Are Burley bike trailers compatible with disc brakes?
Unfortunately, if you have a Burley Bike Trailer (or you’re thinking to get one), then there’s a good chance you will need to purchase some extra attachments to make it work.
Disc brakes are the ultimate braking system. They offer superior braking power to your bike, which is especially needed when towing the extra weight of a bike trailer.
But do disc brakes play nicely with all bike trailers?
Why Burley bike trailers might not attach to disc brakes
Bikes with thru-axle disc brakes may require extra attachments costing up to $90 in order to adapt a Burley bike trailer to the bike. The extra costs associated with attaching a Burley trailer to disc brakes might not be worth buying a Burley trailer for some.
Do you really need the extra Burley attachments?
From my personal experience of attaching my Burley Bee trailer to my disc brake bike, it is not as straightforward as Burley’s website states. The reality is that there are so many variations of disc brakes thru-axle sizes, thread sizes, and axle lengths.
The Burley website gives instructions that don’t work for every disc brake owner, and in some cases, the attachments they recommend are not even needed.
I have a solution for you: just get the bike trailer you want and see if it fits.
The reason I say this is based on personal experience. I initially bought all three of the attachments that Burley recommends for thru-axle disc brakes (about $90 in total). After I got the attachments from Amazon and used them with my Burley trailer, I noticed that my Burley trailer worked just fine with my bike’s original thru-axle!
My best advice when it comes to attachments and bike trailers is to just get the bike trailer you want and see if it attaches to your bike. If it doesn’t fit, then follow the guidelines in this guide on how to attach any bike trailer to any bike.
What to do if your Burley bike trailer doesn’t fit
If your disc brake bike is not compatible with your Burley trailer, the reason is likely that you have a 12mm thru-axle style rear wheel. Thru-axles that are at least 12mm in diameter typically will not fit into the coupler hitch attachment that comes with the bike trailer.
Standard Burley trailers use a unique patented hitching system that allows for better pivoting, according to Burley. This system is not optimized for disc brakes that have a thru-axle, which unfortunately means additional attachments are required.
Luckily, Burley tries to keep up with the disc brake trend by providing solutions for disc brake users.
The issue with thru-axle disc brakes is that there are so many different sizes of thru-axles that it is very difficult for bike trailer manufacturers to keep up with it.
So if your bike trailer does not fit your particular bike, then follow the guidelines below.
How to measure your thru-axle
Most of the confusion around thru-axles and bike trailers comes down to the fact that there are so many different sizes of thru-axles.
Here’s how to measurements you will need in order to find the correct thru-axle adapter for your bike:
1. Axle diameter
The axle diameter measures the diameter around the axle. Most thru-axles are 12mm, so it’s probably safe to assume your thru-axle is 12mm.
2. Axle length
The axle length measures the distance (usually in mm) from the head of the axle to the end. You will need to know your bike’s axle length in order to purchase the correct thru-axle adapter.
3. Thread pitch
The thread pitch measures the distance between each individual thread. You will need to know your bike’s thread pitch in order to purchase the correct adapter for your bike trailer.
Where to get the right thru-axle adapter
This is such a common question, that I decided to make a helpful guide on exactly where to find the correct thru-axle adapter for any bike trailer.
Check out that adapter guide here.
How to attach a Burley bike trailer to disc brakes
Burley has created a handy instructional guide and a host of helpful videos (below) to help owners understand what kind of adapters they might need.
In my experience, disc brakes come in too many different sizes to know exactly which adapter you will need. Therefore, my best recommendation is to just get the trailer you want and check to see if it fits your bike before buying any adapters.
If it doesn’t fit, then check out this complete adapter guide on how to find the right adapter for your Burley trailer.
My experience was that I bought $90 worth of attachments and I ended up not even needing them because my Burley Bee works perfectly fine with my bike’s original thru-axle disc brakes.
Overall, I hesitate to even recommend getting a Burley bike trailer if you have disc brakes. But if you do have a Burley trailer, then go ahead and see if it fits. If it doesn’t fit, then check this adapter guide for specific instructions about your disc brakes.
Here’s my guide on where to get the right adapter for your bike.
What does Burley say about it?
