Utility Cycling - bikes at works trailer...

i got my 64" one yesterday, and it's one of the coolest things i've ever owned. i took all of my roomates for rides around the block. woohoo!

i missed being able to collect all sorts of ridiculous things, but now i'm back in action. i'll post some pics later.

Please keep us updated on this trailer and the use you put it to. I have wanted one of these for some time.

Are you going to use it on bike moves?

Please keep us updated on this trailer and the use you put it to. I have wanted one of these for some time.

I will...you should get one, it's totally worth it.


Are you going to use it on bike moves?

I'd like to...I never really look at the shift website though. I'm going to try to remember to check periodically now. If you help with those things, you should PM me and let me know when they happen.

great..please post a pic when you have time

I don't have any trailer - yet. My brother and I are saving $ to co-own a Burley Flatbed. We're only a few miles from each other, one between the 2 of us should work fine. When we get it, I do want to help with bike moves.

If you guys don't own a car, I'd definitely recommend saving for what I got if it's realistic for you...all of the carrying capacity you gave up with car ownership is pretty much reclaimed with a $300 lb weight limit. I guess it depends on your habits/lifestyle if that actually an issue or not, but for me one of the worst things about giving up the car was having to ignore all of the furntiture and whatever else on the side of the road and at the thrift store...no more though. I'm just excited:D

You also have to decide what you want to carry and where you want to carry it to.

Most of my bike trailer uses are for carrying groceries, plants from friends who don't need them, stuff for camping with kids and the occasional bike. I find that the Nomad – with a few minor modifications – is a good compromise between weight and capacity. My worst loads have been moving earth, sand or salt.
The few times I have more to carry, I either go by car or, more often, get a delivery.

A trailer like the Bike at Work one would suit a few more loads, but most of the time it would be too much of a load to carry around.

I found a really big wooden chair night, and a table, in the trash. It was the trailers first big (nonhuman) load. It handles really well, even with a lot of weight on it, and once you get going you can still move pretty fast. I also found some cones on the way home that weren't on active duty, so they got tossed on top, for a future Road Witch project(if you haven't seen it, go look: http://www.wormworks.com/roadwitch/index.html)

Anyway, it was at night, and my camera needs a new flash bulb, so no pictures yet. And I don't want to demean it by taking a picture with nothing on it. One will come soon though, I collect too much stuff:D



but most of the time it would be too much of a load to carry around.
...the trailer is actually really light, as in I can carry it up the steps as easy or easier than a bike, and when it's not loaded you don't even remember it's back there...I went over a curb with it unloaded yesterday and didn't even feel it. And it has a quick release, so it takes about 10 seconds to attach or detach it;) I mean, I'm not riding all over town with this thing for fun, but it's certainly no hassle to hook it up if I need to use it, even for a smaller load.

I just checked the data and the Bikes-at-Work trailers are a bit lighter than I thought. However, I still feel that one shouldn't buy a too large or too heavy trailer for one's needs (i.e. don't get a truck if a car is sufficient, but get a truck if you need one).

My former Chariot 2-children trailer weighed approximately 25 lb; my current Burley Nomad weighs 14.5 lb and is only 25" wide. The Bikes-at-Work 32" trailer weighs 25 lb and the 64" trailer weighs 31 lb. If you want to carry groceries and other loose items, you need 2 storage boxes like the Rubbermaid 18-gal. containers (which weigh 2-3 lb each) to get the equivalent storage capacity you have in the Burley Nomad.

Of course, if you mostly need the trailer to carry lumber, a lawnmower, bicycles..., then the Bikes at Work trailer is a much better option; but if it's mostly to carry smaller items then the Nomad might be better. And if you need a trailer to tour with the family, then the Nomad is definitely a better option because you won't like carrying a half-empty bulky trailer for thousands of kilometres. In the latter case, I would say that the air resistance is the biggest advantage of the Nomad over the 2-children carrier, but shaving kilos helps when climbing 15% grades.

here are some pictures of the trailer in action, complete with sidekick.

ready to go:
http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p278/braingel/DSCF0003-4.jpg

wiggy contemplating his first ride:
http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p278/braingel/DSCF0002-1.jpg

wiggy, all packed up:
http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p278/braingel/DSCF0004-2.jpg

home with all the stuff:
http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p278/braingel/DSCF0006-1.jpg

inside:
http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p278/braingel/DSCF0005.jpg

when i got home i had a 30lb bag of dog food, an 18lb bag of cat food, a tub half full of groceries and bike parts, and an 80lb wiggy. the uphills were pretty tough, but i'm also using a 10 speed road bike to drag the thing, so that doesn't really help. i'll have a mountain bike up and running soon with a triple up front and a big 34 ring in the back, so that should make it more reasonable. it handles really well though, even if it was tough to pull.

