Pulling a BOB Trailer

[stjunkie]

I just picked up a BOB trailer for doing some overnighters on dirt and road.

The question I have is will it damage my carbon road frame pulling it? I have an '06 trek Madone.

From a physics standpoint i would think long term use would tend to pull the rear alu axle lugs from the carbon chainstays. Or maybe both seatstays and chainstays would crack do to the sideways pull of the trailer.
Anybody have experience with this situation or know of anyone who does this.

Or maybe this is an obsurd idea altogether.

Eventually for pulling on the road I was thinking of getting a steel frame touring bike but for now it would be nice to find out how I like pulling the trailer instead of panniers.

[MTBMaven]

Scott,

I would post something in the touring board on Bike Forums. There are many, well seasoned tourers over there. I like you have only pull a BoB on my fully suspended MTB on singletrack. Let me know when you plan some over nighters. Once my new 29er is built I want to start working on my overnight kit.

[sheclimbs]

Originally Posted by stjunkie

I just picked up a BOB trailer...

Look Shannon a B.O.B. trailer, maybe Scott was serious about pulling you along on our rides !

[autoduel]

Originally Posted by stjunkie

From a physics standpoint i would think long term use would tend to pull the rear alu axle lugs from the carbon chainstays. Or maybe both seatstays and chainstays would crack do to the sideways pull of the trailer.

Good point. I've heard of the dropout bond failing even without a trailer. I don't think the carbon stays themselves are at any risk. If it were my frame, I wouldn't risk it.

[Shannon]

Ummm, Scott. You're an engineer asking us these questions??? Perhaps we can discuss it while you're pulling me in your new trailer.

[Keith B]

I think Scott has jsut got the trailer so he can carry more chicken on rides. Good job he's fast because those cayotes can run you know!

[Jslow]

Is your frame not warrantied against incidentals accept "racing".... so if it cracks 15k miles later are you gonna be mad when you get the newer pimper version?

I don't suspect there is a lot of herky jerky to your touring so I think regardless of bike your frame will last a while...

Another aside, How much you planning to pull with your "beast of burden" trailer?

I tried to keep the extra weight to less than 15% of my body weight this summer when I toured... it was much nicer riding when I kept it to around 10%.... I was 190... I did a month long tour and had time to figure it out... heavier and"more prepared" wasn't better at all. How much does a bob weigh? 20 lbs with H2O proof bag?

[sheclimbs]

Originally Posted by Jslow

I tried to keep the extra weight to less than 15% of my body weight this summer when I toured... it was much nicer riding when I kept it to around 10%.... I was 190... I did a month long tour and had time to figure it out... heavier and"more prepared" wasn't better at all. How much does a bob weigh? 20 lbs with H2O proof bag?

Well Slim if you only pull 10% of your body weight and the trailer + bags are 20 lbs, don't think you'll be bringing anything with you...not even chicken

[Jslow]

I for sure didn't use a bob... but I re-read my post... I sound like a freak. Sorry.
At times I carried 3 gal of water at 8 lbs per gal I totally lied.

But you can go light. I have thought of switching duties of pulling a bob between touring companions... that way everyone has a good time... if you don't pull you navigate?
Just a thought.
But still I doubt a bob would crack a dropout n the first 1000 miles on the road?

[stjunkie]

Originally Posted by MTBMaven

Scott,

I would post something in the touring board on Bike Forums. There are many, well seasoned tourers over there. I like you have only pull a BoB on my fully suspended MTB on singletrack. Let me know when you plan some over nighters. Once my new 29er is built I want to start working on my overnight kit.

One of the reasons I got it was to do the San Gabs multi-day ride you talked about last year. For pulling on the road I was thinking of going up the coast and camping at Leo Carillo or Point Magu and coming back the next day.

Originally Posted by Shannon

Ummm, Scott. You're an engineer asking us these questions??? Perhaps we can discuss it while you're pulling me in your new trailer.

On the BOB website it says 70lb carrying capacity and no carrying children or pets. So if you can slim down a little you're good to go.

Originally Posted by Jslow

Is your frame not warrantied against incidentals accept "racing".... so if it cracks 15k miles later are you gonna be mad when you get the newer pimper version?

I don't suspect there is a lot of herky jerky to your touring so I think regardless of bike your frame will last a while...

Another aside, How much you planning to pull with your "beast of burden" trailer?

I tried to keep the extra weight to less than 15% of my body weight this summer when I toured... it was much nicer riding when I kept it to around 10%.... I was 190... I did a month long tour and had time to figure it out... heavier and"more prepared" wasn't better at all. How much does a bob weigh? 20 lbs with H2O proof bag?

I'm not original owner so I think the warranty is out the window.

I would probably only pull about 30-40lbs on the road.
It would be more to test out what stuff to bring before doing multi-day rides.

I do like your idea of switching duties of pulling.

[Shannon]

Hmmm, getting down to 70lbs might be a bit difficult. And I guess these guys are out. At least they have their beach cruiser. Bummer, what good is the BOB then anyways?

cruiser basket.jpg

[Pain Freak]

Looks like I'll get mine too. I bought a BOB trailer.

[MTBMaven]

Originally Posted by Keith B

I think Scott has just got the trailer so he can carry more chicken on rides.

It's actually so he can carry more Egg McMuffins

[Pain Freak]

Originally Posted by MTBMaven

It's actually so he can carry more Egg McMuffins

No, not really he manages to get 54 in the Camelback with no problem. It's those other 6 subway footlongs he has issues with.

[airgabe]

I am down for overnights and your chicken is always welcomed.....

[lardbutt]

As an engineer myself, I don't think you would have a problem pulling a Bob with a carbon road frame. But that being said, I don't think I would do it myself!! I only use mine with my MTB for offroad adventures. Going back to Big Bend National Park for 6 days of self-supported touring around the park at Christmas. Can't wait!! Have tried to do this trip several times in the past and all have failed for various reasons. This time I am going solo... My own personal Vision Quest I guess. Rig for 6 days, with water, will likely be in the 70 pound range. Will use panniers too.

If you ever get the chance to go, don't pass up this trip. Big Bend is an amazing place out in the middle of the desert with some amazing scenery...

[MTBMaven]

Good luck and have fun lardbutt (and I mean that with all due respect )

[MTBMaven]

Scott you should just get one of these frames from Peter White.

http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/tout-terrain.asp

[lardbutt]

Wow, that Peter White fully seems like a L O N G way around the barn to get a full-suspension doesn't it? But then again, you can't have your panniers shakin' all over the place now can you?