BOB trailers versus panniers

[The Flash]

For long distance cycle-camping trips, does anyone out there have any specific 'fors' or 'againsts' for either?

[gar]

I always used ( and hope to again)
panniers front and back, but I have always been slightly envious of the greater space of the bob, and the even greater ego centricity of it
There is nothing like attracting attention on the road for greater safety. They take quite a bit more than p's front and back don't they? but there is still only you to pull/haul it.
g

[nicedays]

I took my Yak to do D Day beaches, my mate had a backpack and panniers.

I was less constricted in the high winds than he. See our story at our website www.nicedays.co.uk/D_Day_beaches.htm it's the way we did our trip.
Regards

Chris

[The Flash]

Oooh, we 'did' the D-Day beaches last year! It's a good run, isn't it?
Have so far only used panniers, but this year have acquired some shiny new BOB's, but have yet to use them (France next month). I've always rather liked panniers: there's something aesthetically pleasing about mounting your trusty steed with all you need for survival on board. Maybe I was a cowgirl in a former life. But I take on board what Gar said about being more visible, hadn't actually thought of that aspect.
Will definately be taking them though, and I'll see how it goes....

[Tony Smith]

I use panniers but often wonder about a trailer. Main thing that puts me off is the extra weight. Last quarter's issue of Velovision had an interesting comparison of Panniers, Bob, Y-frame and something else on a himalayan tour.

[Jim Crosskell]

We have converted to a BOB trailer after 15 or so years with front & rear panniers on a tandem. The biggest difference is the lightening up of the front end which reduces wrist strain considerably. Hill climbs are no more difficult and safer on main roads as it easier to stay to your chosen line on the road than with a heavily laden front end. Our luggage for a three week trip now stands at; bar bag, a pair of medium rear panniers and the trailer which carries all the clothes and camping kit. The panniers carry shopping , stove, fuel, tools and waterproofs. If you want to detour to see something you can always drop off the trailer (don't forget the rubber pin retainers which snap easier than a cream cracker and send the pin into oblivion never to be seen again)and return to it later. I haven't found anyone prepaired to nick a load of smelly washing yet!
Descents are no scarier than with panniers although we have fired one Arai drum for the first time with the trailer on! I do think you tend to get carried away because of the space and weight capacity afforded by the trailer. and we should probably cut down a bit. But hey, it is supposed to be fun. In short the best money we have spent on the bike? Well up there with Highpath rings, Suntour bar cons, Woodrups braze ons for vitually everything and the saddle wth the hole in for yours truly.
See if you can get a mug to lend you one.
Backwinds all round.

[Lizb.bird]

I have used both, but tend now to use the BOB for touring and panniers for day rides. I try ever so hard not to overload the trailer, but usually fail, but some comforts are worth the extra effort. I even use the BOB for occassional trips to the local asda. For touring I put tent into a waterproof sac and bungee it onto the top then its ready when I arrive at the camp site without having to trawl thru the bag.

[The Flash]

Thank you for your tips, advice and thoughts; all very helpful. We've taken the BOB's out for a couple of trial runs, loaded with compost and other shed debris to get some idea of how it will be with all the kit on board! I must say that our initial impressions are good. The bikes perform (obviously) like unloaded bikes, and the considerable weight we have been towing is lessened by the fact that it's a moveable weight with it's own wheel rather than a 'dead' weight loaded onto the bike. I think we're going to get along just fine with the BOB's.

[Dick Dastardly]

errrr...what's a BOB?

[mas051]

BOBs are "Beast Of Burden" a manufacturer of cycle trailers. Making a 'Yak' and an 'Ibex' principle difference is that the Ibex has suspension.