Post by: supagoose on March 31, 2013, 08:02:32 AM
Post by: ghosthunter on March 31, 2013, 08:09:48 AM
Post by: bowhuntersd on March 31, 2013, 08:12:14 AM
Post by: dreamunelk on March 31, 2013, 08:21:43 AM
For elk I bone and back it just like I was going to pack it out on my back except i throw it in the trailer.
Post by: blackveltbowhunter on March 31, 2013, 10:38:40 AM
As far as packing game out.... This college guy must be one HELL of a man. or killing really small elk :chuckle: Seriously though, a trailer is the way to go IMO. I hauled my first elk out on a bike 15 or so years ago. It was a small elk I killed about 4 miles from the truck, mostly steep down hill with some flat sections. I used a packframe and split the load, prolly about 75 lbs each. And that worked alright ( it was an adventure :chuckle: ) and I did the same for a few more. But since starting with the trailer I have never looked back.
Overall I have found the trailer to be much more efficient than weight on your back. It may vary given terrain and how much training you do on the bike, but for the most part I find it allows me to haul more, and in some cases ALOT more than I would be able to without it, along with more comfort doing so.
As far as trailers go.... I have only used kid trailers myself. And they have worked very well for me. Theyre are often deals on CL, Garage sales, and ebay. I have had them stuffed with ( weighed ) over double the rated capacity and not had major failures. Again road conditions, terrain etc always plays a role in my decision on how much to haul. Hawkeybuilt bike trailers was fabbing up nice looking rigs, not sure if they still are maybe check out FB as I know they had a page. And new outfit called Meatpacker trailers has a FB page as well.
Both options offer pros and cons, price being a biggie at least to me. Heres my :twocents:
I have either been given or picked up for well under a 100 bucks several kid trailers for myself and friends. While the custom jobs run 500 or better. Another pro for the kid carts is the majority fold up smaller and have removable wheels making them nice if space is a concern, and if you have kids the cart will pull double duty. Cons are; durability, mounting systems ( some ), and lack of trailer braking options.
Pros for the customs are; they are more durable, the mounting systems seem much more rugged and attach to seat rather than frame. And the option for trailer brakes which in some of the areas i hunt would be very, very nice, They are USA built and support local guys. Cons: Price, size/weight, and functionality. Although I dont have a weight for the hawkeye carts, the Meatpackers and a couple of the customs buddies have built ended, up weighing nearly twice as much as the kid trailer. Also these are pretty purpose specific and hauling kids in them is not really an option.
I apologize for getting long winded, hope that helps a little. Enjoy ur new ride.... :tup: And dont forget to leave the bike occasionally and kill the ones close to the truck everybody else is riding by. :chuckle:
Post by: kentrek on March 31, 2013, 10:50:29 AM
ive got a rebuilt kid trailer..striped it down to the bare frame then reinforced it with a sheet of diamond plate an al angle iron..the biggest issue with the kid carts is side to side wobble with the week axles..a piece of angle iron will fix that..
also if you duck tape all the joints it will be much quieter which to me is pretty important...
dont get the solid rubber tires...they suck in every way
every time you pedle your bike goes side to side so this is why id recommend going with an axle mount type trailer compared to the seat post..you don't wana waste energy moving your load side to side every time you pedal
Post by: JPhelps on March 31, 2013, 11:21:08 AM
I would highly recommend getting a bike with disc brakes (I don't know what model of the Roam you got). When heading out with a load whether on your back or in a trailer the disc brakes are far superior.
If you are serious about hunting deep on a bike I would highly recommend a trailer of some sort. Unless you have 4 or 5 guys to all take a quarter their would multiple trips. We use two different cart designs. One is a modified deer cart and the other design was a custom design and built cart (that weighs in at just shy of 20 lbs).
We don't use trailer brakes, which requires good disc brake setups. You must also be aware of the terrain ahead because you may have to get off and have someone help you hold the load back in steep downhills.
Between the carts we have taken out close to 30 bulls and never had an issue.
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi57.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg221%2Fbigsmooth35%2FPRIMETIMEIMAG0060.jpg&hash=b26c935b17a63288c423c4501779321999c7bcb0)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi57.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg221%2Fbigsmooth35%2Fgamecart2.jpg&hash=31ad5896ff5d61340be3c419c3c3eb1369a43160)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi57.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg221%2Fbigsmooth35%2Fgamecart.jpg&hash=46d8d4799b7abf2b526092ed48b7ae31affb008e)
At the end of this video you can see me hauling out the entire bone in bull up a slight grade with our cart.
