Hack together touring gear
 

I haven't bike toured in many years...like 20+. I'd like to get back into it.

I currently have a Bianci Eros, steel road bike which I think would make a decent tourer. I currently use it for commuting, group rides and triathlons. I also have a Specialized Epic mountain bike which, if I was doing a back country tour I'd consider.

I've never used a trailer, and was considerting getting a BOB, so my bike would be more easily convertable road<-> touring<->road. I then remembered I have a Yakima Tot Rod child carrier in the cellar that is not getting used. In taking a good look at it, I think it has the makings of a reasonable gear carrier, 100pound weight limit, big wheels, all alloy, 24 lbs in weight. It is similar in quality construction to a Burly D-lite. If I add a handlebar bag, I'd be set.

I'm trying to consider the downsides, it does not attach like the BOB to the rear skewer, instead it attaches to the rear triangle, non drive side, similar to the burley Nomad. The BOB is 13lbs/17 for the Ibex the burley nomad is 14lbs versus 24 for the tot-rod. It is much larger than it needs to be for gear, with a roll cage, causing extra drag. People seeing me ride might assume I have a child in the back, perhaps causing confusion, maybe could remove the material and attach a dry bag

On the positive side, I own it, and it is a good quality trailer. I'm not sure what the market for it would be like haven't checked e-bay lately.

Anyone else used a child trailer for a tour? thoughts?

They work just fine.

I highly prefer racks and panniers, but have toured with my child carrier.

If motorists think you have a child in the trailer...that's a good thing; most drivers will give you more room when passing.

You might find this article at crazyguyonabike.com of interest: http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/4660

It shows how someone converted a child carrier into a touring trailer.

Ray

That is an excellent link, thanks.

Calling Tom?