InSTEP Pathfinder trail-a-bike

Well, what can I say about the Pathfinder? Simply, thank goodness, for this is father-daughter quality time at it's best! After giving up trying to chase her baby bike, I thought it was time for my 5yr old to move up to the big leagues. Ordered the PF250 Pathfinder online, received it in a few days, assembled it, and attached it to my Specialized FSR that weekend. We've been on the road ever since. I had my reservations at first, but found the ride to be amazing. First test ride was on a safe paved trail, and noticed I could barely feel the extra load, and actually appreciated the cute mini motor in the back. We then took it offroading, real mountain bike trails this time and boy howdy how she loved that! However, the majority of the time we can be found on the flat bike trails around the San Gabriel Valley. From all the smiles we get, I guess this daddy-daughter team chugging up and down the mountains and trails must look neat. We haven't attacked the advanced singletracks or steep downhills yet, but it's only a matter of time j/k . Hmmm, I'm not even sure if the Pathfinder was meant to go offroad, nevertheless it's been holding up great. I haven't felt the fishtailing others have complained about, but do feel a little pull when she gets too excited and pedals faster. Zooming down rough paths are effortless for my full suspension frame, however it's hilarious catching a gurgled weee e e e eee!! as she bounces up and down on her rigid Pathfinder. Too many weeeeeees are always the signal to slow down, and only one seat ejection will have my wife banning her from all future rides. Nothing hilarious about that.

Attachment to the main bike is simple and secure. Others have noted that the connection is somehow wobbly or unstable, causing an insecure feeling for the child. I see where the problem might be, but don't notice that on mine. The Pathfinder pivots at the connection point and swings quite easily without affecting the main bike for easy turns. Both bikes always feel in control. The locking hinge connecting to the main bike uses the same hand-tightened collar screw similar to those securing the mountain bike wheels to the frame. An extra coupler kit can be purchased for attaching the Pathfinder to other adult bikes. Detachment is also very simple, along with storage due to the folding neck which bends towards the bike to create a compact package, fitting nicely in the trunk space of my SUV. In summary, we get lots of thumbs up everywhere we go, and she can now join me on secure rides never before possible. Having my little angel excited about our next outing together is enough to give the Pathfinder a big thumbs up. Rick. Questions? in_the_haze@yahoo.com email me for a picture of the Pathfinder in action