Comprehensive Review of the Burley Coho XC Touring Trailer: Setup, Build & Ride Insights

If you’re a bike touring enthusiast or someone who loves to haul gear on two wheels, choosing the right trailer can make or break your ride. The Burley Coho XC has been buzzing in the bike community for its sharp specs, rugged build, and smart design tailored for touring. 

But beyond the glossy details and specs on paper, does it truly enhance your cycling experience? In this article, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the Burley Coho XC—from unboxing and setup to how it performs on the trail under real-world conditions. 

Whether you’re a seasoned bikepacker or a casual adventurer looking for a reliable trailer, this detailed review will help you decide if the Coho XC deserves a spot on your next big ride.

Unboxing and Setup: Simple and Satisfying

One of the first things that stood out to me about the Burley Coho XC is how straightforward the setup process is. As soon as you open the box, everything is packed neatly and logically. You’ll find the main trailer frame, the single rear wheel, a front yoke for attachment, a fender, and a couple of quick-release skewers. 

No tools are required to assemble the trailer, which is a huge plus for anyone who wants to get rolling quickly without fumbling with complicated parts.

Putting the trailer together felt pretty satisfying and intuitive. The rear fork slots right into place, followed by the wheel secured with a quick-release skewer. 

The fender clicks in and locks tightly, and the front yoke slides in with another quick-release mechanism. To finish, you throw the bungee net over the top and pop the safety flag into its holder. That’s it — you’re ready to hit the road.

The Hitch System: Smart and User-Friendly

The hitch design deserves special mention. It’s genuinely clever and easy to use. The hitch slides into your bike’s rear axle and locks securely with just one hand. 

A bright yellow lever makes releasing it quick and fuss-free — no pins or clips to wrestle with. This simplicity is great when you want to detach the trailer fast, especially in the middle of a ride or when loading gear.

However, there was a small hiccup with axle compatibility. If your bike doesn’t have a standard quick-release axle, you’ll need a specific adapter to fit the Coho XC’s hitch. And it’s not just any adapter. It has to match the exact thread, length, and spacing of your bike’s axle. 

Finding the right one took longer than expected, and I felt Burley could have made this process more forgiving or provided clearer guidance. Including a common adapter with the trailer would be a thoughtful addition at this price point.

Also Read: How to Silence Your Bike: 7 Proven Hacks to Eliminate Creaking Noises

Build Quality and Design: Solid and Thoughtful

Once assembled, the Burley Coho XC feels well-built and robust. There’s no sign of flimsy parts, rattles, or loose ends. 

The frame is stiff and stable, which gives confidence when riding over uneven terrain with a heavy load. The fender over the wheel is a practical touch, blocking mud spray effectively and keeping your gear cleaner on wet trails.

Capacity and Load Management

The Coho XC offers a generous 70 liters of open cargo space and can carry up to 70 pounds of gear. Since it has no sidewalls, you have the freedom to pack irregularly shaped items like a tripod or loose gear, which is a nice advantage over box-style trailers. 

However, the lack of walls means you have to be smart about packing. Heavier items should go low and close to the wheel to keep the center of gravity stable, while lighter, softer gear can be placed on top.

The included bungee net holds everything in place quite well, but if you toss gear in haphazardly, you’ll notice shifting and sway while riding. Proper load distribution is key to maintaining balance and a smooth ride.

Ride Performance: Narrow, Nimble, and Stable

The single-wheel design of the Burley Coho XC is one of its biggest selling points, and it truly delivers. The 16-inch wheel sits directly behind your rear tire, tucking in tight without catching on bushes or trail edges. 

With a width of just 17 inches, it easily slips through narrow single-track trails and tight paths without forcing you to adjust your riding line significantly.

On twisty and technical trails, the trailer follows your bike’s path closely with no weird swing-outs or dragging against obstacles. This precise tracking is a huge benefit for riders who want to maintain agility without the trailer getting in the way.

Suspension and Comfort

The Coho XC features coil spring suspension that noticeably smooths out the ride when the trailer is fully loaded. Compared to trailers without suspension, it reduces bounce and rattle, keeping your gear steadier on rough terrain. This suspension really shines on bumpy trails, helping to protect fragile items and improve overall comfort.

