Looking for a bike trailer for towing your kids? Awesome! You’re about to have a ton of fun with your family!
But first, you have to find a good trailer. Unfortunately, there are a TON of bicycle trailers on the market and it can be confusing what to look for. Do you need a double trailer or a single trailer? Suspension or no? Should a trailer have metal wheels or plastic ones?
To help you get the best trailer for YOUR family and YOUR budget, we’ve tested, reviewed, researched, and surveyed parents to help you find the very best bicycle trailer for your unique situation.
Below, you’ll find a list of 7 brands that make great bicycle trailers for kids, as well as our top picks from each manufacturer. But first, we give you some things to consider before buying a trailer so you don’t waste your time or money.
Table Of Contents
Quick And Dirty PicksQuestions To Ask Before BuyingOther Things To Look ForIs A Trailer The Best Option For Your Family?9 Best Trailer BrandsFrequently Asked QuestionsMore Reading
The Quick And Dirty Guide
Don’t want to read any further? Here are our top 2 picks….one top-of-the-line and the other our favorite entry-level trailer.
Best Overall
Thule Chariot Cross
Best Entry-Level
Burley Bee
7 Questions to Ask Before Buying a Bicycle Trailer
#1: Do You Need a Single Trailer Or Double Trailer?
The first and most obvious criteria to choose a trailer based on is whether you want to use it for one child or for multiple children. Even if you don’t have a second child yet, if you plan to have one soon, you might want to invest in a double trailer. You can always use a double trailer for a single child.
The disadvantages of a double trailer compared to a single trailer is that it is harder to maneuver through tight spaces and it is heavier than a single. For this reason, I always recommend parents of only children to stick with a single trailer. Still, if you need to carry multiple kids, it is a no-brainer to immediately look for a double trailer.
One thing to look at is the weight capacity. Even though a trailer is listed as a double-trailer it may have a maximum weight capacity is that too low for your two children. Lower-end trailers tend to max out at 80 pounds while more expensive trailers usually accommodate up to 100 pounds.
- READ: The 5 Best Double Bike Trailers for Kids
#2: Do You Want To Use The Trailer For More Than Just Biking?
If you have an outdoorsy family that likes to do ALL the activities, then looks for a multipsport trailer. In addition to biking, these higher-end trailers can convert to a stroller, jogging stroller, and ski trailer.
If you are looking for a trailer for bicycling only, then skip the convertible trailers. They are more expensive and add additional weight compared to a bike-only trailer.
#3: What’s Your Budget?
Bicycle trailers cost between $100 to $1,000 which is a pretty big budget range. As with most things in life (unfortunately), the more expensive the trailer the nicer it is going to be and the better the construction is.
Trailers on the lower end are not as comfortable or as durable as more expensive trailers. That said, if you are looking for a way to haul your child on the occasional paved bike path ride, a $100 trailer may be sufficient.
At the high end of the price spectrum, a $1,000 trailer will have suspension, durable fabric, good ventilation, lots of storage, and plenty of other perks. If you can afford it, go for it.
Most families will be best served by a trailer somewhere in the middle. We’ve tried including a variety of price points in our top picks below.
#4: What Kind Of Terrain Will You Be Riding On?
Whether or not you need is suspension is largely dependent on the type of riding you plan on doing. If you are going to be largely primarily on paved bike paths and other smooth surfaces, you can probably forgo the extra expense of suspension.
On the other hand, if you plan on riding off-road on gravel rail trails or forest service roads, suspension is a must. Even on uneven city streets, having suspension can make a big difference in the comfort and enjoyment for your child.
Additionally, if you plan on riding off-road almost exclusively, you might want to consider a mountain-bike specific trailer like the Tout Terrain Singletrailer.
#5: How Much Storage Space Do You Need?
I like a lot of storage space in my bike trailers. As parents, we have all sorts of stuff that needs to come along — diaper bags, toys, snacks, balance bikes, etc, etc, etc.
I also like being able to pick up a bag of groceries or some library books. If you plan on being a frequent bike commuter with your trailer, look for one with plenty of cargo space.
#6: Do You Plan To Ride In Inclement Weather?
A good rain cover has saved me time and time again. My son has survived some long, cold, snowy bike rides in a trailer with a sleeping bag and the rain cover safely secured. If you plan on riding in inclement weather conditions, take this seriously.