Dude that was really funny. Wiggy looks happy. As happy as a Wiggy gets anyway...

I really like that trailer. I can't decide between that or Extracycle, maybe both. That'd still be way cheaper than a few car parts and allot more usefull.

How's Wiggy like the ride? Gonna go to the beach in the summer?

Very nice. Thanks for the up dates.

ditto

I'm sorry, but you cannot carry pet food on a bike!

It is IMPOSSIBLE!!!

Sorry--couldn't help myself. Sometimes it seems that pet food transport is the number one "reason" that people give for owning a car. Kitty litter is number two. Taking pets to the vet is number three. :D :rolleyes:

Sometimes it seems that pet food transport is the number one "reason" that people give for owning a car. Kitty litter is number two. Taking pets to the vet is number three. :D :rolleyes:
Guess it depends on the make up of the "people" who are giving you their main reason for owning a car as transport of pets and pet supplies. Somehow I doubt that your sources represent a wide slice of the general population.

Before I got the trailer, I'd just strap the dog food to my rear rack. How is that hard?

Guess it depends on the make up of the "people" who are giving you their main reason for owning a car as transport of pets and pet supplies. Somehow I doubt that your sources represent a wide slice of the general population.
I guess you missed the little smiley things on my admittedly lame post. :) (And now it's even lamer because somebody took it seriously!)

But there's usually a factual basis to even the least funny joke, and there actually have been many, many messages on this forum that said, in effect, "I would be carfree but I just can't get the 40 pound bag of dog food home without a car."

I guess you missed the little smiley things on my admittedly lame post. :) (And now it's even lamer because somebody took it seriously!)

But there's usually a factual basis to even the least funny joke, and there actually have been many, many messages on this forum that said, in effect, "I would be carfree but I just can't get the 40 pound bag of dog food home without a car."

A search of "dog food" yields 19 threads. I didn't go in and read them all, but yes it seems that the subject has come up before.

-D

80 pounds of litter and/or food is a dandy Christmas present for a carfree pet owner.

80 pounds of litter and/or food is a dandy Christmas present for a carfree pet owner.
Except it would be IMPOSSIBLE to deliver it to them. Haven't you been paying attention? ;)

Except it would be IMPOSSIBLE to deliver it to them. Haven't you been paying attention? ;)True dat! I cheated. You see, I know someone who drives a car and when the subject of Christmas presents came up for my carfree son I suggested 80 pounds of cat litter. That's a gift idea that would occur only to another carfree person. People will doubtless wonder why a dog owner would want 80 pounds of cat litter. Well, Son's dog happens to be litter box trained. I know, that's another impossible thing but there you have it. As you well know we all have to do at least three impossible things every day before breakfast to be carfree. The merely improbable things we have to do to be carfree come easy.

I got this big desk for free off CL from a Chevy dealership today, and I thought it would be really funny to show up there with my trailer to pick it up. They didn't even do a double take or anything...it was weird.

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p278/braingel/DSCF0001_15.jpg

New business; www.pacmulebicycletrailers.com

I got this big desk for free off CL from a Chevy dealership today, and I thought it would be really funny to show up there with my trailer to pick it up. They didn't even do a double take or anything...it was weird.

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p278/braingel/DSCF0001_15.jpg

Dude ... That trailer is awesome!!! I definitely want one of those trailers! That would work perfectly for me to transport plants from the nursery, a couple of large bags of potting soil, groceries, supplies ....

I currently have a Xtracycle and a Burley flatbed trailer. I still want/need two more trailers. I want the long BAW--- trailer model 96A.
I also want this bicycle camping trailer:
http://www.tonystrailers.com/mobileshelter/

I use the Burley for loads I don't want to put in the freeloaders. I also use it to get sand for my driveway in the winter.
I would use the Bikes At Work trailer for large loads, and/or furniture.
I would use the tonystrailers.com trailer for camping
I love my Xtracycle.

xtrajack,

Check out this home-made bicycle camping trailer. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWnsu4dfNGs&feature=related

^^^ that is awesome.

I'm still trying to decide between the 64 wide or the 96 trailer to use with my Surly Long Haul Trucker ....

I will be using the trailer for hauling gardening supplies and other stuff: lots of plants from the nurseries, large bags of potting soil, dirt, rocks, cement blocks, bricks, scrap lumber and other misc. stuff.

I will also use the trailer for stocking up on groceries (lots of canned goods, and other stuff in bulk).

Question: Would the 64 inch trailer be large enough to carry a refrigerator, desk, matresses, and other similar large items?

