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| Dear Cycletote folks, I received my extended length cargo trailer with the deluxe package and integrated braking system 2 days ago and had to write to let you know how pleased I am. Two weeks ago I was browsing the internet looking at bicycle trailers because I thought it would be a fun project to build my own. I looked at a lot of designs, but when I stumbled across your site and saw the pictures of your bare trailer I knew that was the one I'd have to build. When I went back the next day to study your site and start formulating my build plan and parts list I was struck by your obvious focus on quality. Tig welded aluminum frame from what appeared to be gracefully jig bent tubing, an option of an integrated braking system, good rims, hubs, tires, etc. When I added up all of the options I wanted, roughly $800, it sounded expensive. But when I ran the numbers on the cost of materials and my tooling and thought about just how many hours it would take me to design (even copying yours) and build something comparable it was clear that buying your trailer was a bargain. I appreciated the helpful friendly manner in which my order was taken with care to make sure that all of my custom requests were understood exactly. I was pleased by the follow up calls which showed your concern to make sure everything was going to be perfect. I was surprised and pleased when called back only 3 days later and told that my trailer was almost ready to ship, and then called again the next day to let me know my trailer had been shipped! It would surely have taken me many weeks of nights and weekends to build my own. Two day later I received the trailer. It was a big oversize packaged shipped for only $50 but it arrived in perfect condition, not even a scuff mark on the box. When I opened the package I was again delighted. Everything was packed thoughtfully and carefully. There were instructions for assembly that were simple and easy to follow. And there were some little extras that I wasn't even expecting, the flashing tail light, the flag and wheel reflectors all of which fit perfectly. An hour later I had it all together and ready to use. Everything about the trailer impressed me, quality in the design, materials and craftsmanship. Who would of imagined that anyone would put so much care into a product as humble as a bicycle trailer?!? When I took off on my maiden voyage to the grocery store I momentarily felt a bit like a geek towing a trailer. I've always used panniers and this is my first trailer. But that passed quickly. Soon I felt like superman cruising along at 18 mph towing the big trailer. I normally cruise at 20 mph so this was a minimal performance hit. It was also nice being so visible and the car traffic was giving me a lot more space on the road. When I got to the grocery store I filled the cart to the brim. I originally planned to take it easy, as this was an experimental first run. But the trailer gave me such confidence that I didn't hold back. The trailer swallowed the 150 pound load with room to spare. It was a breeze towing it back. I accelerated slower but top speed was hardly impacted. Braking was excellent. The next day I made wheel guards and a foam floor mat and took my 3 dogs (150 lbs total!) for a ride to the park. Worked perfect again and the dogs loved it. We ended up doing an improptu midnight tour of several parks and did 20 miles. The dogs got to run about 10 miles, eager to hop into the trailer each time we had to hit the streets. It was a blast for us all. Before I got the trailer I hardly thought I needed one. Now I can't imagine living without one. I've so many plans for the trailer. Shopping, trips with my dogs, picnic rides with my girlfriend and the Chicago cycling club, a party on wheels for our Chicago critical mass rides, summer camping/touring , ... Soon I'll be adding an electric assist motor to my bike and the trailer will be perfect for carrying the cheap but heavy sealed lead acid batteries and it will still have plenty of capacity for serious cargo. Thanks! Todd Allen
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