REASONS TO BUY
Great aerodynamics
Includes large dry sack
REASONS TO AVOID
Trailer is attached directly to back wheel without movable hitch so getting out of the saddle on uphills can get unsteady
BOB Yak Review
Bob Ibex Plus
RELATED: Best Bike Cargo Trailer
Our Verdict
With the BOB Yak Plus, 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.
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.
Credit: Kat Elliott
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.
Credit: Kat Elliott
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.
Credit: Kat Elliott
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.
Water beading off the dry sac of the BOB Yak Plus, helps keep your cargo safe and dry.
Credit: Kat Elliott
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
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