The Thule Chariot Cross is THE penultimate piece of equipment for active parents everywhere. It serves as a bike trailer as well as a jogger, stroller, AND cross country ski trailer. Yup, one product—four uses. Its multi-sport applications and extremely high level of quality have provided the Thule Chariot with a cult-like following.
This following includes our family, who started with the older Chariot Cougar when my son was born and upgraded to the newer Cross version a few years later. Between the two trailers, we’ve gotten in 7 years worth of biking, running, strolling, and fat biking.
In this review, I’ll share why we’ve used the Chariot for so many hours of our son’s childhood (even when we had other trailers to use and test) and why the Thule Chariot Cross remains our FAVORITE convertible bike trailer.
Review in a Nutshell
Pros:
- Use for multiple sports (biking, running, strolling, xc skiing)
- High quality / good resale value
- Suspension
- Five-point harness
- Folds for easy storage / transport
- Plenty of internal storage space
- Waterproof for 4 season use
Cons:
- It’s expensive
- Not as roomy for older kids as a few other trailers
Specs:
| Cross Single | Cross Double | |
| Price | $1,249.95* (Last updated: 2023-03-10 at 15:08 — More Info | $1,349.95 * (Last updated: 2023-03-10 at 13:19 – More Info |
| Weight Capacity | 75 lbs | 99 lbs |
| Trailer Weight | 28 lbs | 32 lbs |
| # of Children | 1 | 2 |
| Suspension? | Yes | Yes |
| Safety Harness | 5-point | 5-point |
Price & Where To Buy:
- $1,199.95 / $1,299.95 List
- Check Price at Thule.com
- $1,349.95 at Amazon.com* (Last updated: 2023-03-10 at 13:19) – More info
Thule Chariot Cross Video Review
Multi-Sport Conversions
The Thule Chariot Cross comes standard with the Strolling and Bike Trailer attachments, while the Jogger and XC ski kits are sold as add-on options.
Switching between modes is quick and easy. It only takes a few minutes to switch from bike trailer to stroller to jogger. (The xc ski kit does take a bit more effort).
Use as a Bike Trailer
The Thule Chariot Cross is designed as a bike trailer first, and it works exceptionally well as one.
The trailer arm attaches to the adult’s bike via a bracket that installs to the quick-release on the rear wheel. The installation is quick and easy and quite secure. There is a secondary safety strap to make sure that the trailer doesn’t come unattached in the event that your quick-release came loose. (We’ve never had this happen).
If you have a bike that has a thru-axle rather than a quick-release, as many modern bikes are trending toward, you’ll need a converter to make the trailer work with your bike. Personally, we use a thru-axle from the Robert Axle Project, although Thule is now offering its own thru-axle adaptors (sold separately).
Once you’re towing it, the Thule Chariot Cross performs admirably. Unlike many bike trailers that give you a tug-and-release sensation, the Cross just pulls along.
Although it’s certainly heavier than some less substantial trailers (and heavier yet than a bike seat), at 28 pounds, the Thule Chariot won’t kill you.
Finally, the Thule Chariot Cross (the single version in particular) has a nice tight turning radius and I’ve managed to squeeze it on wider dirt trails just fine.
Use As A Jogging Stoller
While our family’s first love is biking, I use the Thule Chariot for running almost as often as I do for biking. The fact that I don’t have to have a jogging stroller AND a bike trailer is really nice, especially since we don’t have a garage.
That said, the Thule Chariot Cross is definitely designed as a bike trailer first and a jogging stroller second. Compared to a jogging-specific stroller, the Cross is heavier and harder to maneuver.
Turning the Cross or correcting course requires pushing back on the handlebar to unweight the front wheel and then turning the trailer. While this isn’t a big deal necessarily, I’m always surprised when running with a real jogging stroller just how much easier it is to turn and maneuver.
The handlebar does change positions with the simple push of a button, which I appreciate. This makes it comfortable no matter how tall the runner is.
Finally, it’s worth mentioning that the jogging kit does NOT come with a hand brake. (Though you can purchase one separately). This is noteworthy though because most other multi-sport trailers have a jogging kit with a handbrake.
The lack of a hand brake is fine with me, as I actually think the hand brakes are a pain to take on and off when converting to a bike trailer, but it’s worth considering if you are running in an area with steep hills.
