?? about BOB trailer

[annie]

If this has already been discussed, apologizes right now. But I couldn't find it, so here goes........ Went for a weekend overnight bike trip - took the BOB trailer loaded with my camping gear, etc. Fought major headwinds of 35-40 sustained with gusts up to 50 mph. Fine. I survived that. The next day, on the return trip, had tailwinds! Yeah! Hit rather high speeds and noticed a definite wobble/shimmy in the trailer. Over 30-35 mph, it wasn't tracking well. Do I have it loaded incorrectly? Is something not tightened down? Or is it an inherent quality of the trailer? If so, I'll get used to it. I simply need to know. Thanks in advance for any answers.

annie in iowa

[OmahaNeb]

My guess is that packing could be an issue.  I have used both panniers and a B.O.B.  I have had more problems with panniers than the B.O.B.  Did you keep the weight low and centered in the trailer?  If you go back on the Gear Forum, you should see articles on this issue.

[TheDaltonBoys]

Annie - do a search for "Bobtrailers.com" and they have a similar forum to the one here. Most or all folks therein (myself included) are BoB trailer owners. To address the issue specifically I have to agree with OmahaNeb's assessment...packing is the culprit probably. Two things, 1)Max recommended speed as per the owners manual for BoB's is 30-35 MPH under ideal conditions, 2)For generally flat travelling its generally recommended to load heaviest items center low and rear of BoB, and if you are climbing more than less its heaviest center low and front. On the BoBtrailers forum there is a claimed speed record of 52+ MPH and I'm not sure a hiccup wouldn't have spelled disaster (balance & load factors you know), never mind a certain lack of emergency braking capability with the "one-wheeled-wonder" pushing you along. I own no car (that's another story), and my bicycle with a rack trunk, and/or BoB trailer (IBEX) take care of most every need from the in town errands to the KATY RailTrail. Oh if you haven't thus far, please use the flag on the BoB...they are not looking.  Enjoy the voyage  Mark of the Dalton Boys

[annie]

Thank you both for the replies! I've done some rearranging of loads, keeping your advice in mind. It seems to have helped. Still, I think I'll keep the downhill speed under 35! I don't need to break any records! My BOB is a used one so I didn't get any owners manual with it nor a flag. I wondered if maybe I should rig something. I want to be visible, having had close encounters with large four-wheeled vehicles. I will definitely check out bobtrailers.com. It should be interesting reading.
Ride safe - ride happy,

annie

[TheDaltonBoys]

Annie - Bobtrailers would have on their website a support section and you can get manuals, and flags. The best thing about their (BoB) flags are that they break down into two parts making it very "stowable". Also the recommended load height for a BoB is 18" above the highest portion of the trailer frame. I try not to get anywhere near that...the trailer works best when the load is at, or slightly above the highest portion of the frame. Enjoy the voyage.....Mark of the Dalton Boys

[annie]

Here's another question.... good idea or bad idea to use aerobars when pulling a BOB? I am guessing NOT. But have been afraid to try. I've got aeros on the BOB bike. Right now they are being used as a great light and computer mounting area. I like the way my light shines down onto the road from the front of the aerobars.

annie

[vanick]

Annie, I have aerobars on my touring rig, and have used them pulling BOB, no problemo.  I have not had any handling problems (but I haven't been running faster than about 30 with the loaded trailer).  

The aerobars are a "must" for me on long days in the saddle, not so much for the aero aspect, but because they let me stretch out & lean on my elbows, resting my hands.  Plus there's another upright position when I sit up and grip the elbow rests on climbs.  More riding positions = better as far as I'm concerned.

Regards, Nick

bike images at nickevans.crazyguyonabike.com

[annie]

Thanks, NIck, for the comments. I tried the aerobars on a longer ride last weekend and it was fine. Nice to have another position to ride in and to be able to relax my hands.

How about this question.......... Should you be able to stand while going up a hill? I can't. I've tried, but I immediately get a bad wobble from the BOB. I'm pulling it with a road bike with 23cc tires on it. Do you think slightly wider tires would make any difference? The bike is a 48 cm. frame and fairly lightweight. I am not a large person so there's not very much weight on the bike. Still.......... I weigh more than the trailer!
Any advice??

annie

[TheDaltonBoys]

Annie - Standing can be a unique experience to be sure. The "wobble" factor is inherent with the BoB and standing on the crank is accomplished with practice. The further forward one leans when "gettin' on it" the more of a "wobble" factor you will generally incur. What works for me is keeping my body straight and that tends to keep things more manageable but is not efficient when going up a steep incline. Hope this helps. Enjoy the Voyage  Mark of the Dalton Boys

[scott.laughlin]

Annie in Iowa,

Barb and I almost crashed with a BOB after swerving suddenly to miss a large stone.  The swerve went into the trailer and back into the bike.  What yourself at those higher speeds so as to not make the same mistake.

[OmahaNeb]

The  "wobble" factor is not only found when pulling a BOB.  I have the same thing happen when using panniers also.  I think the wider tires could help.  I get less of the "wobble" factor when touring with my mountain bike, than when touring with my road bike.

[annie]

I didn't have the wobble with panniers.... not after I got used to them.

I've been working with BOB, trying to get the wobble under control. It's getting better. I can stand on climbs for a short period now. I'll keep working on it. I'm pretty determined. BOB is my friend, now, and we'll get in sync eventually.  

annie