Juilin

I just purchased one of these guys, kind of an impulse buy, now tell me if I should keep the darn thing or return it already. I dont have a car and was hoping for something to haul groceries\dog food back and from the store. It's either the Yak, or a combination of panniers (either the ortlieb back roller classics or the Arkel utility bag(s)). For some reason the Yak caught my eye, is it a keeper? >.> I hate buyers remorse!

pj7

Oh hell no, don't return it, those things are so useful for car free people.
I'm a cheap bastard so I built me a trailer out of a stolen shopping buggy, but I would love to have a BY trailer.

MrCjolsen

I've actually been wanting one. Let me know how it affects bike handling.

Marylandnewbie

I have an off brand clone of the BOB trailer and it is great for errands as well as touring. You will want to do some test rides with increasing loads to get a feel for how it handles. Cornering is a little different as are hill climbing and descents -- nothing that is all that dramatic, just different. After 2-3 rides with different loads I no longer noticed the trailer in most conditions.

One thing that can make it it even more useful is a large Rubbermaid type container in the trailer. That lets you pack more groceries in a dry box, and just use a bungee to hold the cover on. I have even put a large garbage can in there to do trash collection on the MUP I use, I have hauled shovels and other tools around for trail and other projects. The only real limit to its uses are you imagination and DIY skills.

n4zou

I personally would keep the B.O.B. If your handy building stuff and can weld you might build a cart bike. Here is the link on how to build one.
https://www.bicyclelaneindustries.com/bli/cartbike/

Don't use hose clamps as a part of your construction technique! The frame also needs to be modified so the head tube is not at an angle so the basket will easily turn.


Cart bike advantage is the ability to ride it right into the grocery store and shop while riding!

Juilin

Are there any problems with its durability?

biketony

I have one of the early 'patent pending' BOB trailers. I bought it about 10 years ago when I lived in San Luis Obispo, California (birthplace of said BOB trailer). FWIW, there are still a few prototype BOBs that can be seen behind the bikes of various friends of Phil's (aka Mr BOB). I love my trailer. It has served me well and carried a LOT of stuff. I've never even had a flat tire on the trailer. I use the rubbermaid bin for tools/groceries/whatever. I've loaded the poor trailer with my amplifiers, two guitars, mic stands, mics, and music stand for solo gigs. I've carried lumber, paint,woodworking things (I am a cabinetmaker), and an italian polygonal Virginal (look it up!). Because of the method of trailer attachment (rear axle), handling and stability are NO trouble. Of course one can feel a difference, but it's a very acceptable and secure difference. If you can ride a bike, you can ride a bike pulling a BOB. The only things to look out for are keeping the weight of cargo below the recommended limit, and keep the load as centered as reasonably possible. I have over-loaded the trailer, and there was some sway that was very noticeable. Once we move to Portland (this May), I am planning to get the mid-size Bikes-at-Work trailer for large loads. I will never sell my BOB-and don't sell yours. it's a wonderful tool.

PS-I did the math back then, and the BOB paid for itself within 6 months. And this was at 1997/8 gas prices. And I was already doing most of my errands by foot or bike.

The Figment

I Love My B.o.B.!! The most durable thing on the planet! I have toured with mine,dragging it thru the mud,over rocks,down miles of singletrack,in the rain,snow,extreame heat,dusty rail-trail,traffic,did i say more mud? Have over loaded the crap outta it,you get the Idea...anyway If there is one pice of advice I could pass along, it is as "biketony"said keep it down to no more than 70 Lbs,and when one is going down steep downhills WATCH YER SPEED!!! they get a bad case of the wiggle-wobbles on very high speed downgrades!! you can gallop along at 40 Mph on flat ground,but going downhill is another animial!!

Elkhound

Here's another alternative:

https://xtracycle.com

BAH

Treespeed

Another vote for keeping the BOB trailer. I find mine very easy to mount and get used to riding. You just have to make sure you use it with a bike designed for hauling in the first place (mountain or touring). Using it with a lighter road bike can get a little touchy as the trailer seems to twist the frame, but you wouldn't load up a racing bike with full panniers and expect a stable ride either.

Happy Hauling.

