cargocycling.org http://cargocycling.org The SUVs of the Bike World (cargo bikes, cargo trike, cargobicycle, cargobike, cargotricycle, freight bike, delivery bicycle, city bike, long bike, cargo trike, bakfiets, dutch bicycle, dutch bike, freight bicycle, cargo bike, and bakfiets) Fri, 05 Feb 2010 05:08:39 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.5 en Clever Cycles (Portland, OR) http://cargocycling.org/2010/02/clever-cycles-portland-or.html http://cargocycling.org/2010/02/clever-cycles-portland-or.html#comments Fri, 05 Feb 2010 01:38:32 +0000 admin http://cargocycling.org/?p=457 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

]]> http://cargocycling.org/2010/02/clever-cycles-portland-or.html/feed TNT Post http://cargocycling.org/2010/02/tnt-post.html http://cargocycling.org/2010/02/tnt-post.html#comments Thu, 04 Feb 2010 15:18:40 +0000 admin http://cargocycling.org/?p=462 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

]]> http://cargocycling.org/2010/02/tnt-post.html/feed Metrofiets - American Bakfiets Makers http://cargocycling.org/2009/12/metrofiets-american-bakfiets-makers.html http://cargocycling.org/2009/12/metrofiets-american-bakfiets-makers.html#comments Sat, 12 Dec 2009 05:06:05 +0000 admin http://cargocycling.org/?p=143 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)

]]> http://cargocycling.org/2009/12/metrofiets-american-bakfiets-makers.html/feed SOLD: Cargo Tricycle for Sale http://cargocycling.org/2009/12/cargo-tricycle-for-sale-2.html http://cargocycling.org/2009/12/cargo-tricycle-for-sale-2.html#comments Fri, 11 Dec 2009 23:11:50 +0000 admin http://cargocycling.org/?p=318

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

]]> http://cargocycling.org/2009/12/cargo-tricycle-for-sale-2.html/feed Grocery Cart Bicycle http://cargocycling.org/2009/10/grocery-cart-bicycle.html http://cargocycling.org/2009/10/grocery-cart-bicycle.html#comments Thu, 22 Oct 2009 08:58:52 +0000 admin http://cargocycling.org/?p=308 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.

]]> http://cargocycling.org/2009/10/grocery-cart-bicycle.html/feed Flickr Gallery: China Cargo Tricycles http://cargocycling.org/2009/09/flickr-gallery-china-cargo-tricycles.html http://cargocycling.org/2009/09/flickr-gallery-china-cargo-tricycles.html#comments Sat, 05 Sep 2009 15:59:47 +0000 admin http://cargocycling.org/?p=303 Here’s a nice photo gallery of cargo tricycles in China by BriColeurbanism.

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

]]> http://cargocycling.org/2009/09/flickr-gallery-china-cargo-tricycles.html/feed Bullit Modular Bakfiets by Larry vs. Harry http://cargocycling.org/2009/09/bullit-modular-bakfiets-by-larry-vs-harry.html http://cargocycling.org/2009/09/bullit-modular-bakfiets-by-larry-vs-harry.html#comments Thu, 03 Sep 2009 15:39:52 +0000 admin http://cargocycling.org/?p=274 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

]]> http://cargocycling.org/2009/09/bullit-modular-bakfiets-by-larry-vs-harry.html/feed Mobile Graffiti Trike http://cargocycling.org/2009/08/mobile-graffiti-trike.html http://cargocycling.org/2009/08/mobile-graffiti-trike.html#comments Mon, 24 Aug 2009 13:50:51 +0000 admin http://cargocycling.org/?p=267 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

]]> http://cargocycling.org/2009/08/mobile-graffiti-trike.html/feed Taga Stroller - Game Changer? http://cargocycling.org/2009/08/taga-stroller-game-changer.html http://cargocycling.org/2009/08/taga-stroller-game-changer.html#comments Mon, 17 Aug 2009 17:07:50 +0000 admin http://cargocycling.org/?p=258 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