Use As A Stroller
When P was a baby, we never used the strolling kit (we never used a stroller in general), but after using the strolling kit with the new Thule Chariot Cross, I can also see how the Chariot would work just fine for a primary stroller. Of course, it is pretty BIG, but would work in most places—probably just not the airport.
Use With Cross-Country Skis or A Fat Bike
Finally, you can use the Chariot for cross-country skiing, which I’ve never done, BUT we have used it behind a fat-bike for snow biking. With the door closed and the rain cover on, and a few blankets inside, the Chariot works well even in winter and other inclement weather.
Safety
The Thule Chariot Cross is a roll-cage for babies. This thing is seriously safe. Of course, there is always a risk when riding a bike with your children in traffic, but the Thule Chariot is one of your safest options. The aluminum cage is super sturdy, and there is even a newly added roll bar directly over the child’s head, so if it flips, they are still supported.
A five-point harness holds the child securely in the seat. When we were assembling the Chariot for the first time, my then-4-year-old actually climbed in, strapped himself in, and then had me shake him upside down. Obviously, this is probably not recommended but does go to show that the kiddos are secure in there.
The foot brake is nice as it allows you to park the Chariot without fear that it will roll away, and is much easier to operate than the one on the older Chariot Cougar. Speaking of things rolling away, there is also wrist strap for use when strolling or jogging as an added precaution.
Finally, there are lots of visibility features on the Chariot including an orange flag, two front “headlight” reflectors, and rear reflectors.
Comfort
Let’s be honest: comfort might be the single most important thing when choosing a trailer–because if the little one isn’t happy nobody is going to be happy. Fortunately, Thule recognizes this.
The Chariot Cross has a reclining seat which is nice for nap time. The seat padding seems adequate–my 4-year-old said it was comfortable–and it removes for easy washing.
That said, it’s not quite as plush as the padding on say the Hamax Outback. Nor is there quite as much legroom for older kids as the Hamax Outback or Wike trailer.
Finally, the trailer’s suspension system helps absorb vibration from the road or trail (read more on this topic later on).
Storage and Transportation
The Chariot is easily and quickly foldable for transportation and storage. Once collapsed, it fits easily in the back of my Ford Escape SUV.
The two rear wheels remove with the push of a button, the handlebar rotates forward and out of the way, and the frame folds in half. I’m fairly mechanically challenged, and I can tear it apart in 3 minutes or less and reassemble it in the same amount of time. (See above video for a demonstration).
Folded, the dimensions are 33.7 x 24.4 x 14.2in for the single and 33.7 x 29.9 x 14.2in for the double.
Adjustable Suspension
We love the Thule Chariot because it can be used on-road and off due to its suspension. If you think it is fun to ride on a dirt road in a trailer with no suspension, think again.
If you are going to be riding on rough surfaces, whether that is a dirt rail trail, or just uneven pavement, your child will be so much more comfortable and happy in a trailer with suspension.
The Chariot’s suspension is also adjustable, so you can increase the travel as your child gets heavier.
High Quality
The Thule Chariot has the reputation that it does because of its extremely high quality. With our older Chariot, we’ve taken it off-road, we’ve flipped it over, we’ve left it out in the rain, we’ve used and abused it day in and day out. And it STILL has lots of life left in it.
People buy their Chariot trailers and use them for multiple children, over multiple years—and then still manage to sell them on Craigslist for a fair amount of money. No, they aren’t cheap, but they offer excellent value for the price.
Like our Chariot Cougar before it, the Cross has held up wear over several YEARS of use. The fabric is sturdy, the wheels are well constructed. Nothing on it looks or feels cheap. As previously mentioned, the frame is aluminum; all other parts are steel, nylon, or polyester.
Storage Space
For our family, storage space in a trailer is important. We’ll often leave the house in the morning with the Chariot, and not return until evening. I’ve used this trailer to haul groceries, library books, and a kids’ bike.
Inside the Chariot, there are two mesh pockets on either side of the seat. These provide ample space for pacifiers, water bottles, snacks, and action figures.
At the rear of the Chariot, there is an open mesh pocket where I like to stuff my things—a jacket, my wallet, a phone, etc. There’s also a large rear trunk (that can fold up out of the way when not in use), and it is large enough to hold a diaper bag or large bag of groceries. Unfortunately, the weight limit on the trunk is only 8 pounds which is less than our older Cougar.
