BOB Yak Review
Cons: trailer is attached directly to back wheel without movable hitch so getting out of the saddle on uphills can get unsteady
Manufacturer: BOB
Our Verdict
Compare to Similar Products
![]() This Product
BOB Yak | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Awards | ![]() | ![]() | |||
Price | $359 List | $450 List | $439 List | $249.99 at Backcountry Compare at 2 sellers | $349.99 at Competitive Cyclist Compare at 3 sellers |
Overall Score ![]() |
|||||
Star Rating | |||||
Pros | great aerodynamics, includes large dry sack | Durable, easy hitch, elastic cargo net, smooth ride, stands on its own, one wheel | Three inches of adjustable suspension improves on and off road handling, tracks well behind rear wheel of bicycle, easy attachment | Solid axle makes the trailer stable for large heavy loads, folds down small for easy storage, open design allows for flexibility when hauling non-traditional cargo | Flexible rubber hitch mount allows bike to lean without trailer leaning so climbing hills is much easier when you get off your seat, lightweight, durable |
Cons | trailer is attached directly to back wheel without movable hitch so getting out of the saddle on uphills can get unsteady | Heavy | If packed uneven it can get wobbly on downhills, doesn't stand up on it's own | No straps or dry sac included | Enclosed structure makes it difficult to lock your trailer up along with your bike, weather resistant but not watertight |
Rating Categories | BOB Yak | Burley Coho XC | BOB Ibex Plus | Burley Design Flatbed | Burley Nomad |
Capacity (30%) | |||||
Ease Of Use (20%) | |||||
Ease Of Towing (20%) | |||||
Smoothness Of Ride (20%) | |||||
Versatility (10%) | |||||
Specs | BOB Yak | Burley Coho XC | BOB Ibex Plus | Burley Design... | Burley Nomad |
Capacity | 70 lbs | 70 lbs | 70 lbs | 100 lbs | 100-pound, 105-liter |
Weight | 13.5 lbs | 21.5 lbs | 17 lbs | 14.5 lbs | 15 lbs |
Number of wheels | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
Size Open LxWxH (inches) | 61" x 17" x 16" | 32.5” x 22” x 22.5” | 62" x 17" x 16" | 33" x 16.1" x 30.9" | 32.4" x 26.8" x 22.8" |
Wheel Size | 16" x 1.75" | 16” | 16" x 2.125" | 16" | 16" |
Access into trailer | top, sides | top | top, sides | top | top |
Cover Protection | yellow Dry Sak | None Included | yellow Dry Sak | none | weatherproof cover |
Attachment to Bike | quick release | quick release | quick release | Forged Hitch | Forged aluminum hitch |
Our Analysis and Test Results
The BOB Yak Plus was one of the company's very first trailer designs. It really set the standards for the rest to follow. With it's ability to carry 70 lb. of cargo you are not limited to what you can haul around with you. The trailer attaches to most bicycles rear hub with a quick release skewer. You can also purchase BOB Nutz for around $27 so you can attach any of the BOB cargo bike trailers, if your bike has solid axle wheels. We really liked all the single wheel design bike trailers for their ability to maneuver well through tight situations and superior aerodynamics for longer distance travel.
Performance Comparison
Capacity
The Bob Yak Plus has a weight carrying capacity of 70 lb. and the dry sack can carry a volume of around 5,700 cubic inches. That is enough room to get a weeks worth of groceries and much more.
Ease of Use
The BOB Yak Plus has a simple and easy set up process. It can disassembled in three pieces, but with an easy to follow instruction manual we had the trailer ready to roll within 15 min. Just make sure you have two 10 mm wrenches handy for the install. You will need them to attach the front fork and the back wheel to the trailer.
Ease of Towing
One thing we really liked about the BOB Yak Plus was that it's simple single wheel design made it really easy to tow. It handled corners, even when sharp, like a champ and it's slim build allowed us to travel through crowded or framed streets with ease and little worry of capsize or smashing the trailer on something.
Smoothness of Ride
The BOB Yak Plus handled really well on paved roads; we always felt in control of our bike and trailer. It can manage dirt roads and single tracks too, just a little extra caution is needed so as to not lose control of the trailer. It didn't score very highly in the overall smoothness of ride because when not carrying cargo the trailer tends to wobble and make a fair amount of noise. It was very easy to remedy this problem though — just throw something in the dry sack with a little weight.
Versatility
The narrow design of the BOB Yak Plus didn't make this as versatile as some of the other models we tested. The BOB Yak Plus does come with very large dry sack that makes hauling loose items, such as your camping gear easy and you don't have to worry about things falling out or getting lost.
Best Applications
The BOB Yak Plus makes a great touring companion and will follow you reliably on paved roads anywhere. It is also a fun way to run errands around town.
Value
The BOB Yak Plus sells for around $359. That is a pretty high price point but this trailer has been nothing but reliable, and we believe it to be worth the price, especially if you are looking for a different way to tour rather than using panniers on your bike.
Conclusion
We really enjoyed testing the BOB Yak Plus. It has a lot of great characteristics that make it a reliable and easy to use cargo bike trailer.
— Katherine Elliott