Bikes for Trailers vs Bikes for racks
03-04-07, 09:08 AM
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Bikes for Trailers vs Bikes for racks
I've decided on pulling a trailer for my journey across the US next summer but now the harder choice, bike selection. Are there touring bikes that pull trailers better then others? I'm leaning towards the Safari right now (cost, speed of acquisition, and 3 riders who have purchased and recommend) but I'm still hoping to test ride a few other bikes before purchasing in mid-April. Any help is greatly appreciated
03-04-07, 11:15 AM
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Actually if you are set on a trailer and if you keep strictly to pavement, you can use a road bike. What would be sweet is a steel (preferred) or aluminum road bike with 36 14 guage spoke wheels and 25mm good-quality tires (like Marathon Plus or Stelvio Plus).
03-04-07, 11:20 AM
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what kind of trailer and how big also how much are you planning on carrying .
03-04-07, 02:23 PM
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I'm looking at the Burley Nomad and doubt I'll carry over 40 lbs for any trip. I want off road capability for detours, construction, diversions, etc. I really like the Novara Safari thus far but I'm still open if there is a bike that is designed for specific trailer pulling duties. Bill
03-04-07, 06:30 PM
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Check out the new Surly Big Dummy.
This will eliminate the need to tow a trailer. I want one myself! I was going to order a new Surly LHT but after seeing the Big Dummy.
This will eliminate the need to tow a trailer. I want one myself! I was going to order a new Surly LHT but after seeing the Big Dummy.
Last edited by n4zou; 03-04-07 at 06:36 PM.
03-04-07, 09:31 PM
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Rocky Mountain Sherpa 30. A true touring frame. The bike is solid. Made from great light weight Reynolds 853 steel. check it out at www.bikes.com.
03-04-07, 10:22 PM
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Originally Posted by cycler0707
I've decided on pulling a trailer for my journey across the US next summer but now the harder choice, bike selection. Are there touring bikes that pull trailers better then others? I'm leaning towards the Safari right now (cost, speed of acquisition, and 3 riders who have purchased and recommend) but I'm still hoping to test ride a few other bikes before purchasing in mid-April. Any help is greatly appreciated
Absolutely. I have five bikes and a B.O.B. trailer and I can tell you that one of them handles the trailer much better than the other four. On couple of my bikes the trailer gives you the sensation the the tail is wagging the dog. On the other two the flex is not as pronounced. By the way, the bike that does the best job is my 1982 Miyata 1000 Touring (a superb touring machine). My Rivendell Longlow is a distant second.
03-05-07, 05:54 AM
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Originally Posted by n4zou
Check out the new Surly Big Dummy.
This will eliminate the need to tow a trailer. I want one myself! I was going to order a new Surly LHT but after seeing the Big Dummy.
This will eliminate the need to tow a trailer. I want one myself! I was going to order a new Surly LHT but after seeing the Big Dummy.
I also have a BoB and after touring with it for a year or so I love it except for one thing...The crazy high speed wobbles,especally on long steep downhills,scared the bejesus out of me the first time!!
I've used Pannier,Two wheeled trailers,and my Bob,and this thing strikes me as the best of both worlds!!
