BOB Ibex bicycle cargo trailer

I bought my trailer last year. I took it on a long weekend trip to Maine (via Amtrak) and I used it around town to advertise two municipal political candidates.I think the trailer is great, but could be better. Given the increasing cost of gasoline I wouldn't mind having a slightly wider rear to carry more weight. If that means using titanium I probably wouldn't mind.

I do a lot of trail maintenance of our mountain bike trails. My friends had bought B.O.B.s, but I wasn't sure that I wanted to drag a trailer behind my bike. I did want to shuttle tools when my friends weren't around. I had a friend build a light weight tool support. The trailer rides well. Still it took me a while to get used to the different way that the bike handles. I have not taken it on any technical sections yet. Overall I am very pleased with my purchase and it is well worth it to get one with a shock.

Just does it all damn well; the attachment system, the build, the shape, the handling, the coosh provided by the admittedly-not-well-damped little shock, the durability; I've tried 'em all, built my own; Ibex is le max.... Really! Joel...on my fourth trip 'round the planet. Been towing a BOB for maybe 35 thousand miles, an Ibex for at least 15 of that....

I cannot believe this thing! So far, the only drawback I can see is that when it's empty, you know it's back there. I've been using mine for grocery hauling and have had loads ranging from 25-60 lbs. My route to the store includes streets with hills and singletrack with hills and ruts. I can't believe how well it handles it all. When loaded this thing is unbelievable. Unless you are hopping or going off a curb or rut in the trail, it may as well not be there. I've actually looked back a couple of times to make sure it's still behind me. With the 3 position load damping system I can be sure for the right ride setting and I can also adjust the spring tension via a large "bolt" on top of the spring. That may be the root of the complaint for the guy who didn't like the shock. When I picked it up they had it tightened so much for shipping that the spring was useless. All you need to do is loosen it a couple of turns and you're good to go. I LOVE my Ibex and can't wait til next year when I get to take it on some real trips. I know it will fare well since my bike touring poundage will never exceed the weight I've already used it for. The only thing I would suggest for the people at bOb would be to offer a shoulder strap for the sak.

After giving a lot of thought to the fender issue. I purchased a 20" fender to fit over the 16" tire. This can be done relatively simply with a couple of extra brackets. I used a Freddy Fender as it seemed to be the most flexible. It ends up looking quite nice and fully wraps the fender. But if you do this take your time. GOOD LUCK TO YOU!!!!

I have recently purchased this trailer. It pulls GREAT. Don't even know it's back there most of the time. Seems to pull better WITH a load than when empty. Nominal "bounce" factor when going up or down curbs. The only drawback I have found so far is, after riding in the rain, the fender provides NO cargo protection. Throws quite a "rooster tail" even at slow speeds. Am in the process of replacing this with a 16" fender IF I can ever find one that fits. BOB should really consider offering a better one.

In response to the following review: "Believe me, this "shock" is nothing more than a spring, and has zero damping whatsoever, ensuring much wild bouncing rather than the high-performance ride I was led to expect."

Ridiculous. I have owned my Ibex for over a year now. Believe me, the shock helps a great deal when you decide to jump that curve or haul a big load. On another note, the trailer is not heavy at all! I just had to write these brief comments on the trailer because I absolutely love it. Best bike purchase I ever made.

Towing is this trailer's strong point. When stopped you have to supply the balance, but when moving, you don't know it's there (Till uphill). It effects bike handling with loads over 50 lbs but so does everything else. Did I mention how will it tows :-)