SoCaled 

No, not that one . . .


This one



I had wanted to get one of these second-hand, but they have always been too pricey, or too far away. Found a good deal, nearby, picked it up yesterday.
The connection method seems smart and simple. You swap your QR for one with Bob's "bobbins" on the end and then hang the trailer fork ends on the "bobbins".

First attempt left me worried

Trailer fork was wider than rim? Looked it up and the bobbins are reversible allowing a variance in width. Flipped bobbins and it was very close, slight flex and they fit. Added the pins to secure.

Went to go out for an initial test run, as I have never ridden with a trailer. Passed the first test with flying colors. There is a gate out of the yard, with a ninety degree turn that can be annoying to go through, with just a bike. I passed through with the trailer on, as if it was not there. Passed 2nd test, I accidentally put it through. Had already attached the trailer not thinking about the 2 steps I needed to go down. Got to the stairs, lifted the bike down normally, and let the trailer wheel gently roll down the stairs, super easy.

Took a zip around the block, up some driveways, down some curb cuts, trailer tracked perfectly, couldn't really tell it was there. Went to a short dirt single-track to see how it fared. Right at the beginning there is narrow spot, with a rock, that I had previously hit a pedal on, when riding through too casually.


I rolled through slowly, no issues, had plenty of clearance

milesfromhome

Left one of those behind in California when I moved years ago. Great little trailers for camping, groceries, anything but kids and dogs really.

Leisesturm

I bought one of those new in 2005. Stuff sack (amazing piece of kit) was stolen a couple year later. Replaced that for $60. We use it at least 1x/wk and often more grocery shopping with a tandem. Have exceeded the 70lb. GWR quite often. Apparently that is more for handling safety than the trailers construction. These things seem expensive, but as the years pile up and they don't show any wear/tear at all, the cost seems worth it.

R578645

Nice. I've saw a used rusted one with a non original wheel for 20 bucks. Wasn't worth the gas to go get it though.
Curious what the dimensions are of the steel mesh bottom? Just outside L x W. I'm still trying to make my DIY trailer.

SoCaled 

L-W-H = 64 x 41 x 46cm = 25.2" x 16.14" x 18.11" are specs online, for the trailer I have

brianinc-ville

I get that you MUST HAVE SLACK, but...

Single-wheel trailers, in my experience, suck. Once it's loaded, it will be hard to keep it upright while parked, and if you roll it, there's a good chance that the attachment arms will bend/break. I much prefer a two-wheeled trailer, e.g. Burley Nomad.

RB1-luvr

I have been BOB curious since I started one or two-night bike camping trips in the mid 2000s. Would be great to hook to my Specialized CruX and ride the 50 miles to camp on the Airline Trail (gravel) and then have a lightweight fast bike to explore the quiet corner of CT, rather than a heavy empty touring bike (Trek 520).

SoCaled 

Parking while loaded was impinging on my SLACK, but I have found it works fine as long as I pay attention to what I am doing while parking. I am still having some issues when fully loaded getting started after parking, reversing is awkward and going forward requires a pretty good area for turning radius to not "jack knife". It has been getting easier the more practice I have. I also have a 2 wheel trailer, I bought at the same time, but it is missing the connector (at the bike end) and I have not sourced/ordered one yet. So far the issues with the BOB are outweighed by the utility/convenience of having a trailer. I have used it for shopping and have been transporting tools to and from local jobs, happily takes a full size cooler + for beach runs.

SoCaled 

Missed this the first time I read your post. First ride I went on with the bag (to go shopping) I realized I would probably need a second lock for the trailer, since first one secures the bike and front wheel. When I got to the store and started to lock up, I realized I would need to do something with the bag. I looped the 2nd lock through the bag handles, trailer and the back triangle of the bike. I had a brief thought/concern that someone could just cut the handles and take the bag, but then the bag would be of much less use. I have little need for a "dry bag" here in SoCal but it is much easier to secure loose items in the bag than the trailer. It is also nice I can just pull the bag out the trailer and carry everything inside. I am tempted to find a right sized tote-bin that fits in the trailer and could be attached, no need to lock and for easy loading.

SoCaled 

Testing the limits, needed a box to pack up a bike to ship, no job too big for Bob.