I'm going on a 1000-mile charity tour in france/spain/portugal in summer with 3mates. We're being self sufficient (tents/bags etc) so can anyone with experience recomend which mode of carrying would be better? ta
Guessing if we go with trailer then prob go with one and take turns carrying the rest on racks.
2007-04-10 03:30:11 · 4 answers · asked by Seany Baby 1 in Sports ➔ Cycling
Trailers are less preferable than panniers, although it may seem counter intuitive. They change the handling characteristics of the bike more so than bags. Also, they make the profile of the bike wider making you more susceptible to crosswinds, and traffic. Finally, when you stop for rests or pull in to towns, it is more cumbersome to make your way around with trailers. I've done several tours and have not known anyone to like them more.
2007-04-10 03:57:56 · answer #1 · answered by Jay P 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Id agree, prefer the panniers option, more independant, less impact on bike handling. Also if youre doing those countries sounds like youre up in the mountains and it will be real hard doing that with a trailer - hard even with panniers! Enjoy your trip
2007-04-12 03:54:21 · answer #2 · answered by robert m 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Crikey i am surprised you are even thinking about a trailer.They are heavy and cumbersome and then every time you stop you have to worry about security.Panniers can be detached easily and you should still be able to get enough stuff in them.1000 miles isn't that far, I used to do that every Easter with just a saddlebag and stayed at youth hostels.
You need to be pretty ruthless and think about weight.You should work out how you will share out the camping stuff between the bikes.Concentrate on getting lightweight camping stuff ( eg. a Trangia canteen) and talk to someone who has done a lot of touring.
2007-04-10 11:31:33 · answer #3 · answered by Roman H 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
there are different types of trailers. A single wheel tracks nicely and handles better than a fully loaded bike, but both take some practice. I guess there is no offroad planned. If there is again a single wheel trailer is nice for single paths and keeps the bushes and branches off the panniers. I would also recommend it for road. keeps the width to a minimum. But the shipping is a bit of a problem. You already have to contend with a bike.
Also try www.bikeforums.net for some great advice
2007-04-10 11:33:20 · answer #4 · answered by evilredlight 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