Panniers or Trail Bob for USA crossing?

[Biff]

I've never used a trail Bob but they look interesting.
Would the trailer be a better way to go than full panniers for 8 week tour? I'm sure there are pro's and con's to both. I've done the full-on panniers before and know what to expect going that route. Any in-sight would be much appreciated. Thanks, Biff

[TwoWheeledExplorer]

Eight weeks? I would probably take both! You don't say what brand/size panniers you have, but some, like Jandd, Arkel and Ortlieb have some REALLY big bags. Still, check out these guys; they seem to be experts on long trips. MTB Expedition Team

There are also some good links on both the BoB Gear and Arkel websites. I have a BoB, and I also have a full set of Jandd panniers. Depending on what I am doing and where I am going for how long, I pack appropriately. Ironically, I probably have the most gear on short, weekend, workshop trips where I am teaching the basics of bike travel to new people, and try to compensate for things they might forget.

Ride safe,
Hans

National Mountain Bike Patrol-MN
www.trailpatrol.org

[RussellSeaton]

Since you are already own, paid for, the panniers and know how they work, what do you hate about them that is causing you to want to change?  Based upon comments from people who have trailers, they seem to work.  Based upon my own experience with panniers, they work too.  If starting from scratch, then it might be a different story.  Or if you just want to spend money on a trailer, then go for it.  But I already have the panniers, just like you, so changing systems, spending money, does not seem to make mcuh sense to me.  Unless you just want to spend money on a bike thing and do things different.  Different for the sake of being different is OK too.

[cyclesafe]

There is not much functional difference between panniers and a trailer unless your bike can't accomodate the former.

I have both too.  If you really have a choice, then panniers are faster uphill, BOB is better downhill.  Both weigh roughly the same, both are a pain to ship, both cost the same, rack and bolt problems are just as nervewracking as wheel problems.

Net assessment.  Functionally the same, but panniers seem a little more cool.

[Peaks]

Another consideration is what type of a bike do you have.  A trailer works with almost any type of bike.  Panniers are best with a touring bike, and generally not good with a road bike because of the additional weight on the frame (in my opinion).

[ptaylor]

Hi Biff.

This is a frequent topic of discussion on this forum, probably because there is no 'best' choice. In the upper right corner of this window is a 'search' box.  I suggest you click that box, and search on 'trailer'. You will get a wealth of opinions; all opinions are correct.

Paul

[mudmin]

Another alternative to the BOB trailer is the Tw Bents folding trailer from ActionBent.com  It costs about $160 and has served me very well over the years.

[MichaelTheWingN]

I am a BOB trailer convert! I used to think they were a 12 pound kick stand...Right after Katrina I had to replace my ride, luggage and all. As I was in a FEMA emergency shelter I didn't have time to go hunting for panniers, so I bought a trailer. Now I wonder how I ever toured without the bloody thing!

An alternative for a BOB trailer that is taking hold in Europe is the "Extrawheel." http://www.extrawheel.com/index_en.php

Get a bicycle. You will not regret it. If you live. Mark Twain

[erniegrillo]

If you do go with a BOB, use it in conjunction with Panniers. I put things I want to get to easily in the panniers (like lunch, camera, windbreaker) and my heavier, camping items in the BOB.

[Dan_E_Boye]

I know this topic has been done to death, but I use a two wheel trailer and one reason for my decision was to decrease the amount of weight on the rear wheel in order to reduce the probability of broken spokes.  I didn't have a single one on the Trans Am.  The other main reason for a two wheel trailer is that I ride a 'bent and I thought a Bob would make me more unstable on hills.  It's hard enough to keep a 'bent going straight on a steep hill as it is.

[staehpj1]

It seems to me that one issue that doesn't usually get mentioned when this topic comes up is that you have to deal with shipping the bike AND with shipping the trailer if you are flying to or from your tour.

Question to those who have done this... how much of an expense or hassle was it?