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Bicycle Touring and Commuting with a Bike Trailer.
Panniers vs. Bicycle Cargo Trailers.
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.
BOB Ibex Plus (FS) Suspension Bicycle Touring Trailer
The BOB Ibex Plus FS trailer features an adjustable
suspension system that extends your off-road-adventure possibilities.
* Single-wheel trailer features a minimum of
3 in. wheel travel, damping the shock to the trailer and its load
* Shock can be adjusted for loads ranging from 15 - 70 lbs.
* Elevated swing-arm pivot improves obstacle clearance and roll-over
prevention
* Quick-release rear wheel features alloy rim and hub, and stainless-steel
spokes and cartridge bearings
* Includes a water bottle attachment and a waterproof DRY SAK for gear
protection
* Cargo dimensions: 25 x 18 x 16 in.
* 16-in. wheel diameter accepts 16 x 1.75 - 2.2 replacement tube
* BOB Ibex Plus FS trailer fits bikes with 700c size tires (without
wraparound fender) and 26-in. MTB tires and smaller
The Burley Nomad™ bike trailer is perfect for touring across
country or commuting across town.
* Offers a large carrying capacity; a removable partition
allows for any size load * Interior tie-downs secure gear and interior
pockets organize small essentials * Lightweight, sturdy aluminum frame and a
2-wheel design keep the trailer upright and easy to pull by hand when
detached from the bike * Durable, 16 in. quick-release alloy wheels * Low
tongue weight won't compromise bike handling * Easy to clean fabric * Safety
flag included * Standard forged hitch fits both quick-release and nutted
axles * Folded dimensions: 32.5 x 19 x 9 in. * Add the We! Ski kit (sold
separately) for a winter-ready trailer
The Croozer Travel Trailer supplies plenty of storage
capacity for long bike tours or summer picnics where heavy coolers are
involved. It's also a versatile utility wagon around the garden.
* Croozer has a massive payload of 100 lbs. and if you want
to walk, you can easily pull it behind you by hand
* Includes bicycle hitch arm with 2-part axle hitch and a safety flag
* Built with a weather-resistant wooden floor and a powder-coated steel
frame
* Low center of gravity offers a stable ride
* Peripheral railing secures bulky items
* Folds flat as a unit with the wheels attached to the floor and the hitch
arm folded underneath; no loose parts to worry about
BOB® Yak Plus cargo-only, single-wheel trailer attaches to
the back of your bike and comes with a DRY SAK for protecting your gear.
* Features stronger, lighter trailer wheel fork and rear
dropout design, plus frame-strengthening gussets * Fits on bikes with rear
dropout spacing 110-140mm wide, with 20'', 26'', 27'' or 700C wheels *
Quick-release mechanism inserts into the rear hub quick-release (does not
fit bikes without a rear quick-release skewer--adapters are available) * DRY
SAK is made of PVC-coated nylon for waterproofness, with a double-layer
bottom for toughness and over 5,700 cubic inches of cargo space * Includes a
four-way bungee cord for securing items, plus a fender, safety flag and
reflectors * Alloy 16 x 1.75 inch wheel with stainless-steel spokes provides
reliability and smooth rides with heavy loads * Water bottle bosses on each
side of the frame allow you to carry water for on-the-go hydration *
Features retro-cool black powder coating with 10th anniversary silver decals
Croozer Dog allows your 4-legged friend to get in on all the
action! Take your best friend along on every trip, from short outings to
cycling holidays.
* Bicycle hitch arm connects to quick-release rear axle;
hitch works with disc brakes and most full suspension systems * Large
zippered mesh entry and exit points at front and rear; clear roll-up front
window * Side windows protect against insects and weather and allow dog to
look outside; mesh side panels allow cross ventilation * Internal eyelets
allow attachment of dog's harness or collar * Steel chassis with durable,
easy-to-wash plastic floor * Comes with an integrated parking brake; also
includes a padded handlebar and strolling wheel attachment * Folds flat in
seconds with a simple folding mechanism; hitch arm reverses for the pack up
* Interior dimensions: 29 x 20 x 24 in.
Buzz around town in this honey of a bee! The Burley Honey
Bee trailer seats 1 or 2 children and comes ready to tow behind a bike.
* Comfy suspended seat is built with breathable flow-through
mesh; 5-point harness system with soft padded straps keeps children
comfortable and secure * Padded seat bottom is washable * Large, deep helmet
pocket allows children to ride and sleep comfortably; interior pocket holds
their treasures * Non-zip, 2-in-1 Cover™ shields little ones from bugs, wind
and rain * Clear windows with UV inhibitor provide great visibility inside
and out * Balance point over wheels reduces the weight on the bike and
smoothes the ride for little passengers * Includes easy-glide, retractable
tow bar; hitch positioning designed for superior trailer tracking * Frame
features light, strong aluminum alloy tubing and contoured side roll bars *
Drum-tight, water-repellent fabric keeps children away from wheels and
spokes * Features 20 in. composite wheels * Wheel guards on the trailer's
frame protect the wheels and deflect them from coming in contact with
obstacles * Reflectors, reflective trim and safety flag provide low-light
visibility * Rear cargo net provides generous storage space * Folds quickly
and compactly for easy storage * Convert the Honey Bee to a stroller by
adding the Burley Stroller kit, sold separately
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