I'd like to get my bicycle setup to be my daily transportation for traveling between a bunch of nearby properties where I'm working.
Within about a mile I'm traveling back and forth pretty frequently between several properties. This isn't a big deal to walk, but when I'm trying to get stuff done in a timely manner spending half an hour walking to fetch something multiple times a day eats up a lot of time, so I end up using my car. I'd like to drive less, and last year I found my bicycle to be fast enough to get back and forth.
This is my bike:
(https://i.imgur.com/YGyONmE.jpg)
One issue is that something are too big and/or heavy to walk with or carry on my bike, so I'd like to get a trailer. It would need to be able to haul a bale of Promix (gardening dirt) which weighs 60 lbs and according to a quick google search is 25.5"x14.8"x16.6". Some way to transport long tools like shovels and hoes would also be good.
I'd also like to have panniers with some things I frequently need in them. Some basic tools, outerwear for various conditions, bug spray, etc. Having to make trips back and forth and searching around for what I need eats up a lot of time, so it would be nice to have things on my bicycle.
I was also thinking an open basket on the front would be handy for quickly tossing things in. I'd rather have it on the front than the back as then I would be more likely to notice if it bounced out.
My trips are mostly on a paved road with gravel driveways, with the occasional trip down a well packed dirt trail.
For trailers two that I was looking at are the Aosom Wanderer and the hunting trailers from Rambo.
The Aosom Wanderer is one of the cheaper trailers with one of the higher weight ratings. From what I've read it is sturdily but crudely built, so it sounds like it can haul a lot and will hold up over time but at the expensive of being heavy and noisy.
The sides of this trailer can be removed for hauling larger things.
Since I'm mostly doing very short trips I don't think the trailer weight and noise will be a big deal. The ability to haul heavier loads and the cheap price point are major plusses. There's a similar trailer from Burley that I'm guessing is better but at a much higher price point.
I'm leaning hard towards this trailer if I can find it shipped to Alaska for a reasonable price.
I've also looked briefly at the other end of the price spectrum at the hunting trailers from Rambo. They're designed to carry heavy loads and I'm guessing are a lot higher build quality than the Aosom. One nice thing is that they are quick-detach for turning into a hand cart or switching to another bicycle (I do have a second bicycle).
I'm leaning away from the Rambo and towards the Aosom because the Rambo and it's proprietary rack are about triple the price of the Aosom.
Any other suggestions? It has to be able to handle at least 60 lbs and be big enough for larger objects, which rules out a lot of bicycle camping trailers.
The shape of the Rambo hunting trailer looks like it's optimized for hauling game. The Aosom, crude or not, seems more practical for hauling a variety of loads (like bags of dirt and long tools).
Is building your own trailer an option ?
That way you can get something built to your exact specifications and set up how you want it.
Quote from: majorhavoc on June 08, 2023, 09:04:21 PMThe shape of the Rambo hunting trailer looks like it's optimized for hauling game. The Aosom, crude or not, seems more practical for hauling a variety of loads (like bags of dirt and long tools).
I think you're right about that.
Quote from: 12_Gauge_Chimp on June 08, 2023, 09:47:15 PMIs building your own trailer an option ?
That way you can get something built to your exact specifications and set up how you want it.
I could probably get my father to help me build it (he's super into bicycles and also a welder) but I fear that would end up taking forever.
(https://mymodernmet.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/archive/wjVzriAXKtOqU0WX7jfB_1082053026.jpeg)
I just bought a used bicycle trailer for kids (to transport, not for children's bikes) for 20€ to convert. It can carry a load of 40kg and the top part is easily dismantled.
Quote from: 12_Gauge_Chimp on June 08, 2023, 09:47:15 PMIs building your own trailer an option ?
That way you can get something built to your exact specifications and set up how you want it.
I've been thinking about it some more and I will ask my father if he's interested, although I kinda hope he says bi as that means I'll probably get something faster and cheaper. On the other hand it would be cool to have something custom made by him.
He's weird though as he has made a bunch of custom ski trail groomers for the parks around here that he largely designed himself, but when I was on my early 20s and asked him to make me a camping tent stove a couple years in a row he asked me for plans. I'm like, a small box with a door in the front, a hole for a chimney and some legs? I know he's made several full sized wood stoves for people so it's not like he doesn't know what to do.
