BOB Nutz

[tomp]

I just got a BOB Trailer and towed it for the first time a few weeks ago on singletrack. Much less obtrusive than I expected it to be!

Here's the thing: the skewer that comes with the trailer seems to be a bit on the cheesey side (no offense to BOB). Just seems based on a really low-end skewer. Further, skewers tend to be less strong than solid axles and bolts. Seems to me that BOB Nutz and solid axles would be more robust and stiffer.

I'm getting a new tough touring rear wheel, and I'm thinking of using either an LX or XT hub. Does it sound like a good idea to remove the standard length axle, put in a longer one, and then get BOB Nutz for the trailer?

Oh yeah, another question about BOB. I assume that BOB has no solution for the 10mm DT through-bolt setup, and probably no plans for such? I don't expect that, but if anyone knows differently, share it.

[ScottM]

I used a Bob with the standard QR when I toured the divide.  I think using a longer axle is a good idea for stiffening up the rear end, but I don't have any experience with it.  OTOH, the Bob is always a little squirrely, regardless of how stiff the interface is.  I used a stiff-as-hell frame (Santa Cruz Cameleon) in hopes of keeping it more under control, and it was fine.

(Relatively) mellow singletrack is surprisingly rideable with a Bob, yep. 

[wheelmanron]

The BOB skewer seems low quality, but trust me, it is quite strong. I have been using one for over 10 years, never one problem. But the solid axle does much to stiffen up the ride. Plus, loading the trailer and tire pressure play a big role in how it rides also. Heavy items low and back, and lower the tire pressure. As far as converting your DT, all you have to do is buy a 10 x 1 solid 187mm axle, and slide it through. Install the nuts and tighten. You may need some washers to keep the nuts from bottoming out, but no modifications are necessary. I just used this trick yesterday. I work at a shop, and I had to true a DT wheel. No skewer, so I just used a 10mm axle to hold it in the stand. No problem. Good luck with your set up.

[THE LONG RANGER]

This probably won't be relevant for you, as I'm sure your dropouts are vertical, but on the horizontal dropouts on my Crosscheck, the BOB QR would slip every trip, unless you tighten it down ta-hell, and that will eventually bust the QR Skewer. No beef on the BOB Skewer, really, since it's really abusing the piece of gear, but switching to Bob Nutz works a dream with the same bike.

Remember on a tour to bring along a few extra pins, those things are easy to lose.

[Area54]

Sidenote: the pins are the same 2mm diameter as a 14G spoke, so if on a budget you can easily fab some with your leatherman.

I loctite the small end bolts in place to stop them walking out in really rough trails or long trips. Even carry an extra skewer at times.

Replace the stock tyre with a quality high pressure one, I chose a Hookworm. Run some sealant in the tube or go ghetto tubeless - I recall a trip with the stock tyre and it flatted - must have been riding for an hour or so as I can't see the tyre, so having an extra puncture measure keeps you moving forward.

[wheelmanron]

This probably won't be relevant for you, as I'm sure your dropouts are vertical, but on the horizontal dropouts on my Crosscheck, the BOB QR would slip every trip, unless you tighten it down ta-hell, and that will eventually bust the QR Skewer. No beef on the BOB Skewer, really, since it's really abusing the piece of gear, but switching to Bob Nutz works a dream with the same bike.

Remember on a tour to bring along a few extra pins, those things are easy to lose.

I would agree totally. I forgot to mention issues with horizontal dropouts. Sorry about that.