Burley D’Lite X Review 2022
Burley D’Lite X Review: Overview
Burley has been around since the ‘70s making bike trailers. Why is that worth noting? Because 40+ years of experience means they’ve been around the block a few times and learned quite a lot.
The Burley D’Lite X we reviewed is the culmination of all those years of experience resulting in a premium bike trailer/stroller combo that has thought through just about every detail.
The standard features that come on this trailer offer great comfort and versatility. The optional accessories available make it so this might be the only stroller you ever need too.
While the D’Lite X is great for getting around on your bike with your little ones in tow, its versatility extends to even being a great cargo hauler as well.
You definitely pay a premium for this experience, so the price tag won’t be for everybody. But for those looking at the best of the bike trailer world there is plenty to discover and love after reading through our Burley D’Lite X bike trailer review.
- The Burley D’Lite X handles really well — it’s hardly noticeable while riding behind you.
- Going from trailer to stroller to folded is quick and convenient.
- The 5-point harness is simple and effective.
- The rear storage compartment holds a lot of cargo.
- Bowed sides and independent suspension provide ultimate comfort.
- UV window protection blocks 98% of UV light.
- Plenty of optional accessories.
- Meets ASTM safety standards.
- The independent recline is great, but the tradeoff is it limits the size of items you’re able to store in the rear cargo area.
Who It’s Best For:
Parents looking for the ultimate comfort package for their kids in a bike trailer/stroller. Dedicated cyclists looking to take their children anywhere they go.
- 1-wheel stroller kit
- Hub brake
- Hitch, tow bar, safety flag
- 5-point harness system
- Aluminum roll cage
- Hammock-style seats
- Water-resistant 600D polyester cover and seat fabric
- Front, rear, and wheel reflectors
- UV protection windows are rated UPF 50+ and block 98% of UV light, bowed for more room
- Cargo area
- Interior pockets in both cargo area and child seating area
- Quick release wheels
- Adjustable suspension
- Independent-reclining seat with 3 positions of adjustment
- Convertible to cargo trailer
- Floor mats
- Optional Items
- 16” fat tires
- Jogger kit
- 2-wheel kit
- Ski kit
- Handlebar Height: 30-51”
- Size Open (Double): 84.5 x 79.4 x 97.2”
- Size Folded: 90.2 x 79.4 x 36.2”
- Inside Height: 24”
- Inside Width: 22.5”
- Number of Riders: 1 or 2 (we reviewed the 2)
- Weight Capacity: 100lbs
- Trailer Weight: 30.2 lbs (includes towbar, hitch, flag)
- Window UV Protection Rating: UPF 50+
- Wheel Size: 20” for standard wheels
Burley D’Lite X: Performance Review
Assembly
I’ve had my fair share of mishaps trying to assemble furniture or products. Fortunately, the D’Lite X is so simple to put together that even I couldn’t overcomplicate it!
Once out of the box, simply open up the D’Lite X trailer and lock it in the middle frame tube. You’ll need to attach the two quick receivers, wheels, and tow bar into place. Pop in the flag, and you’re ready to connect to the hitch.
Check the manual if you have any questions about how to secure the hitch to your axle. It took me maybe fifteen minutes to get everything set up to take it out for my first ride.
Ride Handling
Both rider and passenger will love how smoothly the Burley D’Lite X handles.
While on the bike, I was amazed at how well the D’Lite X rolls, turns, and keeps a low profile in general.
I only noticed the feel of the trailer when straining my senses to detect it, but for the most part, you don’t notice much behind you. There isn’t much drag. thanks to how well the 20” tires roll. The occasional whip of the flag or bounce of the suspension is all you audibly pick up (and of course, the sound of your little one’s voice).
I’d say the mark of a good bike trailer is one you don’t feel like you’re lugging around — by that criteria, the D’Lite X is definitely a good bike trailer.
Most of my time riding with the D’Lite X included my son riding along with me. On a few occasions I tested out the trailer without him to test the handling limits. While intentionally riding it faster than advisable and weaving around a lot on my e-bike, I noticed the wheels remained stuck to the ground. My efforts to get the trailer to tilt up on one wheel proved to be in vain — a result I’m plenty happy with.
Another great feature I enjoyed while reviewing the D’Lite X is the detachable seats. This allows the trailer to convert to a full cargo hauler, which is ideal for grocery runs.
Premium seating and 5-point harness system inside the D’Lite X.
The stroller wheel is always on the tow bar and can be used with a quick adjustment when the trailer is off your bike.
The D’Lite X has a unique ability to shorten the reach of the front wheel for tighter handling as a stroller.
Handling as a stroller
The Burley D’Lite X’s appeal for parents is how easily it goes from bike trailer to stroller. Simply unhook the tow bar from the hitch, put the wheel down into place, and you’re ready to stroll.
Despite having only one child, I own three strollers: an umbrella stroller,a full-sized stroller, and a jogging stroller. I think there’s a genuine argument to be had for ditching at least two of the three and using the D’Lite X as my main stroller (hard to get rid of the umbrella one, though).
As mentioned before, the D’Lite X moves really well on the 20” wheels which is as evident as a stroller as it is as a trailer. The D’Lite X also includes many features that add up to an excellent experience as a stroller.
The handlebar accommodates a wide array of heights. Great for moms and dads to adjust it to where it’s needed.
Mesh pockets are located in the rear cargo area for the parents.
