My First 500km With The Burley Bee Double Bike Trailer

First Impressions: Burley Honey Bee Bike Trailer Review

When I first hit the cycle path with the Burley Honey Bee Double Bike Trailer in tow, I wasn’t sure what to expect. It was a new setup for our young family; two small passengers, one heavy touring bike, and me doing all the pedalling.

Over the course of a handful of day trips around Edinburgh and the surrounding countryside, I clocked just over 500 km with the trailer. From Roslin Chapel to Portobello Beach, across urban cycle lanes and into country parks, the Burley Bee proved itself as a reliable, lightweight, and practical way to ride with kids.

This is my real-world review based on those 500 km. And why I think the Burley Bee is a solid choice for parents who want to cycle tour, commute, or go on weekend rides with children.

Burley Honey Bee Double Trailer Specs and Features: What You Get

Before diving into how it rides, here’s a breakdown of the essential specs:

• Model: Burley Honey Bee Double Bike Trailer
• Capacity: Two children or up to 45 kg
• Trailer Weight (unloaded): Approximately 8.4 kg
• Wheel Size: 20-inch quick-release alloy wheels
• Hitch System: Axle-mounted, secure and easy to install
• Storage: Rear cargo area, large enough for a daypack or shopping
• Suspension: None
• Foldability: Flat fold with removable wheels for compact transport
• Rain Cover & Mesh Windows: Included, not high-spec but functional

The Burley Honey Bee is a no-frills, well-built trailer designed with simplicity and utility in mind. It’s one of the lightest double trailers available, and that weight-saving makes a big difference when pulling up hills or through town traffic. Hitched to my Dawes Galaxy, it’s the perfect rig for weekend trips with children

Browse the Burley Range on Amazon UK

Ride One: Blackford Glen – Gravel, Gates, and Country Trails

This ride offered a great test of off-road capability. Blackford Glen is a great place to test out new kit like this since there is an easy stretch of paved and gravel sections that can be enjoyed in pristine nature while staying close to the city. The route included paved cycle paths, gravel trail sections, and a few tight gates and cattle grids.

On gravel, the lack of suspension meant some bumpiness for the kids. But thanks to large tyres and a solid frame, the trailer tracked well and never felt unstable. Lowering tyre pressure helped absorb vibrations. I added a folded blanket on the seat for extra padding, which worked well over rough patches.

The quick-release hitch came in handy when navigating tight barriers. I could quickly remove the trailer to manoeuvre through tight access points and reconnect it in under a minute.

Ride Two: Cycling in Edinburgh with the Burley Bee – Urban Roads and Shared Paths

Urban riding in Edinburgh meant testing the Burley Bee through cycle lanes adjacent to A-roads, shared-use paths, and cobbled backstreets. It’s here where the trailer really showed its practical strengths.

Despite busy surroundings and frequent stop-start traffic, the Burley Bee remained stable and easy to control. The trailer didn’t sway or jerk during braking or acceleration. Even on cobbles and uneven tarmac, the frame held up well, nothing rattled loose, and the harnesses stayed secure.

Manoeuvrability is decent for a double trailer. While wide, it fits through standard barriers and doorways. I parked up outside a café, removed the trailer wheels, and popped it into a quiet corner within minutes. That level of flexibility is a real asset when using the trailer in an urban setting.

Ride Three: Portobello Promenade and Open Cycle Paths – Smooth Tarmac and Long Hauls

For our third big ride, we rode out to Portobello Beach using Edinburgh’s coastal cycle path network – Route 61. This was the most relaxed of the three rides; gentle gradients, well-maintained surfaces, and clear views of the Firth of Forth.

Over these long stretches of smooth tarmac, I really noticed how efficient the Burley Bee is. Despite pulling two children and some gear, I averaged around 17 km/h without much extra effort. On moderate inclines, the trailer slowed me down slightly, but never enough to feel like a burden.

There was no swaying or fish-tailing, and even at 25 km/h downhill, the trailer stayed perfectly in line. That’s a huge confidence boost when riding at pace.

Pulling the Burley Bee on Hills: Real-World Climbing Experience

While the trailer is relatively light for a double, it does add noticeable drag on steep hills. Climbing with the Burley Bee requires lower gears and a steady cadence. On long climbs, I found myself shifting down earlier than usual to keep a consistent pace.

That said, the axle-mounted hitch does a fantastic job of distributing weight evenly, meaning there’s no wheel slip or awkward tugging at the back wheel. It’s all manageable. It just takes a little patience.

Pros and Cons of the Burley Bee After 500km

Pros

• Lightweight and easy to tow, even on hills
• Folds flat for easy storage and transport
• Excellent value for money
• Generous rear cargo space
• Quick to connect and disconnect
• Stable on both road and light trail

Cons

• No suspension—bumpy on rough ground
• Basic harness and seating—padded insert recommended
• Rain cover isn’t fully waterproof in heavy downpours
• No internal pockets for kids’ gear or snacks

Who the Burley Bee Double Trailer Is For

This trailer is ideal for:

• Parents starting out with bike touring
• Families looking for a lightweight, budget-friendly trailer
• Urban commuters who want to transport kids or cargo
• Weekend riders doing mixed-surface routes

It’s not the best choice for:

• Off-road or gravel-focused riders
• Families cycling in heavy rain or cold climates
• Children over five or very tall kids (limited headroom)

Final Thoughts: Is the Burley Bee Worth It?