Primetime Outdoors - Episode 6 Part 2 - W. Washington Roosevelt Elk (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jC155ZOVarw#ws)
Post by: Turner89 on March 31, 2013, 11:42:34 AM
Post by: supagoose on March 31, 2013, 12:16:41 PM
Post by: kentrek on March 31, 2013, 12:27:20 PM
Post by: jstone on March 31, 2013, 12:27:51 PM
Post by: Smossy on March 31, 2013, 12:39:23 PM
a lot of the places I hunt have roads that are gated and those roads go for miles. im thinking of biking in and hunting cause I figure I could cover more grounds and go further in. ive never done it before and id like to get some first hand experience from you guys on pros, cons, and what I need. well first off I just bought a new 2013 giant roam which is my first bike since I was 10 and ive been riding it a lot since it go warmer. my big question is how do you guys who have done it get your game out? my buddy was saying that his collage buddy used to bike in elk hunts and he'd just put his elk on his back and bike out but im like *censored* cause ive packed enough elk out out and i know it aint easy. I said *censored* because if you think about how difficult it is to pack an elk out and now try doing it while balancing your self on a bike with at least 50lbs and while also trying to pedal. Ive heard of guys using bike trailers. is there a good bike trailer out there? ive seen diy bike trailers on the web think I might build this summer. this is all for now i probably have more questions but im still half asleep.Language!
Post by: JPhelps on March 31, 2013, 01:56:51 PM
We had a rear axle mounted cart. When hauling heavy loads downhill if there was a corner it felt like the weight was going to wash out or pull my tire out from under me.
With the seat post mount I feel like I have more control over my load. I also don't trust that small axle under those huge loads.
Post by: Tim in Wa. on March 31, 2013, 02:35:09 PM
Post by: Smossy on March 31, 2013, 02:37:08 PM
Yak trailer.they will work well even on a single trackYakidy Yak, Dont talk back, Jack!
Post by: supagoose on April 01, 2013, 12:23:54 PM
Post by: h20hunter on April 01, 2013, 12:38:20 PM
Post by: Noiro on April 01, 2013, 01:29:27 PM
Post by: kentrek on April 01, 2013, 01:38:55 PM
im sure its not easy but how much weight can you comfortably haul riding up hill in the trailer?
once your in good shape..i find it easier to pedal with a load than it is to walk..but sometimes it is nice to get off an work some different muscles
once you get a trailer start loading it with sand bags and see how your body does..it all pends on how fit you are..you gota build a whole nother set of muscles
Post by: supagoose on April 18, 2013, 11:56:30 AM
Post by: h20hunter on April 18, 2013, 12:06:46 PM
Post by: ridgefire on April 18, 2013, 12:23:57 PM
Post by: kentrek on April 18, 2013, 02:48:39 PM
The hills will do the same thing that extra weight does...the key is too keep pushing your self
Post by: Jingles on April 18, 2013, 02:55:17 PM
Besides if I were to get a bike it would have to be an indian dressed like the one pictured
Post by: JPhelps on April 18, 2013, 03:07:18 PM
Preseason i typically ride every other day..i have a ten mile loop with lots of elevation gains that i try an ko in around 40 min..i try an beat my prevous times as always,thats with out weight on a trailer..i do other stuff but for bikes thats it..youl nev be in good enough shape since youl nev be able to out do the elk
The hills will do the same thing that extra weight does...the key is too keep pushing your selfable
:yeah: nothing like the lactic acid burn in the quads from hills and long rides.
You also need some seat time in order to get your "tweener" in shape. Being sore in that area on day 2 is no good. I also recommend riding forest roads to simulate the bumps and test the tires.
Post by: elk247 on April 18, 2013, 03:31:06 PM
Post by: throttlejocky20 on April 19, 2013, 08:29:42 AM
Post by: bmccalister on April 21, 2013, 04:41:17 PM
Post by: whack em on April 21, 2013, 05:34:58 PM
Hope this helps you out. :tup:
Post by: ghosthunter on April 21, 2013, 06:00:28 PM
I have had this idea for a while.
I was thinking of getting a three wheel bike"stop laughing" and fitting it with a tow yoke on the front wheel "stop laughing" .
The idea is on the steep inclines I would just get off hook a tow harness and tow it along.
Cruising roads if I saw game it would be easy on and off without balancing the bike.
