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08-09-11, 09:12 PM
I took my BOB Ibex out last night for it's maiden voyage. Packed four 10 pound weights in a tool bag and strapped the bag in with a bungee cord.
The first thing I noticed when I tilted the bike off the Click-Stand was the weight of the trailer pulling/pushing one way or the other--the obvious affects of gravity. I made a mental note to be cautious in corners until I got the feel of the combo.
Clipping in and pedaling wasn't bad. I was able to maintain an 12-13 MPH pace (on a flat section of the GAP trail.) The stopping made my brakes squeal, but since this was my first ride I slowed down way before I needed to stop!
There seemed to be a little "bucking" going on. I adjusted the weight and it got a little better. I re-positioned the bungee and it got even better. I went 6 miles out and turned around (in a parking lot!) Out of nowhere a storm developed and it poured for the next 3.5 miles. I sought shelter in a pavilion at the first crack of thunder.
I noticed the pivot point where the hitch meets the trailer is fairly stiff. I'm assuming this is because it's new and will loosen up (I used a torque wrench when I put it together, so I know it's not over tightened.) It seems like the trailer wasn't tracking directly behind me when I pushed the bike, but that could be perception.
Needless to say, I'm very happy with my purchase and am looking forward to future trips!
Any advice on the pivot point/ trailing would be great!
EDIT:
Getting ready to go out on my first bike/trailer ride:
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-gCbmQDPKyRI/TkBtBHMhhiI/AAAAAAAAARw/RL0OZYx_QgQ/s640/IMG_20110808_184744.jpg
Hanging out in a pavilion waiting out the lightning:
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ITTpkCw5GvE/TkB5EIMsvtI/AAAAAAAAASE/PmN2duXEGfc/s640/IMG_20110808_195549.jpg
Making my Bad A$$ Biker Face:
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-zU1WioEctug/TkCEuBqf0gI/AAAAAAAAASc/A4Oohw6Xtak/s640/IMG_20110808_200817.jpg
The first thing I noticed when I tilted the bike off the Click-Stand was the weight of the trailer pulling/pushing one way or the other--the obvious affects of gravity. I made a mental note to be cautious in corners until I got the feel of the combo.
Clipping in and pedaling wasn't bad. I was able to maintain an 12-13 MPH pace (on a flat section of the GAP trail.) The stopping made my brakes squeal, but since this was my first ride I slowed down way before I needed to stop!
There seemed to be a little "bucking" going on. I adjusted the weight and it got a little better. I re-positioned the bungee and it got even better. I went 6 miles out and turned around (in a parking lot!) Out of nowhere a storm developed and it poured for the next 3.5 miles. I sought shelter in a pavilion at the first crack of thunder.
I noticed the pivot point where the hitch meets the trailer is fairly stiff. I'm assuming this is because it's new and will loosen up (I used a torque wrench when I put it together, so I know it's not over tightened.) It seems like the trailer wasn't tracking directly behind me when I pushed the bike, but that could be perception.
Needless to say, I'm very happy with my purchase and am looking forward to future trips!
Any advice on the pivot point/ trailing would be great!
EDIT:
Getting ready to go out on my first bike/trailer ride:
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-gCbmQDPKyRI/TkBtBHMhhiI/AAAAAAAAARw/RL0OZYx_QgQ/s640/IMG_20110808_184744.jpg
Hanging out in a pavilion waiting out the lightning:
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ITTpkCw5GvE/TkB5EIMsvtI/AAAAAAAAASE/PmN2duXEGfc/s640/IMG_20110808_195549.jpg
Making my Bad A$$ Biker Face:
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-zU1WioEctug/TkCEuBqf0gI/AAAAAAAAASc/A4Oohw6Xtak/s640/IMG_20110808_200817.jpg