Utility Cycling - Anyone using a BOB trailer?

I just purchased one of these guys, kind of an impulse buy, now tell me if I should keep the darn thing or return it already. :) I dont have a car and was hoping for something to haul groceries\dog food back and from the store. It's either the Yak, or a combination of panniers (either the ortlieb back roller classics or the Arkel utility bag(s)). For some reason the Yak caught my eye, is it a keeper? >.> I hate buyers remorse!

Oh hell no, don't return it, those things are so useful for car free people.
I'm a cheap bastard so I built me a trailer out of a stolen shopping buggy, but I would love to have a BY trailer.

I've actually been wanting one. Let me know how it affects bike handling.

I have an off brand clone of the BOB trailer and it is great for errands as well as touring. You will want to do some test rides with increasing loads to get a feel for how it handles. Cornering is a little different as are hill climbing and descents -- nothing that is all that dramatic, just different. After 2-3 rides with different loads I no longer noticed the trailer in most conditions.

One thing that can make it it even more useful is a large Rubbermaid type container in the trailer. That lets you pack more groceries in a dry box, and just use a bungee to hold the cover on. I have even put a large garbage can in there to do trash collection on the MUP I use, I have hauled shovels and other tools around for trail and other projects. The only real limit to its uses are you imagination and DIY skills.

I personally would keep the B.O.B. If your handy building stuff and can weld you might build a cart bike. Here is the link on how to build one.
http://www.bicyclelaneindustries.com/bli/cartbike/

Don't use hose clamps as a part of your construction technique! The frame also needs to be modified so the head tube is not at an angle so the basket will easily turn.
http://www.bicyclelaneindustries.com/bli/cartbike/cartben_lisaside.JPG

Cart bike advantage is the ability to ride it right into the grocery store and shop while riding!

Are there any problems with its durability?

I have one of the early 'patent pending' BOB trailers. I bought it about 10 years ago when I lived in San Luis Obispo, California (birthplace of said BOB trailer). FWIW, there are still a few prototype BOBs that can be seen behind the bikes of various friends of Phil's (aka Mr BOB). I love my trailer. It has served me well and carried a LOT of stuff. I've never even had a flat tire on the trailer. I use the rubbermaid bin for tools/groceries/whatever. I've loaded the poor trailer with my amplifiers, two guitars, mic stands, mics, and music stand for solo gigs. I've carried lumber, paint,woodworking things (I am a cabinetmaker), and an italian polygonal Virginal (look it up!). Because of the method of trailer attachment (rear axle), handling and stability are NO trouble. Of course one can feel a difference, but it's a very acceptable and secure difference. If you can ride a bike, you can ride a bike pulling a BOB. The only things to look out for are keeping the weight of cargo below the recommended limit, and keep the load as centered as reasonably possible. I have over-loaded the trailer, and there was some sway that was very noticeable. Once we move to Portland (this May), I am planning to get the mid-size Bikes-at-Work trailer for large loads. I will never sell my BOB-and don't sell yours. it's a wonderful tool.

PS-I did the math back then, and the BOB paid for itself within 6 months. And this was at 1997/8 gas prices. And I was already doing most of my errands by foot or bike.

I Love My B.o.B.!! The most durable thing on the planet! I have toured with mine,dragging it thru the mud,over rocks,down miles of singletrack,in the rain,snow,extreame heat,dusty rail-trail,traffic,did i say more mud? Have over loaded the crap outta it,you get the Idea...anyway If there is one pice of advice I could pass along, it is as "biketony"said keep it down to no more than 70 Lbs,and when one is going down steep downhills WATCH YER SPEED!!! they get a bad case of the wiggle-wobbles on very high speed downgrades!! you can gallop along at 40 Mph on flat ground,but going downhill is another animial!!

Here's another alternative:

http://xtracycle.com

Here's another alternative:

http://xtracycle.com

:beer:

http://www.bikerubbish.com/xtracycle4/xtracycle/images/gallery/wedding22.jpg

Another vote for keeping the BOB trailer. I find mine very easy to mount and get used to riding. You just have to make sure you use it with a bike designed for hauling in the first place (mountain or touring). Using it with a lighter road bike can get a little touchy as the trailer seems to twist the frame, but you wouldn't load up a racing bike with full panniers and expect a stable ride either.

