Transporting 100+ pounds

Within the next few weeks, I'm getting a new band saw. I looked up the weight, and it's listed at 160lbs. Dang! My rear rack is limited to 88lbs(and I've held 65lbs or so on it).

I've been looking over some rear cargo trailers and was wondering if anyone had any opinions on what works best for them. I've never used a trailer on a bike before. I don't have quick release tires on my LHT either, but I could swap the skewer back out for temporary use. Ideally I would love something that holds 200lbs, but a little less is fine. There's one that I've been looking at that is about $90 that will take 180lbs.

Any other great, bike-friendly ways that you transport something large?

Second option is using the $30 in Lyft credit that I have, but I know I'll use the trailer all the time.

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Permalink Reply by David Pulsipher on April 15, 2014 at 8:26am

The xtracycle Free-Radical is rated to 200 lbs. I also know someone who converted their LHT to an xtracycle. I have one, and love the hell out of it.

Permalink Reply by Jaik S. on April 15, 2014 at 8:59am

Excellent! That thing is great, plus you can get a sidecar as an add-on! I just may have to make a few adjustments on my LHT. Excellent suggestion. I also see Boulevard Bikes has them in stock, and that's right around the corner from where I live. 

Permalink Reply by Legacy Frameworks on April 15, 2014 at 2:02pm

I would go with a trailer to haul a bandsaw - that is an awkward weight. I know Owen at Blue City has hauled a table saw with his 6ft bikes at work trailer that is rated at 300lb.

Try 

http://www.bikesatwork.com

and

http://surlybikes.com/bikes/ted_trailer

And at a Cargo Bike Roll Call we tried a "sidecar" attachment with a human (approximately the same weight) on it and it gets unwieldy - because the sidecar only has one wheel and hinges in the middle, so the weight wants to tip the bike toward the outer wheel of the sidecar and tip the wheel of sidecar in toward the bike.

Permalink Reply by Gort 12-mile Pinklegneep on April 15, 2014 at 2:42pm

i've got a xtracycle which does all of the things for me, but for a quick one-off requirement like you've got here a trailer is probably your best bet. 

Permalink Reply by Jaik S. on April 15, 2014 at 3:16pm

Both of those are great, but also above $600. I'm not really on a budget, but I'm working my way up as the wheels turn.

Legacy Frameworks said:

I would go with a trailer to haul a bandsaw - that is an awkward weight. I know Owen at Blue City has hauled a table saw with his 6ft bikes at work trailer that is rated at 300lb.

Try 

http://www.bikesatwork.com

and

http://surlybikes.com/bikes/ted_trailer

And at a Cargo Bike Roll Call we tried a "sidecar" attachment with a human (approximately the same weight) on it and it gets unwieldy - because the sidecar only has one wheel and hinges in the middle, so the weight wants to tip the bike toward the outer wheel of the sidecar and tip the wheel of sidecar in toward the bike.

Permalink Reply by Jaik S. on April 15, 2014 at 3:17pm

I'll have to stop in and inquire about that...I didn't know.

h' 1.0 said:

Boulevard bikes rents trailers, no?

Permalink Reply by Jaik S. on April 15, 2014 at 3:28pm

Silly but curious question. My LHT frame is "comfortable" up to/about 300lbs cargo limit, including rider(according to Surly). The Xtracycle page lists the FreeRadical X1 with a capacity of 350lbs.


When you remove the original specifications from the Surly bike, then add on the Xtracycle parts would the total cargo capacity be 350lbs?


Leaning towards a trailer, but really freakin' curious.

Third option: Buy a lincoln electric welder and then make one myself. (But how would I get the welder home???)

Permalink Reply by John LaVere on April 16, 2014 at 2:02am

Hey! I love my trailer. I have the "heavy duty flatbed" and I do errands around town with it all the time. Everything from groceries to dog transport. When I did my research, I felt like I got the best overall value for my needs (up to 125 lbs.) The universal hitch is very simple and functional. Incidentally, I also have a bike that can carry a ton by itself, but I just love the ease of being able to drop something in the trailer and go. Strapping things to bike racks is always a *process*

http://www.wicycle.com/index.php/family/cargo-trailers

Permalink Reply by Jaik S. on April 16, 2014 at 2:40am

I found a trailer that I really like. It's rated to about 200lbs, lightweight, and simple.

Opinions?

Carry Freedom Site

Carry Freedom Y-Trailer (Shop)

ChainReaction Carry Freedom

Permalink Reply by daWillinChi on April 16, 2014 at 4:35am

All good stuff. I've been looking for a trailer as well, especially now that it's getting warmer *jinx*

Permalink Reply by Julie Aberman (Hochstadter) on April 16, 2014 at 4:36am

Meant to share this old thread yesterday - http://www.thechainlink.org/forum/topics/she-had-the-weight-of-the

Permalink Reply by John LaVere on April 16, 2014 at 4:37am

Looks like a great product. I like the side rails on mine, but I could see how a flat deck could be useful at times. 200 lb capacity is exceptional.

Jaik - 4.3mi said:

I found a trailer that I really like. It's rated to about 200lbs, lightweight, and simple.

Opinions?

Carry Freedom Site

Carry Freedom Y-Trailer (Shop)

ChainReaction Carry Freedom

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