According to Burley’s website, here’s what you need to know about adapting for disc brakes:
“12mm Thru-Axles will require Burley’s adapted Thru-Axle. This replacement axle has external threading to accommodate the installation of our axle mounted hitches.”
Burley also states, “The Classic Hitch is not compatible with disc brakes or rear suspension.”
The reason the Classic Hitch will not work is either because (1) the skewer of your rear wheel is too thick to pass through the hitch, or (2) the disc of the wheel gets in the way. In this case, the newer Burley Steel Hitch adapter will work on your disc brakes.
Burley’s website goes on to say, “If you are upgrading from a Classic Hitch to a Steel Hitch, you will also need to purchase a Flex Connector: Part # 950038 (square tow bar) or Part # 950037 (round tow bar).”
To read Burley’s full guide on adapters, go here.
If you are still totally confused about Burley hitches and adapters, then check out the helpful videos at the bottom of this post.
Here’s a helpful guide to Burley hitches:
Different types of Burley attachments
If you need a quick reference to Burley’s attachments and adapters, here are the main ones.
Burley Adapted Thru-Axle (around $55)
Burley Steel Hitch (around $10)
Flex Connector (around $25) – round-arm or square-arm
What does Burley say about it?
According to Burley’s website, here’s what you need to know about adapting for disc brakes:
“12mm Thru-Axles will require Burley’s adapted Thru-Axle. This replacement axle has external threading to accommodate the installation of our axle mounted hitches.”
Burley also states, “The Classic Hitch is not compatible with disc brakes or rear suspension.”
The reason the Classic Hitch will not work is either because (1) the skewer of your rear wheel is too thick to pass through the hitch, or (2) the disc of the wheel gets in the way. In this case, the newer Burley Steel Hitch adapter will work on your disc brakes.
Burley’s website goes on to say, “If you are upgrading from a Classic Hitch to a Steel Hitch, you will also need to purchase a Flex Connector: Part # 950038 (square tow bar) or Part # 950037 (round tow bar).”
To read Burley’s full guide on adapters, go here.
If you are still totally confused about Burley hitches and adapters, then check out the helpful videos at the bottom of this post.
Here’s a helpful guide to Burley hitches:
Why are disc brakes better for pulling a bike trailer?
Whether you’re a disc brake enthusiast or you’d like to get a disc brake bike, you’ll be happy to know that disc brakes are ideal companions for bike trailers.
They offer superb braking power in even the worst riding conditions, while also giving you the extra needed force to stop the forward movement of pulling a bike trailer.
So, if you are set on using your disc brake bike to pull a bike trailer, then you’re in luck because it is absolutely possible. But there are some bike trailers to watch out for, which I explain below.
Can all bike trailers attach to disc brakes?
Although it is possible to attach any bike trailer with any style of disc brakes (with the right adapter), it is important to note that not all brands of bike trailers play nicely with the almighty disc brake.
Burley trailers and Thule trailers in particular are notorious for being incompatible with disc brakes.
If you have a thru-axle disc brake system, then I would recommend reconsidering getting a Burley or Thule bike trailer because of the additional costs of the attachments needed (up to $50–$90 in total just for attachments).
What are thru-axles and why do disc brakes use them?
For safety reasons, thru-axles are found on most disc brake bikes nowadays, as opposed to the quick-release system.
The very popular bike brand Trek recalled a certain disc brake bike because the quick-release lever was reportedly getting caught in the disc rotor when the lever was left open while riding. This incident seemingly taught the industry that the safest system for disc brakes is thru-axle, rather than quick-release.
Thru-axles also add a level of durability and stiffness to the fork of the bike when going over rougher terrain.
Conclusion
Are you getting excited about the idea of pulling a trailer with your disc brake bike? If so, then don’t let the extra cost of an adapter stop you in your tracks. But if not, then it’s perfectly safe to use a regular bike with caliper brakes to pull the trailer.
Be sure to check what kind of bike you have and the brand of bike trailer you have (or want to get). Burley trailers are the least compatible with disc brakes, if you have a 12mm thru-axle bike, so be aware of what you’re getting yourself into!
Need help finding the right bike trailer?
If you need help finding the right bike trailer for you, my recommended trailer for most people is the Swhinn Joyrider, which is an affordable double-seater that converts beautifully to a stroller. Check out my full review with photos here.
