Bike Trailer(bob)
 

hey, i'm and 18 year old student at penn state university. this summer i plan on riding from san diego to maine with two high school friends. we were hoping to use bike trailers but they are a bit pricey... is anyone looking to sell or rent them to 3 college students for two months? thanks- bobby

Ebay is your friend. But failing that you could always build a few trailers yourself:

http://www.wicycle.com/trailer.htm

I'd also recommend putting a rental notice on your local craigslist. I did this spring when I needed a bike case and someone stepped up. You'll probably be asked to pay a $300 deposit which they'll return when you return the Bob.

Also check nashbar. They have one very similar to the BOB for a lot less money. Can't speak of it's quality, but it looks well thought out.

Caution. I met a couple attempting the Northern Tier last summer. He was pulling a Nashbar trailer. I rode behind him for awhile. The trailer looked very flimsy, and had a definite list to one side. I wasn't impressed by what I saw. I'd want some reassurance before choosing one of them over a Bob (which is very strong.)

The other aspect of this is: if you can't afford to swing for the trailer, maybe you can't afford the trip. BOB trailers are very well made and, I think, worth the money. Just pack it with the heaviest stuff at the bottom and as close to the rear as possible.

Here's one right now on fleabay: http://cgi.ebay.com/Bob-Yak-Bicycle-...QQcmdZViewItem

Check the price of shipping before you bid.

I doubt you'll need a bob for each of you. BOBs can carry a lot of stuff, and since there are three of you on tour, you have an opportunity to cut down your load by eliminating redundancy. You can get away with one campstove, one larger tent, etc.

i like the extrawheel. really a good trailer.

I ran across this one a couple of days ago- looks interesting, although the wheels aren't impressive:
http://dallas.craigslist.org/bik/501743128.html