Trailer Question

[kfergos]

Hi Ladies,

I'm looking at doing my first-ever solo overnight tour this July. I've done plenty of backpacking, so I'm planning on packing essentially the same as I would for that. The problem is my bike: My Seven has a carbon front fork and I don't want to have to replace it just to put panniers on the front (it does have very sturdy, high spoke-count wheels and braze-ons for a rear rack, which I don't have right now and don't plan on adding any time soon), so I'm looking into trailer options. I don't have any kids yet, but I definitely anticipate having one or two some day, so I'm thinking of getting a trailer that would work for touring or hauling kids. I've been looking at the Burleys, and I'm intimidated by all the options. I'm looking for any testimonials, advice, recommendations, or things for me to consider as I'm looking at buying a trailer.

Also, which is better: Trailer attaching to the axle, or trailer attaching to the seat tube?

Thanks for the input, and sorry if I missed a previous post about this. I did do a search.

[Dog]

Hi kfergos,

I have a bianchi steel bike that also has carbon forks. I used my bike for my first tour ride last fall (rode 4 days/3 nights). I borrowed my neighbors Yak trailor. I used a heavier axel, heavier tires and installed a small rack on the back for a pack (I kept the items that required easier access in the pack). The Yak attached to the axel. My bike did very well including climbs. I also packed the same as I would for backpacking. It worked well and I'm already planning my next multi-day ride. I will probably invest in a touring bike if I continue to enjoy touring. Good luck!

[Tri Girl]

have you considered using your Xtracycle?

I pull a traditional child trailer when I grocery shop. It's surprisingly easy to tow, but I think if I were touring I'd want a BOB trailer that tracks right behind the bike, as opposed to sticking out to the side a little.

[bikerHen]

We bought a kiddie type trailer 4 or 5 years ago to haul our dogs on Sunday rides and as a grocery getter. It attached under the seat post. It was real jerky when starting and stopping but not too bad when moving. Having two wheels makes it wider so you take up more room on the road and have to be very careful of shoulders where there is a drop off the pavement. On the plus side, it is more stable and drivers seemed to give us a little wider berth with a "Kiddie" trailer.

I now have a BOB trailer that I use for touring. It attaches to the rear axle and I never know it there. It tracks right behind my bike and is almost a pleasure to pull. Because of the single wheel it can be a little squirrely, especially on the downhill if your not careful.

We have since sold the kiddie trailer and use the BOB trailers for any hauling needs. Except for the dogs, they liked being in the trailer when we were moving but wanted out as soon as we stopped. bikerHen

[Biketouringrook]

Well, I have the Burley trailer and love it!
Pros and cons of the Burley:
Pos:
1) It's tracks nicely. Very stable going down or up hill...no swaying
2) The width allows for packing side by side, rather than stacking up.
3) You can purchas a rack that will allow for extra gear
5) It's cute
6) Access is easy to gear is easy
7) can carry up to 100 lbs easily
8) Cars take notice of the width of the trailer and will usually steer away from you.
9) Easily broken down to flat pieces, and tires removed for easy storage

Cons:
1) Width....when cycling down narrow side walks I have to make sure I have enough side clearance.
2) The material is not waterproof, but can always be siliconed.