Is the Bob Yak trailer still made? (2024)

As you can see from other posts of mine, in planning a longer trip this year, I'm looking seriously at changing my "set up" to a trailer with or without e-assist. This is a new area for me and it's already proving quite difficult!

I was pretty much coming round to the fairly straightforward idea of getting a Bob Yak (pricey but apparently excellent) but it seems they are no longer made. They appear to be on sale still from Amazon, but not in the UK, at around $1,000.

So what has happened to the (according to reviews) the best bicycle trailer of all time?

There's a generous offer to lend one:
viewtopic.php?p=1606561#p1606561

Jonathan

Available from BikeInn in Spain, selling to the UK and taking care of all the import stuff (See relevant thread for details)
https://www.bikeinn.com/bike/carriers-a ... 2&start=48

Having used a BoB Yak and tried one of the imitations, I can't say I noticed much difference, maybe the hitch was slightly better on the BoB. From that link I see that Burley offer something similar, the Coho, IMO Burley stuff is better designed and made than most trailers I've seen.
I wish I hadn't looked for a link, I now want a Travoy...

I know this isn't what you are asking but I'd recommend looking carefully at the Carry Freedom arrangement used by Mick F.

I used to have a BoB which I used for shopping where it was excellent but it was quite heavy, taking up a lot of space when parked at the shops and bulky to store. Having seen and handled MickF's set up, I'd say "just the job." The only circ*mstance I could imagine the BoB having the edge would be in narrow places where the single wheel might be better. MickF has posted at length so I won't go into that

Yes, TC, the CF is excellent.

The chaps that made them in Ayrshire, I understand have sold the business, so I can't comment on how they are now.
https://carryfreedom.com/y-spec/

Two more photographs.

PH wrote: ↑3 Feb 2022, 1:04pmAvailable from BikeInn in Spain, selling to the UK and taking care of all the import stuff (See relevant thread for details)

Thanks for that. Yes, I have now found them now at SJS as well (I followed a link earlier and it was sold out but they actually have other models). I think they are now made by Croozer (a German firm), although I don't know exactly where. AFAIK, they were previously made by Britax*. Having said that, I don't really know for sure whether they are still being made or what is out there is NOS. I do find it strange that these things are so secret, particularly as it is such a well known and highly regarded product.

This is the SJS link:

https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/trailers/bo ... ck-cts106/

I might add that I also don't know why they are so expensive (at £540). All trailers are pricey, some more so but it seems a lot for what is perhaps a simple product.

* Footnote: AIUI, BOB Gear was a US firm but was bought by Britax (a British firm and maker of the eponymous seatbelts) in 2011. Britax itself is now owned by Nordic Capital, an investment group. I don't know the relationship between Croozer and Britax regarding BOB products.

thirdcrank wrote: ↑3 Feb 2022, 2:30pmI know this isn't what you are asking but I'd recommend looking carefully at the Carry Freedom arrangement used by Mick F.

I used to have a BoB which I used for shopping where it was excellent but it was quite heavy, taking up a lot of space when parked at the shops and bulky to store. Having seen and handled MickF's set up, I'd say "just the job." The only circ*mstance I could imagine the BoB having the edge would be in narrow places where the single wheel might be better. MickF has posted at length so I won't go into that

If I were looking at two-wheel trailers then I think I would plump for one straightaway. There are some interesting trailers out there, most at eye-watering prices, but the Carry Freedom seems really good.

I decided to go for single wheel as I had envisaged some railway paths where single wheel might be better but I have a feeling it is six of one and half-a-dozen of the other - either could be excellent.

https://www.bobgear.com/accessories-bike-trailers

horizon wrote: ↑3 Feb 2022, 10:59pmI might add that I also don't know why they are so expensive (at £540). All trailers are pricey, some more so but it seems a lot for what is perhaps a simple product.

Many are, but not all.
The BoB look-a-like from M-wave, complete with bag, is £170 from SKS and a little less from BikeInn
https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/trailers/mw ... ck-yellow/

I don't know what that's like, but M-wave is a well known brand and SJS don't usually stock rubbish.

Retyred.life wrote: ↑3 Feb 2022, 11:42pmhttps://www.bobgear.com/accessories-bike-trailers

Retyred.life: this webpage links through only to Amazon and then to its EU.sales.

PH wrote: ↑3 Feb 2022, 11:45pm

horizon wrote: ↑3 Feb 2022, 10:59pmI might add that I also don't know why they are so expensive (at £540). All trailers are pricey, some more so but it seems a lot for what is perhaps a simple product.

Many are, but not all.
The BoB look-a-like from M-wave, complete with bag, is £170 from SKS and a little less from BikeInn
https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/trailers/mw ... ck-yellow/

I don't know what that's like, but M-wave is a well known brand and SJS don't usually stock rubbish.

PH: thanks for that, again. I missed it! I have seen others (there are a couple on ebay but being sold by SJS is, as you point out, a good recommendation). Lots of things are expensive at the moment or hard to get and a trailer needs to be 100% reliable so I don't mind paying a bit for one but £500 is probably over my budget. The M-wave looks good!

"Retyred.life: this webpage links through only to Amazon and then to its EU.sales."

Strange, when I select that link it takes me to bobgear.com, the original USA maufacturers site, which answers your original question.

I've used both the Yak and Ibex models heavily loaded over some really rough terrain and IMO the Yak is the better. The long wheelbase single pivot (aka trailing arm) design works well. The Ibex suspension shock is just unnecessary.

Whatever I am, wherever I am, this is me. This is my life

https://stcleve.wordpress.com/category/lejog/

E2E info

The good thing about a two-wheel trailer, is that the weight of the load is over the trailer wheels with the tow-hitch having nigh-on neutral weight ............... just like you would load up a car trailer or a caravan.

With a two-wheel trailer, all you have to do is pull it, and not support it.