Customer Reviews

BOB Yak Plus Trailer In Black (Includes Dry Sak)

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

A friend and I each carried a BOB trailer 3,751 miles from Dallas Tx to Fairbanks Alaska over the summer of 2003. As we rode unsupported and camped along the way, we carried all our gear in our trailers. We didn't have a single problem. I personally found the BOB extremely convenient especially since there was no need to manage gear weight placement (as with panniers). It tracks like its on rails and was stable at all speeds; we reached 51 mph descending into Flaming Gorge Utah without any fear or hesitation. Bouncing over curbs and down bumpy rutted jeep roads was also a cinch. I later tried it on single track with a Mt Bike and am convinced that it would suffice (no shock necessary) for bikepacking. The only downside is a little added weight as compared to panniers.

This model is relatively unchanged over the past 10 years because it is meant to last. I bought mine at a Garage Sale and after 100 dollars in upgrades (the new connection system), liner for the bottom and sides, cargo bungee net, blinking light (that attaches to the bungee), and a flag, this things works amazingly. I use it to go about 8 miles into town to get groceries each week. Its stated that it holds 50 pounds, and it does that easily. I come back with a week's worth of groceries and: 3 gallons of milk and juice, 4 liters of soda, etc. I've found that it can do 50+ pounds easily just note that when you ride out of the saddle it is much harder to turn (only when you are not on your seat).

The best thing about this trailer is that you don't have to worry about hitting something. If you can fit through an obstacle (between parked cars and traffic) with your handlebars, the trailer will fit also. Because it has only 1 wheel, that wheel follows within an inch of your rear tire's track (for turning). I would without a doubt pay full price for this if I didn't see the opportunity on the side of the road. I keep a poncho which I can put under the bungee net if it rains but I'm sure the BOB Sack is great. The best thing about this trailer\company is that replaceable parts, if you needed them, are all completely online. I was able to replace the Fork system to the current system (used rubber lanyards to keep it attached to the special Quick Release bar on rear of your bike.

The BOB Yak is great. Hands down, it's the best way to tour. It's got a two-sided fork so you don't lose balance while turning (as some of the one-sided fork trailers will do). It's durable and sturdy and can take all kinds of abuse. (Also, this is for bicycle touring, not kid-hauling. BOB does make kid-specific trailers, but I've never used one)

The dry sack is a must - even if you don't end up with this one, you need some kind of dry bag to fit all your stuff. This one is great because it's big enough to fit everything without having to dig through 6 different smaller dry bags. And it's really really waterproof. I've put it through tons of rain storms and my stuff stayed totally dry.

The only problem with a trailer like this is that it's easy to over-pack, since there is not a limited volume. Don't load it down too heavy and you're golden.

Lastly, get another flag or two - you want to be as visible as possible!!

Fast and easy assembly, sturdy construction - love the extra water bottle holder option (bosses for water bottle cages are on the back side, allows you to install cages to hold an additional two water bottles for those long trips).

I can't wait to go camping this year! This is one impressive design!

I thought I was ordering the BOB with Suspension. I recieved the model with out suspension.
My problem is that I am in Thailand & I had a friend bring it with him. I can not return it. So make sure you know what you are ordering. With that said, I do like the BOB Trailer I recieved. I loaded a 25 kilogram "55 pounds" bag of salt for a brief test ride. My first thought was that feels O.K. You will notice the weight but of course you will. It does however pull & handle much easier than I would have expected.. I do not think I will actualy tour with 25 kilograms. So it will even be easier. It does make for a long & clumbsy bike when it is time to park it. I think I will get more used to how to handle that. It detaches in one minute & there is no sighn of it once it is removed from your bike. I like that. I am ridding a high quality Santa Cruz Blur full suspension bike. I put on skinney road tires. I do not think I need the trailer to have suspension. Also I saved some weight & money. My touring will be aroound Thailand on paved roads. Mostly decent condition pavement. I will carry everything in the trailer & my Female friend will just tour on a Bare bike. I think this will help her to keep pace with me.
I summary I like it & I would recommend the BOB Trailer.

I bought my BOB specifically for a self contained camping trip in Utah. Once I learned to balance the load in the dry sack I found it very stable. The convenience of being able to quickly separate the BOB from the Bike at the camp site made day trips and going to trail-heads to hike much more convenient than panniers.

I recommend installing a Greenfield Stabilizer Kickstand on BOB. Finding a good "lean" for the BOB and bike can be challenging and the kickstand remedies this cheaply. Pay attention, you install it a little backwards on the BOB.

The BOB will also hold a pretty good sized plastic bin (like rubbermaid). The one I favored has locking handles. I intend to use it on my commuter bike to fetch groceries, etc. Have not used it yet but if it works well as I think it will I may use it instead of the dry sac for camping. No regrets on getting the dry sac. Also excellent product for bike camping in a solo tent. Stuff stays dry even in severe storms.