How to Attach a Bike Trailer to a UK Store-Bought Bike – Halfords, Decathlon, Argos & More
Can’t connect your bike trailer to your bike? You’re not alone. Many UK-sold bikes – especially from major retailers like Halfords, Argos, Tesco, Very, and Sports Direct – often use solid axles or non-standard thru axles that don’t fit most trailer hitches.
But don’t worry – we’ve helped thousands of UK customers solve this exact problem. You just need the right adapter.
Need help? We make it easy
It doesn’t matter which bike or bike trailer you have – we’re happy to help!
Whether it’s Thule, Hamax, Burley, Nordic Cab, Halfords or any other brand, we’ll help you find the right adapter for your bike.
You don’t need to figure it out on your own. Just fill out our quick help form – it takes less than 1 minute, and we usually reply the same day or by the next business day.
📬 Tip: If you don’t get a reply, please check your spam or promotions folder – we’re known for being fast!
You can also reach us directly:
📞 Phone: +47 4000 6191 (Monday–Friday, 10:00–14:00 CET)
📧 Email: info@ncsolutions.com
💬 Chat: Click the chat icon in the bottom-right corner of our website – we’ll be right there to help!
Common UK Bike Brands That May Need an Adapter
If your bike is from any of the following brands, it’s very likely you’ll need an adapter to attach your trailer safely:
From Halfords:
- Apollo (in-house)
- Carrera (in-house)
- Boardman (exclusive performance line)
- Voodoo (MTB focus)
- Pendleton (step-through/lifestyle)
- Indi (kids’ and budget)
- Wild (folding and urban)
- Weeride (also sells trailers/seats)
From Argos:
- Challenge (budget bikes)
- Optima
- Cross
- EBike (Argos white-label electric)
- Sonic
- X-Rated (kids/BMX)
- Universal
- Vitesse
- Black Widow (BMX/teen)
- Pro Rider (mobility/e-bike crossover)
From Tesco / Very / Littlewoods:
- Activ
- Cosmic
- Boss
- Concept
- Insync
- Trinx
- Coyote
- Flite
- Rooster (BMX)
- Ignite
- AMMACO
- Elswick
From Sports Direct:
- Muddyfox (house brand)
- Silverfox
- No Fear (BMX/youth)
- Cosmic
- Flite
- X-Rated
From Decathlon:
- B’Twin (core family/hybrid range)
- Rockrider (MTB)
- Riverside (hybrid)
- Triban (road)
- Elops (city)
- Tilt (folding bikes)
- Original (entry-level hybrid/trekking)
- Long Distance (e-bike line)
Most of these bikes come with:
- 5 mm solid axles (quick release)
- Bolt-on axles
- Or thru axles (12 mm, M12x1.0 / M12x1.5 / M12x1.75)
We’re experts in bikes and trailers – and we’ll help you connect your bike to any trailer brand, including:
- Thule
- Hamax
- Burley
- Nordic Cab
- Croozer
- Halfords
- Schwinn
- Instep
- InnoPet
- Beemo
- Trixie
- VidaXL
- InStep
- HOMCOM
- Klarfit
- Schiano
- Allen Sports
- Aosom
- PawHut
- Dolly
- Vanderfields
- Duramaxx
- Elliot
- And many more
Do I Need an Adapter for My Bike?
In many cases – yes.
Modern bikes often come with a variety of axle standards that may not be compatible with standard bike trailer hitches. Common axle types include:
- 12 mm thru axle (found on most modern road, gravel, city and mountain bikes)
- Proprietary axle systems (like quick-release thru axles or R.A.T.-style designs)
- 5 mm quick release (often on older or entry-level bikes)
- Solid axles (often found on hub gear bikes, city bikes, or utility bikes)
If your trailer doesn’t fit, you likely need an adapter to make it work safely.
👉 Want to browse yourself? You can also check out our full selection here:
🔗 See all bike trailer adapters
Shipping, Taxes & Worldwide Delivery
📦 We ship with DHL Express – fast, tracked delivery to your door
🌍 Worldwide shipping available
💰 All prices include local tax and VAT – no hidden fees
🚫 No extra customs charges – what you see is what you pay
About Us – Quality Adapters from a Norwegian Bike Trailer Brand
Nordic Cab is a Norwegian manufacturer of bike trailers and accessories – and we know how important a safe and solid connection is.
Our adapters are:
- CNC-machined
- Made from high-quality aluminum or stainless steel
- Designed for perfect fit and durability
For more specialized bikes, we also partner with trusted brands like Robert Axle Project to offer the best possible solution.
Wherever you ride – we’ll help you connect your trailer safely and securely.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why doesn’t my trailer fit my bike?
Most likely because your bike uses a thru axle, solid axle, or a proprietary system that isn’t compatible with standard trailer hitches.
Which bikes typically need adapters?
Most modern bikes do – especially those with 12 mm thru axles, internal gear hubs, solid axles, or proprietary quick-release systems.
How do I check which axle I have?
Remove the axle and check the size. Or send us a photo – we’ll figure it out for you.
Is it hard to install an adapter?
Not at all! All you need is a hex key and a wrench. No special tools are required.
Do your adapters work with all trailer brands?
Yes! Our adapters are compatible with all major 2-wheeled bike trailers that mount at the frame hub, including Thule, Hamax, Burley, Nordic Cab, Croozer, Qeridoo, and many more.
What if I buy the wrong adapter?
If you’re ordering from outside Norway, we recommend contacting us before you order if you’re unsure. Just send us your bike details – we’ll help you get it right the first time.
(Inside Norway, we offer a free exchange if needed.)
Can I use the same adapter on a different bike?
Only if the axle type is exactly the same. We recommend one adapter per bike.
Is it safe for children or pets in the trailer?
Absolutely. Our adapters are precision-made and tested for strength and safety.
