Trailer Preferences

[desertrider]

Is there anyone out there who has pulled both the Bob and the Burley Nomad that can make a recommendation as to preference and why.  Seems everyonwith a trailer has pulled one or the other but not both.

Thanks in advance for your input.

[SKYMAX]

I havent tried either but I'm buying the "Quick-Pack" trailer. I suggest you have a look at their site before making a decision.
There are people who have pulled both and there are many informed comparisons available just keep searching on Trailers.

http://www.quik-pak.com/index.html


Clear skies, Max.

This message was edited by SKYMAX on 2-14-05 @ 4:15 PM

[Peaks]

Well, I haven't pulled both, but I did pull a BOB, and my daughter pulled the Burley Nomad.  Each has their good points.  

With one wheel, the Bob can get closer to the edge of pavement or onto a narrower shoulder.  You are not out in traffic as much.  But it does effect your balance and takes some getting used to.  My arms were sore for the first week or so from trying to keep the bike balanced with the additional weight.  The roll top bag kept everything bone dry, and we had some good rainy days.  But, it's kind of a pain in the butt to get into for just one item.  I frequently kept my rain gear under the bunge cord on top.  And as I warmed up during the morning, I would put my clothing under the bunge cord rather than open up the bag.  The BOB is real easy to unhook from the bike.  

With a two wheeler, balance is not an issue.  But, you do ride further out in the road.  This can be an issue.
The Nomad is easier to get into to get stuff out.  But it's not as watertight.  Not a problem if you keep clothing and everything else in plastic or waterproof stuff sacks.  The Burley is harder to unhook from the bike.  

So, to conclude, each has their advantages.  In the end, I was pleased with the BOB, and my daughter was pleased with the Nomad.

[scott.laughlin]

I've used both.  Any trailer with two wheels is safer, in my opinion.  A BOB will reflect sudden movements right back into the bike.  

[Crankin'oldman]

I am doing short trips with the BOB over 4 to 6 days each and it has rewarded me with points of improvement. First lesson was to remove unnecessary items. Look at everything bulky even if it's light. When the bag is at or below the BOB frame (as reccommended) the handling is greatly improved. It trailers very quietly.
Compared to panniers (front) the BOB is not slowed by head winds. As to one wheel at least I know when I miss a hole or bump, the trailer should also. Not so with two wheels back there. The trial period will better prepare me for the TransAM.

[AJB]

The BOB is great but yes size matters. Keep the volume of the load to a minimum.  The yellow waterproof bag is worth its weight since you can compress things down to the density of lead. The only draw back is the fact that BOB has not learned to stand on his own yet. I have a preliminary design for "Yak Jacks" that will permit the trailer to be stable in the stop position. Stoping is as much part of touring as smiling and smeling the roses.

[LDiskin]

Those are all good points. I have used both extensivelly.

One additional thing I would add is that that BOB is the hands down winner for off pavement touring. The Nomad generally feels better than the BOB behind the bike (it has far less affect on the bike), but I have had my Nomad tip over onto it's side if one of it's wheels hits a rock or bump at any kind of speed and that is a rather icky thing to have happen.

You can go as fast as you want with the BOB on bumpy terain. It might bounce around but it can't tip over like the Nomad.

The BOB is the trailer of choice on our Great Divide Mountain Bike trips. But many people prefer the feel of the Nomad on pavement.

--
Larry Diskin
Adventure Cycling Association