Quote from: Optimist on June 09, 2023, 06:28:45 PMQuote from: 12_Gauge_Chimp on June 08, 2023, 09:47:15 PMIs building your own trailer an option ?
That way you can get something built to your exact specifications and set up how you want it.
I've been thinking about it some more and I will ask my father if he's interested, although I kinda hope he says bi as that means I'll probably get something faster and cheaper. On the other hand it would be cool to have something custom made by him.
He's weird though as he has made a bunch of custom ski trail groomers for the parks around here that he largely designed himself, but when I was on my early 20s and asked him to make me a camping tent stove a couple years in a row he asked me for plans. I'm like, a small box with a door in the front, a hole for a chimney and some legs? I know he's made several full sized wood stoves for people so it's not like he doesn't know what to do.
Maybe he figured there was a specific style you were looking for.
Quote from: 12_Gauge_Chimp on June 09, 2023, 06:57:12 PMMaybe he figured there was a specific style you were looking for.
Yeah, that must be it. I thought I was pretty clear about what I wanted but sometimes I think I must be incomprehensible.
I'm really kicking myself that I didn't buy the pedal taxis that were for sale in the next town over last year. They would have been perfect. I don't have a truck and my relatives who have them thought I was crazy, but I should have convinced them to help me out with it.
Quote from: Optimist on June 09, 2023, 08:13:21 PMQuote from: 12_Gauge_Chimp on June 09, 2023, 06:57:12 PMMaybe he figured there was a specific style you were looking for.
Yeah, that must be it. I thought I was pretty clear about what I wanted but sometimes I think I must be incomprehensible.
I'm really kicking myself that I didn't buy the pedal taxis that were for sale in the next town over last year. They would have been perfect. I don't have a truck and my relatives who have them thought I was crazy, but I should have convinced them to help me out with it.
Not having a truck is what keeps me from buying a lot of stuff.
You can fit a lot of stuff in a Ford Explorer if you get creative, but it doesn't beat an actual truck.
I can fit some pretty long stuff in my Subaru, but if it's very tall it will not fit.
Quote from: Optimist on June 09, 2023, 08:27:39 PMI can fit some pretty long stuff in my Subaru, but if it's very tall it will not fit.
Yeah, it's about the same with my mom's Explorer. If something is tall or really wide, it ain't going in the back of that thing.
I had my dad help fix my bicycle up for this year. Had to replace the chain, and one of the shifter cables is bad but we're going to wait to winter to replace it.
He gave me a spare rack so I went ahead and ordered these panniers to hook up to it:
Rhinowalk Bike Bag (https://www.amazon.com/Rhinowalk-Pannier-Shoulder-Professional-Accessories/dp/B07TLJV3HL/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=3GQ2M4LI2R4OD&keywords=rhinowalk+bike+bag&qid=1686455094&sprefix=rhinowalk+bike+bag%2Caps%2C292&sr=8-1-spons&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.006c50ae-5d4c-4777-9bc0-4513d670b6bc&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyMFc1VzRWTEk4MklRJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwOTQ1MjE5MkZJVkVaR1c4NUlVJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTAzNDUwMzcxWU9PMlEyREtQQjI5JndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==)
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71rLQkbgClL._AC_SL1000_.jpg)
I kind of bought it on a whim. The reviews were good. I suspect it's not the best quality, but I don't necessarily need or want something high-end for this.
The panniers I have for my other bike are waterproof, but one downside is that means they actively hold any water that gets in if they are opened while it's pouring rain. These are waterproof but the zippers aren't. I'm thinking once I make sure they're not something I need to return right away I might try putting small drain holes in them.
I'm starting to think up what all I want to put in them, but I'm going to need to see them to get a good sense of capacity. They post dimensions but I have a hard time visualizing it if it's not in person.
I spoke with my father and he thought that he probably couldn't build anything like the Aosom Wanderer for that low of a price, so I figure I'll order one once I find one that has free shipping to Alaska.
The panniers showed up today, way sooner than I expected.