Happy Hauling.

Decided to go with the Burly Nomad thanks to quite a few reviews on the forums and some LBS recommendations. The two wheel design seems to be more suitable for my grocery and hardware store outings and I have (will be getting more) Arkels for touring. I also like the fact that the mount swivels, doesnt put stress on the frame, and is easily detachable. The B.O.B is still calling to me though, I dont know why. I may have to get both and hide the second from my wife.

Anybody have experience with both the rigid and suspension bob trailers? I'm looking to pick one up, but can't decide if the xtra $100 is worth it.

I'd say keep it. Although I don't own one I've spent some quality time with one and its a very nice piece of equipment. If I wasn't the DIY nut that I am I would have a BOB on my short list.

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=241983&highlight=trailer

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=230076

I have a BOB, got a good deal on it so went ahead and grabbed it.

However, I would pick a 2 wheel burley nomad or flatbed at the same price for shopping use. The bob flops around with the single wheel, it's easy to dump everything out on your feet and pull your bike over if not careful when loading/unloading heavy items. Also, burley has solid walls and top to keep stuff clean. Bob sak does that too but the sak limits capacity (volume wise).

There is a BOB Yak trailer for sale on my local CL for $150. Its been there for a week or two now so if its still available I could probably get it for about $120. Is anyone using one of these for grocery shopping/ errand running? I tried to search for some info on the forums for them, but apparently the search isnt working for me right now.

I have used a bob and I own a burley flatbed.

The bob can get pretty squirrely, does not hold has much stuff and has a lower weight capacity.

The burley flatbed can be used with a big rubbermaid type tub and you can put an entire cart of groceries in it fairly easy.

I have also pulled it as fast as I can go on the downhills and it has never bobbled at all.

I am an enthusiastic BOB owner. You'll probably find other posts of mine talking about about the BOB trailer, if you search these forums. I've had mine for 10 years, and have carried a LOT of things on it. I do all of our grocery shopping with it, using my folding Wald baskets for 'overflow' items. I carry those items that don't lend themselves to basic bicycle errands, such as kitty litter and cases of wine. I love how well the BOB tracks behind my bike when I am weaving through traffic. Soon, my Bikes at Work trailer will be here, so I can use my bike to fetch lumber. Still, I will gladly keep and use the BOB.

I pulled a B.O.B. trailer for someone while on tour for about 1/2 a day. I was very impressed with the way it tracked behind the bike and it seemed very stable. My only other experience with a trailer was one of the old Cannodale Buggers. The BOB was a much better behaved trailer.

Aaron:)

There is a BOB Yak trailer for sale on my local CL for $150. Its been there for a week or two now so if its still available I could probably get it for about $120. Is anyone using one of these for grocery shopping/ errand running? I tried to search for some info on the forums for them, but apparently the search isnt working for me right now.
$120? :lol: You could rehab a kiddie trailer for less and have more capacity. Link (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=311932)

$120? :lol: You could rehab a kiddie trailer for less and have more capacity. Link (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=311932)


I saw the trailer you did the other day, its really nice. But I am thinking about the BOB because I like the single wheel on it. it seems like the narrow profile would help it to not hog the lane. Plus I have a tendency to "space out" at times. I would probably end up driving the wider trailer's right wheel off of a few road ledges. Plus the more I can carry, the more I will buy, which is not a good thing for a poor college student :D

I have been thinking of trying to fabricate a one wheel trailer. What are the advantages and disadvantages of 1 wheel vs 2 wheel trailers?

