[flatlandRider]

For years I have been using a BOB trailer for my off road adventures, and just recently picked up a new BOB Ibex. But the issue now is my 04 Gary Fisher Cake is wearing out so I am starting to look for a replacement. I need a FS bike that can handle the pounding of off road touring with about 45lbs in a trailer attached to the rear frame.

Most of the new bikes from Trek and GF are targetting racing and speed. I need a light weight but durable bike.


Any suggestions?

[hophead]

Without knowing what you want to spend, I'd suggest checking out the Giant Trance X line. They make 5 different component levels starting at around $1500.00 retail for 09 models. If you are lucky enough to find an 08 they can be had for considerably less and is basically the same bike. The main difference between the 08 and 09 is the Fox fork w/15mm through axle. My gf got a new 08 Trance X1 which is one down from the top for $1400.00. Her bike is a small and is right around 30 lbs with 5" of travel on both ends.

Here's the 2008:

[TxJeeper]

How quick and easy are those child trailers to get on and off your bike?

[flatlandRider]

thanks for the suggestion on the ride, will definitely look into the bike. I need the ride to have a dual pivot suspension design, as my current ride Gary Fisher Cake, has a single pivot and over time the pivot bearing wears out due to lateral wear.

TxJeeper; the trailer is not child trailer, its only designed to haul gear. Check out BOBgear | BOB Bike Cargo Trailers – do more with your bicycle! if you need to bring gear I highly recommend the BOB. I've used it on my rides in Montana on the Great Divide Mtb trail as well as my Bike Patrol rides. It connects to the rear axle using special skewers and tracks the rear wheel. I can disconnect it within a minute if need be.

hope this helps.

[hophead]

Originally Posted by flatlandRider

thanks for the suggestion on the ride, will definitely look into the bike. I need the ride to have a dual pivot suspension design, as my current ride Gary Fisher Cake, has a single pivot and over time the pivot bearing wears out due to lateral wear.

If you want better suspension bearing longevity, check out Rocky Mountain or Santa Cruz. They both use angular contact bearings rather than ball bearings to deal with lateral loads.

[riderman14]

i've pulled a Yak BIg Tow for years,and it's been both on and off road for ultra long distances.other than around town biking, this is what i do all the time.i usually pull around 35 to 45#'s and have had no problems to speak of.my three main bikes i use to pull this are a Fuji Thrill MB,a Trek 3700 that i have converted a bit to a "hybred" type,(disc brakes,26x1.4 michelin city-urban tires,fenders,gel seat) and a Fuji Ace road-touring bike.all have worked beautifully for me for thousands of miles both on and off road.you cant go wrong with those giant bikes for durability.ride on

[tajcrews]

Any FS bike is gonna wear out bearings over time. Most all the manufacturers sell FS rebuild kits that include all new bearings/bushings/etc depending on the bike. I had a cake and loved it but wore out multiple sets of bearings. I have also had the SC bikes (superlight, blur and heckler) and have needed to buy new bearings too. You wont wear them out as fast on other bikes but consider bearing replacement as a maintenance thing. I do like the SC bikes but gotta be willing to spend some dough. Good luck on your search.

[hophead]

Originally Posted by tajcrews

.I have also had the SC bikes (superlight, blur and heckler) and have needed to buy new bearings too. You wont wear them out as fast on other bikes but consider bearing replacement as a maintenance thing. I do like the SC bikes but gotta be willing to spend some dough. Good luck on your search.

Santa Cruz just recently changed to angular contact bearings. They won't last forever, but will last longer than ball bearings.

[Grape Ape]

Flatlander, how exactly does the BOB connect. I went to the website but it had nothing solid showing how it connects.

[hophead]

It attaches to the rear axle via quick release or, if you happen to have a solid rear axle they have Bob Nutz.