Additionally, if you will be riding on snowy roads during the winter, the Burley plus-tire kit is great.
On the other side of the spectrum, sunny rides are much more enjoyable with a shade cover to keep your little ones protected. In hot climates, you want to look for a trailer with plenty of ventilation.
Not all trailers come with these things, so evaluate your needs before shopping.
#7: Are You Going To Be Riding Up Hills?
All else equal, look for a trailer with the lowest weight. Carrying kids in a bicycle trailer is heavy and hard; you don’t need to make it even tougher on yourself by hauling a heavy trailer too. This is particularly true if you live in an area with a lot of hills.
#8: How Old Is Your Child or Baby?
If you are interested in using your trailer to bike with a baby, choose a brand like Burley or Thule that offer inserts for carrying infants. As an alternative, you can buckle a car seat into a trailer as well.
If your child is older (4 and up), make sure you choose a trailer with plenty of internal space. Most trailers are designed for toddlers which means kids with longer legs will feel cramped. We really like both the Hamax Outback and the Wike Premium Double for families looking for a little more interior space.
#9: Do You Need The Trailer To Fold Small For Storage Or Transport?
Some families have huge garages for storing their sports gear. Others, live in small apartments or like to travel with their trailer. For the latter folks, you want to make sure you get a trailer that tears down quickly and doesn’t take up a ton of space to store.
Other Things To Look For In A Bike Trailer
Comfortable Seats
The quality of seats between bicycle trailers varies widely. Some seats are nothing more than a hard bench with a couple of straps.
Other seats are well-cushioned and include 5-point harnesses. The more often you ride, and the longer you ride, the more important comfortable seats are.
Other things you might want to look for is a recessed helmet pocket (is the space behind the kiddos head soft enough to accomodate a helmet or does it push your child’s head forward?) and reclining seats. Reclining seats aren’t necessary but can be nice to have if your kiddo is going to be napping in the trailer.
Quality Wheels
Wheels are what make a trailer roll smoothly, and yet, they are one of the most-overlooked factors when buying a bicycle trailer. Make sure to look for a trailer that has 20″ wheels and metal rims and spokes.
Cheaper, inferior trailers will have 16″ wheels and plastic rims/spokes, and don’t roll nearly as well. You’ll notice the “budget” trailers on this list have 16″ wheels, which is a trade-off you make at the lower pricepoints. None of the trailers on our list have plastic wheels, however; that’s where we draw the line.
Brakes
All the better trailers (Burley, Thule, Hamax) have some sort of brake. Most of these are foot-operated brakes to help keep the trailer in place while parked.
Some of the multi-sport trailers will also have a handbrake for use when in strolling or jogging mode. This can be nice for heavy loads and especially hilly areas. That said, a hand brake can be a bit of a pain to install and adds extra complexity.
Cheaper “budget” trailers are likely not to have a brake at all. This may not be a big deal if you are only using it in trailer mode (as opposed to stroller mode).
Available Accessories And Spare Parts
How much use do you plan on getting out of your trailer? If you plan to be using it alot, then consider buying from a brand that is known for offering excellent customer service and plenty of accessories and spare parts.
Thule and Burley are the two best brands at this. Both have plenty of accessories (like infant slings and multi sport kits) and spare parts (like extra hitches so you can use the trailer with multiple bikes).
Bike Compatibility
Compared to a bike seat, trailers are generally pretty compatible with bikes. I’ve used a trailer with all kinds of bikes over the years: my mountain bike, my road bike, my commuter bike, and even my fat bike.
The one thing to be aware of, however, is that most trailers attach to your rear axle. This means they will work with just about any bike with a quick-release skewer (including bikes with disc brakes).
They will NOT work, however, on bikes with a thru-axle. If you have a thru-axle on your rear wheel, then you will need to choose a brand that offers a thru-axle adapter (Burley and Thule both do) OR you will need to buy an adapter from The Robert Axle Project.
Weight Capacity
Bike trailers can vary greatly in terms of how much weight they can handle and hold. Cheaper trailers may only hold 40 pounds, while higher end trailers will handle 100 pounds. If you are planning on carrying multiple children or lots of gear (think groceries), then you want to pay careful attention to this when choosing.
