Another Brompton Trailer (Burley Travoy) first impressions

2:40 unpacking from bag
Yet a first look at another Brompton trailer..
In this video I take a first look at the Burley Travoy and give my initial thoughts and impressions.
#brompton. #bromptonfoldingbike. #foldingbike #burleytravoy

[@hcardoso]

You made a review without testing it. I am a world tour bicycle traveler I spent 4 years and 4 months cycling around the world with panniers until I found the Travis and last year I went for a 3 month bicycle tour with the Travis and I cant say nothing but good. I traveled from northern Sweden to Praha and then to Berlin. I attached a 80L backpack where I carried all my camping gear. It is very functional, to fly, getting around and even to my hostel bedroom.

[@handscraper]

This trailer has been around for a long time and has gotten a lot of design awards and 5 star long-term reviews. I just got the new improved Travoy after 7 years of almost DAILY and high mile use on my first one! I use it for everything - commuting, shopping, bike camping, hauling stuff, traveling, etc. I sold my still fully functional first one to a guy who was going to use it to haul his hunting and camping gear into the backcountry with his bike. It is super durable, versatile and easy to handle whether towing by bike or by hand or carrying folded up. It may seem flimsy at first when empty but it is solid enough and tows just fine if loaded correctly, and after you adjust your habits to having a trailer behind you, as you would any other. The only complaint on the new one is that the old storage bag had clips around the sides so it could be attached to the front (or the back) of the trailer, but they have been removed this year, which unfortunately seriously limits the usefulness of that bag, and forces you to pay more money to upgrade to a bag with the clips (which other features anyway, but still). I use solid wheels on the Travoy which will never go flat and I cannot tell the difference except slightly less bouncy - a good thing. I use a large duffle bag and a rain cover to keep things dry from rain and from the wheel spray, which yes, there is some, of course. I'm waiting impatiently for someone to create some after market upgrades for this thing to make it even more awesome, just like all the upgrades that are available for the Brompton! Starting with a splash guard/ fender/ wheel locking system for stabilizing it when stopped or un-hitched, combined with a "kickstand" for propping it up at an angle and securing it in place when off the bike. This model's upgrades rock, including the tow bar extension, much better bottom rack release system, luggage containment straps by the wheels, the removable hitch (although Brian has a point, and I left my old low profile one on there and it doesn't interfere with the seat height. I highly recommend the Travoy for super compact, sturdy and versatile usability!

[@ibikeunfolded]

Wow, good to know. I was wondering about long term dependability and how fast the really small tires wore out. I am afraid the tires/tubes are really hard to get, but you mention solid tires....hmmmmm I will have to look into that option. Thanks for your in-depth review commentary on the burley Travoy.

[@9canadianboy]

I did not know that Burley dropped the pieces to make the bag useful on the trailer. I bought the Ortlieb style bag for my Travoy.

[@chrissnyder7968]

Alex, quick question if I may. When using it in a grocery store, does the folding bracket underneath keep the trailer upright while shopping, or do you always need to keep one hand on the handle? I’d like the trailer to become my shopping cart but there will be times where I need both hands free to shop. I guess I’m asking how stable you feel the trailer is in the shopping scenario. Thanks in advance.

[@ibikeunfolded]

Chris Snyder it seems to allow the trailer to stand vertical in my testing so far.

[@handscraper]

@@chrissnyder7968 - yes, the new kickstand is much wider and more stable than the old single peg one - I forgot to mention this big upgrade in my original post! It also does not have the locking mechanism of the old one which is one less thing to break (and it does). There can be a balancing issue sometimes depending on how much weight is already on it and where it is positioned on the trailer, but for the most part, and especially with the new kickstand, it's actually pretty stable in that upright position overall! In other words, it does lean slightly forward and rests on the kickstand, and will stand upright on its own.

[@bryansammis998]

I have the Travoy. Not only is it a great bike trailer but it works just as well as a hand held”basket”😉👍

[@ibikeunfolded]

Awesome, I will have to look that up and check it out.

[@nicolarusso]

Hi, Great video. I have the first version of the Travoy (purchased in 2011/12) and it also has a bounce when empty. When I carry 2 - 28lbs of dog food it is pretty stable and no bounce. I can't live without it!!

