Chariot Cougar 1 bike trailer

We bought the 2008 Cougar 1 model in Spring 2008 for a 9-month-old and have used it throughout the summer, probably several dozen times. We bought the bike and jogging attachments. The carrier is sturdy, as are both attachments we purchased. The suspension is great and easy to adjust, depending on your child's size. The bike attachment is easy to install, it just requires a quick attachment to the back wheel of your bike, probably about five minutes the first time you try it and shorter once you've done it once. You can make tight turns in both directions without clipping your wheel on the attachment arm. The only slight drawback with the bike is that your back wheel can kick up a small amount of debris into the carrier if all the flaps are open. I actually would have expected more debris in there after some decent rides, but it wasn't bad. We haven't had a problem with heat or cold in the carrier, there's a screen, plastic rain guard and a colored sun guard. The carrier also gets good ventilation during movement. The jogging attachment is easier to install, it basically snaps in place. The first time I put the jogging wheel on the frame, it pulled slightly to the right, however, I re-mounted the wheel and it has been straight since. I like the larger wheels this model has over some of its competitors, the smooth ride as a result is very nice. The jogger can also be used as a stroller, although it's a bit long to take into a store. As for storage, it folds up decently, the back wheels come off very easily and can be placed inside the carrier for storage. The handlebar comes off easily and occupies a nice height for an average person, although its set at a specific height when in use, so I can't comment on how it is for very tall or short users. The storage space behind the child's seat is more than enough for anything you might take on a run or a bike ride and the bottom of the carrier contains lots of space for toys, bottles, sippy cups, etc... Overall, we've been very happy with our purchase.

Bought the Cougar 1 with cycling, jogging and stroller kits this winter. Started using it when the snow melted. I love to get out for a bike ride on weekend mornings and can now do them with my one year-old son. My wife doesn't ride and takes the opportunity to catch up on rest, thank you Chariot. My son loves it, plays with toys, watches the world, rocks back and forth for me to go faster. Quick changes between kits is good. Bike kit mounting is reassuringly solid, and turning circle to the left is as tight as needed. Right turns should be limited or the wheel hits the mounting arm, but it's never actually happened to me, so probably just over-worrying. Stroller kit wheels go upside down in place, so when we get somewhere, we can lock up the bike and go for a wander on foot. Cargo trunk nicely holds normal size diaper bag, pair of shoes. Don't forget that smaller kids feet don't touch the front of the carriage. They chuck their toys to the bottom and can't reach them, so putting a bag or something under their feet gives you extra storage and keeps them from being cranky and stopping your ride. Jog-stroller brake-kit seems a little-overboard unless you're roller-blading with it, in which case it would seem sensible. Rear posts are about the same size as a bike seat post and nicely mount LED lights, which are useful at twilight of course, but even more fun when you forget enough toys for cranky. And the frame is so solid-feeling that you have no question that it's safe and reliable. Suspension is cool too, adjustments are easy. Rear-wheel removal is easy and simple. Prefer the orange for visibility even though red's my favorite color. With rain cover down, surprisingly warm inside, no worries about cold baby, within reason of course. And when he outgrows it, shopping-cart.

My wife and I received this trailer/stroller as a gift from a group of friends when our daughter was born. It sat in our basement until a little after she turned one. Then, in April 2007, we started commuting to work and daycare with it. My commute is 6 miles round trip, and in the last year, I have likely towed the trailer 200-225 times in all kinds of weather except ice. It has been jogging perhaps...ahem...15 times. Regardless, in the roughly 1200 miles I have pulled this trailer, it has been great. It tows easily; it rides smoothly; it is exceptionally stable; and it readily protects my daughter from wind, rain, sun, and snow. That is, it did protect her from those things until the last month or so. Apparently, after a year or so of use, the elastic that keeps the cover tight, and the velcro tabs that keep the cover and rain fly down, have both deteriorated to the point of ineffectiveness. Now, the wind created by me pulling the trailer is sufficient to blow the cover back and expose my daughter. Having paid upwards of $500 for this thing, I expected a little better like, say, snaps versus velcro. I have contacted Chariot requesting repair information and I'm awaiting their response. I'll report back when/if I hear anything. Other than this durability issue, however, the trailer is superb and I would recommend it without reservation to anyone looking for an excellent all-round trailer that will carry your child in style and comfort.

Awsome! We keep MTBing along singletrak and this amazing trailer goes smooth! Baby 11 moths old and happy and sleeping! Strongly recommended

My expectations were fulfilled, from the sale experience to the actual use of the trailer. My 18 months old daughter loved her new toy. She's still not used to long rides yet but soon she will. I recommend.

I love my Chariot Cougar 1. The spaciousness even accommodates my large 4-year-old's long legs. The ride is very smooth for both of us, and she has great protection and ventilation. The fresh air usually lulls her to sleep. I also love the vast amount of storage compartments. Very impressively built.......no complaints!

I have two toddlers and I use this stroller for both jogging and biking. Even with the weight of two toddlers it pushes easily and I love the ability to switch between the jogging and cycling attachements quickly and with no tools. My only complaint is that my stroller pulls to the right and I constantly have to adjust while I run or even walk with it. I called the company to see if there was some adjustment i could make to fix this and they never returned my phone call.

Comments from The Staff:

Hi there! When you say you called "the Company" I'm not sure if you're referring to our company, or to Chariot, themselves. If you're having difficulty getting a hold of Chariot, we'd be glad to try to get a hold of them on your behalf. Just give us a call at your convenience, and we'll call them directly. I agree that there should be an adjustment to the front wheel that you can make so that the unit tracks straight. And if you still can't get straight training, the unit may be defective.

Christina
Call Center Manager
Certified CPS Tech

We own the Cougar1 2005 +Strolling +Jogging +Cycling kits + rain Cover & Baby Supporter. first thing to do was to replace the original tires (20X1.75) with fatter & more durable tires (20X1.95+), and then we can go anywhere. We use the jogging kit for hiking in all terrains from the age of 4mth (with baby supporter), when she reached the age of 1 year, we?ve started using the cycling kit which works perfectly both on and off road. We?re always ?disappointed? when she falls asleep as soon as we start paddling no matter the terrain, the view or the weather. The strolling kit is very convenient for urban strolling, we use it quite a lot when going abroad. The carrier versatility is its most dominant value, though its details and accessories should be upgraded and updated: the breaking system is very poorly planed placed in the center below the storage compartment, very hard to reach by foot when its fully stored, and when uphill (when it?s most needed). Moreover the breaking system is problematic by itself and demand a lot of practice and effort in order to run it properly. The storage compartment ?got? bigger in the 2006 model, the 2005 model is quite small and not very convenient, specially when the net-basket above it is full. When using the carrier while its raining, even when using the rain cover, you should expect the baby?s feet to get wet, for the carrier is licking from the front bottom seam.

But yet again the overall review is very positive, searching for a while in the net for a baby trailer with suspension, this is the best you can find. Its versatility allows it to function quite well as a stroller, and with no competition off road behind the bike or in front of you. Go for it..