]]> http://cargocycling.org/2009/08/taga-stroller-game-changer.html/feed Triobike Redux- The Perils of Hybrid Design http://cargocycling.org/2009/08/triobike-redux-the-perils-of-hybrid-designs.html http://cargocycling.org/2009/08/triobike-redux-the-perils-of-hybrid-designs.html#comments Fri, 14 Aug 2009 18:25:58 +0000 admin http://cargocycling.org/?p=247 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)

]]> http://cargocycling.org/2009/08/triobike-redux-the-perils-of-hybrid-designs.html/feed Kona Ute: Big Manufacturer Enters Cargo Bicycle Market http://cargocycling.org/2009/08/kona-ute-big-manufacturer-enters-cargo-bicycle-market.html http://cargocycling.org/2009/08/kona-ute-big-manufacturer-enters-cargo-bicycle-market.html#comments Wed, 12 Aug 2009 17:43:25 +0000 admin http://cargocycling.org/?p=236 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

]]> http://cargocycling.org/2009/08/kona-ute-big-manufacturer-enters-cargo-bicycle-market.html/feed PedalPub: Drunken Riding? http://cargocycling.org/2009/08/pedalpub-drunken-riding.html http://cargocycling.org/2009/08/pedalpub-drunken-riding.html#comments Sun, 09 Aug 2009 18:30:37 +0000 admin http://cargocycling.org/?p=226 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)

]]> http://cargocycling.org/2009/08/pedalpub-drunken-riding.html/feed Google Maps Tricycle http://cargocycling.org/2009/08/google-maps-tricycle-street-view.html http://cargocycling.org/2009/08/google-maps-tricycle-street-view.html#comments Fri, 07 Aug 2009 15:38:24 +0000 admin http://cargocycling.org/?p=211
(AP Photos/Jacques Brinon)

(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

]]> http://cargocycling.org/2009/08/google-maps-tricycle-street-view.html/feed Deutsche Post Bicycle Delivery http://cargocycling.org/2009/08/deutsche-post-bicycle-delivery.html http://cargocycling.org/2009/08/deutsche-post-bicycle-delivery.html#comments Mon, 03 Aug 2009 17:57:24 +0000 admin http://cargocycling.org/?p=197 Ran across these photos on the web of Deutsche Post using bicycles for inner city delivery.

]]> http://cargocycling.org/2009/08/deutsche-post-bicycle-delivery.html/feed Great Video: Geekhouse Bikes http://cargocycling.org/2009/07/geekhouse-bicycle-video.html http://cargocycling.org/2009/07/geekhouse-bicycle-video.html#comments Tue, 14 Jul 2009 09:10:09 +0000 admin http://cargocycling.org/?p=189

My friend Frank just sent me this link to a great video of a bicycle being made at Geekhouse Bikes. From the looks of their website, these guys build great custom bicycles. Keep up the great work guys.

]]> http://cargocycling.org/2009/07/geekhouse-bicycle-video.html/feed Military Bicycle - US Army Paratroopers and Marines http://cargocycling.org/2009/06/military-bicycle-us-army-paratroopers-and-marines-2.html http://cargocycling.org/2009/06/military-bicycle-us-army-paratroopers-and-marines-2.html#comments Fri, 19 Jun 2009 18:58:07 +0000 admin http://cargocycling.org/?p=185 Montague Bicycle Company has been making folding bicycles for the US military since 1997. These bicycles are foldable and can be parachuted in with soldiers and marines. They are currently being tested for use by US Army Special Forces.

Check out their website for videos and photos.
Montague Military Bicycles Promo Video Page

]]> http://cargocycling.org/2009/06/military-bicycle-us-army-paratroopers-and-marines-2.html/feed Air Pollution in China http://cargocycling.org/2009/06/air-pollution-in-china.html http://cargocycling.org/2009/06/air-pollution-in-china.html#comments Thu, 18 Jun 2009 17:20:12 +0000 admin http://cargocycling.org/?p=157
air pollution china

air pollution china

I generally try to keep this blog upbeat and focused on bicycles. But, the other day I found a picture I took a couple of years ago during a business trip to China. The photo speaks for itself… The air pollution in China is awful…

This picture was taken in Ningbo City, about three hours drive from Shanghai. In the early 1990s, most people in China were still using bicycles or mass transit. Cars were a luxury for the rich. Back then the air was clean given the size of the population. But now in many of the factory towns across China, your eyes water as soon as you step out the front door.

