Author Topic: What trailer???  (Read 25099 times)

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Offline ducnut

Re: What trailer???
« Reply #15 on: July 30, 2010, 09:07:46 pm »

It's a Trek Fuel Ex 8.  I also e-mailed a bike shop who stocks both the model of bike and BOB trailers.  They told me it wouldn't work because you can't change the rear skewer for the special ones required on this bike (sorry - it's not the width that's the problem - my mistake).  The response from Trek themselves was "Sorry but I do not know of any way to carry luggage with this bike, that just wasn't really a design concern when we set out to build it I'm afraid.  .......  Sorry I can't help you with the gear carrying issue, I wish I had a solution but I just am not aware of one at this time."

I am a total amateur as far as mountain bikes go - so I am totally at sea with this.  If anyone has a Trek fuel Ex 8 and has managed to carry luggage I would love to hear from them.  Apparently I can load the front, but I wouldn't want to do this unless I can load the back too.


Grab a measurement of the dropout spacing. At least, then, we all can brainstorm off the dimension. Those tandem guys are pretty sharp with what would be considered oddball stuff to the rest of us.

Offline waynemyer

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Re: What trailer???
« Reply #16 on: August 01, 2010, 12:10:27 pm »
It's a Trek Fuel Ex 8.  I also e-mailed a bike shop who stocks both the model of bike and BOB trailers.  They told me it wouldn't work because you can't change the rear skewer for the special ones required on this bike (sorry - it's not the width that's the problem - my mistake).  The response from Trek themselves was "Sorry but I do not know of any way to carry luggage with this bike, that just wasn't really a design concern when we set out to build it I'm afraid.  .......  Sorry I can't help you with the gear carrying issue, I wish I had a solution but I just am not aware of one at this time."
Ah, it's all clear now.  The Active Brake Pivot on that model requires Trek's proprietary skewer.  I think that skewer is well over 200mm long.  That's a bummer.

I still wonder if you could use BOB Nuts on a generic piece of stainless thread stock.  Or possibly disassemble your current rear skewer and attach the pieces of BOB skewer.
« Last Edit: August 01, 2010, 12:19:34 pm by waynemyer »
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Offline tonupgilly

Re: What trailer???
« Reply #17 on: August 04, 2010, 05:10:58 pm »
Thanks for the information everyone - I've gone away to think about it for a while.  It is a bit of a bummer though.

Offline waynemyer

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Re: What trailer???
« Reply #18 on: August 04, 2010, 07:28:13 pm »
Depending on the precise design of the pivot, you may be able to use something like the Bike Friday Clamp-On hitch (http://store.bikefriday.com/product_info.php?cPath=51&products_id=7423) or this hitch (http://store.bikefriday.com/product_info.php?cPath=51&products_id=10616).  This would limit your trailer selection unless you wanted to start jury-rigging.
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Offline Tourista829

Re: What trailer???
« Reply #19 on: August 06, 2010, 02:55:46 pm »
My girlfriend has a Thorn Audax MK3. (featured in Adventure Cycling Magazine March 2010) She loved dealing with SJS and loves her bike. However, they do not do SJS couplers on stock bikes. This means, they will charge you on the plus side of $1200 for the couplers and repainting the bike. If you like your Trek, don't despair, here are a couple of ideas. You could purchase a two wheeled trailer that attaches to the chain stay. There may even be some collapsible ones. For a more unorthodox solution, the company that makes the collapsible trailer for Bike Friday, would entertain on making a larger collapsible trailer for a 26x26 hard case or even a little bigger one for 700c wheels. If you express interest in the later idea, I could forward you the info. I hope this helps.

Offline tonythomson

Re: What trailer???
« Reply #20 on: August 07, 2010, 07:55:05 am »
Hi Tourista
yes would be interested in info on a trailer that will take a 700 wheel box as probably going for a more regular touring bike.
Thanks Tony
Just starting to record my trips  www.tonystravels.com

Offline Tourista829

Re: What trailer???
« Reply #21 on: August 07, 2010, 09:42:25 am »
Tony, I spoke to Rita at Bike R Evolution 985 Irving Rd. Eugene, Oregon 97404  866 821-9535 or 541 517-2931. info@bikerev.com. The case we were talking about was a 26"x26"x10" for a 26" wheeled bike with S&S couplers. It would be a tight fit for 700c tires. This Samsonite bag is airport regulation size. The bag itself is $349.00 at A&E Cycles in Seattle. The fit is tight and you might have to take the tires off the rims. I am sure there is a case a little bigger that would work for 700c. I use a bag, not regulation size, for my folding bike and use curb side check in. 99% of the time, I do not get charged extra. Maybe Bike R Evolution would know of a source for say a 27x27x10 or 28x28x10 hard bag. I have included the original email reply that Rita sent to me. The people I inquired for decided to wait on the collapsible trailer option. The inquiry was several months ago and I can not vouch for the current price or whether this option is still available. I hope this will help you. Bob

Robert, thank you for your follow up. I checked in with the owner & Fabricator and the decision is... yes we can build a custom trailer for your hard case. Based  on the wider wheel span & your described use it will need to be a heavy duty trailer.
 
