers
- Which is better for hauling groceries?
- The Schwinn Porter. Its fabric-sided bin keeps bags from sliding off, and the lash points secure them. The Burley Flatbed needs straps or a bin of your own.
- Which is better for lumber or boxes?
- The Burley Flatbed. The open 84 x 51 cm deck takes long, flat loads that will not fit in the Schwinn's bin.
- Is the Burley worth the extra money?
- If weight and stiffness matter, yes. It is 13 lb lighter and aluminum, so it tows easier and will not rust. For occasional cooler runs, the Schwinn does the same 100 lb for less.
- Which lasts longer?
- The Burley's aluminum frame resists rust and its flat deck has no fabric to tear. The Schwinn's steel frame and fabric sides need drying after rain and will show wear sooner.
- Do both fit almost any bike?
- The Schwinn uses a universal coupler that fits most bikes. The Burley mounts to the rear axle; check your axle type before buying.
- Can I fold both for storage?
- Yes. Both fold, but the Burley folds flat and weighs less, so it is easier to carry into an apartment or trunk.
More comparisons
- Bike Cargo Trailer, 275 lbs Load Capacity, Heavy-Duty Bicycle Wagon Cart, Foldable Compact Storage & Quick Release with Universal Hitch, 20" Wheels, Fits Most Bike Wheels, Carbon Steel Frame vs Burley Flatbed Cargo Trailer
- Bike Cargo Trailer, 275 lbs Load Capacity, Heavy-Duty Bicycle Wagon Cart, Foldable Compact Storage & Quick Release with Universal Hitch, 20" Wheels, Fits Most Bike Wheels, Carbon Steel Frame vs Schwinn Cargo Bike Trailer