Attaching them was easy, but in addition to the hooks and velcro I'm going to dummy cord them because it doesn't seem like there's much keeping them on (on the other hand a bump big enough to pop the velcro and fling them off would certainly send me flying as well).
Going to start coming up with a packing list. I'm torn between making a regular framing hammer, a hand sledge and a pry bar fit or just putting in one of the big Estwing claw hammers and calling it good.
I might look for a cheap drill and reciprocating saw. The reciprocating saw might be a hard one to fit though.
Quote from: Optimist on June 14, 2023, 05:35:07 PMThe panniers showed up today, way sooner than I expected.
Attaching them was easy, but in addition to the hooks and velcro I'm going to dummy cord them because it doesn't seem like there's much keeping them on (on the other hand a bump big enough to pop the velcro and fling them off would certainly send me flying as well).
Going to start coming up with a packing list. I'm torn between making a regular framing hammer, a hand sledge and a pry bar fit or just putting in one of the big Estwing claw hammers and calling it good.
I might look for a cheap drill and reciprocating saw. The reciprocating saw might be a hard one to fit though.
With panniers, one thing to look for is stability at the bottom. If they sway too much down there, you can catch a corner in the spokes of your rear wheel. If you're going at any speed at all, that can cause serious mayhem in an instant. DAMHIKT.
Not saying your panniers have that problem, just be aware of it. Add some sort of stiffener if necessary.
Quote from: majorhavoc on June 14, 2023, 06:24:55 PMWith panniers, one thing to look for is stability at the bottom. If they sway too much down there, you can catch a corner in the spokes of your rear wheel. If you're going at any speed at all, that can cause serious mayhem in an instant. DAMHIKT.
Not saying your panniers have that problem, just be aware of it. Add some sort of stiffener if necessary.
That is good to know, I didn't think about that!
There is some sort of semi-stiff insert in mine. I was still able to get it to touch the spokes when I pushed on it. I don't think it's likely but with some awkward heavy thing in there it's possible.
Since the material is waterproof I was thinking I'd like to put something in the bottom anyway to help keep the stuff in it from resting in a potential puddle. I might be able to make whatever I stick into there server a double role as an additional stiffener. In the meantime maybe I'll attach a thin length of board to the sides of the rack to make sure nothing can touch the spokes.
Quote from: Optimist on June 09, 2023, 06:28:45 PM. I'm like, a small box with a door in the front, a hole for a chimney and some legs? I know he's made several full sized wood stoves for people so it's not like he doesn't know what to do.
Ammo can stove, search for an send him a couple pictures.
Quote from: Optimist on June 14, 2023, 05:35:07 PMI might look for a cheap drill and reciprocating saw. The reciprocating saw might be a hard one to fit though.
I'm slowly replacing all my stuff with the Milwaukee M12 line. They have two size of batteries, one is the big brick like you typically find in cordless tools but the smaller one isn't much larger than a pistol magazine. So the tools are pretty small and light weight. Less weight to carry around.
Your bike looks a lot like my Rockhopper. I'm fixing up a trailer now. So what I've done is watch Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, etc for wheels that are the same as what my bike already has. If yours are similar its probably a 9mm front axle and 10mm rear so I found a couple rear since its going to be slightly stronger. This way I can run the same tubes and tires as what I'm already using, i.e. same spare parts.
Electrical conduit makes good light and strong frame material.
Haven't used these too much since I got super sick shortly after I got them and I still feel super tired even though I've been mostly better for over a week now.
Water definitely comes in through the zippers so I will need to put drain holes in them.
I don't think I'll be able to fit a ton of stuff in these, but that's alright because not a lot of weight is surprisingly noticeable.
Yes, a loaded bike transforms the way it handles. I used to do some bike touring with both front and back panniers and it turned my lively, responsive bicycle into a plodding beast of burden. Stops had to be planned further in advance, it was reluctant to change direction and required more focus to get underway if you were on the slightest incline.
And hills that I could quickly conquer on an unloaded bicycle by building up a good head of steam and standing up on the pedals suddenly required I remain seated on the saddle and very quickly switch to my lowest gears.
You do get used to it. You just have to adjust your riding style and your expectations.