Never tried to carry a full size fridge or mattress, but I'd guess you'd need the largest model for tasks such as that. One nice feature is the modular design. If you buy the 96, you can configure a 32 or 64 inch trailer from it. The 32in Bikes@Work trailer would probably meet most of you daily hauling needs, but on the rare occasion that you need the extra capacity, you'll have it.

I wasn't sure whether to get the 32 or the 64. I'm really glad I got the 64, I do a lot with it that I couldn't do with the 32. The 64 is a bit unwieldy, for weaving through traffic and such. I don't think you will want to pull the 96 regularly, but you will have the option. Get a "THIS TRUCK MAKES WIDE RIGHT TURNS" sign, haha.

Never tried to carry a full size fridge or mattress, but I'd guess you'd need the largest model for tasks such as that. One nice feature is the modular design. If you buy the 96, you can configure a 32 or 64 inch trailer from it. The 32in Bikes@Work trailer would probably meet most of you daily hauling needs, but on the rare occasion that you need the extra capacity, you'll have it.

I wasn't sure whether to get the 32 or the 64. I'm really glad I got the 64, I do a lot with it that I couldn't do with the 32. The 64 is a bit unwieldy, for weaving through traffic and such. I don't think you will want to pull the 96 regularly, but you will have the option. Get a "THIS TRUCK MAKES WIDE RIGHT TURNS" sign, haha.

If I get the 96 trailer, how easy would it be to convert it to the 64 or 32, and then convert back to the 96? I think that I would be able to use the 96 trailer, but not very often, so it would be nice to have the option availabe.

One thing I like about the 64 inch trailer, is that it comes in extra wide!

You would have to take it apart and put it back together again, the sections don't come apart with quick release levers or anything like that. I've just kept mine at 64in. so I don't know. I think it would be a fairly quick job with a ratchet wrench. All the bolts are the same size.

I like the narrow one because I have to go between bollards such as these.
http://i478.photobucket.com/albums/rr147/Rod_Smith/bike/IMG_3690_3.jpg
Also for splitting lanes, but I would never do that, if it happened it was not on purpose. The fenders will support weight, I think they say 200lbs? if I recall correctly, so you can carry loads wider than the trailer. It's tricky though to balance loads on the curved fenders. I prefer to put something on the bed to make a platform above the fenders, then put the wide stuff on top of that. For instance, these boxes, the second row is wider than the trailer bed. Build up and out! :thumb:
http://i478.photobucket.com/albums/rr147/Rod_Smith/bike/IMG_3665_2.jpg

I wish they made the wide in a 96" version. I use it to haul construction equipment behind my Xtracycle. Also the wide loader on the xtra hits the trailer with sharp corners. Need about 3 more inches on that trailer hitch bar.

You would have to take it apart and put it back together again, the sections don't come apart with quick release levers or anything like that. I've just kept mine at 64in. so I don't know. I think it would be a fairly quick job with a ratchet wrench. All the bolts are the same size.

I like the narrow one because I have to go between bollards such as these.
http://i478.photobucket.com/albums/rr147/Rod_Smith/IMG_3690_3.jpg
Also for splitting lanes, but I would never do that, if it happened it was not on purpose. The fenders will support weight, I think they say 200lbs? if I recall correctly, so you can carry loads wider than the trailer. It's tricky though to balance loads on the curved fenders. I prefer to put something on the bed to make a platform above the fenders, then put the wide stuff on top of that. For instance, these boxes, the second row is wider than the trailer bed. Build up and out! :thumb:
http://i478.photobucket.com/albums/rr147/Rod_Smith/IMG_3665_2.jpg

Thanks for posting the pics and suggestions. I like the idea of building up and out! I will definitely give that a try ... And the tip about getting through narrow spots. We have many places around town that are a tight squeeze. So, I think I'll pass on the extra wide 64 inch trailer.

I wish they made the wide in a 96" version. I use it to haul construction equipment behind my Xtracycle. Also the wide loader on the xtra hits the trailer with sharp corners. Need about 3 more inches on that trailer hitch bar.

Sharp corners could be an issue where we live. I'm looking at the 96 inch trailer, and converting it to the 64 inch for the majority of my needs.

In Vancouver, BC. they have those poles everywhere on alot of the bike routes I travel on. They are annoying even on two wheels. Later down the road I'll be likely to get a bikes at work trailer, and even now I carefully watch the routes im using to see how asseble they are and which areas have frustrating pinch points.

In Vancouver, BC. they have those poles everywhere on alot of the bike routes I travel on. They are annoying even on two wheels. Later down the road I'll be likely to get a bikes at work trailer, and even now I carefully watch the routes im using to see how asseble they are and which areas have frustrating pinch points.