Check out the Ultimate Guide to Buying a Bike Trailer for more help with choosing a trailer. I also have compiled a list of the top bike trailers for every common situation, which you can check out here.
Ride on!
Also read:
- Can Bike Trailers Be Used On Any Bike?
- Can You Pull a Bike Trailer With a Road Bike? (3 Tips to Make It Work)
- What Is a Bike Trailer Coupler Attachment and Do I Need It? 5 Couplers Under $15
Helpful Burley Video Guides
Burley In-Depth Hitch Guide
How to Install Burley Hitches and Adapters
Burley Thru Axle Instructions
Burley Flex Connector Guide
What does Burley say about it?
According to Burley’s website, here’s what you need to know about adapting for disc brakes:
“12mm Thru-Axles will require Burley’s adapted Thru-Axle. This replacement axle has external threading to accommodate the installation of our axle mounted hitches.”
Burley also states, “The Classic Hitch is not compatible with disc brakes or rear suspension.”
The reason the Classic Hitch will not work is either because (1) the skewer of your rear wheel is too thick to pass through the hitch, or (2) the disc of the wheel gets in the way. In this case, the Burley Steel Hitch adapter will work on your disc brakes.
Burley’s website goes on to say, “If you are upgrading from a Classic Hitch to a Steel Hitch, you will also need to purchase a Flex Connector: Part # 950038 (square tow bar) or Part # 950037 (round tow bar).”
To read Burley’s full guide on adapters, go here.
If you are still totally confused about Burley hitches and adapters, then check out the helpful videos at the bottom of this post.
Here’s a helpful guide to Burley hitches:
Why are Disc Brakes better for pulling a bike trailer?
Whether you’re a disc brake enthusiast or you’d like to get a disc brake bike, then you’ll be happy to know that disc brakes are ideal companions for bike trailers.
They offer superb braking power in even the worst riding conditions (especially rain), while also giving you the extra needed force to stop the forward movement of pulling a bike trailer.
So, if you’re set on using your disc brake bike to pull a Burley trailer, then you’re in luck because it is absolutely possible.
But it is a bit of a hassle, as I explain below.
Can all bike trailers attach to disc brakes?
Although it is possible to attach any bike trailer with any style of disc brakes (with the right adapter), it is important to note that Burley trailers in particular are notorious for being incompatible with disc brakes.
If you have a 12mm thru-axle disc brake system, then I would personally not recommend getting a Burley trailer because of the additional costs of the attachments needed (around $90 in total just for attachments).
But if you already have a Burley trailer, then read below how to adapt your bike to work with your trailer.
What are Thru-Axles and why do disc brakes use them?
For safety reasons, thru-axles are found on most disc brake bikes nowadays, as opposed to the common quick-release system.
The very popular bike brand Trek once recalled a certain disc brake bike because the quick-release lever was reportedly getting caught in the disc rotor when the lever was left open while riding. This incident seemingly taught the industry that the safest system for disc brakes is thru-axle, rather than quick-release.
Thru-axles also add a level of durability and stiffness to the fork of the bike when going over rougher terrain.
Bottomline
Are you getting excited about the idea of pulling a trailer with your disc brake bike? If so, then don’t let the extra cost of an adapter stop you in your tracks. But if not, then it’s perfectly safe to use a regular bike with caliper brakes to pull the trailer.
Be sure to check what kind of bike you have and the brand of bike trailer you have or want to get. Burley trailers are the least compatible with disc brakes, if you have a 12mm thru-axle bike, so be aware of what you’re getting yourself into!
Need help finding the right bike trailer?
If you need help finding the right bike trailer for you, my recommended trailer for most people is the Swhinn Joyrider, which is an affordable double-seater that converts beautifully to a stroller. Check out my full review with photos here.
Check out the Ultimate Guide to Buying a Bike Trailer for more help with choosing a trailer. I also have compiled a list of the top bike trailers for every common situation, which you can check out here.
Ride on!
Also read:
- Can Bike Trailers Be Used On Any Bike?
- Can You Pull a Bike Trailer With a Road Bike? (3 Tips to Make It Work)
- What Is a Bike Trailer Coupler Attachment and Do I Need It? 5 Couplers Under $15