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The plan: Two weeks through France. From east to west, over gravel and roads - starting in Strasbourg. All of the camping equipment was not to be spread out on the bike - as is currently the case - but was to end up in a bike trailer: the Topeak Journey Trailer. Even after the trip, the single-track cargo trailer was still to collect kilometres during our long-term test.
Topeak Journey bike trailer - Assembly before travelling
The first step before travelling: assembly. This was very simple: the bike is fixed with a quick release, the drawbar (called a yoke) is mounted on the frame with an axle. This is screwed tight with a nut at the lower end - more on this later. The yellow flag for safety/visibility in road traffic is inserted into the bracket - done.
A little more preparatory work is required for the thru axle for the respective bike (with us the Rocky Mountain Solo A 50). As different manufacturers use different threads for their thru axles, you need to find out which one fits your bike before buying/testing the Topeak bike trailer. The Topeak axles must be purchased separately from the trailer (39.95 euros). With spacers of different thicknesses, you can then mount the axle with the coupling end pieces on the bike. However, the instructions give quite good information on how to do this.
The drawbar itself grips mercilessly tight around the coupling - nothing wobbles during the journey, no matter how loaded. But be careful not to accidentally get your finger caught in the strong spring mechanism, for example when manoeuvring the bike trailer.
Single-track bike trailers: advantages and disadvantages
So we set off on our first, yet fully loaded journey with the Topeak Journey. Even when pushing through the garden gate, it is noticeable that (as you would expect) the trailer is not stable, but tends to tip over. This is a problem inherent in the system, just as a bicycle cannot stand on two wheels. When driving, however, this becomes all the more apparent due to the weight, because the trailer develops a certain momentum of its own when changing direction quickly, i.e. it briefly pushes in the previous direction. You need to be aware of this when deciding in favour of such a model.
At higher speeds, however, this can build up, which is why Topeak specifies a maximum speed of 30 km/h - however, we had to counteract a significant wobble at 25 km/h. This is known as "speed wobble". "Speed wobble" is what one British traveller calls it. Load change reaction is probably what the technicians call it.
The Topeak Journey is uniquely manoeuvrable and narrow
The advantage of the design is that you don't have to think about the fact that the trailer on the bike is significantly wider than you and touches kerbs, flower pots or feet. The Topeak Journey also manoeuvres around obstacles on the same line as the bike itself. It is also very manoeuvrable on the road.
A rather surprising effect for us, as we rarely pull heavy trailers on our bikes: On easy to medium gradients, the Journey feels much lighter than expected. In fact, once in gear, it obviously pushes the bike with its weight. If you don't have a perfect pedalling rhythm on the bike, there is a power pause between the pedal pulses, which the trailer bridges by pushing. The physicist says: inertia of mass.
The long-term test: The Topeak bike trailer on a long journey
We regularly packed, unpacked, rode and repeated the Topeak trailer for a good two weeks. We couldn't detect any wear and tear. The 65-litre bag proved its waterproofness on the first few days. Even heavy rain does not penetrate the inside. There was enough space inside for all the camping equipment, including any items we brought with us. The straps and handles are robust and neatly finished. They seemed to be able to cope with the 17-kilo weight of the load.
The wheel on the trailer ran perfectly, without punctures and we didn't miss any damping - as offered by other bike trailers - on the gravel tracks. The right air pressure for the load is crucial.
The frame of the Journey is super sturdy, the paint can withstand a lot and the base plate is also very stable. Especially in the "park position" of the entire trailer (see pictures above), you can see how stable the frame is.
I don't get it! - Need to improve the fasteners and the drawbar
However, the Topeak Journey trailer has a shortcoming when it comes to off-road use. When the pannier is full and attached to the frame - which usually remains the case for the entire journey - the lower ends of the buckles are difficult to reach. They are sewn deep into the base of the dryback and are then covered by the frame linkage at the front and the base plate at the rear. This is also where mud or dust, or both, collects because the rear wheel of the bike or the wheel of the trailer shoots the dirt there.
It would be desirable for everyday use at home, but also at the campsite, if the drawbar could be fixed with a handle. This would allow you to manoeuvre the whole trailer like a wheelbarrow when it is uncoupled from the bike. Without this fixation, it quickly swings out and is easier to carry than to push.
Attention with trailers during rail transport
Speaking of carrying: If you want to take the trailer on the train, you should note that both Deutsche Bahn and, in our case, the French railway company only take bike trailers when they are "folded". As the Topeak Journey cannot be folded, you have to remove the wheel and drawbar so that the whole thing counts as a "suitcase" and has to be carried. This worked well for us with the conductors. But it also meant assembling it on the platform.
However, the Topeak is not designed for regular (dis)assembly of the drawbar, as a small nut and washer hold the axle of the yoke in place. If this rolls away in a hurry on the platform, you're in trouble. Without it, the axle shakes and consequently the drawbar comes loose and the trailer loses its connection. This is only a very specific problem in our test in France, but should be considered when purchasing.
Conclusion on the Topeak Journey Trailer
Ideally suited for long journeys with lots of luggage, where the Topeak bike trailer can stay on the bike. Ideal for setting off from your front door and touring from campsite to campsite. Then you have an indestructible companion. The instability of such a single-track trailer should be tested beforehand, practised a little and taken into account when buying. - Marc Strucken, BIKE editor
The Topeak Journey Trailer bike trailer in detail
- Compatibility: 12 mm Thru axles up to 180 mm length and Hub gears
- Material: Aluminium (frame & wheel)
- Capacity of the bag: 65.3 litres
- Weights: 5.35 kg (trailer) + 1.60 kg (DryBag)
- Features:
- 16" rear wheel with reflector stripes
- yellow flag
- mudguard
- SlideLock QR mount for an optional rear light on the mudguard
- Waterproof welded seams on the drybag
- Carrying handles - Dimensions:
- 161 x 50 x 45 cm (Trailer)
- 73 x 31 x 41 cm (DryBag) - Maximum load: 32 kg
- Price: 569.95 Euro (RRP) >> available here
Marc Strucken
Editor
