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BOB Yak Review

Bob Ibex Plus
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Price:  $359 List | $319.00 at Amazon
Pros:  great aerodynamics, includes large dry sack
Cons:  trailer is attached directly to back wheel without movable hitch so getting out of the saddle on uphills can get unsteady
Manufacturer:   BOB
By Katherine Elliott ⋅ Senior Review Editor  ⋅  Jul 28, 2015
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72
OVERALL
SCORE

RANKED
#5 of 7
  • Capacity - 30% 7
  • Ease of use - 20% 8
  • Ease of Towing - 20% 8
  • Smoothness of Ride - 20% 6
  • Versatility - 10% 7

Our Verdict

The BOB Yak Plus is a single wheel design cargo bike trailer that has an easy to use connection system. You can connect the trailer to your bike either by the BOB quick release skewer or if you have a nutted axle then you simply have to purchase the BOB nutz to replace your existing ones. The single wheel design allows the bike trailer to track very well behind your back wheel, at times we even forgot it was back there. If you're looking for something similar but a little burlier and with more ability to travel off road check out the link bellow for the BOB Ibex Plus, that took home our Editors' Choice award.


Compare to Similar Products

(change comparison)
 
Bob Ibex Plus
This Product
BOB Yak
Awards  Top Pick Award Editors' Choice Award   
Price $319.00 at Amazon$449.99 at Backcountry
Compare at 3 sellers		$389.00 at Amazon$269.99 at Backcountry
Compare at 2 sellers		$369.99 at Backcountry
Compare at 3 sellers
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Star Rating
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Pros great aerodynamics, includes large dry sackDurable, easy hitch, elastic cargo net, smooth ride, stands on its own, one wheelThree inches of adjustable suspension improves on and off road handling, tracks well behind rear wheel of bicycle, easy attachmentSolid axle makes the trailer stable for large heavy loads, folds down small for easy storage, open design allows for flexibility when hauling non-traditional cargoFlexible 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 unsteadyHeavyIf packed uneven it can get wobbly on downhills, doesn't stand up on it's ownNo straps or dry sac includedEnclosed 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%)
10
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7
10
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8
10
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7
10
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9
10
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8
Ease Of Use (20%)
10
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8
10
0
9
10
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9
10
0
9
10
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7
Ease Of Towing (20%)
10
0
8
10
0
9
10
0
9
10
0
7
10
0
7
Smoothness Of Ride (20%)
10
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6
10
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8
10
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9
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7
10
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7
Versatility (10%)
10
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7
10
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9
10
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9
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7
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


The provided skewer and quick release connection makes the BOB Yak Plus easy to mount and dismount from your bike.
The provided skewer and quick release connection makes the BOB Yak Plus easy to mount and dismount from your bike.

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.

A side view of the BOB Yak Plus fully loaded with close to its maximum carrying capacity of 70 lbs.
A side view of the BOB Yak Plus fully loaded with close to its maximum carrying capacity of 70 lbs.

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.

A close up view of the pin being easily pushed into place with the BOB Yak Plus' connection system.
A close up view of the pin being easily pushed into place with the BOB Yak Plus' connection system.

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.

A comparative look at the BOB Yak Plus' back wheel and the BOB Ibex Plus with the extra three inches of suspension on its back wheel.
A comparative look at the BOB Yak Plus' back wheel and the BOB Ibex Plus with the extra three inches of suspension on its back wheel.

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.

Water beading off the dry sac of the BOB Yak Plus helps keep your cargo safe and dry.
Water beading off the dry sac of the BOB Yak Plus, helps keep your cargo safe and dry.

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