Test: Are you planning a bike trip for next summer? But what to do with all the luggage? You either have the option of mounting the luggage with panniers on the frame or you can buy a transport trailer. If you decide on the second variant, the Bob Ibex could be the right companion.
If you are looking for a transport trailer for your next bike trip or just to transport shopping, etc., there is now a large selection. Velomotion took a closer look at the steel Bob Ibex.
The Bob Ibex is available for 26″ or 28″ wheel sizes and is made of chrome-molybdenum steel. The trailer weighs approx. 8,1 kilograms and can be loaded with up to 32 kilograms. The loading area has a size of 62×40 cm. The Ibex is also interesting for off-road tours, since a damper is also part of the construction. The suspension travel can be reduced from 134 mm to 77 mm thanks to the steel spring system. The adjustable suspension is well thought out and not prone to failure. Only an air spring strut would be even better adjustable, but this would also be more vulnerable and require more maintenance.
The transport trailer is attached to the right and left of the rear wheel axle with a special mount. This keeps the center of gravity low. The swivel joint behind the rear wheel follows every curve. Thanks to its narrow design, the Bob Ibex can get through just about anywhere.
The bob trailer is attached either with a quick release or a solid axle. In addition to the standard quick release up to 140 mm, 145 mm or 160 mm are also compatible. The thru-axle is available in three variants: M12 x 1 / 160-174 mm, M12 x 1,5 / 172-178 mm or M12 x 1,75 / 174-180 mm. The compatibility of the different axes is very practical. It's a pity that securing or fastening the trailer on the axle seems a bit "improvised". It does not fit into the execution and value of the great concept. Nevertheless, the fuse works very reliably.
Overview of the details:
- Size: Loading area 62 x 40 cm plus wheel
- Wheel: 16 "
- payload: max. 32 kg
- Own weight: IBEX 8,1kg
- Material: Chrome molybdenum steel
- Painting: IBEX > Gold
- Security features: Pennant, mudguard reflector, spoke reflectors
- Clutch: with quick releases (BOB QR) or nuts (BOB NUTZ)
- Travel: 77 to 134mm
- also fits 29″
Prices:
- Bob Ibex (26" or 28") without Bob Bag: RRP €649
- Bob Ibex (26" or 28") with Bob Bag: RRP 699,-
- Thru axle M12x1,75: RRP 99,95 €
What we noticed:
During the test phase, the Bob Ibex proved itself very well. When driving, the trailer impresses with its ease of use in all situations, it rolls easily uphill and is hardly noticed, and it also follows well on gravel and trails. Downhill, even at high speeds and in corners, it behaves absolutely neutral. We particularly noticed that the bike is much more intuitive and pleasant to drive than with an ordinary trailer with 2 axles. We could not detect any pushing outwards. Even when braking hard, there was never a feeling of insecurity. The quality of the available Bob Bag is okay, but it cannot be compared to other manufacturers. A transport basket or something similar would be desirable as an accessory. This means that you can also drive without a bag without the transported objects falling out sideways.
Here is some important information for a bike trip with bike trailers:
Take with you on the train and bus free of charge:
If you want to beat the holiday jam and prefer to travel by train, you have two options for your bicycle trailer: First, transport it folded up as a piece of luggage, which can also be done with a bob with a little manual skill and a few tools. if it fits in the luggage compartment or on the side. In this case, taking it with you is free of charge. Or secondly, the trailer is taken in ready-to-drive condition. Then, as for bicycles, a separate daily bicycle ticket must be purchased for long-distance transport and a seat reserved. According to a spokeswoman for Deutsche Bahn, this regulation also applies to journeys abroad in combination with an international bicycle ticket.
Thanks to an attachable buggy wheel, many trailers can also be camouflaged as buggies, so taking them with you is free of charge. However, this should be clarified again in advance of the trip as a precaution. Likewise, whether the transport of bicycles and trailers is completely free of charge on the selected routes in local transport, which can also be the case. Traveling by long-distance coach is becoming increasingly popular. With the largest provider Flixbus, a collapsible trailer can be taken along as free luggage. However, you should register it beforehand when booking online or by telephone.
Trailers partially regulated abroad:
But beware, not every popular holiday destination is ideal for cycling with transport trailers or children's trailers. In Spain, towing a trailer on public roads is still illegal. In some regions, e.g. B. in Barcelona, you are allowed to carry it with you. Therefore, it is also important here to clarify what the regional legal interpretation looks like at the tourist office in the holiday region before you start your journey.
If you are planning a trip on the Danube Cycle Path or crossing the Alps, you should note that in Austria and Italy, as of this year in Germany, the trailer must have a light. In Austria, special precautions apply to the towing vehicle: the bicycle must have a bicycle stand and a gear with a development of a maximum of four meters per crank revolution. In Italy, the wheel and trailer together must not be longer than three meters. So be careful if you are traveling with a tandem.
The total mass must not exceed 50 kilograms, which can also be achieved with older children. In reality, however, this specification relates more to the transport of loads. Most child trailers are designed for a maximum payload of 45 kilograms and a total weight of 60 kilograms, which is a realistic target for children up to the age of six. By the way: Contrary to some sources, it has been officially permitted to carry a trailer in the Czech Republic since 2013.
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