Posted: 8/26/2008 8:42:08 AM EDT
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Been getting back into mountain biking lately (mostly for fun -- love ripping-up single track on my hardtail). So I'm thinking I'd like to get a trailer setup that I could haul stuff in should the SHTF and we be reduced to riding bikes and walking. I've thus far been looking at those lightweight soft-side trailers that you see for hauling small children. But it'd be nice to have something a little more hardy that one could haul something heavy in (like loaded ammo cans). Anyone have a link to a trailer that might fit the bill here? Also, what bike setups do some of you guys have and how have you integrated them into your preps? |
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I've thought about this, but I just don't see you getting any distance with these trailers unless you're staying on the road. And if I can be on the road, there are better options, IMHO, than Bugging out on the bike. Look at ways to set up your Bike to carry more ON the bike. Racks, etc. Hardnose/Hardtail bikes do better for this, but you can get away with some suspension systems if they can either be locked out or stiffened enough. My Bikes (I have 3, plus my wife has one) are purely backup transportation. The really nice thing is that I can haul them on the back of the BOV without taking up any more space. I would take SLIGHTLY more stuff on a bike than I would off of one, but not too much. Figure it's going to be only slightly more than a on-foot bugout. But faster. |
Good points! When I envision using my bike for SHTF duties, I mostly see using it before everything has stopped completely. Like gas is $10+ a gallon. Maybe double that. Most people are walking instead of driving. But everything hasn't completely come to a halt and the zombies are not yet rioting. So I could run to the store with the bike and get supplies and haul them via the trailer. But then again... if it's that bad then then I suppose we'll all be hunkered-down. And there's NO way I'd want to be on a pedal-powered vehicle during such times. Being on-foot would probably be much more secure. But I do try to envision all scenarios and prepare for as many as I resonably can. Plus, even if I get a trailer and never use it for SHTF purposes, I could still use it to haul groceries during the current times and save gas and keep in shape at the same time I guess. |
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two trailers i recommend and have used for multi day ON road touring are: http://www.bobgear.com and http://equinoxtrailers.com. the advantage of BOB is it tracks real well behind the bike using the axle of your bike, has one wheel, build in side (partial) and a big yellow bag. The equinox is what I have used, my wife used the BOB. the equinox I have has the basic frame. the trailer hitch which fits on the side of the bike, so you have to make sure your heels won't hit the hitch. the advantage with this is you have two wheels and because I bought the basic frame, it allowed me to put whatever wheels on it I wanted and whatever floor I wanted on it. I put home build BMX hubs and rims with heavy duty tires for a system that carried 130 LB with no problems down to the local gas station. On my multi day tour I imagine it carried 80-90 LB without a problem. the bob carried about 30-40LB. the equonox had multiple bags on it and then covered with a heavy tarp material. This trailer also has many different configurations. What do I recommend? for most people the BOB would work fine. I actually have two of each |
Sweet! Will check them out asap. Thanks! |