cargocycling.org

Mexican American Trike

admin — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 19:24:42 +0000

I was walking at Redondo Beach Pier and met some low rider bike builders that tricked out their kid’s cargo bicycles. They both put a lot of work into their trikes and added a great Mexican American style to it. It’s great seeing basic cargo bikes evolve into custom tricked out machines.

FYI: The red trike is not made by Radio Flyer. The builder just wanted to go for that look.

Great work guys!

Feetz: Leaning Trike, Independent Steering, Converts to Stroller

admin — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 15:19:48 +0000

From it’s specifications list, the Feetz is one amazing tadpole trike (two front & one rear wheel). It has front independent steering (ackerman steering), converts almost instantly into a stroller, and leans into turns.

Most tricycles tend to feel tip prone because they can’t lean into turns like a bicycle. The Feetz over comes this through it’s leaning design. Without riding one, we can’t tell how it actually performs. However from their videos, the Feetz looks fantastic.

The only catch is that it retails for £1,200 in the UK, which means it’ll be well over $2000 US dollars by the time it reaches the States.

Links:
• http://feetz.nl

CETMA Cargo: American Bakfiets Builder

admin — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 17:05:15 +0000

We’ve been meaning to write a post about CETMA Cargo for some time. The place is run by Lane Kagay who makes fantastic custom built bakfiets cargo bicycles and racks. If you’re thinking about buying a bakfiets, rather than shipping one to the States, you should seriously consider getting a skilled local builder like Lane to build one for you. You’ll get a custom bicycle with great components for about the same price as shipping a stock Euro built bicycle to the States.

Lane’s bicycles have some great features like disk brakes, triangulated frame for strength, and customizable modular design. Check out Lane’s website for more photos.

Links:
• CETMA Cargo

Onderwater: Kid Pedal Bakfiets

admin — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 16:22:50 +0000

Onderwater is a Dutch bicycle company that makes a bakfiets for families with older children. Instead of the kids riding in a cargo box, the Onderwater has standard bicycle seats in tandem with the adult driver. There are also pedals for the kids, so that they can help mom or dad pedal to school. They come in multiple configurations for families with one to three kids. The bikes come with 8 speed Shimano internally geared hubs, halogen lamps, and roller brakes front and rear. The bikes start in price at around $2200 USD / €1643

Links:
• Onderwaterfiets.nl

Torker Cargo-T Bicycle

admin — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 16:02:29 +0000

Torker has released the Cargo-T bicycle for $600 MSRP. It’s distributed in the US by Seattle Bicycle Supply, which should make it easy for your local bike shop to get a hold of. It comes with Shimano 3 speed internal hub gearing and comes with front and rear cargo racks.

At 45 lbs, it’s about average weight for most purpose built cargo bicycles. The frame comes in satin grey or blaze green. This Taiwan built bicycle is a lower cost alternative for anyone considering European built city bicycles which could easily cost more than a thousand bucks.

Links:
• Torker USA
• Seattle Bicycle Supply

Hopworks Beer Bike

admin — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 11:03:45 +0000

This is just plain cool. Beer, Pizza, and Bikes! Who could ask for more. Another great idea from the brains at Metrofiets.

Links:
• Hopworks Micro Brewery
• Metrofiets Beer Bike Photos

Hudson Urban Bicycles

admin — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 10:29:13 +0000

Hudson Urban Bicycles is an American custom bicycle builder located in the West Village (New York City). They make these really COOL rear load cargo tricycles for carrying kids. The NY Times did a video interview of the owner talking about his design. If you’re in NYC, definitely check them out.

BTW: The mom in the photo driving the cargo tricycle is the actress Kate Winslet from the movie Titanic. Couldn’t ask for a better endorsement.

