Touring - Any experience with the "Extrawheel"

I'm considering a springtime 08 cross-country ride on the Southern tier route. There is a lot to consider, such as bikes, equipment, etc. One of the things is using a trailer vs. panniers. I read the positives and negatives of both - the negatives of the trailer setup is the added weight of a BOB and the smaller wheel size.
I ran across an add on ebay the Extrawheel trailer setup :
http://cgi.ebay.com/Extrawheel-bike-trailers-bags-panniers-bicycle_W0QQitemZ300120245645QQihZ020QQcategoryZ56198QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
looks light and can carry a good load. It can be ordered with a 700 wheel which would be one less size of spare tire and tube to carry. My concerns with it are the way it connects to the QR of the bike --looks like it could pop off and the other concern is in case of a breakdown, getting parts quickly as it is built in Poland.
Anyone had experience with the Extrawheel or thoughts about it?

From the Extrawheel web site there are a couple of links to some expedition tours that you might want to read through. I haven't checked but those sites may also have contact links that allow you to ask opinions.

http://www.extrawheel.com/wyprawy_en.php

~Jamie N

I took a look at the extrawheel and the bob before I decided on the bob. The one thing the extrawheel has going for it is that all the weight is loaded on the wheel, and not the bike. Because of the way the BOB is set up, half the load is taken up by the trailer wheel, the other half by the bike wheel. However, one drawback is that unlike a Bob or traditional two wheel trailer, the extrawheel is less flexible when it comes to loading the trailer, because you need to balance the load.

I have the Extrawheel and will be using it for a 2500 mile camping tour in a week. I have no qualms about using the trailer as it is well-built, light, and, if the guy who did the Australian outback tour on the website is to be believed, rugged enough. I find it represents outstanding value.
Re the balancing criticism, I don't see this as an issue. We are talking about two hammock-like arrangements here, one on each side and it is a moments work to stuff baggage in either. The trailer tracks well and one only becomes aware of it when reaching a hill.
I modified mine by padding the inner tubing behind the pack area with closed cell foam, as a precautionary measure against rubbing. To me the big advantage is its lightness. This, at only just above 8 lbs, means little weight penalty when compared to the Bob Yak and others.

I have the Extrawheel and will be using it for a 2500 mile camping tour in a week. I have no qualms about using the trailer as it is well-built, light, and, if the guy who did the Australian outback tour on the website is to be believed, rugged enough. I find it represents outstanding value.
Re the balancing criticism, I don't see this as an issue. We are talking about two hammock-like arrangements here, one on each side and it is a moments work to stuff baggage in either. The trailer tracks well and one only becomes aware of it when reaching a hill.
I modified mine by padding the inner tubing behind the pack area with closed cell foam, as a precautionary measure against rubbing. To me the big advantage is its lightness. This, at only just above 8 lbs, means little weight penalty when compared to the Bob Yak and others.

Thanks, I would like to have a report after you ride a few hundred miles with it. Good luck and safe riding on your tour.

Thanks, I would like to have a report after you ride a few hundred miles with it. Good luck and safe riding on your tour.

I have now used the Extrawheel on a camping tour carrying around 35 lbs for a distance of 750 miles.
The trailer works well with no problems in tracking at all. While having the usual annoyances of any one-wheeled trailer re balancing while stationary any doubts I may have had regarding the safety of the unusual hitch have been dispelled by experience. The hitch remained secure during fast downhill descents and tight cornering. My only problem during the trip was that the internal mudguard popped up out of position and fouled on the tyre. The mudguard is held down in position by being compressed between the forks of the internal frame. The pressure of the bags on each side compressed the mudguard causing it to pop up. This was easily fixed by making a hole in the mudguard and using a cable clip to secure it in position to the frame.
Before the tour I modified the trailer by covering the internal frame with closed cell foam behind where the bags are carried. I felt that this would reduce the risk of rubbing.
All in all the trailer appears to be good value and its light weight is gained at no cost in performance.
Health problems dictate that I give up camping otherwise I'd be holding on to mine.

I have now used the Extrawheel on a camping tour carrying around 35 lbs for a distance of 750 miles.
The trailer works well with no problems in tracking at all. While having the usual annoyances of any one-wheeled trailer re balancing while stationary any doubts I may have had regarding the safety of the unusual hitch have been dispelled by experience. The hitch remained secure during fast downhill descents and tight cornering. My only problem during the trip was that the internal mudguard popped up out of position and fouled on the tyre. The mudguard is held down in position by being compressed between the forks of the internal frame. The pressure of the bags on each side compressed the mudguard causing it to pop up. This was easily fixed by making a hole in the mudguard and using a cable clip to secure it in position to the frame.
Before the tour I modified the trailer by covering the internal frame with closed cell foam behind where the bags are carried. I felt that this would reduce the risk of rubbing.
All in all the trailer appears to be good value and its light weight is gained at no cost in performance.
Health problems dictate that I give up camping otherwise I'd be holding on to mine.


Onbike: Thanks for the report. I wish you well with the health issues and hope you are back to camping quickly.