Originally Posted by
PedalingWalrus
Just wondering. Disclaimer - I have never used single wheel bicycle trailers.
I have, however, used panniers, for a while.
I switched to bikepacking style bags like handlebar bag, frame bag and rear seat bag.
For long distance touring (which I have never had the fortune to do (not yet)) I'm wondering if single wheel bicycle trailer isn't more efficient?
I hope this isn't a topic that is trolled here often. I haven't seen it in the top 20 posts ... if, yes, then my apologies :-)
It depends on how you measure efficiency. I have a trailer and would come down on the side of saying no. While the trailer is tucked in behind you, you are pulling one more tire with that tire's rolling resistance. The tire of a single wheel trailer is usually much smaller than the bicycle in front of it and has greater rolling resistance. Whether this is important or not depends on the wind resistance benefit you would get from pulling a trailer. Rolling resistance is linear with speed while wind resistance is logarithmic. Choose your poison.
You also have to take into account that you have another tube you have to deal with that is usually a different size and often has a different valve from your bike. I've found 20" presta tubes but they are rare.
Functionally, there are some issues with trailers. The load tends to push the back of the bike off-line on corners which can be rather disconcerting. The load also tends to push the rear end of the bike upwards under braking. On twisty downhills, this can make the ride...um...interesting. Braking in corners is already a bit dicey but with the load pushing you out of the corner
and lifting the rear of the bike, handling can become difficult. On steep downhills (mostly off-road), the rear of the bike can be completely lifted off the ground which can lead to some intense sphincter tightening moments.
There's also the logistics of moving the trailer around for nonbike activities. If you happen to want to stay in a hotel, the trailer is more difficult to maneuver down a hall way and into a room. If you want to get on a train or plane, you have another large piece of luggage that you need to box and will be charged for. Simply moving the trailer with a load and without it being attached to the bike is cumbersome.
Finally, the bike feels heavier with a trailer than with panniers in my opinion. I know that racks and bags weigh about the same as the trailer but with a trailer attached the whole vehicle just feels less lively. Like I said, I have one and I've used it off-road and for errand running around town but, given the choice, I'd rather carry stuff on the bike.