General Cycling Discussion - ?'s also posted in living car free need reply

I have an old trek 7300 (before suspension) that is slowly getting geared into a comfort tank (rack lights panniers etc.) I do rec riding wth my happy (most of the time) new hip but I'd love to do more utility biking.

So I'm thinking of getting a trailer for grocery shopping (we eat a lot and with my CP I am not the most balanced so 50-70 ponds on the bike = bad plan) plus to get on and off the bike I lay it down. I realize this is a sin to some but it works for me and it's better than not riding right!?!. I don't have the money for a bent so thanks but let's not go there. Im mostly fine once on the bike but...

1) is there a trailer that I could get for hauling groceries that wouldn't require the bike to stay upright ?

maybe I should post this in the builders forum?

2) how do you secure the trailer from thieves while shopping

3) I have a cheap lock now for my bike and want recommendations on a "good cost effective lock",
How long should it be and ow should I use it (through frame around each rim once?) Please advise and forgive me for my ignorance.

I did pick up yesterdays Jewel chicken deal on the bike and it fit perfect in my rack bag and didn't have adverse effects from being "tipped over" for my mounting procedure. It is a start. Nice to burn some dinner calories before you eat them
thanks.

First of all, laying down your bike gently is fine IMO. That way you are avoiding thise unforseen moments when Gravity or the wind shifts and slams your steed to the ground.

A trailer is a good idea. Since you are concerned about balance, a one wheeled trailer ( B.O.B. for instance) might not be a good idea. But there is a company out of Indiana that makes a spiffy little utility trailer with two wheels. I just read a review of it in Dirt Rag. I cannot remember the name, but the parent company is called "Paddleboy" (http://www.paddleboy.com/). The trailer is so new, their website does not show it. But according to Dirtrag, it does exist. For about $300 if I am not mistaken. The beauty of the trailer hitch is the bike can swivel to a prone position. At least that is the impression I got from viewing it.

I use this one quite a bit:
http://www.burley.com/products/trailers/default5891.html?p=Flatbed&i=7

The hitch will allow the bike to lay flat to either side.

To lock it I disconnect it from the bike, run a cable through both wheels and the frame and lock it to my bike lock. Securing the contents of the trailer is more difficult. I have considered making a thin plywood bed and mounting that on the frame without drilling holes in the frame. Then bolt a lockable box to the bed.

Here's a pic of what it looks like behind my road bike:
http://static.flickr.com/35/71291069_ef0f01c669.jpg

Not to be rude but cost?

No problem, I paid about $200 for mine, + S&H.

I did a quick search for "burley flatbed trailer" and these are the first three I came up with.

You could also check with your LBS, they might be able to get it for you.

http://www.universalcycles.com/shopping/product_details.php?id=7587&category=1761
http://bicyclesource.us/itemdetails.cfm?ID=9371
http://www.calhouncycle.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=119&idcategory=18

Thanks, when the funds come the fun comes