I saw the trailer you did the other day, its really nice. But I am thinking about the BOB because I like the single wheel on it. it seems like the narrow profile would help it to not hog the lane. Plus I have a tendency to "space out" at times. I would probably end up driving the wider trailer's right wheel off of a few road ledges. Plus the more I can carry, the more I will buy, which is not a good thing for a poor college student :D
Actually the wider profile gets you more room from motorists (especially with that triangle on there) ;) Admittedly it is possible to run the right side off, however, if my girlfriend can manage to keep it on (love her, but she's not known for having a rock solid travel line) anyone can.

edit I would think that the ability to carry a pony keg on a bike would be an attractive thing for a college student :p

I have been thinking of trying to fabricate a one wheel trailer. What are the advantages and disadvantages of 1 wheel vs 2 wheel trailers?

Bikes@Work have an excellent page about this themselves.
http://www.bikesatwork.com/hauling-cargo-by-bike/bicycle-trailer-guide.html

Bikes@Work have an excellent page about this themselves.
http://www.bikesatwork.com/hauling-cargo-by-bike/bicycle-trailer-guide.html

Yeah, I actually had seen that already. It's really comparing the production BOB trailer to 2 wheel trailers in general. If I fabricate a 1 wheel trailer, I could overcome the capacity issue and make it as wide as I want. I may even be able to come up with a way to stabilize it during loading with something similar to a 2 legged kickstand or a Dutch style stand that rotates down under the wheel. I wonder about load capacity limitations of having the whole load supported by 1 wheel instead of distributed over 2 wheels, though.

Bob has quite a following of staunch fans (or is that quite a leading of staunch fans :))

i do know they can handle much nastier terrain than a 2-wheeler, people take them mtb bike camping. That really intrigues me.

The one-wheelers lean through the corners & will not dump over. the 2-wheelers, if you overcook it, will dump. I know... I'm ashamed to say I overcooked a turn and dumped my son & groceries over once:eek: luckily that 5-point harness worked well

I've got 1800 miles on my Burley Nomad and I wouldn't trade it for the world. Flexibility for placing a load, never having to consider weight distribution at all......nice. The width of the trailer makes you more visible to traffic and yet it is small enough to zip through the narrowest of openings. I've pulled a BOB twice and will never pull one again.

I bought the Nashbar Cargo Trailer, it looks something like the BOB but I got it new for $100.
I hooked it up and went to the gas station and filled up my 5gal can. The gas sloshing around made it feel funny at first but traveled very nice and once I got rolling it didn't slow me down much at all.
I hope to make a grocery run with it soon. I hope I like it.

Yeah, I actually had seen that already. It's really comparing the production BOB trailer to 2 wheel trailers in general. If I fabricate a 1 wheel trailer, I could overcome the capacity issue and make it as wide as I want. ...


While you might be able to make a larger cargo space, I don't think you would be able to increase the carry-on weight much more than what's already allowed on a BOB. Basically, if the trailer is too heavy, it becomes "the tail that wags the dog".

Check this one out, similar to a Bob but doesn't cost as much:

http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=141&subcategory=1239&brand=&sku=18733&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=Shop%20by%20Subcat%3A%20Trailers%20%26%20Accessories

^^ And on sale too.

While you might be able to make a larger cargo space, I don't think you would be able to increase the carry-on weight much more than what's already allowed on a BOB. Basically, if the trailer is too heavy, it becomes "the tail that wags the dog".

I've never pulled a trailer of any sort so I can't speak from experience, but it sees like since it's rigidly mounted to the bike and leans with the bike through curves you would get less wagging with it than with a flexibly mounted two wheel trailer. And the load would be distributed between the trailer wheel and the back bike wheel instead just on the trailer wheels as with a 2 wheeler.

I have used the BOB Yak in the past and found it to be Ok on tours, but it tends to bounce a lot.
I now have the BOB Ibex with suspension, this does not bounce as much. The suspension acts like a shock absorber.

george

The burley flatbed will not tip over while loaded.

I guess I should not say it will not.

I will just say that when loaded I have taken corners very sharply and its not even wobbled. I did hear the tires make a slight noise once.

The kids trailers are much higher and that is probably why yours flipped.

I would not trade my burley flatbed for anything.

