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Camping
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Top Shelf from Roundhead, Ohio on 2/9/2009 2:48:32 PM:
I see a lot of comments about camping along the trail. My question - how best to secure a tent and a sleeping to my bike? I have a rack on the back. Should I get a front rack and move my pannier/pack to the front, and then secure the tent and sleeping back to the back rack? Any other suggestions?
 
stevie from saint louis on 2/9/2009 3:53:59 PM:
If money is no object, then a Bob Gear Yak Trailer is another option. It is a one wheeled trailer, carries up to 70 lbs. by itself. They can cost anywhere from $280 on up depending on what type of accesories you get.

"KoolMule" is another one wheeled trailer that was suggested on here previously.

 
Trek on 2/9/2009 5:11:52 PM:
Hey Top Shelf....there are many ways to go. If you're going to travel in warm weather, consider ditching the sleeping bag and take a thermarest pad to sleep on instead. To check out how tourist travel, their gear, etc., check out crazyguyonabike.com. There are forums, reviews, classifieds, and many, many tour journals with loads of pictures. It's a great resource to see whats going on in the bike travel world.
 
The Bear on 2/11/2009 12:57:07 PM:
Distributing the weight between a front rack and a rear is a good option, particularly if you're going to carry more than 20 lbs. As mentioned above, a trailer is a good alternative. In addition to the BOB, Nashbar has their own branded trailer that runs about $150. They also have a low-rider front rack for less than $20.
 
robert from columbia on 2/12/2009 12:47:00 AM:
I am sorry to be disagreeable but I dislike one wheel trailers. The "Bob" can sway side to
side at high speeds and become very unstable at low speeds unless everything is packed
just so.

I much prefer a two wheeled trailer like the Burley Flatbed or Nomad.

FWIW,

I ride about 5,000 miles per year and about half of that is pulling a trailer. I have pulled a
bob, burley's and a bikes at work trailer with 300# loads quite often.

The only downside to the burleys is that you have an extra tire that could go flat but thats
a non issue for me.

IF you get the flatbed you can put a 10 dollar rubbermaid tub on it and have a nice
container for all of your stuff.

Everyone is different though and many people LOVE the Bob. I dont know if those people
have ever used another trailer or not but they still love it.
 
Mark of the Dalton Boys from Austin, Texas on 2/26/2009 11:23:30 AM:
Robert raises a very appropriate point. BoB's give the impression that one just hooks it up
and goes...not the way to go. The owners manual is great...no one follows it though. The
maximum IS 70# but I wouldn't go there. Once at 50 or so pounds BoB's tend to "push &
steer" you and if you haven't really practiced handling those nuances its a whole new
world. That same Rubbermaid tube goes on a BoB well enough as well. I've had my BoB
since '93 and it does work for me, but I would agree with Robert that its not the magic
panacea trailer. Can't go wrong with a Burly flat bed. The orginal idea for the BoB was
basically beach riding in CA. with ones picnic supplies, even surf boards. It works well for
single track riding with intent for camping. Regards....Mark
 
ka3751 from saint louis on 2/28/2009 2:00:00 PM:
My bike can't hold saddlebags, so I used a backpack for my first trip camping. Big mistake. Once the weather got warm I couldn't keep cool with my back covered. I have a rack that clamps on to my seat post that holds 25 lbs. For future rides if I'll take less gear. A previous poster had a good idea for the summer, don't take your sleeping bag.
 
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