The sad thing is we keep blaming China for all of this, but most of those poluting factories are making products that are bound for US and European markets. Basically we’ve just exported our pollution creating factories and jobs to China. Anyway, everytime I go to Costco, I always get a sense that I’m just adding to this cycle…

]]> http://cargocycling.org/2009/06/air-pollution-in-china.html/feed Paris: Cargo Bicycle Delivery Network http://cargocycling.org/2009/06/paris-cargo-bicycle-delivery-network.html http://cargocycling.org/2009/06/paris-cargo-bicycle-delivery-network.html#comments Tue, 09 Jun 2009 16:09:25 +0000 admin http://cargocycling.org/?p=154 La Petite Reine (little queen) is a French nickname for bicycle. It’s also the name of the small company that operates a fleet of over 60 cargocycles for various client companies such as express delivery service DHL.  Everyday these cargo bicycles and tricycles make their way through congested parts of Paris to deliver parcels with an efficiency that Fedex would be proud of.

Besides the suped up messenger services. La Petite Reine also sells and rents these cargo tricycles to the public.

]]> http://cargocycling.org/2009/06/paris-cargo-bicycle-delivery-network.html/feed Dual Pull Brake Lever http://cargocycling.org/2009/06/dual-pull-brake-lever.html http://cargocycling.org/2009/06/dual-pull-brake-lever.html#comments Mon, 08 Jun 2009 15:13:56 +0000 admin http://cargocycling.org/2008/06/dual-pull-brake-lever.html Dual_pull_brakes
I thought I’d re-post about these really cool dual pull brake levers I installed on my front load cargo tricycle (2 wheels up front 1 wheel in back). I’ve had them on the trike for about 6 months and they work great! Basically, you can run two brake cables from two different brake sets into one lever and the lever balances the pull going to both sets of brakes.

Inside the lever there is a little mechanism that balances the pull between the two brake lines. That way you have equal pressure going to both front brakes on the trike when you pull the lever. What this means for cargo tricycles is that you can have one lever that actuates both front wheels equally without any brake steering effect. Brake steering is when one wheel brakes harder than the other, which pulls the tricycle violently to the left or right when braking.

In practice, you still need to make sure that your brakes are tuned similarly. Meaning that you can’t have one brake cable totally loose with the other one completely tight and still hope that the dual pull brake lever will work it’s magic. However, if you spend the time to at least adjust your brake cables reasonably, these things work great!

If you do a Google search for “dual pull brake lever” there are a lot of companies selling these. I think I got mine for about $12 USD.

]]> http://cargocycling.org/2009/06/dual-pull-brake-lever.html/feed New Urbanism http://cargocycling.org/2009/05/new-urbanism.html http://cargocycling.org/2009/05/new-urbanism.html#comments Mon, 01 Jun 2009 07:46:58 +0000 admin http://cargocycling.org/?p=146

I ran into this video about New Urbanism, which is the trend in urban planning which promotes walkable livable cities. This video is a really cool intro to the whole idea. Hopefully the idea of using bicycles for transport in these new cities will take off.

]]> http://cargocycling.org/2009/05/new-urbanism.html/feed Ghetto Engineering http://cargocycling.org/2009/05/ghetto-engineering.html http://cargocycling.org/2009/05/ghetto-engineering.html#comments Sat, 30 May 2009 13:36:48 +0000 admin http://cargocycling.org/?p=139
Bicycle crank repaired with welded on construction rebar

Bicycle crank repaired with welded on construction rebar

Here’s a picture I took in Korea of a repaired delivery bike. Rather than throw away the bike or broken part, the owner just welded construction rebar to fix a broken crank. I love seeing old bicycles evolve and take on a life of their own. I guess when you have to use your bicycle everyday for work, it’s a completely different mindset from people using bicycles for sport. Things aren’t perfect, but they’re useful.