Removable Floor Mats And Seats
If your kids are as dirty as mine, you might want to look for a trailer with both removable floor mats (hose off that mud!) and removable, washable seats. A good majority of trailers don’t have these features, and it drives me crazy!
Resale Value
One thing not many people think of when buying a trailer, but one that you should think about is resale value. The higher quality trailers and those with recognizable brand names (like Burley) will hold their value well. You should be able to use these trailers for a few years and still sell them for a good price.
Infant Slings
Infant slings are basically a little hammock seat that helps support babies in a trailer. We often get asked by parents how to add one of these seats to their trailer after the fact.
Unfortunately, if you don’t have a compatible trailer, you usually can’t use an infant sling. If you know you’re going to want to use an infant sling, buy a trailer from a brand like Thule or Burley that offer a sling that works in their trailers.
Is a Trailer The Best Option For Your Family?
For parents looking to bike with young kids, the first option that comes to mind is a bike trailer. In fact, trailers are hands-down the most popular way to bike with young kids and babies–and for good reason. Bicycle trailers can carry multiple children, gear, and even kid’s bikes.
That said, they aren’t the only option for hauling young kids, and you might want to explore your other choices first.
- Read: 7 Ways to Haul Kids By Bike
Trailers vs Bike Seats
Compared to child bike seats, trailers tend to be safer. A good-quality trailer is essentially a roll-cage providing protection to your child in the event of a crash or a tip-over. With a bike seat, on the other hand, if the parent crashes, the child is crashing too.
That said, I still prefer a bike seat (especially a front-mounted bike seat) to a trailer–although I use both. This is because with a bike seat you have your child close by where you can talk to and easily interact with them.
In a trailer, it is much harder to see and hear how your child is doing. When we use our trailer, we often have to pull over and stop to help our son or to hear what he’s saying. A bike seat is also much lighter than a trailer, which can feel awfully heavy when you are climbing hills.
Trailer vs Cargo Bike
In terms of cost, a trailer falls squarely between a bike seat and a cargo bike. While a good-quality trailer can be quite a bit more expensive than a bike seat, it is still much cheaper than a cargo bike. A cargo bike is awesome if you can afford it, and if you are going to be commuting on a daily basis. If you only plan to do the occasional bike path ride or cruise to the park, go with the trailer.
Trailer Age Range
Trailers tend be best for use with young kids. If you are comfortable with it, you can even buckle a carseat into a trailer. For parents of multiple young children, a trailer is often the ideal option as you can put two kids in there.
Unfortunately, for slightly older kids the trailer quickly becomes BORING. If you have a child 3 or up, I much prefer a trailer-cycle, where they are able to pedal along.
Bike Trailer Pros:
- Many trailers can convert to jogging strollers
- Affordable compared to a cargo bike
- Can carry more than one child
- Can carry gear in addition to child
- Child is relatively safe in the event of a tip-over or crash
Bike Trailer Cons:
- More expensive than a bike seat
- Parent-child interaction is low
- Child engagement is low (no pedaling, etc)
- Heavy
7 Best Bicycle Trailer Brands
Here I offer up what I consider the seven best bicycle trailer brands. Each of these brands offer models that range from no-frills to all the bells-and-whistles.
The first three brands (Thule, Burley, Hamax) are my top picks. These trailers are of extremely high quality, roll well, and are from reputable brands that offer accessories and follow-up support.
| Brand | |
| 1 | Thule |
| 2 | Burley |
| 3 | Hamax |
| 4 | Croozer |
| 5 | Wike |
| 6 | Qeridoo |
| 7 | Allen Sports |
| 8 | Schwinn |
| 9 | Tout Terrain |
Thule Bike Trailers
No doubt: the Thule bike trailers (particularly the Thule Chariot) are the nicest trailers on the market. The Thule Chariot is the very first thing I bought when I found out I was pregnant.
The Thule Chariot models are the crème de la crème for active families thanks to the multitude of available accessories. The trailer can do double duty as a stroller, jogger, and ski sled. The more expensive models have suspension for off-road riding, plenty of storage, and will last for years.
On the cheaper end of the spectrum, the Thule Cadence offers good quality at a budget price. The Cadence can fit one or two kids, has ample storage space, and folds into a tidy little package for storage.
All of the Thule trailers are incredibly high quality, well designed, and will last for years. You can also sell them second hand for a really good price.