cost will br $ 249. + shipping
and completing would be estimated at 7 - 10 days from time of order.
Thank you for your interest let me know your decision Take care, Rita
 


Offline tonupgilly

Re: What trailer???
« Reply #22 on: August 09, 2010, 02:51:00 pm »
Hi Tourista and Tony.  I'm back - been away for a few days.  Interesting stuff.  Would a two wheeled trailer be ok for the GDR.  I was under the impression, perhaps mistakenly, that it would be best to have a single wheel.  I have also been looking at Thorn cycles with couplers - you are right - very expensive but possibly cost effective long term.  Their shop is only half a days drive away from me, so might just visit them and have a looksee.
Regards, Gill

Offline tonythomson

Re: What trailer???
« Reply #23 on: August 09, 2010, 03:00:14 pm »
Thanks Guys, really appreciate all your efforts, seeing the bike shop tomorrow and will make a decision.  Then off on my boat for a while - hard life so won't be able to get onto the internet until the week-end to check out the various options you have sent me..

Tony
Just starting to record my trips  www.tonystravels.com

Offline Tourista829

Re: What trailer???
« Reply #24 on: August 09, 2010, 09:08:25 pm »
Tonupgilly, I am glad you are back. I think a Burley Nomad at $314 (at www.biketrailershop.com) or Croozer Trailer $199 or $349 are the way to go. I have used both single wheeled and dual wheeled trailers. The two wheel trailers have there advantages and disadvantages. I am partial to the Burley Nomad due to its increased carrying capacity and smaller dimensions. On the plus side, the Burley Nomad's hitch attaches to the chainstay and will work with your Trek. You will not have a problem, keeping it upright when parked. If the bike falls over, the trailer may stay upright. It will haul more stuff 100 lbs vs 70 lbs for the BOB. (a whopping 8000 cubic inches not sure of the BOB's carrying capacity) also hauls groceries and collapses down to 37.3" x 24.6" x 11.3" for transport. It is lighter than the Bob, 14.8 lbs vs 17 lbs. The Burley Nomad's exterior length 32.4" verses the Bob's is 58" length, 2+feet length worries me more than the added 8" width. Finally, it is easier to change a rear flat tire because you still use the oem quick release skewer. The disadvantages are a little wider footprint 26" vs 18" for the Bob, not as aerodynamic as the BOB Trailer, and it may not handle rough terrain as well, although some of the reviews I have read dispute this and speak very highly of it. Both trailers will require separate tire tubes. I am not sure about the waterproofness of either one, but also an important factor. 

As you know, we love the people at SJS. They are very nice, know their stuff, especially when it comes to touring, expedition, and tandem bikes. If you go there, we dealt with Andy Blance Designer Extraordinaire, Robin Thorn Owner, and Lisa. I would offer a word of caution regarding their after market repainting. When Dottye purchased her bike from them and wanted to have it repainted, which you would have to do if you get the S&S Couplers, Andy strongly steered her away from this. He was having trouble with their after market person, who did his painting. He also claimed that their paint job, out of Tawain, was of better quality, and less chance of chipping than the aftermarket one. They may have sorted this out. Send our warmest regards from Bob & Dottye.

Offline tonupgilly

Re: What trailer???
« Reply #25 on: August 10, 2010, 06:31:22 pm »
Thank you Tourista, for the excellent and detailed information.  You have given me much to think about and investigate further.  Yes I would very much like to use my Trek for the ride on the GDR.  Obviously I also have to consider travel costs.  I am realising that air transport with bikes and trailers is not that cheap and also transport across the states can be awkward - although I suspect the cheapest way for me to do that would be to hire a vehicle with drop off at the airport before flying home.

Interesting stats on the Burley Nomad.  I shall look into it.  Nice to hear positive reviews about SJS - always good to know you are dealing with a tried and trusted company, and I certainly will pass on your warmest regards.

I have much to investigate now.  Thanks again for your input. 

Kind regards,  Gill

Offline Tourista829

Re: What trailer???
« Reply #26 on: August 10, 2010, 08:57:38 pm »
You are most welcome. I am glad it helped. Dottye told me the Audax MK3 was one of the most comfortable bikes she has ever ridden. (special short top tube & excellent frame geometry. A stock bike that actuallt fits a woman, amazing) We did all of this sight unseen and it went flawlessly. I give credit to the SJS team. 

As to the Nomad*, I would contact Burley at:
Burley Design
4685 Cloudburst Way
Eugene, OR 97402
Tel: 541-687-1644
Toll Free (US & Canada): 800-311-5294
Fax:    541-687-0436
Email: burley@burley.com
*correction BOB's length was 52" not 58" still almost 2 feet longer.

They are nice people and since the the trailer collapses, it might fit in the same box as the bike, if properly, packed. They may be able to help you. At least you may have some options and may not have to purchase a new bike unless you want to.

Sometimes, when I need to get back to an airport and don't want to ride back, or hirer a car, I rent a car one way, with fold down rear seats. I take off the front wheel, remove the seat/post, and turn the handlebars. It is very reasonable and works well unless you are driving 1000's of miles or more. Let us know what you end up doing. Good luck Cheers