Utility Cycling - Burley, Bikes at Work, or?

First, I have searched for a thread that compares a few of the popular and well-built trailers, but only find pieces of scattered info. If you have links please add.

What I would like to read is about how the trailer you have works for you, or which trailer you'd go with if you had it to do over.

I have a BOB and will keep it, but am looking to haul more bulk and weight on occasion and I don't want to worry about trying to balance the load when stopped. I do bigger grocery runs, haul mulch and large boxes on occasion, and even 50 pound bags of feed for the chickens. Also, a heavy load on the BOB can sometimes cause the bike to go in directions you have not thought of (mind of its own) so you need to ride carefully.

I am leaning towards the smallest Bike at Work, but at 27 pounds vs. 14 or so for the Burley Cargo...and 300 vs 100 pound capacity...well, those are some of the reasons I am asking for opinions. Doesn't have to be one of these two, but they are tops so far. I like the versatility of the BatW, being able to add length if necessary.

Edit:just noticed the Bikes at Work hitch assembly. Does anyone know if it conflicts with my disc brakes and the Salsa Vaya?

FWIW, I added the tallest rubbermaid type container that would fit to increase the waterproof volume capacity to my BOB.

FWIW, I added the tallest rubbermaid type container that would fit to increase the waterproof volume capacity to my BOB.

Good idea, but does it make it tippy?

Not for what I used it for...groceries. I just load it with my mad kayak-loading skills. That is, heaviest stuff at the greatest point of support/stability...centerline and close to the trailer's wheel.

I have a couple of Bob trailers (one I loan out to people who want to try it), a standard kid trailer that I converted for my short legged dog, and a BAW trailer 8 foot version that I use to haul construction equipment. The BAW is stable and strong. I have sold it to my local bike recyclers (bike advocates) and am getting the wider version because the tablesaw makes the narrow one tippy on short cut trails with tree roots and stuff in the trail. I like the Bob for groceries, though I have an xtracycle now so I don't use the bob anymore but for big loads, I love the BAW trailer. The owners are great, just call them if you think something might not work on your bike. I have a disc brake on my Xtracycle and the hitch doesn't get in the way.

I have a couple of Bob trailers (one I loan out to people who want to try it), a standard kid trailer that I converted for my short legged dog, and a BAW trailer 8 foot version that I use to haul construction equipment. The BAW is stable and strong. I have sold it to my local bike recyclers (bike advocates) and am getting the wider version because the tablesaw makes the narrow one tippy on short cut trails with tree roots and stuff in the trail. I like the Bob for groceries, though I have an xtracycle now so I don't use the bob anymore but for big loads, I love the BAW trailer. The owners are great, just call them if you think something might not work on your bike. I have a disc brake on my Xtracycle and the hitch doesn't get in the way.

Called them and left a message. Then found on their website that the hitch works with disks. Then I got a call back from the owner and just had a nice chat. Nice guy and nice trailer.

I have a Bell child trailer I converted for cargo use (I converted it after I got the BAW 64a). I bought it used for $50 and put a couple thousand miles on it hauling my kids and stuff around over about 6 or 7 years.

This past summer (2011) I bought a BAW 64a. It's an outstanding trailer that has exceeded my expectations. It has hauled well over its stated capacity with no problems. You can look at some of my pictures in some of my posts in these forums; some are on this page (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/537447-What-Utility-Rides-Trips-hauls-errands-did-you-do-today/page29). With the benefit of hindsight, I would do the same thing over again. I have no regrets getting either trailer given what I use/have used them for. However, if I could only have one trailer, the BAW would be it.

I tow the BAW with my 05 Kona Caldera; it has disc brakes. I had to cut a small portion of the padding that goes under the hitch away so that the padding didn't rub on the rotor. It was only a very, very minor issue that I fixed in a minute or less of time/effort. Given the kind of weight I've towed, I'm glad the tow bike has disc brakes.

I also briefly considered the Black Oak Fabrications (http://www.blackoakfab.com/) trailers hand-made in Portland, OR. They appear, based on what I can see and have read on-line, to be well made. I have no personal experience with one and have never actually spoken with anyone who has one.

Hopperja, thanks for the boost - clear info on your experience with a variety of trailers. I like the Black Oak trailers as they are finished nice and look well built - good price too. Looks to me as if the BAW would suit me best so far and your other post was great. I remember reading that awhile back, especially the little rant. Where I live there are few utilitarian cyclists. I offered to deliver food from our local, organic food co-op and was turned down. It was an offer to do it for free just so that we could show the possibilities and I could get one of my daughters even more interested in bicycling. We have a fairly good area to bike in. I will continue to be one of the only examples and with the BAW will be able to do more.

I don't want to sound judgmental, but when I deliver my recycling by bicycle and pick up mulch at the same place for a trip back I wonder what the others think as they drive up to drop a few pounds of stuff, and leave their car running the whole time. I don't get it. Also, talk about a fish out of water, try riding through the mall parking lot and park near one of the big department stores. My guess is that if you count all the years the mall has been there that would be the number of bikes that were locked up out front. We have a long way to go.