]]> http://cargocycling.org/2009/05/ghetto-engineering.html/feed Swiss Army Bicycle (Militarvelo) http://cargocycling.org/2009/05/swiss-army-bicycle-militarvelo.html http://cargocycling.org/2009/05/swiss-army-bicycle-militarvelo.html#comments Thu, 07 May 2009 19:17:19 +0000 admin http://cargocycling.org/?p=123 Weighing in at more than 50 lbs, the Swiss Army Bicycle is the furthest away you can get from Lance Armstrong’s 16 pound Trek Madone 6.9 However, with its elegant simplicity, utility, and low maintenance design, the Swiss Army Bike had what it took to keep the Swiss Army chugging along for almost a century. Although it was phased out by the Swiss military in 2001, if you’re lucky, you can spot some of these bicycles on eBay going for a pretty penny.

Links:
Article written by owner of a Swiss Army Bicycle
Objectbook.com Review of the Swiss Army Bicycle

]]> http://cargocycling.org/2009/05/swiss-army-bicycle-militarvelo.html/feed San Francisco’s Finest - Sycip Bikes http://cargocycling.org/2008/12/san-franciscos-finest-sycip-bikes-2.html http://cargocycling.org/2008/12/san-franciscos-finest-sycip-bikes-2.html#comments Thu, 11 Dec 2008 17:45:56 +0000 admin http://cargocycling.org/?p=104  Sycip Bikes is a custom bicycle builder that was established in 1992 by Jay & Jeremy Sycip. If you ride regularly on the US West Coast, you’ll occasionally run into a lucky someone riding a Sycip Bicycle. Every time I see one of their bicycles, I’m always amazed to see the innovative design and quality of construction.

I was especially impressed by two bicycles they’ve built, a long bike and a custom delivery bicycle for Boccalone Salumeria (specialty meat company).

They’re definitely one of the finest bicycle builders on the planet and if you’re in the market for a custom bike, it’s worth giving them a call.

]]> http://cargocycling.org/2008/12/san-franciscos-finest-sycip-bikes-2.html/feed Pashley Freightmate Cargo Tricycle http://cargocycling.org/2008/11/pashley-freightmate-cargo-tricycle.html http://cargocycling.org/2008/11/pashley-freightmate-cargo-tricycle.html#comments Thu, 27 Nov 2008 21:28:25 +0000 admin http://cargocycling.org/2007/06/pashley-freightmate-cargo-tricycle.html Pashley Cycles has been building bicycles in the UK since 1926. They have a range of bicycles from city bikes to cargo tricycles. My favorite in their product line is the Pashley Freighmate Cargo Tricycle.

It has absolutely everything anyone could look for in a cargo tricycle. It has electric power assist, independent steering for each of the front wheels (Ackerman steering), disk brakes, turn signals, lights, and even a horn. This is definitely a great alternative for any business that needs to make local deliveries in crowded urban areas or as a run about for staff working in a large facility.

Their website is: http://www.pashley.co.uk

]]> http://cargocycling.org/2008/11/pashley-freightmate-cargo-tricycle.html/feed Twike - Human Electric Hybrid Car http://cargocycling.org/2008/11/twike-human-electric-hybrid-car.html http://cargocycling.org/2008/11/twike-human-electric-hybrid-car.html#comments Wed, 19 Nov 2008 18:32:33 +0000 admin http://cargocycling.org/2007/07/twike-human-electric-hybrid-car.html German manufacturer, Fine Mobile GmBH, builds a fantastic pedal powered human electric hybrid car. It has a top speed of 53 mph (85 kmph) and a range of 80 miles (130 km) per charge. With it’s fully enclosed body and luxury features, it might just be the all weather solution that you’re looking for. The only catch, with a starting price of $26,000 USD (20,000 €) this beauty will be in the hands of a lucky few.

 

Check out their website at: http://www.twike.com

]]> http://cargocycling.org/2008/11/twike-human-electric-hybrid-car.html/feed