I know what you mean! I'm always looking for different routes. I found a new route the other day just by accident! So, now I can avoid one of the more dangerous streets most of the way.

I just wrote to Bikes at Work and they will make the 96A in the wide version. Yaa! If the bollards on the bike ways are too close together in your city, go to the city government, find out who controls that and see if they can change it. Go with all the info you need to prove your case, typical width of a trailer, an example of a trouble spot, what width will work, etc. I am on our local Non-Motorized Board and we can usually correct these things -it takes a while.

Yeah, I'll write a letter to NSA to widen the gaps between those bollards in front of the White House. Haha. Really, I'm just happy they allow me to cut through there. Trucks were banned from that area following the Oklahoma City bombing, but for me they make an exception. :)

The narrow 63 is plenty long and wide for me. I have been sent on a job that was too big for my current rig, but only once. I'd love to see pictures of your extracycle/96 B@W fully loaded. How often do you find yourself with insufficient capacity?

I wish they made the wide in a 96" version. I use it to haul construction equipment behind my Xtracycle. Also the wide loader on the xtra hits the trailer with sharp corners. Need about 3 more inches on that trailer hitch bar.

I have a 64 AW. I like it.

http://www.pointhappy.com/gcf/Bike&Trailer2.jpg

But one time as I was towing it home from a "Natural State Expo", a fine southern gentleman told me "Certainly, that must be illegal." His grammar was eloquent, but his point was in error. :)

i used to haul 300 lbs. of produce with these trailers, but there are better out there. the one i am saving up for is made by hpm and i have definitely hauled close to 800 lbs. with it.

Very nice! http://hpm.catoregon.org/?page_id=83

I think the 2'x5' bed on my B@W fits my needs better than 3'x4'. No splitting lanes or bollards with that baby! Definitely greater capacity though, nicer wheels, looks well designed and well made.. Thanks for making me aware of the HPM trailers.

Vegenaise: what would you haul with the HPM trailer that would fit on the platform but also weighed 800lbs?

It seems like the HPM has the B@W trumped as far as weight capacity, but the B@W has the advantage as far as the ability to carry awkward, long loads depending on the model.

Vegenaise: what would you haul with the HPM trailer that would fit on the platform but also weighed 800lbs?

It seems like the HPM has the B@W trumped as far as weight capacity, but the B@W has the advantage as far as the ability to carry awkward, long loads depending on the model.

this isnt true. when carrying cargo, stacking is the name of the game. i have had the bikes at work trailer tip on me more than once with a load because their wheel base is too narrow and couldn't handle a reasonable corner. i never had this happen to me with the hpm trailer. and if you're carrying anything of length, the hpm trailer can still take it, it just might stick out a foot or two at the end. big deal.

and well, for your first question, my courier job at hpm was more of a cargo courier as thats what i was doing 80% of the time and i would do anything from bulk dry goods (600lbs), the local weeklies newspapers (800 lbs), to stuff for the shop.

I don't think Costello is completely wrong, ie. with regards to really long items. You can only have so much of the item sticking out beyond the end of the trailer before it becomes problematic. The longest B@W is going to work better for certain items, although I've never had the need to carry anything longer than six or seven feet long, so it's not really an issue for me.

I've flipped my narrow B@W a couple times. Does the stability of the HPM have as much to do with the hitch location as with the width? After all, the smaller model is narrower than a wide B@W. One thing about the B@W is it doesn't take you down when it flips. If you made a sharp turn fast enough to flip the HPM, it could result in some road rash, but from what you're telling us, this doesn't happen. It sounds like you've put it through it's paces so I'll take your word on that. :thumb:

Do you also have experience with the smaller model? It's not really fair to compare the bigger, wider HPM to a narrow B@W. A B@W model 96wide is less expensive than the large HPM, and has a significantly larger platform.

The HPM looks like it will handle items wider than the bed better than a B@W. Much easier to balance stuff on those rails vs, on the B@W's fenders I would guess. I like the short rail on my trailer, I can carry a lot of stuff without strapping it down, because that rail keeps it from sliding off. Stuff that would slide into the wheels or off the back of a HPM, although a short guard rail could be improvised fairly easily, I suppose.

Both brands seem kind of overpriced yet totally worth the money, if that makes any sense. I carry freight 100%. If you want me to carry your envelope, you need to put it in a box first, haha. Still feel like the narrow B@W fits my needs better than the HPM, I'm rarely dispatched a job bigger than 200lbs. and I like that it's no wider than my handlebars, but overall, the HPM looks like a better trailer. :)