I have now hijacked my own post. Back to trailer talk.....

We have been using the BAW trailers at our co-op for many years and they have been terrific... the new models are even nicer.

Have towed as much as 300 pounds on one and had no issues at all.

Hopperja, thanks for the boost - clear info on your experience with a variety of trailers. I like the Black Oak trailers as they are finished nice and look well built - good price too. Looks to me as if the BAW would suit me best so far and your other post was great. I remember reading that awhile back, especially the little rant. Where I live there are few utilitarian cyclists. I offered to deliver food from our local, organic food co-op and was turned down. It was an offer to do it for free just so that we could show the possibilities and I could get one of my daughters even more interested in bicycling. We have a fairly good area to bike in. I will continue to be one of the only examples and with the BAW will be able to do more.

I don't want to sound judgmental, but when I deliver my recycling by bicycle and pick up mulch at the same place for a trip back I wonder what the others think as they drive up to drop a few pounds of stuff, and leave their car running the whole time. I don't get it. Also, talk about a fish out of water, try riding through the mall parking lot and park near one of the big department stores. My guess is that if you count all the years the mall has been there that would be the number of bikes that were locked up out front. We have a long way to go.

I have now hijacked my own post. Back to trailer talk.....

A used washer and dryer to be recycled is worth about $30. I've often thought that if I really needed the extra cash, I could probably hook up with local stores that sell appliances and offer to recycle their washers and dryers for them. Next week, the garbage company is offering free appliance recycling (one per household). I'm sure I'll be seeing $30 here, $30 there, and wish I could take the day off and make some money. On the other hand, taking another's garbage is theft...

My only reservation with Black Oak was that it uses the Burley hitch. Now, don't get me wrong, I think the Burley hitch is up to the task. I have one on my Bell child trailer and have advocated its use in numerous posts on BF. However, Burley acknowledges they wear out and recommend they be replaced about every 5 years. I didn't want to have to mess with maintaining the hitch, and wondering if it was too worn for the load I was planning to carry. I work my BAW hard and appreciate that no matter what I throw at it, it'll handle it.

As for the wider trailer, personally I don't think a wider trailer is necessary. Sure the center of gravity will be higher if you have a wider load sitting on the sides rather than the bottom of the trailer. I just take it a little slower around corners and pay attention to the bumps. While I've hauled a cement mixer, hundreds of pounds of sand over multiple loads, recycles, kids, a large screen old-school television, loads to Goodwill, etc., it has not yet been a problem.

I also appreciate the BAW flexibility. If I needed to haul twice as much (700 or 800 pounds), I could get another BAW trailer to attach to the back, as in the photos on their website. But, I bet I could also use it's modular capability and make a double-axle trailer. Honestly, I can't imagine hauling that much weight- 500 pounds behind me is plenty (if you don't believe me, try it and then report back to me). If I needed to haul that much more, I'd probably spring for a Yuba Mundo or the like before getting a second BAW trailer.

Have a Burly CoOp made Flat bed, the tensioned tarp cargo area could be added to ,
perhaps just by laying a proper sized panel of plywood, in there that would be sturdier.

Older style there is support for the axle from both sides, they used a conventional front hub.

a 406 20" wheel , newer post CoOp trailers have 16" single sided wheels.

The BAW is in another category from Burleys. Real, working, heavy duty trailers meant to last for years hauling lots of weight.

http://www.wicycle.com/cargo_diy_kit_bicycle_trailer.php
As an interesting middle ground between the BAW and Burley. Closer to Burley, but less $$ and still open for odd shaped loads. Also, easier to store. Would upgrade to aluminum wheels to save two pounds. All it takes is local tubing and fasteners, and a few holes drilled/screwed.

http://www.wicycle.com/cargo_diy_kit_bicycle_trailer.php
As an interesting middle ground between the BAW and Burley. Closer to Burley, but less $$ and still open for odd shaped loads. Also, easier to store. Would upgrade to aluminum wheels to save two pounds. All it takes is local tubing and fasteners, and a few holes drilled/screwed.

I stand my BAW up on end in the garage. It takes up little space that way and is very easy to store. I was surprised how long it is with the tow bar, though, so it may be too tall to fit in some garages that way.

If you want to build a cheap trailer that will carry a lot, check out the bamboo DIY trailer (http://www.carryfreedom.com/bamboo.html). It is about the size of the wicycle you mentioned, but able to carry a lot more weight (from what I've read on-line, about 300 pounds). Personally, I'd suggest if you have the funds, order yourself the BAW and you won't regret it.

I stand my BAW up on end in the garage. It takes up little space that way and is very easy to store. I was surprised how long it is with the tow bar, though, so it may be too tall to fit in some garages that way.

If you want to build a cheap trailer that will carry a lot, check out the bamboo DIY trailer (http://www.carryfreedom.com/bamboo.html). It is about the size of the wicycle you mentioned, but able to carry a lot more weight (from what I've read on-line, about 300 pounds). Personally, I'd suggest if you have the funds, order yourself the BAW and you won't regret it.

