Imagine the sheer liberation of leaving your car keys on the hook and heading out for a massive Saturday grocery run, a beach day with four chairs and a cooler, or even a hardware store trip to pick up a propane tank—all on two wheels.
For many cyclists, the desire to live a "car-lite" or car-free lifestyle is often throttled by a single, frustrating problem The Capacity Gap. Panniers are great for a few items, and backpacks are fine for light loads, but as soon as you have something oversized, heavy, or awkwardly shaped, you’re forced back into the driver's seat.
The Burley Flatbed, Aluminum Utility Cargo Bike Trailer is the professional-grade solution to this problem. By stripping away the walls and roofs of traditional trailers, Burley has created a "pick-up truck for your bike." It transforms your bicycle into a high-capacity hauling machine that handles the loads other trailers simply can't touch.
Product Overview
The Burley Flatbed is the utilitarian flagship of the Burley cargo line. It focuses on a minimalist, open-air design that prioritizes weight-to-strength efficiency.
Product Category
This is a Two-Wheel Utility Cargo Trailer, specifically designed for hauling gear, equipment, and bulk items rather than passengers.
Product Type
Flatbed Utility Hauler: An open-platform trailer with an aluminum chassis, designed for maximum loading flexibility.
Who Should Use It?
Eco-Conscious Families: Those looking to replace car trips for grocery runs for a family of four.
Outdoor Adventurers: Campers and fishers who need to transport bulky items like tents, chairs, or even small inflatable boats.
The "Car-Free" Professional: Courier services or handymen who need to move tools and packages across town.
DIY Homeowners: Ideal for transporting recycling, bags of mulch, or propane refills.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
| Weight Capacity | 100 lbs (45 kg) |
| Trailer Weight | 15.1 lbs (6.85 kg) |
| Frame Material | 6061-T6 Heat-Treated Aluminum |
| Wheel Size | 16-inch spoked alloy wheels |
| Platform Dimensions | 32.5" L x 20.5" W |
| Folded Dimensions | 33" L x 24.8" W x 4.2" H |
| Hitch Type | Forged Aluminum Steel Hitch (Universal) |
Types or Variations of the Product
The Burley Flatbed is a specialized model within Burley's broader cargo ecosystem. While there isn't a "Flatbed Lite" or "Flatbed XL," it is often compared to its siblings:
The Nomad: An enclosed version of the trailer with a cover and weather-resistant lining. Best for long-distance touring where protection from the elements is the priority.
The Coho XC: A single-wheel trailer designed for off-road singletrack. It has a narrower profile but less stability for heavy, wide loads.
The Travoy: A vertical folding trailer that doubles as a hand cart. It’s perfect for office commutes, but lacks the 100 lb brute strength of the Flatbed.
Why Burley Flatbed, Aluminum Utility Cargo Bike Trailer is the Best in the Market
When you buy a Burley, you are buying 40 years of engineering heritage. Here is why the Flatbed remains the gold standard for utility hauling.
Unique Selling Points (USPs)
The Open-Air Design is its greatest strength. Without a roof or front/back panels, you can haul items that are technically longer than the trailer itself—such as a folding ladder, a small surfboard, or lumber.
Technology and Innovation
The Flex Connector is a piece of patented brilliance. It allows the bicycle to lie flat on the ground while the trailer remains perfectly upright. This prevents the trailer from tipping or putting undue stress on the hitch if you drop your bike or stop to lean it against a wall.
Build Quality
Burley uses 6061-T6 Aluminum. This isn't just standard metal; it's a heat-treated alloy known for its incredible strength-to-weight ratio. At just 15 lbs, the trailer is so light you’ll forget it’s there when empty, yet it’s strong enough to support a 100 lb load without the frame bowing.
Brand Reputation
Burley is synonymous with safety. They pioneered the modern bike trailer and continue to lead the industry in testing. Every component, from the forged hitch to the push-button wheels, is designed for years of daily abuse.
Customer Satisfaction
The Flatbed consistently receives 5-star reviews for its tracking and stability. Because it uses a two-wheel chassis, it stays centered behind the bike, resisting the "fishtailing" effect common in cheaper, single-axle trailers.
Why It is Better Than Other Competing Products
Comparison with 3 Alternatives
Aosom Wanderer: While much cheaper, the Aosom uses a steel frame that is prone to rust and significantly heavier. The Burley's aluminum frame will look new a decade from now, even in coastal climates.
Thule Coaster XT: Primarily a child carrier that can be used for cargo. It is bulkier and has a much higher center of gravity, making it less stable for heavy groceries or tools than the low-profile Burley Flatbed.
Coho XC (Single-Wheel): The Coho is better for narrow trails, but for urban utility, the Flatbed wins. A two-wheel trailer doesn't require the rider to balance the load, making it much easier to park and load.
Price vs. Value Comparison
The Burley Flatbed typically retails around $300–$330 USD. While this is higher than "budget" brands, the resale value of Burley trailers is legendary. You can often sell a used Burley for 60-70% of its original value years later, making the "cost of ownership" lower than a cheap trailer that ends up in a landfill.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Shockingly lightweight at 15.1 lbs.
