This is a review of the BOB Ibex trailer which is much the same as the BOB Yak trailer which we have reviewed. The major difference with the Ibex is that it has a rear spring. It also sits higher than the Yak, and has two extra water cage mountings, giving a total of four cage mountings. It is designed for off road riding.
BOB Ibex individual packing for parts.
When it arrived it was boxed much that same as the BOB Yak when it was delivered. Each part inside the box was wrapped and there was full instructions. The swing arm was mounted inside the trailer, and required dissassembly to mount it properly. The trailer needed assembly, and the instructions were in English and very good.
The rear spring assembly of the BOB Ibex trailer.
The spring has settings for weight being carried in the trailer.
The rear spring has an adjustment mechanism. Depending on the amount of weight in the trailer the spring tension can be adjusted. The weights in kilograms are 32 kgs, 20 kgs and 11 kgs.
Spring assembled and fitted on BOB Ibex trailer.
Another view of the BOB Ibex rear spring mechanism.
The BOB Yak tailer has two water cage mountings on the rear of the trailer. The Ibex has an extra two water cage mountings on the spring turret, giving a total of four cage mountings. This would be good for extended off road expeditions as it will save on valuable cargo space being taken up with water containers.
BOB Ibex trailer fully assembled.
The Ibex sits a lot higher on the road than the Yak. This is an advantage for an off road trailer. It also tends to bounce around a lot more on the road than the Yak, and I wonder whether this is an action of the spring. The rear tyre is more an off road tyre than what is supplied on the Yak trailer. We didn’t really get to try this trailer off road with a full load, but it’s extra ground clearance over a Yak is a definate advantage.
The fully assembled BOB Ibex attached to the bike.
For road only touring I prefer the Yak over the Ibex as it sits lower. I have also found on most bikes that fitting front panniers to the bike counters any effect that the trailer has on the bike’s steering. The same applies to the BOB Ibex. The Ibex also comes with the flag and a mudguard that allows more wheel clearance.
