Trailer for touring

n-dawg

Hello,

Had a quick search but didn't find anything relevant. I'm thinking of buying a trailer for some touring this summer and was wondering if anybody had any recommendations? I've spotted a few in the usual places (wiggle, crc) but they are a bit over budget at €300+. There are also several on ebay for more like what I was willing to pay (about €100).

So,
Are the ebay cheepo ones not worth the material they're made from? Ie crappy bearings, too heavy etc etc?
Am I better off going for a 2nd hand of a more expensive model?
One wheal or two?
Should I just forget the trailer idea and get panniers instead?

Thanks

Lumen

I've only experienced trailer towing with kids onboard. It's incredibly hard. Aside from the extra mass affecting acceleration, the additional rolling resistance from two extra fat tyres is significant.

I would stick with panniers and carry less stuff.

Morgan

Unless you're carrying a huge amount of gear (e.g. enough for two people) then I'd stick with panniers. Less hassle all round.

n-dawg

Well its myself and the girlfriend heading together... the plan is to go to the outer Hebrides/Skye in Scotland. I'll be taking both our gear as I'm a good bit faster then her normally. I wasn't certain that panniers would be big enough but if the opinions on trailers are that bad I guess I'll just take less stuff.

Should I invest in a stronger back wheel if I intend to carry about 25kg of camping gear with panniers?

rflynnr

Unless you're - not to put too fine a point on it - unusually heavy or you already have reason to think you're back wheel is of poor quality I wouldn't worry about a new wheel. A quick spoke count might also be useful. Ideally a touring bike wheel should have 32 spokes (or more) so if you find you've got something closer to 20 (as more commonly found on racing wheels) you might then consider a different wheel.

Finally, are you planning to use front panniers? If you're contemplating investing in a trailer anyway, I'd consider spending the money on a front rack and front panniers instead. They do (marginally) affect the handling but it takes all of ten minutes to learn to accommodate the difference.

gman2k

The lads doing the cycle around the world lark are not using trailers, so I reckon between yourself and the girlfriend ye should be ok!

Touring wheels should be ideally at least 36 holed, but quality of wheel build and rim choice is probably more important than 4 spokes either way.

n-dawg

Haha... I have the classic cyclist/runner body, turn sideways and I disappear. I think the wheel will probably be all right so, its just a box section rim with 36 spokes... not sure what the hub is (currently too dirty, its my commuting bike). The bike has an eyelet for a pannier rack too so it should all work out.

Thanks for all the advice. I was more concerned about the bulk of items rather then the weight to be honest but I think with clever packing I can work it out.

theotherone

Personal experience of meeting folks on da "cycle around the world lark" is quite a few people are running with trailers even over gravel and sand. Like anything to do with touring folks always reckon their set-up is the best. Some comparison here http://bicycletouringpro.com/blog/bicycle-touring-trailers/

These seem to be popular with "Long Haul Trucker" crowd

http://www.ukbikestore.co.uk/product/53/cts10/bob-yak-10th-anniversary-model---black.html

Personally I would travel light and simple without one. But some folks like to take lots of gear and many run a trailer or a 3rd wheel.

http://www.extrawheel.com/en/3/voyager_trailer/

jinghong

Spoke to a gut who has spent most of his life repairing bikes, and one big issue with the tourers is cracked rear rims. For this reason he recommends a single wheel trailer like your ebay example.

I have a 2 wheel trailer and I dont like it. It's fine for aht I use it for (transporting crap around town) but not for the open road.

If you are going to be taking 30kgs+ maybe the single wheeled trailer is not a bad option, as it leans with you, and there is less rolling resistance