The roads gated would have to be good shape wouldn't work for trails.
Be kind.
Post by: elk247 on April 21, 2013, 06:35:52 PM
Post by: Wea300mag on April 21, 2013, 06:40:08 PM
Post by: bmccalister on April 22, 2013, 04:23:25 PM
Post by: pd on April 22, 2013, 04:41:20 PM
Trailers are great but when you have 5 miles of steep grade to ride down you have to get creative with your brake system. :chuckle:
You are one smart cookie. I would have never thought of that!
Post by: TommyH on April 22, 2013, 05:04:11 PM
Post by: supagoose on April 23, 2013, 03:08:55 PM
Trailers are great but when you have 5 miles of steep grade to ride down you have to get creative with your brake system. :chuckle:
hey Wea300mag could you post close ups of you handle bar gun mount thanks.
Post by: elkhunter00 on April 23, 2013, 08:45:17 PM
Post by: JPhelps on April 23, 2013, 08:48:38 PM
Have you guys ever knocked your scope off riding on rough roads?
My gun or bow never gets to ride on the handlebars anymore. In my experience too many things rattle loose.
I am also worried if I am to wreck my weapon isn't safe on the bars. :twocents:
Post by: Wea300mag on April 23, 2013, 08:59:19 PM
Trailers are great but when you have 5 miles of steep grade to ride down you have to get creative with your brake system. :chuckle:
hey Wea300mag could you post close ups of you handle bar gun mount thanks.
Here is a close-up. They have a shock absorbing/gripping feature and straps to hold the gun down. Also, I don't go too fast with this set-up (10-12 mph max). If it's just my bike and me, I strap the gun to my back and ride the bike like I stole it.
Post by: erk444 on April 23, 2013, 09:05:11 PM
I looked into this very topic last season, and figured I could make due with a kids trailer. Luckliy, I came across a free Schwinn bike trailer and had my way with it. I cut all of the material off of it, leaving the bare frame. I then took the wheel mounts, and flipped them to mount below the frame vice over it for a bit more clearance. I got some square tubing and mending braces and reinforced the overall structure. Lastly, I went a bit crazy with the spray paint, what can I say...I'm a sucker for camo. Total weight comes in just over 22 lbs, and I was able to haul my then 230 lb brother in law around on it without a problem during an initial redneck test run. I've yet to get it out on the back roads to test it out, but I feel pretty confident that it'll hold up just fine.Be careful with the wheel mount swap. I made my own trailer and it will roll pretty easy cause it sits a little to high.
Hope this helps you out. :tup:
Post by: erk444 on April 23, 2013, 09:49:00 PM
Post by: supagoose on April 23, 2013, 10:04:46 PM
Trailers are great but when you have 5 miles of steep grade to ride down you have to get creative with your brake system. :chuckle:
hey Wea300mag could you post close ups of you handle bar gun mount thanks.
Here is a close-up. They have a shock absorbing/gripping feature and straps to hold the gun down. Also, I don't go too fast with this set-up (10-12 mph max). If it's just my bike and me, I strap the gun to my back and ride the bike like I stole it.
that's pretty neat
Post by: supagoose on April 23, 2013, 10:10:12 PM
I like JPhelps recommendation of riding on forest roads to get use to the bumps. The first year I used a bike for hunting I trained on paved roads and on opening day discovered real quick that I should have trained on forest service roads. So, know to get ready for the season I will scout areas riding my bike on forest roads.
that's good a recommendation train the way your gonna fight. ive been just riding on paved roads. the nearest forest service roads are about a 40min drive but I do have bike trails in the hills behind the house just not brave enough and dry enough yet to try them out.
Post by: Arnbo on May 29, 2013, 08:50:02 AM
You can get different setups.
Post by: TommyH on May 29, 2013, 04:56:13 PM
Post by: supagoose on June 11, 2013, 11:48:23 PM
Post by: bmccalister on June 13, 2013, 03:52:23 PM
Post by: whack em on June 19, 2013, 10:09:55 PM
:dunno:Any tips?
Post by: JPhelps on June 19, 2013, 10:18:59 PM
Post by: Turner89 on June 19, 2013, 10:41:54 PM
Post by: whack em on June 22, 2013, 11:50:08 AM
Spray can of rubber undercoating worked great on ours :tup:
Great idea, I may have to go that route. I did notice a significant decrease it sounds coming from the trailer with the weight added to it.