Read Our Reviews: Thule Chariot Cross, Thule Cadence
Older Model Reviews: Thule Chariot Cougar
Thule Trailer Line Up
| Trailer | Price | Single or Double? | Multisport? | Suspension? |
| Thule Cadence | $449 | Double | Bike only | No |
| Thule Coaster XT | $549 | Double | Bike and stroller | No |
| Thule Courier | $799 | Double | Bike and stroller, converts to dog or cargo trailer | No |
| Thule Chariot Lite | $1,149 | Double | Bike and stroller (included), jogger and xc ski kits (add-on) | Yes |
| Thule Chariot Cross | $1,349 | Double | Bike and stroller (included), jogger and xc ski kits (add-on) | Yes |
| Thule Chariot Sport | $1,449 | Double | Bike and stroller (included), jogger and xc | Yes |
Thule Chariot Cross
Price: Price not available * (double)
What We Love: Suspension, Jog/Ski Kits, Durable Construction
Thule Cadence
Price: [amazon-element asin=”B00FZLIK1U” fields=”ListPrice”] * (double)
What We Love: Lots of storage space, folds flat
*Amazon prices updated 2023-03-08 at 02:41 – More Information
Burley Bike Trailers
When thinking of bicycle trailers, Burley is probably the name that comes immediately to mind. Known for high-quality products and good value, Burley deserves their positive reputation. They offer trailers across the budget spectrum, from bare-bones entry-level trailers that still boast good quality to high-end trailers with adjustable suspension.
The Burley D’Lite X is one of the most popular trailers on the market, and for good reason. It has several attachment options for a variety of outdoor activities, is easy to clean, and collapses for easy transport.
Finally, for parents on a budget, the Burley Bee is a top pick of nearly every family we’ve surveyed. It’s a bike-only trailer that’s durable and well-constructed. It can carry one or tow kids and includes 5-point-harness straps.
What really sets Burley apart in my opinion are helpful accessories like the plus-size tire kit and thru-axle converters. They also have top notch customer service and hold their value well for resale.
Read Our Reviews:Burley Bee, Burley Honey Bee, Burley Encore X, Burley D’Lite X
Older Model Reviews: Burley Cub and Burley Solo
Burley Line Up
| Trailer | Price | Single or Double? | Multisport? | Suspension? |
| Burley Bee | $299/$329 | Single/Double | Bike only | No |
| Burley Honey Bee | $429 | Double | Bike and stroller | No |
| Burley Encore X | $599 | Double | Bike and stroller (included), jogger and xc ski kits (add-on) | Yes |
| Burley D’Lite | $899/$999 | Single/Double | Bike and stroller (included), jogger and xc ski kits (add-on) | Yes |
| Burley Cub X | $1,049 | Double | Bike and stroller (included), jogger and xc ski kits (add-on) | Yes |
Burley Cub X
Price : $1,049 (double)
What We Love: Suspension, multi-sport kits, easy to clean
Hamax Bike Trailers
You’re probably familiar with Hamax carseats, but the Norwegian company also makes great bike trailers.
The Hamax Outback is a highly functional multi-sport trailer with suspension. It comes in single and double versions, and has reclining seats and padded seats, which make naptime much more comfortable. The trailer is both wider and taller than its competitors, making it a good option for older kids.
Need something a little simpler? The Hamax Traveller is a trailer and stroller but weighs significantly less. It lacks suspension and padded seats, but is easy to push and pull.
Read Review: Hamax Outback and Hamax Traveller
Hamax Line Up
| Trailer | Price | Single or Double? | Multisport? | Suspension? |
| Hamax Outback | $699/$749 | Single/Double | Bike and stroller (included), jogger and xc ski kits (add-on) | Yes |
| Hamax Traveller | $449 | Double | Bike and stroller (included) | No |
Hamax Outback
What We Love: Roomy interior, multi-sport kits, well-ventilated
Price: $699 (single), $749 (double)
Croozer Bike Trailers
Like Thule, Croozer offers multi-sport trailers for parents that want to do it all. They also have features totally unique to Croozer and unavailable on other brands (like air suspension rather than spring suspension).
The brand offers two models: the Croozer Vaaya and the Croozer Keeke. Both models have air sprung suspension, but the Vaaya steps it up another notch with automatic light-up handlebar and climatex® seats.