After 500 km of riding over a mix of terrain, I can confidently say the Burley Bee is a solid entry-level double bike trailer. It’s light, well-built, and simple to use. For casual touring, school runs, or city commuting, it ticks all the right boxes.

While it’s not built for rough trails or extreme weather, it’s more than capable of handling tarmac, light gravel, and mixed-use paths with ease. And most importantly, my daughter and her cousin love it. They nap, snack, and stare out the window while I do the work. Fair deal.

Related Resources

• Elops Ebike With Baby Seat Review
• A Family Road Trip To Oman
• Buy the Burley Bee Double Trailer on Amazon UK

FAQs: Burley Honey Bee Double Trailer

1. How do you set up the Burley Honey Bee Double Bike Trailer?

Step-by-step setup:

1. Remove it from the box; it arrives almost fully assembled.
2. Unfold the frame: insert the upper frame tube into the yellow latches until it locks. The initial open can be stiff—don’t worry, it loosens over time.
3. Attach the 20″ quick‑release wheels to the axle and lock them in.
4. Insert the tow arm into the hitch socket—add the hitch pin and clip on the backup safety strap around the chainstay.
5. Add the rain cover and mesh windows (all secured by velcro and hook tabs).
6. Snap in the orange safety flag.
7. In stroller mode: attach the single stroller wheel and adjust the handlebar height via the yellow lever

Estimated setup: about 10 minutes start to finish.

2. How do you convert the Honey Bee trailer to stroller mode?

• The Honey Bee comes standard with a single stroller wheel kit.
• To convert: swivel the stroller wheel out, lock in place—no tools needed.
• Adjust the height‑adjustable handlebar (via the yellow lever) for walking or jogging use.
• Fold it flat for storage, with the wheel conveniently clipped to the trailer arm

3. What is the weight and child capacity of the Honey Bee?

• Total capacity: up to 100 lb (45 kg) for two kids and cargo combined.
• Recommended max per child: around 40 lb (18 kg) each
• Fits kids up to 41.25 inches (105 cm) tall comfortably—headroom becomes limited beyond that

4. What terrain can the Honey Bee handle—and is it good on trails?

Yes, with limitations:

• Honey Bee seats are hammock-style—they offer some passive suspension and comfort on paved paths and park trails.
• It performs well on smooth gravel, shared paths, city roads, and coastal promenades.
• For rough dirt, root-strewn or rocky singletrack, performance declines—no shock absorption means an uneven ride.
• Lowering tyre pressure slightly helps for light off-road comfort.
• Overall still handles mixed terrain decently given its build and wheelset

5. How do you maintain the Honey Bee and keep it clean?

• Fabric covers: Spot clean with mild detergent and warm water—no machine washing.
• Frame & wheels: Inspect quick-release axles, hitch connections, and bolts regularly. Remove dirt and grime promptly to avoid corrosion.
• Storage: Fold flat indoors when not in use. Keep out of extreme temperatures or prolonged sun (UV fade).
• Safety checks: Replace the flex connector every 3–5 years. Ensure harness straps are clean, secure, and not worn out

6. What accessories are compatible with the Honey Bee?

Compatible:

• Single stroller kit (included)
• 16+ wheel kit for wider, terrain-ready tires
• Premium seat pad (adds cushion if needed)
• Baby Seat Insert or Baby Snuggler for infants 1–12 months
• Clip-on rear Light Kit
• Trailer Storage Bag

Not compatible: Jogger kits, double stroller wheels, or suspension upgrades intended for Burley’s higher-end models

7. What safety features does the Honey Bee include?

• Exceeds ASTM F1975‑15 safety standards for trailer durability and rollover protection.
• Features include a 5-point harness, reflective trim, roll cage frame, and UPF 50+ tinted side windows.
• A stable parking brake and secure hitch pin help keep the trailer safely in place when loading kids

8. What are common troubleshooting tips for the Honey Bee?

• Wobbly wheels: Check that quick-release axles are locked fully and securely.
• Loose cover or flag: Ensure both sides are clipped or velcro tightened; consider adding extra Velcro strips.
• Uneven seating or slouch: Use a folded towel or premium pad to boost support if your child is leaning.
• Difficulty folding: Release red clips and gently collapse the frame; initial stiffness is normal but loosens over time .

9. What age is the Honey Bee suitable from—and until?

• Strolling/jogging: With Baby Snuggler accessory from 3–12 months (insert provides upright support).
• Trailer use: Usually safe from 6–12 months, once the child can sit and lift their head independently.
• Can be used until height or weight limit is reached—often around age 5–6 depending on child physique .

Have you used the Burley Bee or toured with kids? Share your thoughts in the comments or tag @realbigbikeride on Instagram—we’d love to hear your stories.