rucksack or trailer to get to the beach?!

[neilhapgood]

Hi all,

apologies borderline completely off topic post here!

However I am now able to cycle to the beach during lockdown, its about 8 miles, fairly flat.

I can just about fit all my kit except the board in a 70 litre rucksack but its pretty heavy!

I then have a board carrier that I use for surfing which fits on the seatpost so I can put hydrofoil board on there.

Alternatively I have a burley bike trailer that I use for the kids and can easily fit everything in there with room for a snack!

Now I know from the many posts I have read on here concerning the more technical aspects of our sport that there are many intelligent and engineering/scientifically minded folk on this forum so my question to you clever folk is:


On the basis that my primary aim is to get to the beach without being completely tired out by the ride will it be harder with the bike trailer as I also have to pull the weight of the trailer as well as my kit, or does it not really matter as the weight spread out over 2 bike wheels and 2 trailer wheels is better? The bike trailer would be my preference in terms of comfort but not worth it if it will be significantly harder.

Any thoughts or a stupid question!

Thanks all

[Janus]

Ketos has a nice bag;
https://ketos-foil.com/en/bags/107-boar ... ocket.html

[Kiterpep]

More wheels is more resistance. However, your wind resistance might be lower with the board on a trailer. And then there's also the fact that the trailer will be easier on your back.

I myself bike with my wetsuit on, makes a huge difference to the amount of stuff you have to carry. Although it can be sweaty on a hot day...

[nothing2seehere]

Easy. Bike trailer. The dude in this video (youtu.be/1rS4bafAdK8?t=38) is now over 80 and still cycles every session to the beach (though its not 8 miles from his house) with his kit in a trailer.

8 miles is about 30 - 35 minutes riding time. Put all your stuff in a rucksack and stand around for 30 minutes and see how it makes you feel. I'm guessing after 30 minutes you aren't fresh as a daisy so accept the 2-3mph lower speed and take the trailer.

Better yet. Get yourself an electric bike kit and get to the beach even easier

[joekitetime]

As a cyclist and as one who has a bike trailer to haul kiting gear, by all means use the trailer! The weight on your back, transferred to your butt, will become problematic soon if you go with a backpack. Rig that trailer!

Additionally, on the way home, your wet gear can be draped on top of the trailer to dry (rather than dripping down your back) and there is the possibility you could drink a cold one, one handed while you ride with the trailer, but close to impossible if the gear is on your back.

It is the same dilemma that all the cruising cyclist explored years ago, and they all ended up going with mounting their gear on their bikes rather than their backs!

[Cdog]

image1.jpeg (149.17 KiB) Viewed 907 times

I say go for a trailer
I found a baby jogging stroller and turn it into a kite surfing trailer
I can carry the board the foil ,the mash ,2 Kites ,wetsuit ,pump ,harness and snacks!

[TomW]

Load up that trailer. It takes all the fun out of cycling, but you're just trying to get to the beach..find a cheapo electric bike and you're all set.