luggage trailers..Downside?

[jonny jeez]

Just curious really, cant say I am about to buy one but the long weekend rides that I have done (some longer) all take a toll on my neck as i tend to use a rucksack.

It also restricts the amount if stuff I can take...would like to try a tent one day.

Panniers are fine but do come with issues over stability, spokes and general weight in the bike.

So what are the downsides to a trailer, sort of a B.O.B yak type gizmo

 

[raleighnut]

They're bloody heavy when climbing but the worse thing is when they start 'pushing' you downhill and you're on the bike thinking "How am I going to stop all this"

 

[jonny jeez]

They're bloody heavy when climbing but the worse thing is when they start 'pushing' you downhill and you're on the bike thinking "How am I going to stop all this"

Haha, so disks then?

 

[numbnuts]

I use a BobYak single wheel they are great while moving, but a pain in the butt trying to manoeuvre it while pushing as you have to keep it very upright all the time, but saying that I would not change it for a two wheel trailer. There are some cheap copies on ebay, but buy cheap and you maybe buying twice.

 

[Dayvo]

I had a Bob Yak and it gave me a broken collar bone. Cycling at 40 kmh down into a tunnel on day ONE of a three-month trip, I developed a wobble which I couldn't control and got thrown, landing on head and shoulder at the same time.

The helmet undoubtedly saved my life () but my new Goretex jacket () didn't offer much protection to my collar bone.

Ditched the trailer and restarted my trip a month later with panniers instead.

 

[jonny jeez]

I had a Bob Yak and it gave me a broken collar bone. Cycling at 40 kmh down into a tunnel on day ONE of a three-month trip, I developed a wobble which I couldn't control and got thrown, landing on head and shoulder at the same time.

The helmet undoubtedly saved my life () but my new Goretex jacket () didn't offer much protection to my collar bone.

Ditched the trailer and restarted my trip a month later with panniers instead.

Ouch!

 

[Drago]

I don't seem to struggle with them. The biggest issue i had was gauging the widths of gaps etc but you quickly get used to it

 

[Pat "5mph"]

Some NCN routes are impassable with a trailer.

 

[KneesUp]

If it's anything like camping with the car, the moment you decide to use a trailer, your luggage expands to fill it

 

[steveindenmark]

I cannot see what the problem is with panniers as long as you dont take the kitchen sink.

 

[snorri]

Panniers are fine but do come with issues over stability, spokes and general weight in the bike.

It only takes a very short time with laden panniers to get used to the changes in handling and a well built wheel is unlikely to give any problems over many miles. I would be inclined to advise you to persevere with panniers for touring rather than convert to a trailer,

 

[jonny jeez]

Thanks all.

I've done a weekend ride with paniers before and if I'm honest I hardley even noticed them.
I'll keep up the pannier use for now.

 

[ufkacbln]

I use a trailer and panniers

My wife and I have vastly different fitness levels

This way I carry most of her luggage

Evens out the ride

 

[chrtho]

I've used a trailer for several years but recently tried panniers.

The trailer is ideal for carrying large loads - very stable with a low C of G design like my Monoporter which I have taken to over 40mph with no problems. The main downside is maneuverability when not on the move which is a complete nightmare - impossible to reverse and the turning circle of the QE2. Also not easy to drag over rough ground when wild camping. There is also a tendency to take too much gear. My main motivation for trying panniers was to take a more lightweight approach to touring as I have a preference for hilly/mountainous terrain. This proved very successful on a recent trip through the Yorkshire Dales.

My preferred option for the future will be to make sure I travel light enough to be able to use panniers sensibly - I think you only get stability problems if you overload them and pile stuff on the rack - but in certain circumstances where I might have to carry more - such as travelling with girlfriend - wouldn't hesitate to get the trailer out again.

 

[Sore Thumb]

If it's for weekends then why not consider some bikepacking bags.

They are not just for MTB bikes, a number of cyclists are now using them for touring and road bikes. Nice and light too.

Two good makers are Alpkit and Wildcat gear both in the UK.