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Panniers vs. Trailer
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Newbie from Kansas City MO on 4/14/2010 3:09:27 PM:
We are considering riding the entire Katy trail early October. We are new bikers but very active so I am not concerned about the distance but more about what we need to purchase to carry our stuff. I have read a lot on panniers but it seems that a trailer may be a better investment. Can anyone tell me the pros and cons? We plan on packing light and staying at B&B's along the way. Also, if we go with a trailer does anyone know if we can take a BOB trailer on Amtrak?? Thanks so much!!
 
Paulie from Knoxville on 4/14/2010 5:58:19 PM:
Trailers are not allowed on Amtrak but I've heard of people getting them on. But I wouldnt plan on it.

I've been using one seatpost pack just over my rear wheel. I'm able to carry just what I need for 3 days but its tough. Last month,I picked up some panniers. I use them and the seatpost pack and now I have plenty of room. With a BOB you can carry everything including the kitchen sink. I guess it depends on how much cargo you have and how long you plan to stay on the trail.

Good Luck, Paulie
 
Dan from Centennial, Colorado on 4/14/2010 6:57:23 PM:
I would avoid the trailer if you can, and I think you can. The panniers give you much more flexibility and is all self contained on the bike. I have used a rear rack with a pannier on each side for months at a time. You should be able to pack adequately for the entire length of the trail with this option. If not, review the items you are bringing and downsize. I will assure you that if you have a trailer, you will fill it because you can. Good luck and foremost, have a good time.
 
Dan from Centennial, Colorado on 4/14/2010 10:32:35 PM:
I would avoid the trailer if you can, and I think you can. The panniers give you much more flexibility and is all self contained on the bike. I have used a rear rack with a pannier on each side for months at a time. You should be able to pack adequately for the entire length of the trail with this option. If not, review the items you are bringing and downsize. I will assure you that if you have a trailer, you will fill it because you can. Good luck and foremost, have a good time.
 
Greg from San Anselmo Ca on 4/15/2010 9:55:47 AM:
You can put everything you need for credit card touring in a rear bag with expandable sides that fits on a rack. Then a small handlebar bag for stuff like sunglasses etc. Check out Topeak.
 
kim from independence, mo on 4/16/2010 5:46:19 AM:
We use a burley nomad trailer with a bag. We traveled with backpacks in the trailer, then took them out, packed the trailer in the bag, and carried it on to Amtrak with no problems. Where we had trouble though, was when we found out our reserved bike spots had been given to other bikes. So, the trailer/bag was not a problem and we really like the flexibility of traveling with a trailer.
 
Jeremy from St. Louis on 4/23/2010 5:29:09 PM:
This week I completed a 3 day (camping 2 nights) trip, using new panniers:

http://www.rei.com/product/780451

One held my sleeping bag and pad, the other clothes, food, stove, etc. I strapped my tent & a few other supplies to the top of the rear rack. Since you are doing B&Bs, you can fit more clothes, etc., without all of the camping materials.

If you will be doing a fairly short trip (>5 days), I believe panniers are the way to go, but longer might call for a trailer, which would hold more gear. As mentioned elsewhere, you might have trouble getting a trailer on Amtrak if you plan on taking the train.
 
Anonymous on 4/24/2010 9:42:43 AM:
If you are staying in B&B's you need to carry very little.. I just put a few things in a back pack and use a bungee cord to fasten on a small rack. You can make it three or four days easily this way without all the weight and nuisance. Buy what you need along the trail..
 
Anonymous on 4/24/2010 9:42:50 AM:
If you are staying in B&B's you need to carry very little.. I just put a few things in a back pack and use a bungee cord to fasten on a small rack. You can make it three or four days easily this way without all the weight and nuisance. Buy what you need along the trail..
 
Anonymous on 4/24/2010 10:23:42 AM:
We are going to ride the trail this summer and it will take us 7 days (We are going one way them back about 1/2 the way). We are camping 1/2 the time and staying at B&B the other 1/2. We got a trailer that folds up so we can take it on the trail back with us. Has anyone taken a trail on the trail how does it ride? I am know thinking if we should have just gone with the panniers but I do not know if we would have enough room?
 
Arkie on 4/24/2010 11:25:21 AM:
I have done the trail twice from end to end and once from Boonville to St. Charles using panniers. If you are doing B&B and hotels you really don't need much. The panniers change the center of gravity but it is just nice to be completely self-contained when you roll in. The little trailers look neat but I would personally wind up carrying uch more than I needed.
 
daytoncapri from Dayton, OH on 4/25/2010 5:19:37 PM:
Just my 2 cents, but - as a trailer lover - I am inclined to recommend against the trailer for your approach to this trip. I have used my trailer along with my panniers for my solo camping trips along the C&P, GAP, Le Petit Train du Nord, North Bend Rail Trail (WV), and have always loved it! I carry loads of stuff. One can adjust to the drag behind the bike and even forget it is back behind you. However, you wrote that you are packing light and using B&Bs for your lodging. I'd guess that you are also opting for restaurants over preparing your own food. If that's a good guess, than I can't think of a reasons for you to want to use a trailer. The trailer adds a non-negotiable increment of weight to your rig, adds wear and tear to your bike, another tube-tire that can go flat, and it is another lengthening encumbrance as you cross roads, hits bumps, and go round the bends. Moreover, like any extra suitcase, it invites you to pack more things than you really need. So I'd vote against taking the trailer - even if you own one. I wouldn't in your circumstances, I'd stick with the approach of light'n'easy.
 
Anonymous on 4/26/2010 10:42:47 AM:
Wow, thank you everyone for the info! Looks like panniers it is! Can't wait to ride!
 
Jim from Denver, CO on 4/26/2010 11:43:16 AM:
If you go the trailer route and Amtrak doesn't allow trailers you can buy a shipping bag for the BoB trailer for about 100 bucks.
Then it's a piece of luggage.
 
EB from Greenwood, MO on 4/29/2010 3:45:32 PM:
Another belated vote for panniers...you only need one or two changes of clothes because nearly all of the B&Bs have a washer and dryer.
 
The Dalton Boys from Austin, Texas on 5/7/2010 12:06:32 PM:
Dan of Centennial and daytoncapri got it down...watch the trap of filling 'cause you can and
you'll be fine. I own both panniers & trailer. Regards
 
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