Juilin

Decided to go with the Burly Nomad thanks to quite a few reviews on the forums and some LBS recommendations. The two wheel design seems to be more suitable for my grocery and hardware store outings and I have (will be getting more) Arkels for touring. I also like the fact that the mount swivels, doesnt put stress on the frame, and is easily detachable. The B.O.B is still calling to me though, I dont know why. I may have to get both and hide the second from my wife.

GGDub

Anybody have experience with both the rigid and suspension bob trailers? I'm looking to pick one up, but can't decide if the xtra $100 is worth it.

Cyclaholic

I'd say keep it. Although I don't own one I've spent some quality time with one and its a very nice piece of equipment. If I wasn't the DIY nut that I am I would have a BOB on my short list.

https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...hlight=trailer

https://www.bikeforums.net/living-car-free/230076-my-new-homebuilt-shopping-trailer.html

seeker333

I have a BOB, got a good deal on it so went ahead and grabbed it.

However, I would pick a 2 wheel burley nomad or flatbed at the same price for shopping use. The bob flops around with the single wheel, it's easy to dump everything out on your feet and pull your bike over if not careful when loading/unloading heavy items. Also, burley has solid walls and top to keep stuff clean. Bob sak does that too but the sak limits capacity (volume wise).

MyBikeGotStolen

There is a BOB Yak trailer for sale on my local CL for $150. Its been there for a week or two now so if its still available I could probably get it for about $120. Is anyone using one of these for grocery shopping/ errand running? I tried to search for some info on the forums for them, but apparently the search isnt working for me right now.

gosmsgo

I have used a bob and I own a burley flatbed.

The bob can get pretty squirrely, does not hold has much stuff and has a lower weight capacity.

The burley flatbed can be used with a big rubbermaid type tub and you can put an entire cart of groceries in it fairly easy.

I have also pulled it as fast as I can go on the downhills and it has never bobbled at all.

biketony

I am an enthusiastic BOB owner. You'll probably find other posts of mine talking about about the BOB trailer, if you search these forums. I've had mine for 10 years, and have carried a LOT of things on it. I do all of our grocery shopping with it, using my folding Wald baskets for 'overflow' items. I carry those items that don't lend themselves to basic bicycle errands, such as kitty litter and cases of wine. I love how well the BOB tracks behind my bike when I am weaving through traffic. Soon, my Bikes at Work trailer will be here, so I can use my bike to fetch lumber. Still, I will gladly keep and use the BOB.

wahoonc

I pulled a B.O.B. trailer for someone while on tour for about 1/2 a day. I was very impressed with the way it tracked behind the bike and it seemed very stable. My only other experience with a trailer was one of the old Cannodale Buggers. The BOB was a much better behaved trailer.

Aaron

Raiyn

$120? You could rehab a kiddie trailer for less and have more capacity. Link

MyBikeGotStolen

I saw the trailer you did the other day, its really nice. But I am thinking about the BOB because I like the single wheel on it. it seems like the narrow profile would help it to not hog the lane. Plus I have a tendency to "space out" at times. I would probably end up driving the wider trailer's right wheel off of a few road ledges. Plus the more I can carry, the more I will buy, which is not a good thing for a poor college student

vulpes

I have been thinking of trying to fabricate a one wheel trailer. What are the advantages and disadvantages of 1 wheel vs 2 wheel trailers?

Raiyn

Actually the wider profile gets you more room from motorists (especially with that triangle on there) Admittedly it is possible to run the right side off, however, if my girlfriend can manage to keep it on (love her, but she's not known for having a rock solid travel line) anyone can.

edit I would think that the ability to carry a pony keg on a bike would be an attractive thing for a college student

pluc

Bikes@Work have an excellent page about this themselves.
https://www.bikesatwork.com/hauling-c...ler-guide.html

vulpes

Yeah, I actually had seen that already. It's really comparing the production BOB trailer to 2 wheel trailers in general. If I fabricate a 1 wheel trailer, I could overcome the capacity issue and make it as wide as I want. I may even be able to come up with a way to stabilize it during loading with something similar to a 2 legged kickstand or a Dutch style stand that rotates down under the wheel. I wonder about load capacity limitations of having the whole load supported by 1 wheel instead of distributed over 2 wheels, though.