Originally Posted by
JediBiker
I'm still deciding but I like the idea of a trailer instead of panniers, although as I don't have experience and I don't know the pros ans cons of each. But I like the trailer because you don't put the weight ON the bike so that would allow me to go for a more lightweight bike.
Nice questions Robow I guess my final decision should be after I test ride each one.
Also I noticed that the Scott Sub and Giant Escape are more stretched out in their geometry and has a longer chainstays as Bezalel said. What impact does this geometry has on the ride oppose to the others bikes?
With longer chainstays you'll have a more sedate, stable ride. And for touring purposes they can help eliminate heel strike on panniers. ( There are ways of getting around this with short chainstay bikes like panniers cut with angles at the contact point, moving the panniers back and up, etc, but they're not really great solutions. )
I borrowed a trailer for a short while when I was trying to decide between panniers/racks and a trailer, and it didn't take long for me to decide "Nope, not for me." I really disliked it when cornering and going down hills. Lots of people feel otherwise, though.
Personally, I love touring on my Sojourn with 38mm tires, very low gearing, and cushy ride, especially since I do a fair amount of riding on old rail trails/etc. At 33 pounds all-up weight it is however quite the heavy beast compared to many other dedicated touring bikes.