TESTED: Trax Pro Tow Rope

Words: Ryan Walsch

Photos: Jordan Riddle

For four or five years my kids and I have been using a tow rope of some kind. After a few iterations of dog leash or bike tube contraption we stumbled across the Barcelona based Trax MTB retractable tow rope. I ordered one to keep on my bike at all times at a mere 95g penalty. 

I'd forgotten to pack a stretchy tow rope from time to time and any parent knows if your child runs out of steam or snacks its long walk home or to the car. So the ability to have a tow rope stowed on the bike was great, it took up very little room and came in handy towing a few friends with mechanicals out of far off places.

Recently we were sent a Trax Pro to review, it's ever so slightly larger and heavier when compared to the original MTB model at 130g but is rated up to 120kgs from 90kgs making it better suited to towing a friend than a child. The new Pro model is better sealed and has 30cm extra length when compared to its predecessor, making it more durable.

Given the original Trax MTB’s permanent placement under my trail hardtails saddle, it got roosted by debris every ride which did lead to it binding up. I disassembled it, greased the simple return springs mechanism and sealed it shut with waterproof tape and a small flap that covered the cord entry. It has worked flawlessly since the cleanout and tape job for over 4 years and is still using the original cord (with a replaced loop to go around my daughter's stem).

The Pro model we have been reviewing is far better sealed and has been working trouble free, it's as easy for my kids to reach up and grab the loop and hook it onto their own stems as is it as easy for the to remove when we are at the top of a climb.

Mounting on your bike is simple. There is a small textile fabric strap provided which can be used to install the Pro unit to the seat, post or stem.

On the Trail

How does the Trax Pro retractable tow rope compare to a bungee style tow rope when out on the trail you might be asking? It’s a heap more convenient that’s for sure. We use the Trax for fireroads or tired kids riding home from school religiously as it lives on the bike. On the singletrack, I would recommend it would be best suited to green open trails only at under the rated 10kph as it is directly pulling the other rider. Any bump, undulation or spike in power is directly transferred to the rider and can pull them offline if you’re in a switchback for example. 

Trax offer the Trax Flex which is a bungee style 1-2.5m 200kg rated tow rope (as do other brands we have review previously) that I would recommend for use on singletrack and we certainly use both frequently. It does require about 15 seconds more setup which may not seem like much, but for a young rider that must feel like hours when you're fumbling around with gloves on on a hot day trying to get back to the café for snacks.

Our Take

For families on the move, The Trax Pro is a set and forget tow rope option that’s small, discrete and strong enough to tow kids and friends alike without having to remember to bring it – and that is a huge plus. 

RRP: $120

From: https://traxbike.com/contact/

Hits:

• Easy to mount, simple to use
• Light and strong
• A perfect ride saver!

Misses:

• Not suited for most singletrack riding