Funny, I have friends here in Florida that grow and sell Bamboo commercially (Beautiful Bamboo). I thought about sending them the link. They have connections to some of the people involved in Pedalpeople.com too.

You are likely right on with the BAW, but I'd almost feel like a posuer with one of the "house movers," especially around here (not much in the trailer stuff going on). However, the BAW is the one to top in my mind. I have looked at many and own two trailers as well, but they have got it together.

I just remembered, there's also the Surly trailers to consider: Bill (http://www.biketrailershop.com/surly-bill-bike-cargo-trailer-p-2164.html) and Ted (http://www.biketrailershop.com/surly-ted-bike-cargo-trailer-p-2165.html). Other than the fact that they're not modular, they appear to compare well to the BAW trailer line-up. The Surly's weigh about as much as the BAW equivalent size, and they appear to be well built. Based on the pictures, the Surlys attach to the rear axle, instead of having a separate hitch mounted to the bike. Both BAW and Surly trailers will carry about 300 pounds. I think both companies build nice products, but I think Surly's established a cult following, so some of what you pay for will be the name.

Personally, I like the wheels on the BAW better. There's no hub to service or spokes to replace or re-tension (if the wheel gets out of true). The BAW wheels can't get out of true and they have user-replaceable bearings - very simple, infrequent maintenance.

Given my abilities and the bikes I own, I can't think of anything I'd be inclined to haul by bike that I couldn't. In other words, with the BAW I have yet to want for more trailer.

You mention you own two trailers... what trailers do you already own?

Not for what I used it for...groceries. I just load it with my mad kayak-loading skills. That is, heaviest stuff at the greatest point of support/stability...centerline and close to the trailer's wheel.

Just currious. Do you toe your kayak by bike too?
I saw this kayak trailer. http://www.wicycle.com/kayak_bicycle_trailer.php
And I thought it looked neat.
Never actually seen one.
If anyone has pulled a canoe or kayak by bike, how difficult is it to ride given they are very long and clumsey?

FWIW, one of the locals used his flatbed as a kayak trailer, the tongue folded down ,
new type it comes out. tied across the seat,

then the rope tie on the end, made a way to pull it..

I haul my kayak on my BAW trailer.

227210

You mention you own two trailers... what trailers do you already own?

I have a BOB and an old two child trailer that we tote the dogs with (common name, but can't remember it right now). I have reinforced the bottom with the remnants of a plastic hurricane panel and the nylon sides are falling apart because it was sitting in the sun for avfew years before I bought it for $30.

Wow, the Surley trailers are pricey. Makes the BAW look nice.

I have a BOB and an old two child trailer that we tote the dogs with (common name, but can't remember it right now). I have reinforced the bottom with the remnants of a plastic hurricane panel and the nylon sides are falling apart because it was sitting in the sun for avfew years before I bought it for $30.

Wow, the Surley trailers are pricey. Makes the BAW look nice.

One nice thing about the BAW trailer is that I was able to attach a Burley forged hitch to the back of it. This allows me to pull my old child trailer behind the BAW, adding a couple hundred pounds weight capacity and a bit of extra volume. There are pictures in the thread I previously mentioned, on this page (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/537447-What-Utility-Rides-Trips-hauls-errands-did-you-do-today/page29). If your child trailer will accomodate a Burley hitch, you could do something similar with yours (if the draw bar is either round or square, it should accomodate the Burley hitch).

That connection to the bike by the BAW is a bit off-setting (i.e., is not attractive). Have any of you found a better way to add this to your ride, understanding that many of you probably aren't so concerned about its appearance since you are very "utilitarian" in your ride(ing)? However, my brand new orange and beautifully put together Vaya will be a contrast to the attachment. I know this will wear off in time (the newness), but...any ideas?

After evaulating three main things: 1) my needs relative to what I'll be hauling; 2) storage space, and 3) the hitch connection. So I am going with the Wike DIY Cargo. Will upgrade to the aluminum wheels for lighter weight, rust protection, and quick release wheels which will allow me to slide it under the seats of my van (not take up passenger space). I can get the aluminum I need for the frame locally for $27 (cut to the sizes needed for free). That means $129 for the kit, plus $45 for the aluminum wheels upgrade, plus $30 shipping, plus $27 in aluminum, and plus $10 for screws, etc = $241.

Price for Wike vs. the BAW (will save close to $250 by going with Wike) was not a big issue as I usually have the first priority on meeting my needs in a reasonable fashion. The BAW is the nicest trailer around, but is overkill for me, while my BOB has a narrower use range than any two wheeled trailer, but great for quick camping trips and ligher loads.

Would have gone with the heavy duty flat bed for $229 plus shipping, but the rounded front seemed to limit my hauling options. If anyone has one of these and finds it not to be a problem, please let me know.

Thanks for all the input.

I Can fold up my Carry-freedom-city, and stow it inside my Burly Flatbed, in the Closet.

I sold my BoB, off, Hunters like them around here .