Speaking of the cargo area, it holds a good amount of volume, so toys and snacks are a breeze to take. The only slight drawback of the cargo area is that the recline bar limits the size of items you might try and bring, but typically kids’ items are small enough to fit.
Where you really start to see the premium features of the D’Lite come into play are with the attachments. The tow bar that converts to a stroller has a walking mode that shortens the lead wheel making the handling more responsive.
The quick-release system allows for upgradable attachments such as a two-wheel stroller kit, jogging kit, and even a ski kit for pushing in the snow.
Last but not least, the brake locks the wheels up well, so kids can hop in and out of the trailer safely.
After reviewing the D’Lite X, this stoller has become the new go-to for our family walks around the neighborhood.
Ride Comfort
Though I’d love to properly interview my son — the primary tester of this section — the feedback a 1 ½ year old can provide is limited. However, after a good 20 miles of riding my son never seemed uncomfortable or fussy — much longer than expected without some form of complaint. He was generally happy the entire time in the trailer and only protesting when it was time to get out and go to daycare.
The D’Lite X has premium padded seats and cushion-lined harness straps. The seats have an independent recline to help kids find their most comfortable position. If that wasn’t enough, the D’Lite X also has an adjustable suspension system to absorb some shock you might encounter on bumpier paths.
The tinted side windows are bowed out for more elbow and shoulder room. An adjustable sunshade can be moved up or down the front of the trailer to keep the sun out of your children’s eyes.
The D’Lite X also sports front and rear rain covers that can be drawn back to allow ventilation to flow through the trailer on warmer days.
Everything adds up to help ensure your kids are getting the nicest ride possible.
A final thought from this section: we recently reviewed Burley’s Honey Bee, which is the entry-level bike trailer/stroller Burley offers. While the safety, handling and overall construction quality is consistently good between these two trailers, the most significant difference is in the D’Lite X’s more comfortable ride.
The seats can detach leaving even more room for hauling groceries or other cargo.
Mesh pockets can hold snacks, drinks or toys to keep your little one occupied.
Thanks to the adjustable sun shade and tinted windows, your kids won’t have to spend the whole ride squinting.
The suspension system guarantees a more comfortable ride inside the cabin.
Folding/Transporting
Folding down the Burley D’Lite X is quick and easy. Unhook the release latches from the rear cross bar and push in the front. The wheels release quickly by depressing the yellow button in the center and then they pull right off. Remove the tow bar and you’re ready to stow it in a trunk or closet.
At 30.4 lbs the trailer isn’t too difficult to lift in and out of a trunk. It should be fairly portable for most people.
Safety
Burley has done a good job of designing the D’Lite X with safety in mind. That all starts with the materials chosen for construction.
The trailer’s skeleton is made up of heat treated 6061-T6 aluminum frame tubes and hinges. The aluminum is light but durable, and is backed by a confidence-inspiring 3-year warranty.
The polyester wind and water resistant-cover will do good at shielding kids and cargo from the elements. There are reflectors located on the front, back, and sides, and a flag for motorists to see you more easily.
The 5-point harness system is easy to get kids situated, and will help keep them secure in the event of a crash. The head area is recessed as well so your children can easily wear helmets comfortably inside the cabin.
Burley claims to meet or exceed the American Society for Testing and Materials. Measuring up to safety standards is paramount for any product involving children. Parents can have peace of mind knowing the ASTM safety standards are met.
Accessories
Burley has several accessories for the D’Lite X such as a trailer storage bag, bunting bag for keeping little ones warm and a baby snuggler for taking your infants on stroller rides.
As I mentioned above, the D’Lite X in particular has useful kits that are compatible with the quick receivers such as the 2-wheel stroller kit, jogging kit, and ski kit.
They also have a 16” x 3” wheel kit you can buy. This is great for people who spend time in the sand, dirt, or snow.
We tested out the 16” wheel kit which paired nicely behind some of the fat tire e-bikes we have here at the Electric Bike Report offices. They offer a fun experience as you can take your kids with you on some off roading adventures.
Floor liners make for a quick and easy clean up. Bye-bye, Cheerio dust.
Want to take the kids on some dirt trails? Pop on the optional 16” wheel kit and go.
Burley’s D’Lite X folds down neatly making it easy to tuck away.
Burley D’Lite X Review: Summary / Where to Buy
The Burley D’Lite X I reviewed looked and performed up to my expectations for a top-of-the-line bike trailer.
Riding around with the D’Lite X was fantastic. It sticks to your bike and moves very well, all the while keeping the kiddos happy. By making everything so comfortable and easy it encourages you to get out and ride around more with the kids.
The price tag will give some buyers pause, but relatively speaking it’s on par with its competitors for what you get. For a premium model to not feel overpriced it needs to improve over a base model in just about every way, and Burley delivers that against any standard bike trailer I’ve seen.
The suspension, reclining seats, easily cleaned floor mat, bowed sides, and more really add up to a package that enhances nearly every aspect of the ride making it as comfortable as possible.
If you’re looking for all the bells and whistles, or something that can enable you to bring kids along on your cycle-heavy lifestyle, then you’ll definitely want to take a long, hard look at the Burley D’Lite X.
Burley sells the D’Lite X directly from their website. You can see current pricing at the button below.
‘Happy Riding, make sure to let us know if you have any questions down in our comments section or if you think we left anything out in this review of the Burley D’Lite X.