Originally Posted by
Cyclesafe
Well, if you've already decided what you want, then there might be no point in my responding. If not, here's my considered 2 cents:
If your bike frame is carbon, you can either use a trailer or if you can go ultralite, you might be able to make do with a large handlebar bag and saddle bag (i.e. Carradice). For most people the BOB works fine. For others, the Burley is preferred even though most of the time one wheel is in the gravel. If you don't want to accumulate gear, you already have a road bike, and you plan to stay on pavement, then the BOB trailer is the way to go. I have 6000 miles touring with a BOB and would suggest upgrading maybe the rear wheel, but upgrade the tire for sure.
I haven't decided at all, I was just leaning toward the nomad from my limited research, before I had all the first person perspectives.
Now you say most of the time the Nomad is in the gravel. I was reading that the current model is off center to the left to prevent the right wheel from being in gravel and such, not sure if previous models were the same way. Is this your experience? Or even with that it still ends up in the gravel?
The BOB is nice for sure... I love the streamlined design. Seems like it would be easy to pull, less resistance.
@kayadiver Yeah i saw someone else mention that people seem to give you more room with the Nomad, thats a solid feature. I stay to the right when safe but I also don't go out of my way. I'm with you, its safer for them to just slow down and pass, kinda nice to force them into that.
@surfjimc Yeah I heard you get headwinds going south to north, unfortunately my destination is in Seattle, if it was just for the ride I would change it.
Well I am still compiling lists of the gear I'll need and if I can fit in a Panniers I will try for that. How do Panniers affect a really light bike? I'm guessing balancing the load becomes more important?
Thanks for all the input everyone