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Bicycle Touring with a Burly Cargo, Cannondale, and Bob
Yak Trailer.
Panniers vs. Bicycle Cargo Trailer.
I have never owned our used a BOB Yak, Burly, Cannondale, or any other kind of bicycle
trailer. I do not like to comment on gear that have not used or do not fully understand but
I can provide some general observations and thoughts on bicycle trailers. I
have seen many broken Bob Yak, Cannondale, Burly and other brands of bicycle
cargo trailers during our around the world bike tour travels. Usually
the cycling trailer frame broke or the axel of the wheel broke. I do not
know how this happened. Possibly the bicycle trailer was overloaded.
I have been told that it is important not to exceed the maximum weight
limits set by bicycle trailer manufactures. The problems I have seen
first hand have been enough to scare me off from using a trailer on our bike
tour.
Another thing that worries me about touring with a bicycle trailer is
pickpockets and thieves. Often in crowded cities we are forced to push our bikes through
a dense mass of people to find a place to eat or a hotel room. With
bicycle panniers
all my camping gear and worldly possessions are close to me and I can keep an eye on them.
This helps greatly in preventing pickpockets or bag slashers from stealing
from me. A bike trailer would be an easy target to steal from because
it is so far behind me and out of reach. We have met travelers that
believe they can be smarter or quicker than these types of thieves but they
are wrong and the first to get robbed (and deny it later).
Another problem that Cindie and I would have with a
bicycle trailer is it would prevent drafting. Cindie rides directly
behind me 90% of the time to take advantage of the wind break or draft.
I have heard her say “I am on the wheel of a mad man” but that is another
story. We trade positions, with me riding behind Cindie, to give me a
break about 10% of the time. When I am sick or feeling weak I may ride
behind Cindie all day. Drafting behind another cyclist is 30% easier
compared to solo riding. This is why racing road cyclists ride in big
packs or long lines. Obviously if we were pulling bike trailers there
would be no space for drafting. If neither of us could draft we could
not work together, be as efficient, or go as far. Without actual
experience pulling and touring with a bicycle trailers this is as much as I
know.
I am a bit old school and prefer touring bikes with
waterproof panniers attached to sturdy touring racks. A full
Discussion of bike panniers can be found at
Bicycle Touring Panniers and
Bike Bags.
I have seen these popular bicycle trailers during our
multi year around the world bike trailer.
"Take the road less traveled! The Ibex Plus has an
adjustable suspension system that provides a minimum of 3 of trailer wheel
travel, dramatically extending the possibilities for off-road adventures.
Adjustable suspension system, strong and durable chromoly construction,
quick release alloy rear wheel, stainless steel spokes, alloy rear hub with
cartridge bearings
The standard in child trailers, for good reason. Not only is
it made with the highest quality materials and an ultra stable design, the
dLite is loaded with features to make the ride comfortable for your
important cargo. Includes: Child Seat Recliner?, Recessed Helmet Pocket?,
Anti-Dive? seat pad, and an additional 2? of hip room. Alloy full perimeter
frame, low center of gravity quick-release alloy wheels, alloy side roll
bars, patented easy on/off hitch, five-point safety harness, flow-through
mesh seat, tinted side and rear windows. Includes sun/rain Wide Screen?
2-in-1 Cover? with safety light mounting tab. Folds down in seconds for easy
transport. Mounts to any bike. Carries two children (100 lb. capacity). ASTM
certified
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