BOB or Panniers??

I've used both, and generally prefer the trailer (single wheel BOB), due mostly due to the ease of packing. The handling does vary, and it is easier to get used to the panniers, however once you get used to the trailer, it generally handles just as well as panniers.

I find that a headwind makes more of a difference with panniers, but trailer makes more of a difference on rough/unsealed roads due to the extra wheel/rolling resistance. You might want to keep that in mind for sandy stretches.

I believe that the trailer takes some of the stress off your bike & rear wheel by distributing the weight over an extra wheel, but don't know for sure.

Basically I don't have a strong preference either way, but choose the trailer beacuse I'm lazy & it's easier to pack & attach.

Cheesy said:

I've used both, and generally prefer the trailer (single wheel BOB), due mostly due to the ease of packing. The handling does vary, and it is easier to get used to the panniers, however once you get used to the trailer, it generally handles just as well as panniers.

I find that a headwind makes more of a difference with panniers, but trailer makes more of a difference on rough/unsealed roads due to the extra wheel/rolling resistance. You might want to keep that in mind for sandy stretches.

I believe that the trailer takes some of the stress off your bike & rear wheel by distributing the weight over an extra wheel, but don't know for sure.

Basically I don't have a strong preference either way, but choose the trailer beacuse I'm lazy & it's easier to pack & attach.

Thanks for your input Cheesy, I think I am leaning toward a BOB. The next problem I have is whether to go all out and get an Ibex. Cheers

Peter Morris said:

Thanks for your input Cheesy, I think I am leaning toward a BOB. The next problem I have is whether to go all out and get an Ibex. Cheers

I'm also interested in using a Bob for touring and wonder if you need to make any special adjustments on the bike to handle the Bob. I have a nice road bike and can't see buying a separate touring bike. It would be nice to put wider tires on the bike and add an adjustable stem to be more upright.

The frame is Aluminum and should be plenty strong enough for self-supported touring.

I have Mavic Ksyrium Elite wheels which are great for recreational riding and long distance (non-loaded) rides, but wonder if I should switch them out for a more traditional touring wheel.

Anything else that should be changed.

By the way, I heard putting a small set of panniers on the front helps with handling and that is a great place to store rain gear, a snack, etc.

i used a bob about 10 years ago on a trip in europe and had mixed results. i agree that it makes packing up a little easier and once your moving along it's not too bad. but i found it a real drag (pun intended) on uphills and it did wear out my back tire rather quickly. it also made it a bit more hassle getting on and off trains or any sort of manuever that didn't involve riding. don't get me wrong, it's a well made piece of machinery, it just didn't a suit me. it did, however, get me a free week's stay in an amsterdam apartment, where i believe it is still providing useful service to its new owner and my host for that week.

I've never tried a trailer but I've talked with several touring guys who have used them. They all seemed to like it a lot. I don't have any complaints about my panniers (I hope not, the set of 4 cost almost $600!) and don't want the hassle of having to ship the trailer in addition to my bike to my final destination.

I also have the panniers for my around town errand trips. I can put two on the back and pop them off and carry them around with me when I walk around a store or whatever. I wouldn't tow a trailer around town so I'd probably end up buying at least some inexpensive panniers like REI Explorers for around town anyway.

I think you coud be happy either way, go with your gut.

I looked long and hard at getting a trialler for touring. As we travel using a tandem, we still can only use 4 panniers so space is at a premium. We tend to avoid using the brakes on the downhills if the road permits and I have heard a few stories about instabilty at speed with the Bob.
There does seem to be a magic formula of having sufficient weight packed just the right way to minimise this. I just didn't wont to go through the learning curve.
Panniers are a known for me and we have just bought a complete set of Ortleib panniers from the US.
One of the main things that I try to do is to prepare for the worst and then anything less that happens is a non-event and ha been catered for.
A steel rack is a must such as Bruce Gordon or Tubus. If you ask a frame builder such as Wayne Kotzur, they will make a custom set for you for a reasonable price.
Don't even let the thought speculate about crossing your mind regarding the use a set of wheels like Mavic Krysiums.
Velocity Dyads and good hubs like King, White Industries or Phil Wood with DB 14/15/14 spokes, when built by a top wheel builder (or learn to do it yourself) make a bombproff wheelset that will last a long time. They are also easy to repair if disaster strikes and something breaks a few spokes before locking the wheel up (speaking from experience).

Cheers

Geoff