Adventure Cycling Association Forum

Bicycle Travel => Gear Talk => Topic started by: tonythomson on July 22, 2010, 06:58:15 am

 
Title: Converting my suitcase to a trailer
Post by: tonythomson on July 22, 2010, 06:58:15 am
Ok I know I have thread about BF's but also considering a Brompton.  They don't do a case that converts into a trailer- I could consider a BF case & trailer set up but just wondered if anyone else has ideas about transforming a strong suit case into a trailer and how did you do it?
Title: Re: Converting my suitcase to a trailer
Post by: staehpj1 on July 22, 2010, 09:32:25 am
Ok I know I have thread about BF's but also considering a Brompton.  They don't do a case that converts into a trailer- I could consider a BF case & trailer set up but just wondered if anyone else has ideas about transforming a strong suit case into a trailer and how did you do it?
I have no experience with their kit, but Bicycler Evolution sells the hardware to do this.  http://www.bikerev.com/pg6.cfm
Title: Re: Converting my suitcase to a trailer
Post by: waynemyer on July 22, 2010, 06:19:58 pm
You can get BF's trailer and suitcase, and then use their adapter to attach the trailer to your rear axle.  Here's the link to their trailer section: http://store.bikefriday.com/index.php?osCsid=224bd8065a2071ffe72a60676166ccce&osCsid=224bd8065a2071ffe72a60676166ccce&cPath=51 (http://store.bikefriday.com/index.php?osCsid=224bd8065a2071ffe72a60676166ccce&osCsid=224bd8065a2071ffe72a60676166ccce&cPath=51)

I have test ridden Bromptons and they are definitely nice bikes.  Brompton gets the smaller, faster fold (except the BF tikit).  But I give the nod to the BF New World Tourist for giving the best overall ride.  It's designed for eating continents.  If you really want to experience the paradox of abundance, also look at Dahon's loaded touring options.
Title: Re: Converting my suitcase to a trailer
Post by: tonythomson on July 23, 2010, 04:11:50 am
Thanks guys very encouraging - looking at a Brompton today & BF next week.  Can't wait to get going again.
Tony
Title: Re: Converting my suitcase to a trailer
Post by: indyfabz on July 23, 2010, 09:03:34 am
I test rode both and went with the BF NWT.  I wanted something I would push a little harder.  Riding the Brompton made me feel like I should be tooling around the English countryside at 12 mph.
Title: Re: Converting my suitcase to a trailer
Post by: tonythomson on July 23, 2010, 03:55:11 pm
Yes agree went to see the Brompton today and it's a no go not at all suitable - the salesman didn't help - trying to tell me like I was an idiot what bike I needed for touring. Would not listen to what I was saying and the bike he was recommending was cheap ATB.  So I will check out BF next week and most probably go for it.

Thanks for help
Title: Re: Converting my suitcase to a trailer
Post by: Tourista829 on July 24, 2010, 07:19:39 pm
info@bikerev.com who makes the trailers for Bike Friday, indicated they would make me a special collapsible trailer for the R&E Cycles, Seattle, hard case 26x26x10." I would write to Rita there and see if they can help you. Good Luck.
Title: Re: Converting my suitcase to a trailer
Post by: tonythomson on July 25, 2010, 11:21:22 am
info@bikerev.com who makes the trailers for Bike Friday, indicated they would make me a special collapsible trailer for the R&E Cycles, Seattle, hard case 26x26x10." I would write to Rita there and see if they can help you. Good Luck.

Thanks would be interested in what they are doing - just a bit far to be logistical as living in UK.
Title: Re: Converting my suitcase to a trailer
Post by: waynemyer on July 25, 2010, 04:09:52 pm
Yes agree went to see the Brompton today and it's a no go not at all suitable - the salesman didn't help - trying to tell me like I was an idiot what bike I needed for touring. Would not listen to what I was saying and the bike he was recommending was cheap ATB.  So I will check out BF next week and most probably go for it.

Thanks for help
That's disappointing, both from the sales aspect and the mechanical aspect.  You'd think salespeople would have gotten that "listening to the customer" thing down pat by now.
Title: Re: Converting my suitcase to a trailer
Post by: tonythomson on July 26, 2010, 12:02:28 pm
You would think so but certainly in the UK I always feel like they are either superior beings and only serve you because the bike shop sponsors them to race or if you don't race then definitely second class citizen. But the worst are the ones who explain everything in such a way that baffles the hell out of me. 

I admit not to being a techy but I do not what works on tourers and just want plain advice  not high selling techno babble.

OK rant over - off for a ride see ya and thanks for all the help here.