Links:
• Hudson Urban Bicycles
• Hudson Urban Bicycle Blog
• NY Times Video

Bilenky: American made Bakfiets

admin — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 13:55:17 +0000

Bilenky is an American custom bicycle maker that has been making high quality custom bikes since 1983. They make a great variety of front load cargo bicycles (bakfiets) that should satisfy the needs of most people. The Bilenky cargo bicycle design places the cargo load over the front wheel, which creates a more compact and nimbler design than traditional Dutch style bakfiets which place the cargo load behind the front wheel.

Their website quotes a complete custom built bicycle with Shimano components for $2695, which puts it in the price range of it’s European counterparts. If you’re on the East Coast and want to support your local builder, definitely check them out.

Link:
• Bilenky Cargo Bicycles

Tianjin Flying Pigeon

admin — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 16:18:30 +0000

The Tianjin Flying Pigeon is the most popular bicycle in history. They have literally sold billions of these bicycles since Chairman Mao established the company in 1950. Based on a 1930s European design, they haven’t changed at all over the decades.

The bike has classic looks, weighs a ton, and is built like a tank. Due to the “Classic” design, maintenance is a pain. Also, if you live outside of the developing world where they sell most of their bicycles, finding parts can be equally frustrating. While taking a tour of their plant, the factory rep told me that their biggest customers are in Central Africa.

Out of curiosity, I asked what a shipment of these bicycles would cost. They said that they can fit around 200 of these bicycles (unassembled) into a shipping container and that they would charge $45 USD/each. Pretty good price if you buy in bulk.

Another thing I learned is that the original Tianjin Flying Pigeon company split up over the years and that there are dozens of factories across the country still using the Flying Pigeon name and design to build bicycles.

If you’re in the market for a Euro style city bike, the Flying Pigeon might be exactly what you’re looking for. Imagine for the price of one Dutch built bike, you can have a flock of Flying Pigeons roaming the streets.

Check out my post about my tour of the Tianjin Flying Pigeon Factory.

Links:
• My tour of the Flying Pigeon Factory
• Tianjin Flying Pigeon Bicycle Company (one of many)
• Flying Pigeon Los Angeles Shop
• Flying Pigeon Enthusiast’s Blog

Surly Big Dummy (long bike)

admin — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 07:31:04 +0000

Surly is a maker that helped start the fixed gear craze here in the States. Along with their affordable fixies, they make a long bike that can be bought as a complete or frame only. Surly bikes are sturdy and built with quality. Definitely worth checking out.

Links:
• Surly Bikes

Maruishi: Mama’s Bicycle (kid carrier)

admin — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 20:36:00 +0000

Maruishi is a family owned bicycle manufacturer that is popular in Japan. They are one of the oldest bicycle companies in Japan and are famous for their line of Mama Cha-ri (Mama’s Bicycle). Their recent designs are extremely refined, have solid build quality, and come with numerous options.

Their newest line called “Frackers” has seating for two kids. There’s a unique front seat that sits between ape hanger style handle bars which allows you to carry a kid without having to be hunched over them. There’s also an optional rear seat for a second child or small pet dog. Also the Fracker’s patented design avoids tipping when loading kids by automatically locking the brakes and the front steering column when the rear kick stand is engaged.

I’ve talked to several people while living in Japan and they only have great things to say about their Maruishi bikes. I’m guessing if you’re comfortable with buying a China built bicycle (Maruishi’s factory is in China) and don’t want to blow two grand on a Dutch built bicycle, then Maruishi is definitely an option. The ones I’ve seen in shops in Japan retail for $300 to $400 USD.

Key Features:
• Tip resistant design - auto locking brakes & steering for parking
• Ergonomic front child seat (hunch free design)
• Optional electric assist
• Pet carrier version available
• Affordable Price: $350 USD or less throughout Japan

Links:
• Fracker Website
• Maruishi Bicycle Company

Dutch Bikes Land in NYC

admin — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 22:08:34 +0000

A new Dutch bicycle shop called Rolling Orange Bikes just opened in NYC. (269 Baltic Street, Cobble Hill, Brooklyn) Their commuter bikes start around $1400. So if you’re in the Big Apple looking for a shop that specializes in Euro style cargo bikes, you might want to check them out.