Price
So is the Thule Chariot Cross worth the price?
That’s the million-dollar question (no pun intended). Compared to other bike trailers out there, the Cross is EXPENSIVE. At $1,200 for a double and $1,100 for a single, it makes sense to question the price tag before purchasing.
For me, personally, the Thule Chariot Cross IS worth the price. But that’s because we’ve managed to use our older Chariot for almost 5 years on at least a weekly basis. If you are an active family that bikes, that runs, that does bike touring, that commutes to daycare, etc, etc, etc–the Chariot is worth the price.
Also consider that the Chariot Cross has a great resale value. Unlike cheaper trailers, the Thule Chariot has a great reputation and it’s easy to recoup a good portion of your investment when it’s time to part with it.
Still, if you just want a trailer (or a jogger) for infrequent use, then the Chariot Cross is probably overkill. You can get a cheaper but perfectly functional trailer that will work just fine for the occasional ride to the ice cream store.
Double versus Single Thule Chariot Cross
There are two versions of the Thule Chariot Cross. The “Single” fits one child, the “Double” fits two. The only difference is the width of the trailer, the weight, and the number of child harnesses.
Due to the high price tag, and the fact that the Double is only $100 more than the Single version, if you are thinking of having more than one child sometime in the future you might want to buy the double right off the bat. If not, stick with the single as it is lighter and will fit thru tighter spaces.
Thule Chariot Cross Compared to the Thule Chariot Cougar
So how does the new Chariot Cross compare with the older Chariot Cougar? Overall, very favorably. I was the Chariot Cougar’s #1 fan, so was slightly skeptical about how it could have been improved. But it has been.
The first thing I noticed was the handlebar. The new handlebar is screwed in (so it doesn’t easily uninstall like the old version), but I never took it off anyhow, so no biggie. It’s also rotates so that it can be positioned at a height that is comfortable for you, and so that it can get out of the way for storage.
In terms of safety, it has two “headlight-like” front reflectors that I like, and the location and ease of use of the brake has been improved.
So what didn’t I like on the new design? The door! We live in a location where it might rain, hail, snow, and be sunny—all within the same bike ride. On the old Chariot, the sunshade, rain cover, and screen were all part of the same integrated door. In the new Chariot, the sun shade has to be clipped on and off and stored in the back of the Chariot. Pretty sure I’ll lose that in the first month! The rain cover is also a separate piece and it’s a little hard to get it to stay on. Overall, not a big deal, but this was the one thing I will miss about the old Chariot.
Compared To The Chariot Lite
Thule also offers the Chariot Lite. This trailer is nearly as good as the Chariot Cross and is several hunded dollars cheaper. So what’s the difference?
The Chariot Cougar offers everything the Lite does PLUS reclining seats, adjustable suspension, and the rear trunk. Is it worth it?
Yes, if you plan to spend a BUNCH of time using the trailer on long trips or bumpy roads. Adjustable suspension can help make the ride more comfortable on off-road terrain, and reclining seats are great for nap time on long days. Personally, I also really love the rear trunk for the extra storage space.
Thule Chariot Cross Vs. The Competition
The Thule Chariot Cross is THE most expensive bike trailer that I’m aware of, so in that sense it really doesn’t have any direct price point comparisons. Still, the closest competitors to the Thule Chariot Cross are the Burley D’Lite X and Burley Cub X, the Hamax Outback, and the Qeridoo Kidgoo.
The Thule Chariot Cross has the best suspension of all the trailers, in my opinion, as well as the highest quality fabric and overall durability. It also has the sleekest look.
As far as features–adjustable suspension, reclining seats, multi-sport options, it really has it all. The only thing that I think it lacks is the option to add plus-sized tires, like Burley does. If you are planning on riding off-road, in sand, or snowy conditions, that could make a difference to you.
From left to right: Burley D’Lite X, Hamax Outback, & Qeridoo Kidgoo
Bottom-Line
Forget wipe warmers and baby monitors—the Thule Chariot Cross is what you should really be putting on your baby registry. (No joke—it was the first thing I bought when I found out I was pregnant. No regrets).
For active families, the Thule Chariot is an essential piece of gear that will allow you to keep running biking and skiing even with a rug-rat in tow.
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