trailer
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 125
Likes: 0
From: colorado springs
Bikes: 2014 surly cross check, 1986 Fuji esspree
trailer
I'm looking to start touring and I was thinking about going with a trailer. I'm not sure about the one or two wheeled ones what are the pros and cons? whats a good brand? where is a good place to buy one?
#4
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 3,275
Likes: 1
i can safely say most people would recommend the single wheel bob trailer.
btw meant to say this touring lark can get very addictive honest .
if its your first time into touring do yourself a big favor and buy the very best you can think lightweight, can be hard on the pocket (expensive) but easy on the body .
the best of luck enjoy.
btw meant to say this touring lark can get very addictive honest .
if its your first time into touring do yourself a big favor and buy the very best you can think lightweight, can be hard on the pocket (expensive) but easy on the body .
the best of luck enjoy.
Last edited by antokelly; 08-14-11 at 04:47 PM.
#6
Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: The UK
Bikes: Cannondale touring
#7
Senior Member

Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,586
Likes: 99
From: Walyalup, Australia
Bikes: Surly Long Haul Trucker, Salsa Mukluk, Riese & Muller Supercharger GT Rohloff (Forthcoming)
#8
oren_hershco
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 45
Likes: 1
From: Hod-HaSharon, 25min from Tel-Aviv, ISAREL
Bikes: Niner EMD , carbon rigid fork
Hi,
I did two trips with a double-wheel trailer (Carry Freedom Y-Frame, sold today as Wandertec): Here's the photo:
https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...1#post10215936
Scroll down on that page to see my review (#1639)
I did two trips with a double-wheel trailer (Carry Freedom Y-Frame, sold today as Wandertec): Here's the photo:
https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...1#post10215936
Scroll down on that page to see my review (#1639)
#9
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 304
Likes: 0
From: Chapala, Mexico
Bikes: Habanero Titanium
I have a Mayacycle (one wheel) that has worked really well. I went with one wheel because of the width. Really, though, it just depends on what you want it to do. The previous posting of going to a shop and checking them out is a good one. Read some online reviews, too, to get a feel of how each one performs.
#11
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,522
Likes: 0
From: Madison, WI
Definitely do a forum search.
Trailers let you haul a lot of weight and volume. Like most things in life, this is both a pro and a con. It's a pro because you don't have to figure out how to lighten your load, and you can have lots of bibs and bobs for every contingency. It's a con because well... no one really wants to have to manhandle a 30lb bike, 30lb trailer and 100lbs of gear, especially when the trailer got a surprise flat. Trailers will usually work with most any bike. Again, both a pro and a con. If you have a much loved bike that you put 100+ miles on each week, rain or shine, a trailer can pair with your bike and let you take your best bud on tour. If you're new to biking or don't bike a lot, a trailer can also let you get way in over your head on a bike that fits badly and is causing injuries.
On my first tour, I used panniers. I had the option of using a trailer, since friends own a Burley Nomad and it was garaged in favor of their toddler's trailer. But... it was a short distance weekend tour, and I could easily fit my gear in one of my panniers, leaving the other one free. I also planned to ride mostly on state trails, so dirt roads for the whole route. Dirt roads are tougher to ride on, and adding a trailer's extra drag probably would not have been fun. The state trails are also pretty narrow, and I could easily imagine the trailer causing problems if the route was heavily traveled. And I'm used to my panniers. While I don't use them every single ride, I do put on a lot of loaded miles with them every week. By comparison I'd had maybe as much as 20 miles in total riding with the trailer when I left on my tour.
I don't think one method or the other is "best". And almost a year on? We've got a brand new Burley Nomad of our own, and we'll probably pick up a second set of panniers in the next few months for my partner to use. For touring, I can definitely see the merits of a single wheel trailer too. But left to myself, I'd probably pick my much loved panniers and my much loved bike for my next tour... because I use them all the time and I know how they work and what my limits are with them.
Trailers let you haul a lot of weight and volume. Like most things in life, this is both a pro and a con. It's a pro because you don't have to figure out how to lighten your load, and you can have lots of bibs and bobs for every contingency. It's a con because well... no one really wants to have to manhandle a 30lb bike, 30lb trailer and 100lbs of gear, especially when the trailer got a surprise flat. Trailers will usually work with most any bike. Again, both a pro and a con. If you have a much loved bike that you put 100+ miles on each week, rain or shine, a trailer can pair with your bike and let you take your best bud on tour. If you're new to biking or don't bike a lot, a trailer can also let you get way in over your head on a bike that fits badly and is causing injuries.
On my first tour, I used panniers. I had the option of using a trailer, since friends own a Burley Nomad and it was garaged in favor of their toddler's trailer. But... it was a short distance weekend tour, and I could easily fit my gear in one of my panniers, leaving the other one free. I also planned to ride mostly on state trails, so dirt roads for the whole route. Dirt roads are tougher to ride on, and adding a trailer's extra drag probably would not have been fun. The state trails are also pretty narrow, and I could easily imagine the trailer causing problems if the route was heavily traveled. And I'm used to my panniers. While I don't use them every single ride, I do put on a lot of loaded miles with them every week. By comparison I'd had maybe as much as 20 miles in total riding with the trailer when I left on my tour.
I don't think one method or the other is "best". And almost a year on? We've got a brand new Burley Nomad of our own, and we'll probably pick up a second set of panniers in the next few months for my partner to use. For touring, I can definitely see the merits of a single wheel trailer too. But left to myself, I'd probably pick my much loved panniers and my much loved bike for my next tour... because I use them all the time and I know how they work and what my limits are with them.
#12
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 288
Likes: 12
From: Vacouver Island B.C. Canada
Bikes: Catrike Trail/Catrike Expedition
For me the BOB works best, I ride a Catrike Trail. The BOB tracks beautifully behind the trike, I don't even know it's there when riding on the flats or downhill. I try to keep the center of gravity as low as I can. I've had the BOB 2yrs, last year I put an electric hub motor in the 16" wheel with the battery mounted to the trailer deck. Although I've really limited myself on the load configuration, but I'm working with it, the hiil assist is well worth it for me.
#13
Senior Member

Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 929
Likes: 11
Bikes: A few
I think this looks like a cool trailer, although I have never tried one. It's not cheap, but looks good! https://www.fftouring.com/trailers I would like to try one if I get the chance.
#14
Senior Member

Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 5,300
Likes: 115
I think this looks like a cool trailer, although I have never tried one. It's not cheap, but looks good! https://www.fftouring.com/trailers I would like to try one if I get the chance.
#16
Right now I'm on touring using a burley nomad trailer. Trailer selection varies by riding style - The burley is much more stable, easier to load, easier to attach, easier to park... but it slows me down. In my mind, the good still outweighs the bad and I'm glad to have it. For someone who puts more importance in speed, a bob trailer might be a better option.