The only thing to be aware of is that there is no U.S. dealer, so you have to put in a little work if you want one. (If you live in Europe, then no problem).
Croozer Line Up
| Trailer | Price | Single or Double? | Multisport? | Suspension? |
| Croozer Keeke | €1,150/€1,300 | Single/Double | Bike and stroller (included), jogger kit (add-on) | Yes |
| Croozer Vaaya | €950/€1,150 | Single/Double | Bike and stroller (included), jogger kit (add-on) | Yes |
Croozer Vaaya
Price (MSRP): €1,150 (single)
€1,300 (double)
What We Love: Climatex® seats, air suspension
Croozer Keeke
Price (MSRP): €950 (single)
€1,100 (double)
What We Love: Air suspension, jogging kit compatible
Qeridoo
If you haven’t heard of Qeridoo yet, make sure to add these bike trailers to your radar. These trailers are high-quality, durable, and offer cool little features like magnetic storage closures.
All of the Qeridoo trailers are multi-sport and come in single or double versions. As the price goes up, you get additional features (like disc brakes on the Kidgoo Pro).
Read Our Review: Qeridoo Kidgoo
Qeridoo Line Up
| Trailer | Price | Single or Double? | Multisport? | Suspension? |
| Qeridoo Speedkid | $499/$599 | Single/Double | Bike and stroller (included), jogger and xc ski kits (add-on) | Yes |
| Qeridoo Sportrex | $599/$699 | Single/Double | Bike and stroller (included), jogger and xc ski kits (add-on) | Yes |
| Qeridoo Kidgoo | $799/$849 | Single/Double | Bike and stroller (included), jogger and xc ski kits (add-on) | Yes |
| Qeridoo Kidgoo Sport | $899/$930 | Single/Double | Bike and stroller (included), jogger and xc ski kits (add-on) | Yes |
| Qeridoo Kidgoo Pro | $999/$1,199 | Single/Double | Bike and stroller (included), jogger and xc ski kits (add-on) | Yes |
Allen Sports Bike Trailers
The Allen Sports trailers lack some of the bells and whistles that the brands on this list have, but they do come at totally affordable price points. Unlike other “cheap” trailers, the Allen Sports trailers are lightweight and easy to pull.
If you’re on a budget, or only plan to use your bike trailer occasionally, look no further than these top picks.
The Allen Sport Premier can act as a stroller as well as a trailer. It’s one of the narrower double trailers out there, which is great for fitting through tight spaces, but not so great if your kids are bigger.
The Allen Sports Deluxe is hands-down our favorite trailer under $150. It’s made of durable steel so won’t flex or bend and has metal rather than plastic wheels; something that’s rare at this pricepoint.
(There is an even cheaper Allen Sports Hi-Viz trailer that we don’t include here as we wouldn’t recommend it).
Read Our Review: Allen Sports Deluxe
Allen Sport Line Up
| Trailer | Price | Single or Double? | Multisport? | Suspension? |
| Allen Sports Premier | $209 | Double | Bike and stroller | No |
| Allen Sports Deluxe Trailer | $139 | Double | Trailer only | No |
| Allen Sports Deluxe Trailer & Stroller | $159 | Double | Bike and stroller | No |
Allen Sports Premier
Price: Price not available *
What We Love: Trailer/jogger combo, affordable
Allen Sports Deluxe Steel
Price: Price not available
What We Love: Best Budget trailer, solid steel construction
*Amazon prices updated 2023-03-08 at 02:41 – More Information
Wike Bike Trailers
Unlike any other trailers on this list (or in the U.S. market for that matter), Wike trailers have a unique look and serve as the ideal trailers for families who like to do lots of around-town riding and commuting.
The Wike trailers are durable, comfortable, and heck, they look nice! We also appreciate that these trailers fold up small, making them nice for storage and transport.
The Wike Premium converts quickly between a trailer and a stroller, making it great for Saturday trips to the farmer’s market. The Wike Junior is a bike-trailer only but comes at a great price. It can accommodate two kiddos and is lightweight and quick folding.
