Bike trailer or bags for your bike trip? | ODILO
- Laura Gauton
- Apr 8
- 5 min read
In 2023, France was ranked the world’s second-most popular destination for bike touring (after Germany). It must be said that, every year, no fewer than nine million cyclists pedal along our cycle routes and greenways! And this type of slow holiday is steadily gaining popularity.
What about you? Are you interested in trying bike touring and wondering what must-have accessories you’ll need? Whether you want to try cycle touring along a greenway or bikepacking as the fancy takes you, you’ll need either a bike trailer or bags. What gear will best meet your needs? We walk you through the pros and cons of each of these solutions!
The bike trailer: a multipurpose accessory that’s a good fit for families
A bike trailer can transport heavy and bulky loads (around 40 to 100 litres) and is the go-to choice for many cyclo-tourists. If you’re travelling with young children, it’s frankly essential.
There are two types:
the single-wheel trailer designed specifically for bike touring;
the traditional two-wheel trailer that can transport your children and/or your gear.
Some models are designed specifically for bike touring. Other trailers are more multipurpose. Each has their own advantages and drawbacks!
Further reading: What’s the right bike trailer for you?
✅ The advantages
Load capacity and payload: a trailer lets you transport bulkier, heavier gear (family tent, sleeping bags, folding chairs, etc.) without weighing down your bike. You also reduce the risk of punctures (if you’re using tires with an inner tube).
No need for a rear luggage rack: the bike trailer hitch system is located on the rear wheel axle or on your seat post, making this the ideal solution if your bike doesn’t have a rear luggage rack.
Greater stability: whether it has one or two wheels, a bike trailer provides better stability because you’re not adding weight onto your bike.
Better load distribution: if you’re travelling as a family, the most seasoned cyclist, or the one riding an electric bike, will be able to transport a greater weight. Alternatively, you can distribute the weight evenly: one transports the children, the other transports the camping gear and clothing.
Only one bag to carry in public transport: the trailer for bike touring (apart from models for carrying children) consists of a support on which a waterproof bag is attached. This is an ideal system for taking a train, plane or bus.
✖️ The drawbacks
Price: the cost ranges from €150 for an entry-level bike trailer to over €1,000 for a top-of-the-range model.
Bulk and weight: compared with bags, a trailer, unsurprisingly, takes more room. You’ll need to bear this in mind for any intermodal trips (train + bike, for example).
A form factor ill-suited to certain trips: it can be quite tricky to tow a bike trailer on steep and winding tracks.
A less accessible load: in addition to your trailer, it’s a good idea to have small bags for holding items you might need in a hurry (phone, rain poncho, snack, etc.)
❓ For what sorts of trips is a bike trailer your best choice?
Despite its convenience and versatility, a bike trailer is not suitable for all types of trips. It will be great if:
You’re travelling as a family;
You’re travelling on well-signposted roads and tracks, and don’t go off the beaten track;
You don’t want to be too limited in the amount of gear you take with you;
You’ll be travelling for over a week;
Your route is relatively flat.
Hesitating between a one- or a two-wheel trailer?
A single-wheel bike trailer is light and follows the movements of your bike. It also enables you to go faster.
The traditional two-wheeled bike trailer is heavier, but also more stable. Its big advantage is its versatility. You can use it not only on your cycling holidays but also on an everyday basis for carrying any sort of gear or equipment. And it is with this in mind that ODILO designed its utility bike trailer. On roads, tracks or greenways, it tags along behind you (almost) everywhere!
Bike bags: essential gear for anyone travelling light
A bike bag is THE must-have accessory for anyone travelling by bike. Newbies will picture the traditional pair of pannier bags secured to the rear luggage rack, but there are many other models available. Bike bags can be attached just about anywhere: on the handlebars, the frame, the seatpost or the rear luggage rack!
The bags best suited to bike touring are not the same as those designed for bikepacking. The latter are more compact and better-suited to sporty bikepackers travelling light.
✅ The advantages
The price: bike bags are affordably priced (starting at €20 for a handlebar bag, for example, and €50 for a double bike bag).
Lightweight: the bag itself is ultra-light (as for the contents, it’s up to you to cherry-pick what you want to take... or not!).
Ease of use: a bike bag can be installed almost anywhere, such as on your handlebar, your frame or your seatpost.
Manoeuvrability: a bike is easier to manoeuvre without a trailer (but bear in mind the weight you put in your bags).
Easy access: you can quickly access the contents of your bags.
💡 Our tip for purchasing your bike bags: remember to buy a rain cover or, better still, a waterproof model. When you’re travelling by bike, there’s nothing worse than damp clothes!
✖️ The drawbacks
The price of a full set of gear: if you’re planning to equip two bikes, the price can quickly mount up, especially if you want top-of-the-range models.
Reduced versatility: apart from bags that are secured to the rear luggage rack, bikepacking bags are generally only used when you’re touring by bike.
Check for compatibility: not all models of bag will be compatible with the type of bike you own. For example, in some cases you may have to add a rear luggage rack.
Plan your load beforehand: plan your load so that it is evenly balanced and not too heavy (an overly heavy load will increase the risk of a puncture).
❓ For what sort of trips will bags come in handy?
Bags are right for you if:
You’re travelling light and without children.
You go bikepacking (with a gravel bike or a MTB) over technically-demanding tracks and steep inclines.
Your route takes you over widely-varying slopes.
Bike trailer or bags: base your choice on the intended use
Bike trailer or bags: actually it all depends on the type of journey you have in mind.
If you’re riding an electric bike on a bikeway, it makes sense to use a trailer. Within reasonable bounds, you can take more things with you and you’ll be less encumbered by your load.
If you’re touring or on a cycling holiday, a trailer is more restrictive and will even be a drawback on certain technical stretches. Moreover, if you’re not carrying much with you, the bags will be ample.
💡 Our advice: whether you’re bike touring or bike packing, make it a priority to travel light! Compact camping gear and quick-dry technical clothing will prove useful or even indispensable, particularly on long trips. If you don’t want to spend a lot of money, don’t hesitate to rent!
