Utility Cycling 101: Refinements

Carrying “Stuff” Part V:  One More Suggestion

NOTE:  We published a post laying down the economic argument (both personal and societal) for engaging in “utility cycling.”  (You can find that post HERE)  This post concludes the series that has run on Tuesdays since that argument was posted.  The premise of the series is that folks actually want to use their bikes to replace some of the miles driven in automobiles, so the focus will be more on how than on why.

One of the sub-themes of this series of articles has been, “How to do ‘utility cycling’ on almost any bicycle.”  In keeping with that theme, I am pleased to present one more strategy.

As we’ve mentioned previously, often the utility in Utility Cycling invovles the act of transporting stuff.  Back packs, messenger bags, and even racks and panniers are good ways to do this.  These strategies allow the rider to carry more stuff, while making few or no modifications to the bike.  But what if one wants, or needs, to carry even more stuff?  Say larger items, or more of them, or things that are just plain too bulky for those strategies.

One approach to this problem is to give up and fire up the family car, but there are other ways to accomplish this kind of mission.  For those among us who frequently want to haul more, or bigger items, there are trailers.

A good trailer has several advantages.  It allows the rider to haul a fairly massive load.  It can be connected and removed from the bike quickly.  It requires slight or no modification of the bike.  It can be towed behind almost any bicycle.

B.O.B. Yak trailer, loaded for a tour.

Here's a case of a trailer coupled to a very oddly configured bike.  It would be extremely

 difficult to configure this rig with a rack and panniers, but the trailer works fine!

We’ve used trailers for big shopping trips, to support organized rides, to haul construction materials, for touring, and for camping.

Beware!  There is a lot of junk on the market.

A good trailer should meet the following requirements:

·     Track well behind the bike

·     Light weight

·     Sturdy

·     Readily available replacement and repair parts

·     Versatile

The Burley Tavoy (pictured below) is another trailer that we’ve used and found to be exceptionally functional and versatile.

Burley Travoy, ready to go on tour, or to the grocery store.

No problem making tight turns here.

And for those who find need for some serious hauling capability, there are some powerful and massive cargo trailers on the market.

Bear in mind, the Surly trailers are aimed at folks who want to haul a lot of stuff, heavy stuff, big stuff, and do it regularly.  For most of us, that's just plain overkill, but the option exists.

And in conclusion:  Some of yo are going to get seriously bit by the bug to haul stuff, carry stuff, and move stuff.  You may find that you want to invest in a purpose built bike for those roles.  There is a whole world of cargo bikes out there.  Start researching them.  We’ll leave that happy task to you the reader.  We are done with this series.

Happy Utility Cycling!