bob trailer or panniers?

[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)

[heathergerstmar]

Thank you everyone for all of your suggestions. I was definitely leanign towards the bob trailer, but just heard a horror story of someone's bob overtaking their road bike on a hill on the pacific coast highway...broke their frame in three places!!

I don't leave until the end of June, so I still have lots of time to decide. I like the idea of being able to do panniers if I can, just for ease of flying back with less gear.

Thanks again!!!

[heathergerstmar]

That rear rack from Old man mountian looks great!! How does one determine carrying capacity on certain areas (ie.rear) of their bike? I e-mailed Cannondale, but have not heard back. I plan to pack light, so, if I can get away with a rear rack, that may be the cheapest option. Again, I appreciate all of the help.

[kathpooka]

hey, my boyfriend and i are doing the vancouver to tijuana trip in late june too! do you have an exact date your starting yet? we'll be starting the 28th or 29th of june. we'll probably average about 50-55 miles per day. are you camping?
i did a cross country tour fall '05 and i used Ortlieb paniers, the bike packer plus. My BF used a trailer and this time he's switching to paniers. we both really love them.
have fun on your trip, maybe i'll see you riding down the coast!