Going on my first tour on June 22nd, from Brooklyn, NY to Montreal. I'll be using a '72 Motobecane Road Racing bike that would handle best touring with a trailer. Any suggestions on which trailer to buy for a cyclist on a serious budget? I have investigated well-known trailers such as the BOB Yak and can't help but wonder if there's a cheaper way to do this. Has anyone tried touring with a modified version of a kid's trailer?

I have a BOB Yak,and use it as a utility trailer. It would be a good touring trailer if youdon't do a lot of hills. Nashbar makes a similar single wheel trailer which is cheaper. I have never used one and have no idea as to its' quality as compared to the BOB.

Yeah, cheapest way would probably be to modify a used kid's trailer. I see them on craigslist all the time. Just yesterday, I saw a used Burley kid's trailer for $50, and Burley makes good stuff. I considered getting it and modifying it, but I just don't think I would have much use for it. BTW, you'll probably find tons on info on trailers if you do a forum search.

The Kiddie trailers area a royal pain. They are not designed for carrying gear. The fabric for the floor the passenger compartment will sag and start to drag. It needs consent tightening. If you want to save on a trailer then buy the upgraded Nashbar trailer. A buddy of mine has one and it works great.

I forgot to suggest that you look on the utility cycling forum for more information on trailers.

I have a friend with the nashbar trailer; he was always complaining about it. Apparently it was always out of alignment, and would drag the bike back and forth across the road.

Google search this one. Some time ago one guy bought a Nashbar trailer and did a write up about it which was not positive. I have a Yak and have used it on tour I had no problems whatsoever. If you plan on using it for other reasons, you will have no regrets on the $300 spent.

It depends on which one you get. I understand the old ones were pretty much junk. The new ones are supposed to be pretty good.


But then again you get what you pay for.

Personally I would never use a trailer. It just seems so much harder to manage two pieces of equipment. I can just imagine the hassle in Italy going on and off trains.


And then there is transporting them in a car. Anyone with a bike rack can haul 2-3 bikes, no matter what size the car but a trailer brings additional challenges.


Forget about shipping one or bringing it with you on the plane, I would imagine the cost would be nearly double over just a bike.

Check out this thread:

https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...trailer-thread.

I've used both the BOB and the ExtraWheel. They are both good, solid trailers and will last for many years. I prefer the ExtraWheel as it is much easier to handle (shhhh - don't tell anyone! BOB is sponsoring us!). The BOB is a very sturdy trailer and will last years and years and years - but it rides like a tank compared to the ExtraWheel.

That's why specified a "modified" kid's trailer. You've already got the frame, axle, wheels, and hitch. The rest should be fairly easy to rig up. Off the top of my head, I might try bolting a piece of plywood to the frame, or maybe some metal crossbars to make a solid base.