That said, when the trailer is lightly packed, the suspension feels somewhat over-sprung and stiff, which can make for a less comfortable ride. This trailer is clearly designed for carrying real cargo, not just a jacket and a water bottle.

Handy Features You’ll Appreciate

• Dual-leg kickstand: This sturdy kickstand folds out like a motorcycle stand and even supports your bike when parked. It’s a game-changer for loading and unloading on uneven ground where you want to keep both hands free.
• Foldable design: The trailer folds down compactly after removing the wheel, making it easy to store in car trunks or closets.
• Accessory mounts: Burley thoughtfully added mounts for racks, panniers, and other gear expansions, so this trailer can grow with your touring needs.

Burley Coho XC - Pros and Cons

Feature	Pros	Cons
Setup	No tools needed, quick and easy assembly, smart hitch system	Axle adapter compatibility can be tricky
Build Quality	Stiff frame, no rattles, solid fender blocking mud spray	Relatively heavy trailer (21+ lbs)
Capacity	70 liters space, carries up to 70 lbs, flexible open design	No walls means packing carefully to avoid shifting
Ride Performance	Narrow 17” width, follows bike line precisely, coil spring suspension	Suspension too stiff when lightly loaded
Additional Features	Dual-leg kickstand, foldable for storage, accessory mounts	None significant

What Could Be Improved?

While the Burley Coho XC is a solid choice for serious touring, there are a few areas Burley could improve to make the experience even better. 

First, the axle adapter situation could be simplified. Customers unfamiliar with bike axle specs might struggle to find the right adapter, which delays setup and causes frustration. Including a standard adapter or a clearer guide would help.

Second, the trailer’s weight is on the heavier side at about 21 pounds without cargo. While it’s sturdy, the extra weight can be noticeable on climbs or long rides. Finally, an adjustable suspension would be a welcome upgrade to accommodate both light and heavy loads more comfortably.

Who Should Consider the Burley Coho XC?

The Burley Coho XC is ideal for riders who need a reliable, durable trailer that can handle heavy loads without compromising trail performance. 

If you’re planning multi-day tours, bikepacking trips, or hauling bulky gear through varied terrain, this trailer will serve you well. Its narrow profile and smart suspension make it a versatile companion for single-track trails and off-road adventures.

However, if your needs are lighter or you prefer a trailer that’s ultra-lightweight and simple, you might want to explore other options. The Coho XC shines when packed properly and loaded with real cargo, so it’s best suited for serious riders who want a trailer that lasts and performs consistently.

Final Thoughts

After putting the Burley Coho XC through its paces, I can say it’s a trailer that truly understands the needs of bike tourers and gear haulers. It’s built tough, rides smoothly, and offers smart features that make touring easier and more enjoyable. 

The single-wheel design and coil suspension give it a nimble feel on trails, while the open cargo space lets you pack creatively. Sure, it’s not the lightest trailer out there, and the axle adapter situation can be a bit frustrating, but once you get past those small hurdles, the Coho XC just works.

If you’re serious about bike touring and need a trailer that won’t hold you back, this is the one I’d pick. It’s not the cheapest option, but it’s the one that feels like it will last season after season without annoying you with rattles or setup headaches. Load it up, hit the trail, and you’ll quickly see why the Burley Coho XC has earned its reputation.

Thanks for reading! If you have any questions or want to share your experiences with the Coho XC, drop a comment below. We’re always around to chat and help you get the most out of your riding adventures.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is the Burley Coho XC compatible with all bikes?
   It works with most bikes, but axle compatibility can be tricky. You may need a specific adapter based on your bike’s axle type (quick release, thru axle, etc.). It’s best to check your bike’s specs before purchasing.
2. How much weight can the Coho XC carry?
   The trailer can hold up to 70 pounds of gear safely, making it suitable for heavy touring loads.
3. Does the suspension improve ride comfort?
   Yes, the coil spring suspension reduces bounce and rattle when the trailer is fully loaded, protecting your gear on bumpy trails.
4. Can the trailer be folded for storage?
   Absolutely. The Coho XC folds down after removing the wheel, making it compact and easy to store or transport.
5. Is the trailer suitable for narrow trails?
   Yes, its narrow 17-inch width and single-wheel design allow it to follow your bike’s line closely without dragging on bushes or trail edges.