[@ibikeunfolded]

Good to know.. thanks. I was wondering how it would handle with a load.

[@BlitzWorks]

@@ibikeunfolded I have flipped the trailer while riding when it was empty and hit a pot hole, never had an issue when it was loaded. trailer survived and so did the hitch point but i am a bit more cautious now

[@alannewman85]

@@BlitzWorks Theres limits to all these things. If you've got a trailer on the back you wouldn't really be zipping around the place you know? Loaded or unloaded...

[@mnelson311]

Your new Brompton-centered videos have come to be my most anticipated entertainment over the past many months. I enjoy your understated humor, your clever observations and, of course, your appreciation for all things Brompton. My M6R is now three years and 5000 miles old and I am 72 years old. My Brompton lives mostly in my Toyota Yaris trunk and pops out for weekly exploration adventures - cycling is my old age fitness program. When I bought the Brompton I thought I''d be camping a lot, hence the rear rack to go with my T-Bag up front, but clearly now the rack just serves as a better way to stand up the bike and grab it. In other words- I don't need a trailer but I really enjoyed your preliminary review of them :-)

[@ibikeunfolded]

Awesome, you are an inspiration. I hope to be enjoying my Brompton well into my 70’s, but I am not sure I will make it that long. They don’t build people like they used to.😀

[@patrikol]

I have it for 6 years still going strong!

[@tito2928]

Thank you Brian for another great video. I love all the options we have for our Brompton bikes.

[@ibikeunfolded]

I know it’s endless. Thanks for watching.

[@richardbeall9174]

Thank you Brian for the very informative review. I always look forward to your videos, and have never yet been disappointed. Keep up the good work, Richard.

[@ibikeunfolded]

Thank you, I appreciate you saying that.

[@tomshahriari6602]

I’ve had one for 10 years without a hitch. Pun intended. I don’t know how it works with a Brompton, but with all my bikes including my new 20” wheel compact ebike, it carries and pulls everything, including more than the limit of 60lbs. I hop curbs with it, have never had a hitch. It also withstood a serious car accident. I’m sure once you put it through it’s paces you will love it. Btw, the bag it comes in snaps onto the plastic lugs and carries a lot. Mine didn’t come with the straps. I did get some of the plastic clips and used them to make lots of custom bags and carriers. Still, I love the honesty and willingness change your mind. Keep it up. Super reviews!

[@GlobalAdventurer]

I had thought about getting the Chubby trailer, and now I'm sold on the Travoy after watching this video. I need something that's foldable that can be carried on my shoulders up the stairs with the bike.It will only be used for grocery and retail shopping. When I walk I use a real shopping trolley. Thanks for the video.

[@UKHaiku]

Great video Brian. I definitely recommend last weekend’s Everyday Cycling video - using the Burley to move flat, which I think highlights the versatility that you talk about at the end of your video. Looking forward to what you think after some use. p.s. I’ll be joining ‘Team Brommie’ soon I hope - ordered a H6R yesterday - will be the first cycling I’ve done in a few years, but finding I need that sort of outlet for both physical exercise and mental space right now (and a Brommie is the only bike I have room for!)

[@ibikeunfolded]

Awesome, you will love the Brompton....very convenient bike. Bike riding does help when I am mentally down or angry or hung up so I think you will find great joy in that......and the bonus is you get fit and healthy at the same time. It’s a win win situation.

[@sonalmalhotra07]

Lovely review video Bes tof luck with it.

[@jrushen4235]

Lovely video with great drone work. Although I don't need a trailer I always find your videos interesting.

[@ibikeunfolded]

I appreciate that, thank you very much.

[@jenniewilliams1668]

Of course I love the Travoy and I like how it looks as well - but I see your points and you actually pointed out of few good things that I didn't know about the new design of the Travoy - mine is as old as the hills. Warm regards Jennie

[@Druidus98]

Hi Brian - thx for your first impressions. I consider buying a Burley. Would be interesting to see a real live grocery shopping with it. Looking forward to your brilliant content 👍🏻🚴🏻💨💨

[@ibikeunfolded]

Thank you. I will take it shopping soon.

[@trigs1441]

"Horses For Courses"Another classic brian d vlogs vid.👍

[@ibikeunfolded]

Thank you, I appreciate that.

