Re: Load carrying devices.

in rec.bicycles.tech c said:

It depends of load type:

Absolutely! I looked at your first URL when I considered my BOB.
Have you actually used any of those? I find that the field is long on
claims that don't pan out.

My issue with the 2-wheel trailers is that I think they'd tend to tip
where a 1-wheel rig tracks better... assuming you can balance it.
There is a point where you (at least *I*) can't.

Jones

!Jones said:

in rec.bicycles.tech c said:

It depends of load type:

Absolutely! I looked at your first URL when I considered my BOB.
Have you actually used any of those? I find that the field is long on
claims that don't pan out.

My issue with the 2-wheel trailers is that I think they'd tend to tip
where a 1-wheel rig tracks better... assuming you can balance it.
There is a point where you (at least *I*) can't.

I've had an Xtracycle for about a month now built on an old touring bike,
and I'm loving it. It's an extension that adds 15" to the wheelbase and
about 10 lbs in weight, so it's slower than the unconverted bike, but not
by as much as I feared - it's a lot less cumbersome than riding the
equivalent tandem solo. The longer wheelbase makes for steadier handling
and a smoother ride, as well as better braking, so it suits me well as an
only bike.

I use it to carry up to six big bags of groceries home over seven hilly
miles. It's rated for up to 200 lbs of cargo (with a 150 lb pilot). The
big advantage for me over a trailer is that it is simply *there* all the
time, so I can pick stuff up even when I wasn't planning to.

in rec.bicycles.tech 'Jenny Brien said:

I've had an Xtracycle for about a month now built on an old touring bike,
and I'm loving it. It's an extension that adds 15" to the wheelbase and
about 10 lbs in weight, so it's slower than the unconverted bike, but not
by as much as I feared - it's a lot less cumbersome than riding the
equivalent tandem solo. The longer wheelbase makes for steadier handling
and a smoother ride, as well as better braking, so it suits me well as an
only bike.

I use it to carry up to six big bags of groceries home over seven hilly
miles. It's rated for up to 200 lbs of cargo (with a 150 lb pilot). The
big advantage for me over a trailer is that it is simply *there* all the
time, so I can pick stuff up even when I wasn't planning to.

Let's see... that's one of these things:

http://www.xtracycle.com/hitchless-trailers-kits-c-4.html

Hummm... interesting contraption. And your logic makes sense. I
chose BOB because I could drop it quickly; however, I have needed it
and not had it. Lately, I just leave it on. The only issue there is
backing it, which is a PITA. On the tandem, it's easier: "Honey,
would you mind swinging the trailer for me? ... Thank you!"

How much trouble is it to convert? I suspect that one wouldn't do it
casually... brakes gotta move, etc. What's the down side of it?
(Everything has one.)

Jones

!Jones said:

Let's see... that's one of these things:

http://www.xtracycle.com/hitchless-trailers-kits-c-4.html

Hummm... interesting contraption. And your logic makes sense. I
chose BOB because I could drop it quickly; however, I have needed it
and not had it. Lately, I just leave it on. The only issue there is
backing it, which is a PITA. On the tandem, it's easier: "Honey,
would you mind swinging the trailer for me? ... Thank you!"

I'd hate having a BOB bob-bobbing behind a solo all the time. 🙂

Quoted message said:

How much trouble is it to convert? I suspect that one wouldn't do it
casually... brakes gotta move, etc. What's the down side of it?
(Everything has one.)

The conversion took me half an hour or so. It's just a case of bolting it
to the dropouts and chainstays, lengthening the chain and fitting longer
brake and gear cables. All parts are supplied and the instructions are
pretty good. I had to fit a Vee brake - there isn't a suitable cable stop
for cantilevers. There is a mount for an ISO 160mm disc caliper, but it's
set for a 203mm rotor, so that's another part that would need to be
changed. The ideal base is a hardtail steel hybrid/mountain bike, 6-8
sprockets, 128-135 OLD.

Downsides?

It's semi-permanent, so it doesn't make sense with a light, sporty bike,
or one with rear suspension. I wouldn't recommend a tandem either.
The 700c model is the same as the 26" apart from the brake mounts, and
won't take a tyre fatter than about 35mm.
The Freeloaders are wonderfully expandable, but leave their contents open
to view. Waterproof bags are a must! Loading is easy so long ar you load
the kickstand side first (but a centre stand would be nice).

That's about it. Tns thing is so simple that it seems expensive even
though it is very well made. It took me nearly a year to decide it
wouldn't be worth my while to get someone to weld up a clone. I'm glad I
did!

in rec.bicycles.tech 'Jenny Brien said:

I'd hate having a BOB bob-bobbing behind a solo all the time. 🙂

The handling of the BOB is the main reason I like that configuration;
empty or under a pannier weight load, you don't notice it at all...
until you try to swing it into a parked position. That last *is* a
consideration when you think of how often you do that. Once you're
under way, it's the greatest device since the bread slicer.

On your contraption, I think I'd see the stand(s) on the outboard side
of the "pannier" floor. Of course, it probably doesn't lock in the
down position; wasn't that why we invented gravity? Also, the stand
would be in two pieces with obvious issues there.

I see they have an integrated frame. I have long thought that pannier
racks should be designed into the frame of the bike instead of being
bolted on later. The racers wouldn't buy them, but the commuter needs
a luggage rack.

Jones