InStep Rocket Aluminum Bike Trailer

by InStep

Product Features

• 20" fast-rolling, rustproof alloy wheels with quick-release design for easy storage
• Quickly converts to a stroller without using tools
• Aluminum frame with outrigger design protects the cabin and wheels
• Universal coupler attaches quickly and easily to bikes
• Weather shield provides extra protection in poor weather

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

The InStep Rocket Bicycle Trailer is a perfect choice if you want an affordable and comfortable bike trailer that easily converts into a stroller without tools. Sturdy, light, and safe, the Rocket has an aluminum frame, outrigger wheel guards, and shock-absorbing 20-inch wheels offering a smooth and comfortable ride for up to two children. This highly functional bike trailer-jogging stroller combo is equipped with everything you need to securely transport your children including a zip-up weather canopy to protect riders from the elements, a rear storage area, and two five-point harnesses. The universal coupler hitch attaches easily to essentially any bike, and it will keep the trailer upright even if you fall on your bike.

Specifications:

• 20-inch rustproof alloy wheels
• Quick-release wheel design
• Universal coupler attaches to bikes
• Trailer converts to stroller
• Aluminum frame
• Outrigger design
• Weather shield
• Seats two
• Max weight limit: 100 pounds
• Folded dimensions: 31 x 35 x 20 inches
• Assembled dimensions: 52 x 36 x 35 inches
• Assembled weight: 29 pounds

Product Description

12-MK553 Features: -Rocket bicycle trailer double stroller. -Material: Aluminum . -Outrigger frame is light weight 20 pneumatic tires. -Folding frame and quick release wheels for easy storage. -2.1 canopy includes a bug screen and weather shield. -Versatile coupler attaches to most bicycles. -Includes stroller kit with swiveling front wheel and handle bar. -Assembly required: yes.

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 60 x 35.5 x 41.2 inches ; 30 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 27.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B002482Q4O
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (44 customer reviews)
• Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #4,950 in Sports & Outdoors (See Top 100 in Sports & Outdoors)

  #16 in	Sports & Outdoors > Bikes & Accessories > Accessories > Trailers
  #79 in	Sports & Outdoors > Bikes & Accessories > Kids' Bikes & Accessories > Kids' Accessories

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

59 of 61 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Low cost. Acceptable quality, February 24, 2009

By	Brue Hoyt "brue" (columbus, oh) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: InStep Rocket Aluminum Bike Trailer (Sports)

Price: for what you get Great

Size: Best there is including expensive competitors but still cramped for two. Wheel guards make this thing pretty wide.

Quality: It seems in accordance with price.

Assembly: Easy

Ease of use: uses snaps and velcro. Opening and closing the passenger and luggage compartments is could be improved by using buckles instead of snaps. the older models clips were easier to use than the snap.

Comfort: My kids say they like it but still would like more room. Seat is hardly a seat. It is a sling. Has cup holders they like.

Attach to bike: Easy note: - DOES NOT fit all bikes (needs half inch radius clearance around the nut on the rear wheel opposite the chain to attach the coulper)

Ease to walk with: Very good

Jogging: Passable with or without the 3rd wheel. I do not often use it to run b/c I have a koolstop double jogger.



This is my 3rd bike trailer. It is my second from in step.

Durability: My last instep was used when I got it. I loaded 2 kids, library books and groceries in it 10+ miles per week for 2 years. When its frame broke I searched through hundreds of reviews from $70-$300 trailers. This one has now been in service for over a year. I have beat the daylights out of it and it keeps going.

I got this (NEW) because it claimed to be larger and lighter than in-step's entry level and other brand's trailers. I also liked the ability to unhook it and walk/run with it.

Size: Compared to the Quick and EZ:

It is larger in the luggage area, shoulder area (25 inches vs. 20 inches.) and foot well width is 22" vs. 20" (foot reach is the same 12" from front of seat to cross bar at toes). height is equal.

The BIG problem is that my skinny 4.5 year old and 2.5 year old girls wanted more room at the hips. The Q&EZ and Rocket are the same at 20". The sling seat in the new one actually causes the kids to slide to the center. This seat provides less support than our old trailer. The new EZ's prob have the new poorly designed seats too.

I checked widths of pretty much everything out there ON LINE but was not able to physically check them out for widths and fit for my kids. This appeared to be the widest (along with the schwinn Mark II).

weightwise - I haven't put the old one a a scale but they feel about the same. The new one is larger but made of Aluminum rather than steel. Al+ also won't rust.

The difference between this and the step down is front wheel and push bar addition.
The difference between this and the next step up is the type of front wheel. I already have a quality jogger from Koolstop so I opted for the flip down small swivel front wheel. I did try running with it. It works fine as a jogger. Basically the front wheel doesn't interfere because it can easily be floated over the ground with light pressure on the handle bar. If you are a serious runner, even the Schwinn mark III is going to leave you wanting something better. Save the money on the not so useful harder to store and use large front wheel.

Be sure to check schwinn trailers as well - they are both made by pacific cycles - schwinn has a better warrantee and I think they look nicer and would rather sport the schwinn name. If you see one on sale for the same price get it - if price is more go with the instep.

Burley's, BOB, Chariots and everything else is WAYYYY overpriced. Even if you use you trailer a WHOLE lot (unless money is not an issue for you) there is no reason to pay the kind of money they want.

Difficult to pull? I have read many other reviews stating this are hard to pull up hill. That is true but it is true of EVERY trailer. Blame Newton and Einstein or God himself. If you attach a 29 pound trailer, throw in 60 pounds of kids, a 5 pound bag and several books Gravity will work against you. Others say on a flat surface you can't feel it. Again - an object in motion tends to remain in motion. This stroller's axles seem well constructed and roll freely. Tire tread typ and width are pretty standard on trailers. So how easy it is depends on your fitness level, the weight your are pulling, laws of motion and gravity.
On even ground I ride between 12-15 mph and typically take 2 to 5 mile rides with it. I am a competitive triathlete.

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Does not attach to all bikes!, February 9, 2008

By	J. Turley "jpt" (MD) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: InStep Rocket Aluminum Bike Trailer (Sports)

This trailer does not attach to all bikes. Upon receipt of the product, I assembled the trailer and attempted to take it for a spin. I was extremely frustrated when I found that the trailer would not attach to my GT Avalanche 3.0. I contacted the manufacturer and they told me to return the product as there is no attachment that would fix the problem. My bike does not have an abnormal frame and I was shocked to learn that the trailer would not work. Unless you have a bike frame with a very WIDE and FLAT area where the quick release mechanism attaches to the bike, I would suggest staying away from this product. I am now looking for a trailer that will attach to the actual frame and NOT to the quick release mechanism.

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a great bike trailer for a good price, March 25, 2007

By	S. Sansom - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: InStep Rocket Aluminum Bike Trailer (Sports)

I have 2 children, ages 2 and 4 and they fit well inside this trailer. They have space for their shoulders, heads and legs as well as a space for waterbottles, etc. We especially like the hitch. It actually hooks around the bike instead of just needing to be tightened around a bar, so there is no chance of it coming loose and falling off. We had a lots of problems with this in our previous bike trailer. It doesn't have lots of frills, but we use it at least a few times a week and have loved it. We also have 2 jogging strollers from Instep and they are great. I trained for a whole year for a marathon while pushing 2 kids in it and it's still going strong! Instep is a good quality brand with great prices.

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