Read Our Review: Wike Junior
Wike Line Up
| Trailer | Price | Single or Double? | Multisport? | Suspension? |
| Wike Junior | $223 | Double | Bike only | No |
| Wike Moonlight | $439 | Double | Bike only | No |
| Wike Premium | $399/$479 | Single/Double | Bike (included), stroller and jogger (add-on) | No |
| Wike Suspension | $559 | Double | Bike (included), stroller and jogger (add-on) | Yes |
*Amazon prices updated 2023-03-08 at 02:41 – More Information
Schwinn Bike Trailers
Chances are you had a Schwinn bike as a kid. Yup, that’s how long this company has been around. If you’re looking for a basic, budget trailer that will get the job done, consider a Schwinn. You won’t find any bells and whistles on these trailers, but they won’t fall apart and they don’t weigh a ton.
The Schwinn Joyrider has a unique, and super practical design. It quickly converts to a stroller for pushing around town, and we like that the cover simply closes rather than needing to be zipped or strapped down. It fits two kids.
The Schwinn Trailblazer is a no-frills simple bike trailer option. Unlike many budget trailers, it has pneumatic (air) tires and metal rims.. It’s It also folds down pretty flat for storage and transport.
Read Our Review: Schwinn Trailblazer
Schwinn Line Up
| Trailer | Price | Single or Double? | Multisport? | Suspension? |
| Schwinn Trailblazer | $179/$259 | Single or Double | Bike only | No |
| Schwinn Joy Rider | $489 | Double | Bike and stroller | No |
Schwinn Joyrider
Price: $486.81
What We Love: Converts to stroller, easy-open, easy close door/cover
*Amazon prices updated 2023-03-08 at 02:41 – More Information
Tout Terrain
The Tout Terrain Singletrailer isn’t the trailer for most families, but you might not be “most families.” This trailer is the BEST option for parents who like to take their child along on singletrack or bikepacking adventures.
It has a single wheel design that allows it to be ridden on skinny trails. The only bummer, of course, is the cost.
Read Review: Tout Terrain Singletrailer
Tout Terrain Singletrailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions we get emailed regularly. Still have a question not answered here? Leave it in the comments below and we’ll try to answer.
How Do I Attach A Bike Trailer?
Almost all bike trailers attach to the adult’s bicycle via a trailer arm and hitch mount. The hitch mount installs on the adult’s rear axle and the trailer arm then slides into it and pins in place.
The biggest problem we hear from parents are those that bought a trailer used and then realized they weren’t given the hitch mount after the fact–yikes! If you have a trailer from a reputable brand like Thule, Burley, or Hamax, no worries. You can easily order a replacement hitch mount from the brands website. For other smaller brands, you may be out of luck.
If you have a thru-axle on your rear wheel, you may also need a axle adapter. For Thule or Burley, you can order these directly from the brand. For other trailers, you can order an adapter from The Robert Axle Project. (More on this topic earlier in the article).
Finally, some trailers (like the Tout Terrain or the Weehoo) attach to the bicycles seatpost instead of the rear axle. Trailer-cycles will attach to either your seatpost or a rear rack.
When Can A Baby Ride In A Bike Trailer?
Quick and easy answer: 12 months old. That’s what the AAP recommends and it keeps you on the safe side.
For a longer answer, read our post on biking with babies:
- Biking With Baby: From Newborn To Infant To Toddler
Should My Child Wear A Helmet In A Bike Trailer?
Yes! In some places they may even be required to wear them by law.
Although kids are pretty safe if they are in a good quality trailer (again think Burley or Thule) and strapped in via a 5-point harness, don’t risk it. You always want to keep your child’s head protected with a good helmet.
There is one exception to this. If you are using the trailer with a baby under one OR a child that doesn’t yet have strong enough neck muscles to support the weight of a helmet, then they should not wear a helmet. Refer to the linked post above on biking with a baby.
More Reading
- 5 Best Baby And Toddler Bike Helmets
- 7 Best Child Carriers for Bikes
- 7 Safety Tips for Biking with Kids
About Us
The Rascals are a family of three. Kristen (mom), Blair (dad), and Parker (kiddo). We started Rascal Rides when Parker was born and we didn’t want to give up our passion for biking. As we learned, we shared. Over the years, we’ve tested hundreds of kids bikes, helmets, bike trailers, and more.
Kristen is a USA Cycling certified coach and loves to share her passion for biking with other families. Blair is a bike geek, mechanic, and mountain bike junkie. Parker is our resident tester and inspiration.
If you see us out on the trail, make sure to say hi!