Links:
• From Amsterdam to Cobble Hill by Bike (NY Times Article)

• RollingOrangeBikes.com

Clever Cycles (Portland, OR)

admin — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 01:38:32 +0000

It’s been a while since Clever Cycles has been open and we’ve been meaning to do a post about them. They were the first bicycle shop on the West Coast that started importing bakfiets and other European cargo bicycles to the US. My friends and family have only great things to say about them.

They’re probably a good place to start if you’re in the market for a cargo bicycle, bakfiets, longtail, etc.

Link: Clever Cycles Webpage

TNT Post

admin — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 15:18:40 +0000

European mail delivery company TNT Post is another company making use of cargo tricycles to get around congested urban traffic. Here’s a photo that someone sent me of their cargo tricycle in use.

Link: TNT Post Webpage

Metrofiets - American Bakfiets Makers

admin — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 05:06:05 +0000

OK, I knew it would happen and couldn’t you have guessed, it would be in Portland. The first US custom maker of Dutch style cargo bicycles (bakfiets). From the looks of their weld quality and components, Metrofiets bicycles are on par with any custom built bicycle on the market.

We’re looking forward to giving one a test ride the next time we’re in Portland. You can check out their website at: www.metrofiets.com as well as their beer bike at Hopworks Brewery (Portland’s own eco-brewpub)

SOLD: Cargo Tricycle for Sale

admin — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 23:11:50 +0000

I’m selling one of our cargo tricycles. I bought two of these and had them shipped to us, but am selling one to make room in our garage.

Color: black frame / bright white box
Frame: Steel
Components: Shimano Nexus 3 speed internally geared hub, hub brakes all three wheels
Rear wheel: 24″ x 1.95
Front wheels: 20″ x 1.95

If you’re in the Los Angeles or Orange County area, this is a great chance to get a Euro-style cargo tricycle without the hassles of shipping and customs. I’m asking $350 obo.

For more information contact: info@cargocycling.org

Grocery Cart Bicycle

admin — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 08:58:52 +0000

This is a great idea. Not sure how well it works, but you’ve got to give Ryan McFarland kudos for coming up with this idea and for recycling. He’s got tons of other interesting projects he’s built on instructables.com and his blog which is worth checking out.

Flickr Gallery: China Cargo Tricycles

admin — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 15:59:47 +0000

Here’s a nice photo gallery of cargo tricycles in China by BriColeurbanism.

Links:
• Photo Gallery of Cargo Tricycles in China
• Bricoleurbanism.org Website

Bullit Modular Bakfiets by Larry vs. Harry

admin — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 15:39:52 +0000

Larry vs. Harry manufacture a very nice modular bakfiets that can be fitted with a range of accessories such as wooden cargo box, aluminum all weather box, billboards, etc. As for fit and finish, their bakfiets frames are made from oversized aluminum tubing and fitted with modern components that even bicycle geeks like us would love.

Here are the specs for their base model the “Bullit Classic”:
• Powder-coated in black
• Hardened aluminium frame
• Stainless steel nuts, bolts and discs
• 7-gear SRAM i-Motion hub
• Hydraulic front brake
• SRAM Truvativ crankshaft
• Double-bound aluminium wheel rims
• Puncture-proof Schwalbe tires
• Impact-strengthened plastic mudguards
• Fast saddle and handlebar adjustment
• Insurance-approved ABUS bicycle lock

Links:
• Larry vs. Harry website
• Photo Gallery
• Wired Magazine Article

Mobile Graffiti Trike

admin — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 13:50:51 +0000

A really cool platform for projection or laser graffiti artists. If you don’t know what projection graffiti is check out Graffiti Research Lab’s Blog. It’s really cool.

Link:
Graffiti Research Lab

Taga Stroller - Game Changer?

admin — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 17:07:50 +0000

So, is this the major game changer that we’ve all been looking for? Or else, is it just another expensive industrial design study that only a few can afford?