[@jarleygarden3671]

Hi Brian. Nice review. One thing I think when I see the Travoy: maybe I could fit the golf bag on it, cycle to the golf club and then use it with the handle on the golf round... Hmmmm... Greetings 🇳🇴

[@ibikeunfolded]

I am sure that would work. Awesome idea.

[@alannewman85]

You could easily do that.

[@chrissnyder7968]

Brian I liked very much the way you approached presenting this video. I don’t own either one, yet, but looking / leaning to the Burley as compactness is key for me. I would anticipate use as 90% shopping 10% other. I view the ability to bring my own”shopping cart” to the store as a plus. I’d place my folded Brampton at the bottom while shopping and go from there. Having said that, I do like how the other bag has a much lower center of gravity attach point and look forward to your follow up review of pulling the Burley in “real life” use.

[@ibikeunfolded]

Chris Snyder grocery shopping is what I got the Travoy for. I think it will work out great as a quick get around town and shop trailer. Thanks for watching😀

[@RCDevotee]

Chubby all the way. There is no comparison. Thanks for the impressions... After watching your entire video...you are right that they should not be compared. We should get both :)

[@mudejartrainingnaturalscie6938]

When you have to take the hitch off of the bike, attach it to the trailer as designed so that it does not get lost.

[@RichardPCUK]

Would be great to see an update video on the Burley Travoy. I'm keen to get one and would be interested in your long term review.

[@ibikeunfolded]

I could make that happen. I have some opinions that I want to share…

[@lorinedmonds5680]

I use mine for public transit commuting. It’s going on 5 years old. The only issue is on a rocking bus you have to hold it. In a store, it has never fallen.

[@fensterputzernuernberg]

Yes but the chubby would be difficult to transport in the hands when you have to go up steps trains stations etc.. plus the brompton apparently has a max weight of 100 Kg. I said this before this needs to be a back pack / bike trailer combo ..... with built in straps to carry it like a backpack. Patent pending Burley.. this would sell like hot cakes 100 % guarenteed !!

[@Venomator.]

Great video Brian, Ido like the look and convenience of the Burley, although just now I couldn’t justify its purpose, yet... 🤔 🤪

[@ibikeunfolded]

Luckily I had some use for it, but it seemed a little over priced for what you get.

[@mithuharjani3620]

very good video Brian, I like the 2 trailer, at the moment I don't have any, but of the 2 the one that catches my attention the most is the travoy, but I'll wait to see your experience with it and hear your opinion later decide to buy , Cheers .

[@ibikeunfolded]

Well “they” say the Travoy is a great trailer and even though I have my doubts I am willing to use it and find out. Who knows? Maybe it will surprise?

[@blueyonder1233]

Ok, you scored your "gotcha moment" from me when you pulled that Travoy out of the Chubby as I was initially thinking, Brian's completely lost the plot, as that's a Chubby trailer. Next thought was you got the Travoy as you had a surfing tour in mind. I even imagined your video's theme music, "Surfin' USA". OK, OK I was" California Dreamin'". Now await your evaluation video with interest.

[@ibikeunfolded]

LOL, thanks for the comment.😊. Only time will tell how both trailers hold up, but I am willing to use them both and find out what I need to know. I know the chubby will hold up, as for the Travoy???well maybe it will surprise me.

[@richardbinstead9368]

Thanks Brian very helpful assessment. Take care mate regards from London

[@jerryliewkenyon9755]

You're good. Appreciate the video.

[@rhysjones6069]

Enjoyed that Brian, thank you, i own the older model Burley travoy, mainly for grocery shopping, and picking up parcels, i've only used it a couple of times with my Brompton, and using locally it worked a treat, normally i use it with my 20" Dahon, which i have set up as my main shopping bike, numerous click on and off accesories, if i need to do a Big shop then that's my setup. The Travoy also works well with my mountain bike, as does my B.O.B. Trailer which i have owned for many years, i think you could set a B.O.B. up with a Brompton using the special nutz they sell? But i'm not 100% sure. I look forward to your long term test. Thanks again from a sunny Derbyshire, UK.

[@ibikeunfolded]

I had a bob trailer and always thought it did well. I think the Travoy and the chubby will cover most of my needs just fine. I had a Dahon and sold it a while back. I will probably get another one to use as a grocery bike as well. Good idea.

