stevegor

I wouldn't say outclassed, because really we're talking about 2 different applications of haulage. Granted, the Xtracycle certainly has the points for it's ability to carry more etc etc, but how much do you need to carry when touring off road? and myself, I would rather unhitch the BoB and go MTBing on my MTB than a Xtracycle, it is not the same, it would be "totally outclassed"
I don't have a bad word for the Xtracycle, it's amazing, however, some like 'em and some like BoBs, that's what makes our cycling world so great..it's diversity.

Marrock

This is rather like the old Ford vs. Chevy arguments we used to have back in high school, everyone has their favorite and no one will easily change your mind on that favorite.

Personally, I have a BoB Ibex and wouldn't get rid of it for anything, it works for everything I've ever needed it to do, including moving groceries, furniture, bikes(whole and in pieces), and it's removable so I don't need to lug around the dead weight of the trailer if I have no need of it.

Cosmoline

That's impressive, but it's comparing apples and oranges. It took me a few minutes to get the Yak at REI. The costs and logistics of sending a bike out to some custom outfitter in the lower 48 is just not going to cut it. Also adding a foot and a half of length to the bike will make it weaker and subject to sagging if not breaking. I very much doubt the xtracycle is rated for someone of my magnitude. The yak adds a third wheel which can take some of the weight from the other two, thus easing the burden on them.

Thor29

You don't need to send your bike to a custom outfitter to mount an Xtracycle - it bolts to the frame. It doesn't affect the strength of the bike that it is attached to since the Xtracycle frame is taking most of the added load. The weakest part of the whole setup would be your rear wheel since it is carrying a much higher load.

dcb

It strikes me as a pickup vs trailer and hitch discussion. I've always liked trailers, makes your vehicle a cargo hauler without the extra length/weight all the time, it just fits my MO. Certainly an xtracycle could be utilized for a lot of applications on a daily basis though.

Cyclaholic

The xtracycle is great, so is the yak.

One big reason I prefer my trailer(s) is that I can hook up any one of my trailers to any one of my bikes at any time. I can also hook them up to the trail-a-bike and create any of a multitude of hauling combinations depending on what I need at the time. The xtracycle is attached to the bike and can't be easily moved between bikes on demand.

Hypno Toad

+1

Old thread, but I've gotta give a bump. I've had my B.O.B. Yak for a few years and used it for a number of tasks, mostly groceries. This is one I've been thinking about for a long time, and finally gave it a try:



I rode this setup 13 miles to the LBS, worked very well.

I kinda wished I'd pulled the MTB with with the commuter bike... An afterthought. The Kona needed service, but the Marin is a really stripped down bike (no fenders to deal with) and the Marin is the winter-beater so any damage would go unnoticed. I did small damage to the Kona's brake hood, I had a hood mounted bell that hit the ground when I was getting out of the garage, broke a small piece of plastic that holds the hood down.

I will do this again. But not with 'nice' bikes. The upgrade for doing this with a nice bike:

Cyclaholic

Woah!... that was a blast from the past!


....and i'm still haulin' that trailer behind my LHT

79pmooney

Thanks. If I got a BOB, one of the reasons would be to lug a small Peavy amp (small but not light!). That and one of those dungaree briefcases (to carry harmonicas and my mic) and I would be self sufficient. I am now doing a jam that requires getting there at rush hour and going over Portland's bridges. Maybe it's time to make the leap.

My good tube amp, while a lot lighter, WILL NOT go on a bike!

Ben