bob trailer or panniers?

[roguedog]

If you're considering a BOB then you might also look at the Xtracycle. Thought these were pretty cool and seemed less cumbersome.

Don't know don't have one but it seems to part of the bike more than a trailer..

http://xtracycle.com/sub.php

[sarahlou]

I have an xtracycle and it is super-duper. But it is on my commuting bike not on my road bike. Whilst I think that they can fit most bikes, they seem to work much better with the Surly Karate Monkey (which is what the DH and I both have). Xtracycles are great, but in the price range on $500. They are great for load carrying capacity (up to 200 lbs.) and even have attachments that allow you to cycle along with large items like surfboards, or your spare bike.

As for my brazeon idea...the DH says that you could probably find someone to weld them on (a local framebuilder?) but that panniers wouldn't work so well with the geometry of a road bike. He suggests getting the Topeak rack from REI which uses the rear hub scewer to attach to instead of brazeons. This would definately be the cheaper option than the xtracycle.

The DH says that the BOB is the least intrusive option and would be a nicer ride than carrying weight on the bike. But he adds whilst they are rated to 70lbs., "pack light".

[singletrackmind]

Another vote for the BOB....though the stock skewer does not work with my Raleigh R700....you may have to order another size skewer. The waterproof bag is a plus and ditto on the weight, when you get up towards their max handling gets a little silly, but otherwise it's pretty unnoticeable. My favorite thing about the BOB is the wide berth cars were suddenly giving me. After months of bike commuting without the BOB it was a real treat to suddenly be given room. I think it's the flag.

[KnottedYet]

He suggests getting the Topeak rack from REI which uses the rear hub scewer to attach to instead of brazeons. This would definately be the cheaper option than the xtracycle.

I looked at both REI and Topeak websites, and couldn't find a hub skewer rack. Can you post a link? I'd be very interested in one!

[sarahlou]

Hopefully this will get you to the page...

http://www.rei.com/product/735847

It is the Topeak explorer tubular rack with disc mounts.

[KnottedYet]

bummer. I don't have disc brakes and I don't have braze-ons for the two metal bits that attach the leading edge of the rack to the bike.

Thanks for the link, though!

[ridebikeme]

Sounds like a great trip!! As for your R500, there are many differences between a road bike a touring bike. The wheel length is shorter on a road bike, obviously a longer wheelbase makes the bike handle much easier when loaded. Also, the bottom bracket is lower to the ground on a touring bike, so that also adds to the stability of the bike when loaded. The crank/cassette are also geared much lower on a touring bike, and some of that can be changed rather easily on your road bike.I have heard pros and cons with both panniers and trailers... so it's a toss up. There is a rear rack that you could buy that would attach to your rear wheel via the skewer.. it's made my Old Man Mtn... very nice racks and great customer service. They are a bit more expensive than some others, but worth every penny!

Have a great trip!

[KnottedYet]

Here they are!

http://www.oldmanmountain.com/rear_rack_page.htm

And some of them don't require the braze-ons for the leading edge thingy (that attach to the seat stays)