Bob Ibex Bicycle Trailer
Single Wheel, Suspended Carting
With a load capacity of 32kg for a trailer weighing in at only 9kgs (even with the added suspension), there is an undeniable aura of quality meets brutal functionality with the Bob Ibex trailer.
The Heavy-Dog-Trailer Solution
Dogpacking is largely a creative logistic endeavour involving countless nights of research in order to achieve as much adventure with your dog as possible, while maintaining the maximum level of safety and smiles.
Once we decided to take in Indie, our Belgian Malinois and latest addition to the dogpacking line up, it was obvious that adventure would not be taking place in a crate on a rear rack. Getting her 2 weeks before a fully booked trip meant our options were limited and needed to happen fast. An Omnium cargo bike, a Bakfiet, or a bike trailer were the options.
Luckily, the two wheeled gods and Facebook marketplace heard the news and had a Bob Ibex ready and waiting for payment and collection in Wollongong. The local ‘Gong gentleman, Ian-With-The-Goods, happens to buy and collect parts for the Bob Yak and Ibex range and even had a thru-axle adapter which he tried to give to me for free… There are still nice people out there! Ian also replaced some worn parts with some newer spares and even chucked on a new tyre which had the same tread pattern as a Maxxis Hookworm. Legend.
It is important to note that Bob Trailers does not recommend the transport of canine in their products.
The trailer has creative and innovative design details. The coat hanger shaped pins used to lock in the mounting brackets to the rear axle adapter is both minimal and effective; but to the point you question how secure it can be on rougher terrain. I had no issues at all.
Weighing in at 9kg, it is surprising light when lifted and carried. Indie at the time was a feathery 24kg and the trailer has a maximum load limit of 32kg. The suspension can be adjusted to 3 different positions depending on the total weight of the load.
Indie was strapped in with a bungee across her back, as well as a from her chest to the base of the trailer. She was still able to stand which I later realised would really alter the balance of the bike and trailer.
Mods and Rockers
A few modifications were necessary to really maximise that safety. A shield over the rear wheel was created with some plastic sheeting and velcro straps to prevent debris from kicking into Indie’s face, but also to prevent her from kissing the rear wheel.
A cut out cover using a soft black rubber mat was placed over the suspension to prevent indie’s tail from wandering into the coil and also into the trailer’s wheel.
It is adventure tradition that I sacrifice sleep for sewing up a custom accessory the night before a trip. This trip was no different, and I spent the night creating a waterproof canvas trailer liner with padding on the base. The padding over the top curved tube is air conditioning insulation that I had been testing on crates on other setups. While thinner than a pool noodle, it was generally too soft for the crate, but worked well on the trailer.
Perhaps the largest issue with using a trailer to cart around a dog was the rocking and fishtailing I would get everytime Indie decided she wanted in on the action. She would continually sit up, and occasionally stand. Sitting up places more weight to the rear and can cause fishtailing that can still be equalised while balance is maintained. Once they stand, you’ll need to stop.
After many attempts to get Indie back in a drop and hold, many treats and desperate shameful begging, it was obvious that she wanted to run. Thus, Indie ran along the bike with a Manmat harness and bungee attached to a canicross waistband I wore while riding. In the few periods she wanted a rest, she was happily laying back in the trailer to recover. Though, the recovery sessions wouldn’t last too long before she seemingly charged back up.
Our Review Points
Here’s where the Bob Ibex trailer excelled, and fell short for us.