Why the Coho XC Cycle Trailer is the Perfect Companion for My Adventure
The COHO XC Fully Rigged (Amazon Affiliate Link Here)
Hey adventurers!
Today, I’m diving into one of the most crucial pieces of gear for my upcoming 2025 Danube River handcycling adventure—the Coho XC Cycle Trailer. This bad boy is going to be my trusty sidekick, hauling everything I need for 8-10 weeks on the road. But before we get into the nitty-gritty, let me tell you a little story about how I came to trust this trailer with my life (well, at least with my gear).
Full transparency: All the links in this article that go to Amazon are Affiliate Links.
In 2017, when I turned 50, I came to Germany with a wild, and somewhat crazy plan to solo handcycle around Lake Constance and then follow the Rhine river cycle route all the way to the Nethlands where it empties into the North Sea. While the outcome of that journey will fill the pages of another blog, needless to say the gear I chose for that journey would be put through its paces.
My setup and plan was simple… Ultralightweight gear, minimal clothing and shoes and shopping daily for food to avoid the need for camp stoves and excess cooking equipment. All packed into Panniers on the trailer that my Power Wheel was mounted in. Behind all this I towed my wheelchair.
Everything was tied down and fixed with Bungy cords and remarkably, I did not lose anything. I did however, learn a lot about what to do and what NOT to do. This arrangement, due to lack of space left me grossy short of wet weather equipment and I found myself in untenable weather on 2 occasions. I lacked dry bags, storm tarps and extreme wet weather clothing.
So… what is the solution? More real estate in my setup for more useful equipment for a long ride. And so, when formulating this journey I sought to re-evaluate everything from the handcycle setup to the carrying set up. Specific changes included moving the E-Bike powertrain to the front of the handcycle and securing a trailer that could take more equipment and critically carry my wheelchair so I could avoid having 2 trailers behind me.
After an extensive search I settled on the COHO XC because it has the perfect width for my wheelchair, a deep carrying space, a custom fitted drybag, s single shock absorbed tire, easy assembly, a quick release mounting mechanism and a custom pannier set over the rear wheel. It can also carry 70lbs (32kg). I figured that this ticks a lot of boxes left empty after the last trip.
My previous 'Custom' E-Bike rig. My tent mounted over the battery between my rear wheels and the E-Bike trailer with my pannier set on the carrier with the Handcycle trailing behind. (I broke the carrier and had to replace it because it struggled with the weight of my gear) Stability and the lenght of my bike and trailers was a constant challenge.
A Trial Run with the Coho XC
Today I’m in Southern Germany, where I’ve decided to put the Coho XC to the test in preparation for next year’s journey. It is the ideal place to do it because the cycling terrain here is exactly what I’ll encounter along the Danube River. It is the first time really putting the equiment to the test. Most of the equipment is brand new and untested. The first thing I needed to do was rebuild the handcycle after transporting it from Australia.
It sustained minor damage in transit but nothing I couldn’t fix with the tools and spares I brought with me. I also needed to install a new battery and rewire the bike for the new battery. This is because you can’t fly with Bike batteries because they are considered too big for transit. In addition I needed to check that all the cycle parts were still secure after traveling. Further installation of Tool Kit Pouches and other parts zip tied to the frame.
“This is because you can’t fly with Bike batteries because they are considered too big for transit.”
The COHO XC trailer first run in Germany, 2024.
For the first run, I only took tools and repair equipment. I was riding with 4 other people so I had no security, safety or other such issues so I could focus on the equipment. I have some great footage of the ride on my youtube channel. You can check it out here:
Soon it will be packed with all my essentials—tent, sleeping pad, cooking gear (reviews on all of them coming)—and I’ll hit the road for some day trips and maybe a weekend trip or some overnighters. Now, you’ve got to understand, I am always a bit skeptical at first with new equipment and I like to check it’s efficacy frequently when first using it because I don’t have second chances with my wheelchair. I can’t afford to make mistakes so I am overly cautious. I’ve had my share of trailers that either wobble like a loose tooth or make you feel like you’re dragging a deadweight uphill. But right from the start, the Coho XC surprised me.
