Bike trailers & bikes

[sarahannecycle]

I've come to a new point with cycling. Before I had my 18 mo old son, I rode, and after I am riding my R800 Cannondale. I swore I didn't want a bike trailer b/c I didn't get a nice light bike (for me anyway) to add 45 pounds on the back.
But now I've changed my tune b/c I've got more energy, places farther away I cant use the stroller for, and my little guy can handle travel esp if we get somewhere fun. soooo, who uses a bike trailer, and what bike do they have to pull it?
We bought a trailer because it went on sale, and ski season is approaching, and we xc ski too (it has an attachment for skiing as well as the bike trailer attachment) and I finally decided it was time. Now I need to find a bike with more gears that can pull the babe and carrier. (I also need to find more muscle strength I dare say).
The veloswap is this weekend in Denver, and I thought I'd go have a looksee. Any thoughts?
-sarah

[DebW]

I'd think your current bike would be just fine if you put lower gears on it. Maybe swap the double crankset for a triple with a small granny. The trailer won't change your bike handling much, just add alot of weight and make you go slow on the hills.

[hsmpcycle]

I have a Trek 2200 Alpha Series. I use my carrier to pull my 30 lb. two year old. I have to tell you, talk about weight!!! I go much slower and also give myself a really good leg workout. I can't wait for my 2 month old to be able to ride in it with his brother.

[KnottedYet]

I loved having a trailer when SKnot was little. He rode in it until he was 5 or 6. Yeah, it was work to pull, but boy was it worth it!!