Without having ridden one, I can only say that the new Taga Stroller/Tricycle looks amazing. Basically, it is a kid carrying cargo tricycle that converts on the fly into a walking stroller. WOW! Also, it has numerous optional features that allow it to be customized and outfitted in any number of ways.

The MAJOR drawback at this moment is the stunning price and lack of availability. Not yet sold in the US, it has a base price of $2500 without any options. Include shipping, handling, and customs duties, you’re pushing $3000 by the time you’re riding the base model in the States.

Early Verdict: Function and styling that any parent would love, price tag of a good used car.

Links:
Taga Website

The Perils of Hybrid Design - Triobike Redux

admin — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 18:25:58 +0000

Triobike is a Danish company that makes a family tricycle with a nifty “Multi-purpose Design” which can be converted from a tricycle to a bicycle to a stroller. On paper it has many of the design features that families are looking for such as 5 point harnesses for kids, front & rear lights, disk brakes, etc. It’s sleek minimalist European industrial design will send hearts aflutter anywhere. Who wouldn’t want a tricycle you could drive the kids to daycare with, convert into a bicycle, and then ride to work with.

However in the case of Triobike, it’s Achilles Heal may be that it does neither of it’s intended purposes very well. As a tricycle, reviewers are beginning to talk about it’s dangerously unstable ride. As a bicycle, it’s sporty design doesn’t lend itself well for city riding (no fenders, uncomfortable forward leaning style, men’s style swing over frame) Finally as a stroller it’s unwieldy bulk makes it impractical. Imagine a parent struggling to load it into a car or better yet trying to get it through the doorway of a local store with a sleeping toddler on board.

Hybrid designs in and of themselves are a neat idea. They take up less space but serve multiple purposes. However, history has been marked with endless hybrid designs that try to do too many things and fail to do any well. Airplanes that convert into a car, cars that convert into a boat, and so on.

In the case of Triobike, it’s a great idea with flawed execution. Like any groundbreaking innovative design there will be growing pains and hopefully an evolution to an ideal form. If the makers of Triobike continue to refine and iterate the design, then it has a great future. Otherwise, it’ll remain another industrial design study where style has won out over function, with the added bonus of a $3000 USD price tag.

Triobike Links:
www.triobike.com
Triobike photos by Carteco
Triobike Video

Other Luxury Cargo Tricycle Makers:
Winther Kangaroo
Nihola
MyZigo (US manufacturer)

Kona Ute: Big Manufacturer Enters Cargo Bicycle Market

admin — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 17:43:25 +0000

It was great to see that some of the large manufacturers are heading into the cargo bicycle market. Hopefully it’ll bring cargo bicycles into the mainstream and make a dent in car traffic.

Check out the Kona Ute. They’ve added this great new longbike to their huge lineup. Longbikes are great for anyone who wants an all around bicycle that they can use for commuting, getting groceries, camping, and to transport small adults or older kids.

Links:
Kona Ute Website
Bicycle Hugger Review

PedalPub: Drunken Riding?

admin — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 18:30:37 +0000

Heh heh… I ran across this gem while doing a search on “product liability”. This is one awesome bike! 17 riders pedaling together around town while drinking beer, eating food, and enjoying the sites. Couldn’t think of a better way then the PedalPub (Het Fietscafe in the Netherlands). What can I say, simply a great time…

Links:
• PedalPub (US Distributor - www.pedalpub.com)
• Het Fietscafe (Netherlands Maker - www.fietscafe.nl)
• Fietscafe in Action (Flickr)

Google Maps Tricycle

admin — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 15:38:24 +0000

(AP Photos/Jacques Brinon)

A friend sent me this photo of Google employees using a tricycle to map places where cars are not allowed. They’ve got it hooked up with the same camera and GPS equipment that their specially equipped cars use to capture street views all over the world. Pretty cool idea…

Link:
- Associated Press Article
- Google Maps Street View