[@whazzat8015]

My Dahon 20 and the Travoy refused to play well. flipped every mile. Not with my big bikes, where it is well behaved BOB needs standard wheel/axle but is a tough trooper.

[@TheMjr670]

I also have both the chubby and the travoy also a third one from amazon Klarafit all have their own application. Like Brian I am impressed with the chubby by Radical design.

[@ibikeunfolded]

It’s an awesome trailer isn’t it?

[@pierrelabbe3173]

Love Canada M.T.L Merci

[@RupertBear412]

very informative Brian - I totally agree with you that the 2 trailers have different pros and cons and cannot be compared side by side. I suspect you will need to find a good bag for the burley, perhaps a reasonably large dry bag with a roll down style top would be best for both shopping and and touring. Also it will be interesting to see what spray is kicked up by the wheels in both trailers and if that soaks the contents. keep the vids coming mate :)

[@ibikeunfolded]

I have been wondering that myself. I might have to develop fenders for both trailers some how.

[@nicolarusso]

The previous version had a rain cover available as an option. I have heard it will not fit the new version of the Travoy. I hope the older bags will fit the new version. Would be great when I need to retire the old version and get this version. As for spraying there is some spraying but the way it is designed it does not, or very little spraying on the contents. Some spray may get on when turning but I have never had an issue with that.

[@ibikeunfolded]

Good to know.. I am glad you made me aware of this before I purchased accessories that would not fit.

[@jenniewilliams1668]

Hey, looked for your update but couldn't find it!

[@Inkling777]

I will say the the Burley Travoy attached to a Brompton looks like something you'd see in a Dr. Seuss book, perhaps one called "The Bike on a Hike." Odd but funny. If you're looking for a rack to review, you might check out the Ibera PakRak Mini Commuter Carrier Rack. I had one for my mountain bike and, on a hunch, found it fits perfectly on the seat post of my Brompton. It can be either installed high to add more storage above a low Brompton carrier, or flipped upside down to have a tilted-down rack to which a backpack could be strapped. One plus is that it's designed to hold Iberia's quick-release bags, which are more varied and cheaper than the Brompton ones. And you can find it online for $30 or less.

[@MrKam-jt6hm]

Any updates on your thoughts? Please link review vid. Ty.

[@ibikeunfolded]

I will post a video soon updating my thoughts. 👍

[@billhemingway5558]

if you want to trade i have a wiki trailer of similar design. I wished i would have gotten the Travois, it's designed so well.

[@nelson1220]

As with everything, there are good and bad things. If you didn't get the bags that go with it, you might check out a hockey stick bag. There as long as a stick and about 12 by 12 square. I'm not sure about the cost but you might find one i a used sport store. Just a thought. As always great job, keep it up

[@ibikeunfolded]

Thank you. Interesting idea. I will look into it.

[@stephenconnolly1830]

The best thing about the hitch is that it is quick release and easily storable as well as being seat mounted (the best mode of attachment as far as I am concerned). In fact, I bought the hitch for a non-Burley trailer and it is brilliant. The plastic wheels are also brilliant because they do not corrode unlike metal rims and spokes. Looks like these benefits completely missed your attention.

[@ibikeunfolded]

In the video I stated I did not like the plastic wheels. I get it...they don’t corrode, but they are susceptible to the elements in other ways. The metal hubs can corrode and detach from the plastic housing and other things that I have seen with plastic wheels. The hitch is garbage (see my “don’t buy and older Dahon video” time stamp 9 min) kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHaWeHerp6Zka7s

[@mtgne5351]

Thx. For me is Travoy because I will transport an inflatable paddleboard.

[@rdkuless]

Hi thanks for the review.. QUESTION? can those joints fold backward..? or are they like you knee that stops when it is straight and cannot bend backward..? I have a really unique mounting point and that will require bending the two joints backwards.

[@ibikeunfolded]

They can not bend backwards. Then you unfold the trailer it locks into the unfolded position.

[@seductive_Octopus]

It’s a Year … a Long Time Review / and / or Burley vs chubby would be awesome 👏

[@StrGzr101]

You colored your entire spiel by comparing a travoy to a cargo trailer. Great. Which is better, a good hunting knife or a log-splitter?