Open design accommodates "infinite" height and long loads.
Rust-proof aluminum frame.
Folds incredibly flat (only 4 inches thick).
Cons:
Cargo is exposed (requires a net or bungee cords).
No suspension (air-filled tires do the heavy lifting).
Real-Life Benefits of Buying This Product
Financial Benefits
The Burley Flatbed is a "Car-Killer." If you replace just two car trips a week with a bike trip using this trailer, you can save roughly $400–$600 a year in fuel, maintenance, and parking. It pays for itself in less than 12 months.
Time-Saving Benefits
Think about the last time you went to a busy shopping center. You likely spent 10 minutes looking for parking and another 10 minutes walking from the back of the lot. With the Flatbed, you lock your bike at the front door, load your groceries directly into the trailer, and ride away.
Comfort and Convenience
Towing 100 lbs in a trailer is physically easier than carrying 20 lbs in a backpack. By moving the weight to the trailer’s wheels, you remove all strain from your back and shoulders, allowing you to arrive at your destination refreshed rather than sweaty and sore.
What Can You Use This Product For?
Daily Uses
Grocery Runs: Carry 6-8 large bags or a month's supply of bulk goods.
School Pickups: Carry your child’s heavy sports gear or musical instruments.
Recycling: Easily haul bins of glass or cardboard to the depot.
Professional Uses
Mobile Handymen: Carry tool chests and materials to local job sites.
Farmers Market Vendors: Move crates of produce from your van to your stall with ease.
Special Use Cases
Solar Power Hauling: Many nomads use the flatbed to mount solar panels and batteries for "infinite range" e-bike touring.
Canoe/Kayak Transport: With a bit of DIY strapping, the open front and back allow it to act as a dolly for small watercraft.
Market Overview
Current Market Demand
As of 2026, the utility cycling market is exploding. With the rise of high-torque e-bikes, the demand for trailers that can handle sustained speeds and heavy loads has never been higher. The Burley Flatbed is the top choice for this new generation of "utility cyclists."
Market Price Range
Expect to pay $299–$349. You might find used models on eBay for $150–$200, but they sell almost instantly due to high demand.
Availability
Widely available at REI, specialized bike shops, and major online retailers like Amazon and Trek Bikes.
Benefit Analysis
The Aluminum Advantage (6061-T6)
Unlike steel, which is heavy and rusts, or plastic, which becomes brittle in the sun, Aluminum is the "forever material" for trailers. It provides enough flex to absorb road vibrations but enough rigidity to handle a 100 lb cooler full of ice.
Superior Tracking
A trailer is only as good as its hitch. The Burley Forged Hitch is a masterpiece of stability. It mounts to the rear axle, creating a low center of gravity that prevents the trailer from "wagging the dog" during high-speed descents.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How will I benefit from buying this?
You will essentially gain a "trunk" for your bike. You'll be able to run errands you previously thought required a car, increasing your exercise while decreasing your carbon footprint.
Is it really worth the money?
Yes. Cheaper trailers use bushings that wear out and steel frames that rust. A Burley is a "buy it once" product. The 15 lb weight makes a massive difference in how much energy you use to pedal.
Why is it better than other brands?
The combination of the Flex Connector (stays upright when the bike falls) and the 6061-T6 aluminum frame is a premium combination you won't find on budget wagons.
Can I use it with an E-Bike?
Absolutely. Burley trailers are e-bike ready. Just ensure you check the axle type (most e-bikes require a 12mm Thru-Axle adapter, which Burley sells separately).
Is it hard to store?
No. The push-button wheels pop off in 2 seconds, and the frame folds down to just 4.2 inches high. You can slide it under a bed or hang it on a garage wall like a picture frame.
Does it come with straps?
Yes, it typically includes two adjustable tie-down straps and four interior D-rings to help you secure your load immediately out of the box.
Is it safe for pets?
While the Flatbed is an open platform, many people mount a dog crate to it. However, for a dedicated pet experience, we recommend the Burley Bark Ranger.
Call-To-Action
Don't let your cargo limit your adventures. The Burley Flatbed, Aluminum Utility Cargo Bike Trailer is the key to unlocking the full potential of your bicycle. Whether you’re hauling a week’s worth of groceries or gear for a cross-state tour, do it with the confidence that only Burley can provide.
High-quality materials, world-class safety, and unmatched versatility are just a click away.
[Click Here to See the Burley Flatbed on Amazon and Start Your Car-Free Journey!]
Summary
The Burley Flatbed, Aluminum Utility Cargo Bike Trailer is the ultimate tool for the modern cyclist. With its 100 lb capacity, featherweight 15.1 lb aluminum frame, and unrivaled stability, it stands alone at the top of the utility market.
By investing in a Burley, you aren't just buying a trailer; you are buying independence from the gas pump and a more active, efficient lifestyle.
Ride more. Haul more. Live more.