Here's an update on the weighted test run: filled two 5 gal buckets with gravel giving me 130 lbs of dead weight. I then strapped them to the trailer, and went for a buzz around the neighborhood (got a few wierd looks along the way :chuckle: ). Bike pulled fine, but I can definately see where braking on the hills with current v-brakes adds a greater challenge. (Concur with the folks that chimed in on the disc brakes!) The weight caused a wheelie going up hill in the lowest of gears, forcing me to walk it to the top. Biggest limiting factors right now would be the impact of the weight on the trailers tires. They were slightly bulging under the weight. (Since I'm running the stock 20" tires and cheap tubes, I'm sure they're the culprit.) Other limiting factor is me. I'm in decent enough shape, but the legs aren't used to towing the weight behind me uphill. Training started this morning!!! :rockin: Next upgrades to come are going to be a good rear rack, handlebar ends, and heavier duty trailer tubes.
I'm also debating on going high and right with this whole venture and camo'ing the bike out as well. The wife doesn't seen to agree with my style though. Time will tell... :chuckle: :chuckle:
Post by: JPhelps on June 22, 2013, 11:55:01 AM
Post by: Bullkllr on June 22, 2013, 12:15:20 PM
Have you guys ever knocked your scope off riding on rough roads?
My gun or bow never gets to ride on the handlebars anymore. In my experience too many things rattle loose.
I am also worried if I am to wreck my weapon isn't safe on the bars. :twocents:
After having issues with both guns and bows on the handle bars- mine only ride on my back these days.
Post by: throttlejocky20 on June 22, 2013, 12:22:08 PM
Always on my back gun or bow. The primos bow sling works awesome.Have you guys ever knocked your scope off riding on rough roads?
My gun or bow never gets to ride on the handlebars anymore. In my experience too many things rattle loose.
I am also worried if I am to wreck my weapon isn't safe on the bars. :twocents:
After having issues with both guns and bows on the handle bars- mine only ride on my back these days.
Post by: calib on September 26, 2013, 06:25:59 PM
gonna take them out this weekend for a scouting trip as well as to see how the terrain is compared to what it looked like on google earth. the one trip will be about 3 miles in, have to find a pump and some slime or tube filler in case.
Post by: Skyvalhunter on September 27, 2013, 05:36:48 AM
Post by: Humptulips on September 27, 2013, 06:39:20 AM
Get some of the liners for your tires. That will eliminate most flats.
Post by: calib on September 27, 2013, 08:49:51 AM
Post by: TommyH on September 27, 2013, 09:12:39 AM
Post by: jnevs23 on September 27, 2013, 10:55:25 AM
Post by: Fl0und3rz on September 27, 2013, 11:36:58 AM
...its no fun packing weight on your back while trying to ride...a trailer is must have...
I am thinking about the option of a rear rack and panniers, such as these.
http://www.rei.com/product/604989/ortlieb-backroller-classic-panniers-pair (http://www.rei.com/product/604989/ortlieb-backroller-classic-panniers-pair)
My rack can support up to 40#. With a dry bag lashed to the top of the rack and with the 40 liters/2,441 cubic inches available in the panniers, I would think you could free up your back for a lightweight pack or bow/rifle and still have plenty of options for packing camp/hunt essentials.
It might not be as nice as a trailer for packing meat, but I am thinking of giving it a try this year, anyway. I mostly just take my gun for a walk anyway.
Post by: Smossy on September 27, 2013, 06:17:26 PM
Post by: kentrek on September 27, 2013, 06:30:45 PM
...its no fun packing weight on your back while trying to ride...a trailer is must have...
I am thinking about the option of a rear rack and panniers, such as these.
http://www.rei.com/product/604989/ortlieb-backroller-classic-panniers-pair (http://www.rei.com/product/604989/ortlieb-backroller-classic-panniers-pair)
My rack can support up to 40#. With a dry bag lashed to the top of the rack and with the 40 liters/2,441 cubic inches available in the panniers, I would think you could free up your back for a lightweight pack or bow/rifle and still have plenty of options for packing camp/hunt essentials.