Check this one out, similar to a Bob but doesn't cost as much:

http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=141&subcategory=1239&brand=&sku=18733&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=Shop%20by%20Subcat%3A%20Trailers%20%26%20Accessories



Nashbar Cargo Trailer

With gas prices sky rocketing, we asked ourselves “Why not turn the bike into a gear-hauling, money-saving masterpiece?” So, we spent hundreds of hours developing the Nashbar Cargo Trailer that brings premium cargo hauling at a value that’s impossible to beat. It’s perfect for shopping, commuting, touring; or carrying just about anything you can possibly imagine up to 45 lbs.
I believe BOB's are rated to 75

Thanks for the info everyone, I talked to the lady and she sold the BOB. I do like the looks of the Nashbar trailer. I might have to pick one up on the next order I place.

I believe BOB's are rated to 75

Yes (BOB's) it is rated at 75#'s. 45 #'s is still a lot to carry on a trailer like Nashbar trailer. I think if you need to bring additional gear if you don't have room on your front panniers and rear panniers, the Nashbar trailer comes handy.

BOB comfort seems to be determined by the wheelbase of the bicycle. The longer the wheelbase the more weight you can carry. Did RAGBRAI (500mi/1week) with a medium WB mountain bike and approx. 35lbs and lived to tell of it. Next year had the same load with a shorter WB , was practically uncontrollable for someone of my meager skills and strength. Traded it for 2 cases of beer.

Yes (BOB's) it is rated at 75#'s. 45 #'s is still a lot to carry on a trailer like Nashbar trailer. I think if you need to bring additional gear if you don't have room on your front panniers and rear panniers, the Nashbar trailer comes handy.
That's why I prefer my rehabbed kiddie trailer. 100 lbs

That's why I prefer my rehabbed kiddie trailer. 100 lbs


Yea I saw that on another thread you posted. Quite creative and that's probably another way to solve the problem of avoiding the purchase of a BOB and saving money plus its rated weight capacity is more than adequate.

I have been thinking of trying to fabricate a one wheel trailer. What are the advantages and disadvantages of 1 wheel vs 2 wheel trailers?

I read the bikes at work trailer comparison (http://www.bikesatwork.com/hauling-cargo-by-bike/bicycle-trailer-guide.html) and, from my perspective, they missed two advantages of one-wheel trailers/disadvantages of 2 wheel trailers: a 2-wheel trailer is heavier and less aerodynamic.

I can definitely feel the weight (when accelerating) and air drag (if i'm going fast) from my 2-wheel trailer. But a Bob trailer doesn't come close to serving my needs with this trailer, which is essentially for when I am carrying more stuff than i can fit on my backpack and rear rack at the same time. Most of my trips with the trailer (other than walking it to the laundromat with some 75lbs of laundry) have been to get about 75lbs/40+ gallons of groceries, but my last trip with my trailer was to carry four bike frames for a distance of about 2 miles- an easy trip for this trailer.

A disadvantage (as I see it) for a homebuilder making a one-wheel trailer is the necessary complexity of a bob-style hitch. It needs the left-right pivots behind the bike's rear wheel and it needs to pivot up and down, and both connection points need to be strong, not allow wiggle room, and not make anything get unscrewed. My home-made hitch is a length of tire tube.

Cerewa, I would add a few points to your comparison:

– Weight: There are many variants, but the BOB Yak weighs 13.5 lb and the Burley Nomad weighs 14.5 lb. Probably hard to tell on the road. Amongst single-wheel trailers, the Bob Ibex weighs 17 lb. In two-wheels trailers, some cargo trailers weigh 20-25 lb and children trailers weigh 22-25 lb or even 30 lb.

– Air drag: The Burley Nomad has a wider surface than the BOB Yak, but much less than a 2-children trailer. Even when empty, the 2-children trailer feels like a parachute in the wind, whereas the Nomad has little effect on my speed.

I've got a question for all the BOB users out there:

What is the width between the rear dropouts?

That is all. Thanks :)

Since I posted here I took my new Nashbar Trailer to the grocery store twice, I find if I keep it under 30 LBS it handles good, near 40lbs it handles bad.

BOB Yaks are awesome. 150 is a steal. Snap it up before it's gone. If you love it half as much as I do mine, you'll be thrilled!