[@mtgne5351]

Hi, I get my BT yesterday. Two things. I can see in youtube unpacking BT model 2020 and it was with a upper rear light. My pack BT is without rear light!? And second I cannot fold a lower part and I dont know, where is a problem.. Sorry for my bad english.

[@PolarAttack]

Video 👍 Travoy 👎 ❤️ the last trailer you did a quick review on in the bike shop.

[@ibikeunfolded]

Yeah, I just thought I would see what all the fuss was about and give it a try. Who knows? Maybe it will surprise me?

[@shirtlesslager]

One thing I have learned about the Travoy: Keep the tires inflated as a low as possible, or it will flip on cornering.

[@ibikeunfolded]

Yeah, I find the Travoy does flip easily. I like the chubby trailer better, but the Travoy does make a better grocery hauler.

[@alannewman85]

@@ibikeunfolded I find the Travoy DOES NOT flip easily. I had to try to do it.

[@conhakan]

Nice trailer.Price ? Thanks 👍☺️

[@markfaulk1029]

I would love to see 20 alloy rims

[@onebicycle3772]

Please do a realtime ride with travoy trailer please? With loads

[@naldovaz9157]

I was wondering when you gonna do a chubby review.. hows it handle?

[@colinhoward2200]

This one just looks crap. Just get a bigger front bag like the Borough for medium size requirements. This trailer is prerry uselss. Thanks for the video again - about to order a Chubby. If you want to buy something really big, cycle there and get a taxi back.

[@colinhoward2200]

BTW - I see you use a Garmin. What do you think about the Wahoo Roam. Seems a lot better esp for exploring?

[@ibikeunfolded]

LOL, thanks for the insight. I thought I would give it a try. Yeah the chubby is definitely an awesome trailer....no doubt.

[@ibikeunfolded]

I have never used a wahoo Roam, I would have to get my hands on one to try it out. My GPS is the Garmin Explore which does pretty good. I will do a review soon.

[@colinhoward2200]

@@ibikeunfolded Yeah - it was good to see the difference between the two, so it was a really good review. A reviiew of the Garmin would be good too. As far as I can see though, the Wahoo Roam does a better job of routing (or showing a route and then re-routing) as compared to the Garmin. Although I guess as with anyhing, it could be splitting hairs.

[@whazzat8015]

Brompton says not to use trailers. Travoy has good utility , but in limited uses.as you say. Compact foldable but lightweight QR hitch New iteration has handle issues, cheap plastic wheels, needs fenders and better bag. A great $150 trailer, not $300

[@steven789]

Why has the channel name changed at first I thought someone was reuploading your videos

[@ibikeunfolded]

Steve Austin I am focusing on folding bike content and adventure folding bike content and I thought the channel could use a refresh. Sorry for the confusion l.

[@steven789]

@@ibikeunfolded I really enjoy your videos thanks for replying :) I understand, I was getting ready to tell you your where being stolen, glad I don't have too. I ordered my superlight Brompton at the begining of UK lockdown and am still waiting, lol your videos are helping with the wait. Keep up the good Work!! :)

[@THEWATCHERISLOOKING]

You need to use it and then give it a review.

[@bytesabre]

New channel name?

[@ibikeunfolded]

Yes, I will explain in an up coming video.😀

[@stevetaylor8698]

Absolutely nothing to do with trailors. But I am intrigued to know what those concrete structures are for in the first part of the video?

[@seamusdelahunty1615]

ye all talk like no tomorrow but ye feckin eejits how much does it bloddy cost? this stuff is usually super expensive

[@ibikeunfolded]

300 clams

[@seamusdelahunty1615]

@@ibikeunfolded that wasnt hard was it?

[@grahamlongley8298]

You forgot to point out that the Travoy is half the price of the Chubby

[@matjaro]

Not really since you must buy the overpriced bags too

[@grahamlongley8298]

@@matjaro One does not HAVE to buy the bags . There are other options I am sure. I have made a copy of the Travoy for my Brompton,(it folds the same) to collect fuel for my boat & I can get 2 /20 litre jerry cans on it. I do not need any bags- That is just an example of course.

[@geoh1896]

I own a Brompton and the manual is very clear about it not being designed to pull a trailer period!?!? This a pointless video.

[@singlehandedsnapper1634]

Useless review! Don’t waste your life watching!

[@ibikeunfolded]

I agree