Rolling through a mix of gravel paths and smooth asphalt, I barely noticed the trailer was even there. It tracked perfectly behind my handcycle, even on tight turns and rough terrain. The real kicker was when I hit a steep climb. I expected the usual drag that makes you want to curse every extra pound you’re hauling, but the Coho handled it like a champ. The only trouble I encountered was the massive vibration through my non-shock absorbing bike and a grip issue with the power wheel on a steep unpaved gravel path. I will endevour to stay off this type of path while here and riding on my own but I am less concerned next year because I am riding with my brother.
So… By the end of that Saturday test run, I knew that I had made the right choice and that this was the trailer I needed for the Danube. And so the show rolls on…
Why the Coho XC is Ideal for Long-Distance Handcycling
So, why is the Coho XC Cycle Trailer perfect for an adventure like mine? Let’s break it down.
• Single-Wheel Design: Unlike two-wheeled trailers, the Coho XC has a single wheel, which makes it incredibly agile. It follows the line of your bike, which is crucial when you’re navigating narrow paths or tricky terrain along the riverbanks. I have also upgraded to the 16” fat tire so that it handles rougher surfaces, often encountered on cycle paths, with greater ease.
• Suspension System: This trailer comes with a coil spring suspension, which absorbs bumps and shocks, keeping your gear safe and your ride smooth. Trust me, after miles on the road, your arms and shoulders will thank you for any little bit of relief from vibration..
• Tool-Free Attachment: The trailer easily attaches and detaches from your bike with a quick-release lever. This feature is a lifesaver when you’re setting up camp or need to take a break without fussing with complex hardware. A little tricky when you are in your wheelchair but if you do all the maneuvering before loading up it works out pretty good.
• Ample Storage: The Coho XC offers plenty of storage space—enough to carry everything from camping gear to extra food supplies. Plus, it has a built-in cargo net to keep everything secure. And it can take up to 70lbs (32kg) of payload. Thats a lot of camping gear! I am interested how it will all stack up when I do an overnight trip.
Challenges and Adaptations
Of course, no piece of gear is perfect, and the Coho XC is no exception. One challenge I faced was adapting it for handcycle use. Handcycles often have no attachment points for trailers as the common trailers are designed to attach to the bicycle at the rear axle. The COHO XC is no different so it required a bit of creative thinking. I ended up fabricating a custom mount that allows the trailer to sit level, and utilises the same principle as the axcle but sits between the two rear wheels. The ‘Burley Balz’ lug nut mounting system is great. It normally attaches to the bike axcle but you can see below that I have rigged it so that my other trailer can still be used and it fits neatly between the back wheels.
The 'Burley Balz' sit comfortably mounted on the previous Trailer hitch system and are directly below the lithium battery.
Burley Balz Amazon link here (US standard)
Another potential downside is the weight distribution. If you’re not careful about how you pack, the trailer can feel a bit unbalanced. I found that placing heavier items toward the front of the trailer and making sure the panniers weigh roughly the same helps maintain stability. Not the biggest of issues with the tricycle arrangement of the handcycle but important for long distance riding.
The Wheelchair Sitting on the Trailer and held down with Bungy Cords..
Why I’m Sticking with the Coho XC
Despite these challenges, I’m sticking with the Coho XC because it offers the perfect blend of stability, storage, and ease of use. Plus, it’s built like a tank, which means it can handle whatever the Danube throws at it—be it rough terrain, sudden weather changes, or long days on the road. This is probably more important than anything else. Equipment that falls apart due to vibration is a no go for long distance riding so the tougher the better.
Check It Out for Yourself
If you’re considering a long-distance cycling adventure or even just want a reliable trailer for weekend trips, I highly recommend checking out the Coho XC Cycle Trailer (Amazon). It’s been a game-winner for me, and I’m sure it could be for you too.
Here is a list of products used in my rig (Amazon Affiliate Links):
BURLEY DESIGN 16+ WHEEL (Amazon)
BURLEY PANNIER BAG SET (Amazon)
What’s Next?
Next up, I’ll be talking about some of the gear I’m packing inside this trailer, starting with my Shinmax Cycle Helmet with Magnetic Goggles that has recently become my go to helmet.. If there’s any specific gear you’re curious about, drop me a comment below or shoot me a message on my YouTube channel. I’d love to hear what you’re interested in!
Until next time, keep rolling!
