The Bike
To give you a better idea of how I get around, here’s my usual commuter bike, complete with trailer and passenger:
Maxarya Ray 1-x with Chariot Cougar 1 trailer
The bike is a 2004 model Maxarya Ray 1-x with a few customizations, most of them just accessories to make it more commuter-friendly; i.e., lights, mirror, rack, extra bottle cage, cycle computer, etc. I did replace the stock RST disc brakes with Avid Single 7’s, and the stock headset with a Chris King, both of which will probably outlast the rest of the bike. :) The seatback bag came with the bike, but I wanted more cargo capacity, so I found an old Cannondale recumbent rack and fitted it to the Maxarya. (Hat tip to Tom Sackett of Seattle for this trick!) No panniers in this photo, but I have a large set of Ortliebs that I use when I need to haul more stuff on the bike.
The trailer is a Chariot Cougar 1, and I can’t say enough nice things about it. These guys have really got it figured out in terms of quality, durability, flexibility, and functionality. I’ve got a jogging kit for it, too, which turns it into a (very smooth and stable!) jogging stroller. For all its apparent size, the trailer is lightweight, strong, and has more features than most economy cars. ;) And my daughter likes it.
My passenger
Yes, she wears her helmet when we’re moving. But she wants it off as soon as we’re home! The bouncing of the trailer also has a tendency to put her to sleep, much like a ride in a car.