Found a BOB to borrow - leaving tomorrow
 

I dont' know if y'all remember me, but about a month ago I posed a question regarding using my kiddie trailer (Chariot Cougar 1) for touring. As a reminder I am riding a lightweight road bike (don't have a touring bike...yet).

So I found a BOB Yak to borrow and took it out for a test spin yesterday. I am not so sure I like the way the BOB affects the handling of my bike, everything turning, standing, etc feels exaggerated.

So what is my question?? Oh yeah...maybe my road bike just isn't suited for a BOB. It is a Douglas Motive which is normally very light and responsive...now its overly responsive with the BOB. Can I damage the frame with the BOB? I don't think it is a very strong frame (very light weight aluminum). The wheels are Alex ALX300 and while I have not had problems with spokes breaking (broke one in like 5 years or more), I have read reviews of these wheels that suggest that they are not very strong and some people report lots of spokes breaking. SO...should I stick with the BoB and trust that after a couple days I will be used to the handling differences? Should I be concerned about my frame? or Wheels? Have you heard of frame damage from loaded B.O.B.'s.

ANyways, I am leaving tomorrow so perhaps this is just pre-ride jitters (since it is my first tour). What would you do?

Go. Have fun.

Speedo

+1

And take pictures if you can!

Great I will. Thanks for the encouragement.

No matter what you do pannier, bob, etc it will effect your handeling get used to it. I loved my bob last trip out. Gonna try panniers this time just for giggles. Just go, relax and enjoy the trip, don't rush and forget to look at every thing, its a tour not a race.

Be sure to pack it with the heaviest items to the rear and bottom. It makes a world of difference. If you pack it too high or to close to the front, it gets very squirrely going down hill. If it's packed right, you can cruise 45mph down hill.

Oh and be sure to put a little extra pressure in the rear tire.

thanks beatnik. I will try and remember that.

IT should be fine, i toured with a Yak (bob clone) on a Giant TCR last year and it was fine

Bring along a list of bike shops you'll be passing by and some spare spokes. Have fun and post pictures!