1a) So, how about us tandem geeks who want to ride with a trailer? My point being, we're already ungainly in size and don't pack up very well so in for a pinch in for a pound eh?

2a) I'm not going to say that it's safe, but I'm going to counter your argument that you'll be just as slow & ungainly with a fully loaded single touring bike. Really, you should practice your navigational skills in some kind of urban environment first as that's as challenging as anything else you'll ever encounter out on the road. (and I ride my single w/ trailer in Portland traffic all the time)

3a) And then practically speaking for those of us who are riding tandems, we're already putting some real weight on our hubs & wheels so I personally feel much better in putting all additional weight on a trailer. As far as friction goes, sure, there will be increased weight, but the tradeoff will be the increase in handling of your bike.

With tandems, like you said your already long so big deal if you add a trailer. In actuality a trailer is a good idea on a tandem because you have two people riding and you can only carry enough gear for one person with panniers unless you take half the weight for 1 person person then is normally carried, and of course half the weight for the other rider. Some tandem riders do that and add frame bags, but they are extremely limited in what they'll hold. Bent riders and non touring bikes cannot use panniers at all so a trailer is a must.

Also larger tents to fit two people will not fit easily on a pannier system; and flats are more difficult to fix with panniers.

The point you made in number 2 has already been dismissed by people who tour and tried both methods, and the overwhelming vote is trailers make you slower on the road, the opposite is true off road. But the trailer weight by itself is heavier then pannier racks, plus you have a wheel dragging behind, not much drag but still there. Also you have to carry a different spare tube and tire from what the bike uses for the trailer just in case.

Also some people don't like the feeling of a trailer pushing and pulling on the bike.

BUT, it's been a huge debate for years!!! Read more here: http://www.adventurecycling.org/features/bigdebate.cfm
http://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor...-touring-.html

There is a new "trailer" on the market that appears to be very interesting, but no field reports yet; see: http://www.extrawheel.com/en/3/voyager_trailer/ And this video, but watch the video real close because you can see the bike being jerked from right to left in some brief moments before they scan away, and in brief shots you can see him struggle for control of the handlebars, obviously a very experienced rider with this Extrawheel; see: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ijnEr1kn98

It's ok not to agree with me because there is no right answer, it seems to be more of a personal preference.

I really really like the idea of the Extrawheel for solo touring. I mean, it's all the advantage of a trailer w/ the size/compactness of panniers. someone else (in touring forum I think) has road tested theirs and reported back on it. I totally forget what he said he thought about it.

I really like this picture. He is living the dream. His system might not be perfect but who cares when you are just so jazzed to be out on the road and living the dream....:thumb:

If you want to see ungainly in size check out Family on Bikes On one of their tours they were using a triple with a trailer behind it.