It might not be as nice as a trailer for packing meat, but I am thinking of giving it a try this year, anyway. I mostly just take my gun for a walk anyway.
i would def recommend the racks if your not gona have a trailer...we fit a whole cougar on the rear rack one time....that was a very funny looking load..paws going everywhere lol
Post by: Smossy on September 27, 2013, 07:13:55 PM
Here's an idea. :dunno:
Post by: Smossy on September 27, 2013, 07:18:50 PM
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F24.media.tumblr.com%2Ftumblr_lnjn8o36rB1qz4s3wo1_500.png&hash=bfcbd1999403e2579cd34c86c0fd0eff8c75e1da)
Post by: washelkhunter on September 27, 2013, 07:22:45 PM
Post by: kentrek on September 27, 2013, 07:39:53 PM
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fptsefton.com%2Fblog%2F2006%2F09%2F19%2Fnew_trailer%2F1.jpg&hash=79f0f5bf6efb7f3e6f6be4715d5833f4d6505333)
Here's an idea. :dunno:
Good idea but not for big loads...with tires so far back you'd have to much weight on the rear bike tire which would cause the rear tire to wana slide out like phelps was talking about a couple pages back...gota have a good balanced load
Post by: Smossy on September 27, 2013, 07:43:03 PM
Makes sense, Ive been trying to look around for different designs.(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fptsefton.com%2Fblog%2F2006%2F09%2F19%2Fnew_trailer%2F1.jpg&hash=79f0f5bf6efb7f3e6f6be4715d5833f4d6505333)
Here's an idea. :dunno:
Good idea but not for big loads...with tires so far back you'd have to much weight on the rear bike tire which would cause the rear tire to wana slide out like phelps was talking about a couple pages back...gota have a good balanced load
Post by: Smossy on September 27, 2013, 07:44:57 PM
Post by: kentrek on September 27, 2013, 07:54:24 PM
Post by: Smossy on September 27, 2013, 08:04:11 PM
Full suspension with lockable shocks....most expensive you can afford :tup:These are what I've kinda got my eye on but I don't know enough about MT/Bikes to really know that do's and donts as far as purchasing. Looks like a good deal. Disk Brakes, Full Suspension, and Adjustable Coilovers.
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/gravity/fsx_1.htm#geo (http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/gravity/fsx_1.htm#geo)
Post by: jnevs23 on September 27, 2013, 10:08:28 PM
Post by: kentrek on September 28, 2013, 12:13:11 AM
Post by: pips4bucks on September 28, 2013, 12:39:16 AM
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi796.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fyy244%2Fpips4bucks%2FP1020342_zps71b419dd.jpg&hash=2078eb25981b6472248f671a0f4bcb47f6063fc6) (http://s796.photobucket.com/user/pips4bucks/media/P1020342_zps71b419dd.jpg.html)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi796.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fyy244%2Fpips4bucks%2FP1020345_zpsce0be15f.jpg&hash=d3e1c22e6685259cffaa97671bdfa5c8245ac008) (http://s796.photobucket.com/user/pips4bucks/media/P1020345_zpsce0be15f.jpg.html)
Seriously though, I'm going to build a trailer for next season. This method works great if you're not too far from the road, or the truck, and you don't have too many steep hills to push up. Oh yeah, you're gonna push this set up. This was a 1 1/2 mile "pack" out for me.
Post by: Bullkllr on September 29, 2013, 09:08:53 PM
Trailer shmailer this is how you get 'em out.... :chuckle:Pretty impressive. Done that with whole deer several times, works good. On some of the downhills you can ride along.
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi796.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fyy244%2Fpips4bucks%2FP1020342_zps71b419dd.jpg&hash=2078eb25981b6472248f671a0f4bcb47f6063fc6) (http://s796.photobucket.com/user/pips4bucks/media/P1020342_zps71b419dd.jpg.html)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi796.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fyy244%2Fpips4bucks%2FP1020345_zpsce0be15f.jpg&hash=d3e1c22e6685259cffaa97671bdfa5c8245ac008) (http://s796.photobucket.com/user/pips4bucks/media/P1020345_zpsce0be15f.jpg.html)
Seriously though, I'm going to build a trailer for next season. This method works great if you're not too far from the road, or the truck, and you don't have too many steep hills to push up. Oh yeah, you're gonna push this set up. This was a 1 1/2 mile "pack" out for me.
Post by: Easy-E on September 30, 2013, 12:07:51 PM
Post by: calib on September 30, 2013, 06:11:14 PM
here is a pic when of the bikes for now.
Post by: calib on October 13, 2013, 09:23:34 PM
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1197.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Faa429%2Fcalib77%2FIMAG0742_zpse1820d66.jpg&hash=13b024a8dc69115b24404609929f244a292eaac8)
Post by: supagoose on October 29, 2013, 07:00:25 PM