Messages

1

Gear Talk / Rear Bike Rack - curved up or flat

« on: May 02, 2023, 05:50:47 pm »

I appologize if this was discussed already... I couldn't find an answer.

I have noticed  some racks curve up at the front and or back, and others are flat.  My current bike rack curves up at the back which has been useful for weekly shopping.  What about for touring though?  Preferences?  Reasoning?

Thanks

2

Gear Talk / Burley Trailers on Sale!

« on: February 13, 2023, 04:59:34 pm »

I just ordered a new Burley Nomad for $265 including tax.  REI.com says it's discontinued, but I don't see anything on the Burley website about it.  Anyway, if anybody is in the market for a trailer now might be a good time!

3

Youth Bicyle Travel / Re: Links to tours w/ kids

« on: February 08, 2023, 04:00:33 am »

I guess I should have actually clicked on the first link 

Thanks John

4

Youth Bicyle Travel / Re: Links to tours w/ kids

« on: February 08, 2023, 12:29:12 am »

Hello,
Seeing as the last post was over ten years ago, I was wondering if anybody had some more up to date links to add to this list, or their own adventures to share.

My wife and three kids have been living in China the past ten years and because of COVID have not been back to the States in about 6.  It's crazy to think about.  When my wife's teaching contract finishes in June of 2024, we plan to take a year off to tour around the USA.  The kids will then be 12, 9 and almost 5.  The current plan is for my wife to ride a triplet with the two younger kids, and for me to ride a tandem with a trailer, the eldest child, and most of the gear.

Funny story,
One day I asked my wife "How would you feel about a small climbing wall in our appartment?"  The answer was basically "NO, OUT Of THE QUESTION"
Another day I asked her "How about we take a year to cycle around America"  Her response "Okay!"  I was shocked.

5

Gear Talk / Re: Two-wheeled trailer and rumble strips?

« on: December 09, 2022, 08:35:28 am »

My wife and I prefer our two-wheel trailer when touring with our tandem, but we've had to switch to a single-wheel trailer because of rumble strips. Many roads are not feasible with our two-wheel trailer, and riding in the traffic lane is not practical either.

@KF8MO.  Perhaps I am deviating from the original topic, but I would love some details?  Why do you prefer the two-wheel trailer with your tandem?  How has the one-wheeled worked out for you in comparison?  Challenges?

6

Gear Talk / Re: Excellent Video Explaining Trailer Sway

« on: December 08, 2022, 08:14:26 pm »

Nice video.  I have seen this before and as you say it is a great visual showing the importance of loading the heaviest gear on the center of gravity.  That said, each trailer is a bit different, i.e. a BOB-style trailer has the wheels in the very back versus a 2-wheeled trailer is usually somewhat centered.  This can change the way gear should be properly loaded.  I would suggest you follow the manufacturer's guidance initially and then minimally experiment. 

On a bike trailer, people tend to get a bit lazy because they do not "feel" the weight distribution other than sway.  With panniers, you can somewhat tell if you are loaded too heavy on the right, front, back it.  Also, with panniers, I personally believe that, if possible, most of the gear weight should be on the front end and low to properly distribute the load throughout the bike. 

Tailwinds, John

Unfortunately, I don't think I'll have an opportunity to try different types of trailers before my tour.  I would prefer a one-wheel trailer, but was bothered by the amount of people saying they're not safe but without any clear explanation as to WHY they have problems.  I have read so many contradicting opinions.  The B.O.B. isn't made anymore, but I read the safety manual for the Topeak Journey trailer.  The only things it said about loading was to make sure your load wont shift around and make sure to pack heavy items at the bottom.

I know on one-wheel bike trailers the axle is behind the load, but I would assume the science is the same no matter the trailer, and that the ideal load placement is the have the bulk of the weight over (or as close to) the axle as possible.  I have attached a picture with a crudely drawn trailer extension to demonstrate that is essentially the same as a different trailer.

7

Gear Talk / Excellent Video Explaining Trailer Sway

« on: December 08, 2022, 07:17:09 am »

I have been researching trailers and trying to understand why one-wheel trailers suffer a lot more from wobble and sway.  Excellent video, a must watch if you really want to understand.  https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=JeEEC5eVNCk&t=19s

8

Gear Talk / Re: Two-wheeled trailer and rumble strips?

« on: November 26, 2022, 06:21:29 am »

On the TransAm, especially in the west, I had plenty of intolerant drivers, who expected me to be as far right as possible and they’d pass way too close without slowing.  We flirted with death every day.  Though two wheel trailers are more stable, I definitely would not use one on this route. 

Actually, I wouldn’t even ride that route again, and advise others against it too.

No, taking the lane is not feasible out west.  It works in the east, but not in Missouri through Idaho.

There were other riders on the TA with us who used two wheeled trailers and managed okay, but yeah the rumble strips were very poorly placed in some places out west.  Enough so that I wouldn't choose a two wheeled trailer myself.

Thanks for the replies, definitely gives me something to think about.  We are planning to start near Laramie Wyoming and then connect with the TransAm heading west...

I have been living in China the past ten years and got into cycling during that time.  Drivers here are so used to bikes carrying all kinds of things down the road that I actually feel quite safe despite the perceived lack of road rules (there are rules, it's just, different).  I think it's going to be a bit of culture shock cycling on American highways.

One last note, I like that pool noodle idea

9

Gear Talk / Two-wheeled trailer and rumble strips?

« on: November 24, 2022, 08:53:02 pm »

I am planning a cross country tandem bike tour and am leaning towards using a Two-wheeled trailer mainly becauseof the stability, and the fact that I have read several places that divers tend to give you a little extra space when passing. (I will never complain about that)  My only concern though is on highways with smaller shoulders and rumble strips.  Is this going to turn into a nightmare where the left wheel of the trailer is on a rumble strip for hours, OR I have to ride the entire time actually in the lane and not on the shoulder.

Anybody have thoughts or experience with this?