Touring - Pulling a trailer with a carbon fiber bike???

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one_beatnik
08-13-11, 05:22 PM
I originally posted this in the general cycling forum and got 2 opposite answers. Perhaps this is the place to ask the question about trailers and bikes.

My fiance bought a Specialized Ruby this last winter and now is thinking she wants to pull a trailer with it for short tours and around town errands. She just got into cycling last year and I got her going on a decent entry level Schwinn. This winter she went wild with wanting to enter triathalons. I would have liked her to have gotten different frame material, but it is a great bike and she loves it. So.....is this a bike to put a BOB trailer on?? I'm uncertain...obviously. I've used a BOB for years and fully loaded, the tongue weight is only 15 pounds on the axle. She's thinking something that attaches to the seat post. I'm not sure that's feasible anyway given her height deficiency. I'm actually thinking no trailer at all on this frame, but again...uncertain.

Thoughts?? Open for suggestions!

spinnaker
08-13-11, 05:31 PM
If it attaches to the seat post then I think you would be putting stress on the carbon itself. It would probably be better to use one that attaches to the axle like yours. Better still if she bought the right tool for the job and went with either aluminum or steel frame. In my opinion touring exposes your bike to a lot more dings and bangs over the regular day ride.
seeker333
08-13-11, 09:31 PM
I'd stick to a Nomad or Yak (rear hub / dropout attached), and keep the weight low. The Nomad will have slightly lower tongue weight for a given load.

CB HI
08-14-11, 03:25 AM
I have towed a Bob trailer on my CF commuter/utility bicycle with loads up to 150 pounds with no problem (including fast downhill and slow uphill riding). For your situation, I think that is the way to go.
Barrettscv
08-15-11, 05:22 PM
This is a lighter touring trailer for touring. It attaches to the axle and should work well for you.

http://www.extrawheel.com/en/3/voyager_trailer/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ijnEr1kn98&feature=player_embedded#at=32

Also, be sure you have low enough gears for touring.