Originally Posted by
popscube
Any thoughts? I've researched the advantages and disadvantages of a trailer. The trailer idea doesn't appeal to me as much, but it could save a lot of money. Is it worth the money to have a dedicated steel frame touring bike, like the Trek 520? Any thoughts or ideas would be appreciated.
A few thoughts. I do think it depends a bit on how much touring you might otherwise do.
If it is mostly one trip, I would agree with your mechanic that looking at a trailer is a reasonable alternative. If it turns out just to be the start of something more or if you are looking to add to a bike collection, then a dedicated touring bike might also make sense.
Originally Posted by
popscube
Why then, when I see people traveling, their bikes look loaded?
Everyone will be a bit different. Some just have more stuff than they really use (e.g. after a tour take an inventory and take a hard look at things not used) or some aren't really trying to really reduce weight.
Originally Posted by
mtnbud
+1.
I'm one of those with too many bikes and trailers
. I have a Trek 520 and I also have a Bob trailer and an Extrawheel trailer. All else being equal, here are my preferences for me when I pick my gear for a tour:
- My default for a road tour is to just use my Trek 520 and have front and rear panniers.
- I've used the Bob mostly hauling stuff around town and the Extrawheel to carry more on tours with my mountain bike.
- The reason I prefer my Extrawheel on tour vs Bob is (1) it is lighter (2) it tracks very closely and (3) uses the same panniers I already have.
- The reasons I would use my Bob vs my Extrawheel is (1) it carries more and (2) the dry sack is flexible vs. having to put everything in panniers.
-