1-track-mind

Is there any real advantage to having a dedicated touring bike such as a LHT for pulling a BOB when heel strike and rack eyelets are not an issue ?

Bacciagalupe

Only that the seatstays and chainstays will be very solid, and the bike itself will be comfortable.

Plus the usual -- 3 water bottle cages, bar-ends etc. I've seen several people using trailers on Thorn & other touring bikes, by the way.

Handling may be extra sluggish though.

The Smokester

Sure. Put panniers on the LHT and fill them with beer.

halfspeed

As compared to what?

1-track-mind

Compared to a Cross Check or a 29" MTB.

RadioFlyer

I think, essentially, you're asking how the LHT rides unloaded compared to other bikes?

Well, it comes down to comfort, fit, enjoyment, yeah? I know that the LHT is a much more appropriate bike for me than a CC or typical 29er.

Michel Gagnon

First of all, a single-wheel trailer such as the BOB handles much better on a bike with a beefy rear triangle. So the LHT (or the Trek 520 or Cannondale Txxx for that matter) is more appropriate than a bike with slender stays. A 29" unsuspended MTB usually has a rigid rear triangle; MTBs with rear suspension may make trailer handling a bit weird, depending on how the suspension is designed.

Second of all, pulling large weights – whether in a trailer or in panniers – requires low gears. The Crosscheck, which has only two chainrings, is at a great disadvantage, unless you tour in Florida, have hugely powerful legs, like to stand or walk steep hills.

Third, I, for one, prefer to ride on a bicycle with drop bars.

halfspeed

Heel strike isn't the only reason for long chainstays. It lengthens the wheelbase and helps stabilize the handling. There are subtle differences in fit and feel and, of course, with an MTB you don't get drop bars and you probably have to haul around the extra weight of mostly useless suspension.

So you can certainly use the CC or the 700C'er, but you may find some subtle niceties to the LHT that improve the experience. Your budget and priorities would be the deciding factor.

jjones

I use a BOB because I have a Cyclocross bike with a carbon fork. I would use panniers with a LHT. My opinion, however your results may vary.