BOB Yak in the test: The single-track trailer is an interesting alternative to the classic luggage bags on the bike. Where heavy loads have to be transported, it reduces the influence of the payload on driving behavior; For some types of bicycles, it is what makes luggage transport possible. It's easy to use and not expensive at all.
There are essentially two factors that limit the transport of luggage on a bicycle. On the one hand, there are the transport capacities, which can vary greatly depending on the model: A gravel bike with attachment options on the fork and threaded eyelets for carrier systems can of course carry more cargo than a classic racing bike, to which you can perhaps even mount a light rear rack using only clamps. On the other hand, driving behavior and, of course, driving experience set limits to the load. If you take too much with you, handling and riding safety suffer, and if the bike only moves stubbornly, the fun of riding falls by the wayside.
BOB Yak: hardly any influence on driving behavior
It's no wonder that enthusiastic bikepackers rely on minimal luggage and expensive equipment with low weight and pack size - but there is also another option, namely a trailer. Anyone who has ever traveled with a conventional trailer for children, for example, knows that a two-lane trailer is not that noticeable: Sure, the additional weight has to be moved, but in normal operation the handling of the towing vehicle is hardly affected. The concept only reaches its limits when cornering - and this is where the BOB Yak comes in. As a single-track trailer, this moves smoothly with the bike, whether in a rocking position or when cornering, and it cannot tip over when cornering quickly.
A large stuff sack is included
The trailer sold by Croozer near Cologne is tried and tested and has hardly changed for years. Why should it, because the principle is convincing: the loading area is relatively large at approx. 40 x 60 cm; The included stuff sack holds 94 liters, around 50% more than the classic combination of lowrider bags on the fork and luggage bags on the rear rack. The trailer, which weighs around six kilos and is made of slim steel tubes, can carry five times its own weight.
Attaching the yak to the bike is easy: a special quick-release axle is included, into which the rotating drawbar is attached. This is available in two versions – for 26-inch bikes and for 28/29 inches. When buying a BOB Yak, you have to be careful to choose the right model.
A corresponding axle is available as an accessory for current frames with a thru-axle; the trailer itself is unchanged. This means that bicycles can be used to transport luggage without any attachment options; or you can load the heavy luggage onto the trailer and only transport lighter equipment on the frame, carrier and fork. This is also an advantage in terms of driving dynamics: the center of gravity of the load, which is approximately at the height of the axle, means that the load is only swiveled sideways slightly when standing on the rocks. With frames that aren't exactly super-stiff, like our titanium tractor, trailer operation also ensures that the payload doesn't cause any annoying vibrations.
Also sprung as BOB Ibex
BOB also offers a sprung version of the single-wheel trailer, the Ibex , but even the Yak remains surprisingly stable on uneven terrain. Moderately loaded, it's barely noticeable; of course, pushing its transport capacity to the limit becomes apparent when accelerating and going uphill. But that's always the case when transporting luggage by bicycle.
Croozer is currently offering the BOB Yak for 549 euros, including the “BOB Bag”. For comparison: you have to expect a total of around 250 euros for two fork bags and two pannier rack bags; In addition, of course, there are the carrier systems themselves, which are not available on sporty gravel bikes. The BOB Yak is not overly expensive fun, especially since it is also quite practical in everyday life - after all, you can't transport crates of drinks with bicycle bags...
