Bike-Trailer Loan Program
A membership benefit
BFBC now has three bicycle trailers for loan to all members who join or renew at our sustaining membership level of $25 or more. These trailers are available for pick-up at the BCAT (Berkeley Center for Appropriate Transportation), where BFBC has its main office. To reserve a trailer, call the office at 510-549-7433. Please be sure to leave your callback number. Here are the trailers for loan.
B.O.B. Coz Trailer
A product of B.O.B. Trailers, Inc. in San Luis Obispo (the name originally stood for "Beast Of Burden"), this is a single-wheel trailer that attaches to the rear axle of your bike via a BOB Quick Release mechanism that comes with the trailer and is used to replace your own quick release skewer. No tools needed. (If your bike has a solid axle, you will need to acquire "BOB Nutz". BFBC doesn't have these - sorry - but some of our supporting bike stores do.) The capacity of the Coz is 50 pounds, and with some creative use of bungee cords, can handle loads larger in size than the trailer compartment. This is a great trailer for longer rides where it's nice to have the trailer tracking closely with your bike. The Coz trailer can be problematic for around town use, because its single-wheel design wants to tip your bike over when parking. This trailer attaches to any standard type bike with a 126.6mm to 140mm rear dropout spacing. Its rated capacity is 50 pounds.
The BOB Coz has been discontinued, so this particular trailer is not listed on the BOB web site. (They continue to make other trailers, however.) Instead, see a detailed review (with photos) of the BOB Coz by Alex Wetmore. The BOB web site has an advisory note about using the Coz.
BicycleR Evolution
This is a two-wheel trailer from BicycleR Evolution in Eugene, Oregon that is ideal for carrying four fully loaded grocery bags. It is square and deep and comes with a lid that is lockable. (You have to provide the lid locks.) The stability of the two wheels make the trailer ideal for around town shopping. A quick-release hitch comes with the trailer and relatively easily mounts onto the rear axle, by use of a 15mm wrench, of just about any bike. Capacity is about 100 pounds.
See BicycleR Evolution's description of this trailer. See Bike Friday's description of it.
BFBC members may buy this model trailer at a discount.
Bikes-at-Work Trailer
BFBC recently purchased a 6-bay, heavy-duty trailer from Bikes At Work, Inc. in Ames, Iowa. This truss frame trailer can haul up to 300 pounds and attaches to your bike via a specially made hitch that mounts to your rear stays. Any mountain bike and most road bikes are compatible with the hitch. Only the tightest road bikes won't work. The 6-bay trailer is 8 feet long and can carry up to six 18-gallon containers for hauling a bunch of junk. You can also carry really large items like lumber, furniture, or ladders, by securing them to the frame with bungee cords. Many BFBC members have been known to move their entire house of belongings with several Bikes-at-Work trailers.
See the Bikes At Work description of this trailer.
Loads over 300 pounds
For loads over 300 pounds, please contact Pedal Express at 510-843-7339. They can haul loads up to 1000 pounds.
Adapted from the BFBC Newsletter, Jan-Feb 2003, p 7.