where to get me a cargo bike

jinghong · 04-08-2011 10:59am #1

Ok folks, (probably) like most of you, I'm thoroughly overstocked in the bike department: (1 road bike, 2 off road bikes, 1 run around), but as you well know, theres never enough, well especially now I'm considering going car free. I need a nice cargo bike, and I wondering if there are any decent suppliers here. They seem to be plentiful the other side of the pond, like yuba bikes. Here's the type of baby I'm looking for:

TinyExplosions · 04-08-2011 11:31am

Yuba are in Germany, so there's no problem getting them here (was looking into it myself, and came across a guy out Ranelagh way that has one). http://yubaride.com is them.

Other than that, the Surly Big Dummy is a nice bike, a boardsie here has one. Also, there's the Kona Ute. Bullit cargo bikes are very nice, and there are bakfiets as well as babboe among others.

Alternately you could get an Xtracycle build going.

It really comes down to if you want something with a large box on it (if so, the Bullit is what I'd reccommend), or the long bike style that you can hang just about anything off (in which case I'd go for the Yuba)

jinghong · 04-08-2011 11:52am

thanks Tiny, thats a nice list. I usually buy second hand, but seeing as there are not many available on the 2nd hand market, looks like I'm into €€€€€. But I'm replacing a car, so thats my excuse!

sbs2010 · 04-08-2011 12:00pm

This guy is in Holland - very nicely put together bikes:

http://www.workcycles.com/home-products/professional-transport-bikes

tomasrojo · 04-08-2011 12:13pm

Bear Bicycles in Dublin do these, according to their website:

http://www.bear-bicycles.com/

I use a trailer myself, which I got from bikehod.com. It's pretty versatile. With the Carradice bag on it's good for transporting my guitar in a hard case, or doing the weekly shopping.

With the bag off, you can strap loads onto the frame, such as this coffee table I brought home.

tomasrojo · 04-08-2011 12:27pm

If you're selling your car and live in Dublin or Cork, it's also worth considering joining GoCar. I did this, and it's very handy for the odd journey where a car makes your life easier rather than harder (which is a small percentage of total journeys for me).

depadz · 04-08-2011 1:02pm

there was a stall at the farmers market in marley park last saturday selling cargo bikes.

mrsFitz · 04-08-2011 4:47pm

I am the one in Marley park selling the bicycles, will be there again this Saturday and Sunday, if you want to try out our Babboe Big.
I am hoping to soon do business with Workcycles who's bikes are amazing and would get my highest recommendation.

GTDolanator · 04-08-2011 6:39pm

enas · 04-08-2011 9:44pm

GTDolanator wrote: »

This one is wicked (with the red coming as a close second, can't decide really). I'd really love to own one of these, and be able to do without my car.

Here are some nice pictures of such a bike put in good use http://www.copenhagenize.com/search?q=bullit

Edit: And another one: http://www.flickr.com/photos/16nine/3680350645/

TinyExplosions · 04-08-2011 9:56pm

enas wrote: »

This one is wicked (with the red coming as a close second, can't decide really). I'd really love to own one of these, and be able to do without my car.

Here are some nice pictures of such a bike put in good use http://www.copenhagenize.com/search?q=bullit

Edit: And another one: http://www.flickr.com/photos/16nine/3680350645/

Velocity Couriers in Dublin use them, and there's also this

Doctor Bob · 04-08-2011 10:43pm

jinghong wrote: »

I usually buy second hand, but seeing as there are not many available on the 2nd hand market, looks like I'm into €€€€€.

There was one for sale second hand earlier this year, at what seemed like a reasonable price. (I suspect it might have been third hand, at least, as the seller in that ad had previously inquired on Boards whether anyone had a second hand one for sale.) I'd have been really keen on it myself, but for my lack of indoor storage space (and a big enough front door!).

I've riidden a bakfiets (from Bear Bicycles, mentioned above) and loved it, but I think if I were investing in a cargo bike I'd lean strongly towards a cargo trike like the one in that ad- the grounded stability, not to mention the snow-going potential, give it the edge for me.

One other thing worth bearing in mind- well built cargo bikes keep their value. Don't expect a bargain. (And if you do see a bargain, well...

)

PS There's an interesting spat documented on the workcycles blog that arose following one man's assessment of different cargo bikes. He was, shall we say, less than impressed with the Larry vs Harrys (Harries?). But YMMV, and all that. I do think they look very smart.

tomasrojo · 05-08-2011 1:32am

Doctor Bob wrote: »

I'd have been really keen on it myself, but for my lack of indoor storage space (and a big enough front door!).

Good-quality cargo bikes are weather-proofed and generally left outside, aren't they? So it says on the Bakfiets en Meer website (I guess that that's the Workcycles blog you mention?).l I guess some tarpaulin and a bracket sunk into some concrete to which you can lock would be a good idea.

We discussed this before though -- what you need is a garage!

Doctor Bob wrote: »

PS There's an interesting spat documented on the workcycles blog that arose following one man's assessment of different cargo bikes. He was, shall we say, less than impressed with the Larry vs Harrys (Harries?). But YMMV, and all that. I do think they look very smart.

Quite a spat about the Babboe Big too:

http://www.bakfiets-en-meer.nl/2008/07/11/roundup-reviews-of-various-family-transport-bikes/

Doctor Bob · 05-08-2011 10:12am

tomasrojo wrote: »

Good-quality cargo bikes are weather-proofed and generally left outside, aren't they? So it says on the Bakfiets en Meer website (I guess that that's the Workcycles blog you mention?).l I guess some tarpaulin and a bracket sunk into some concrete to which you can lock would be a good idea.

We discussed this before though -- what you need is a garage!

Quite a spat about the Babboe Big too:

http://www.bakfiets-en-meer.nl/2008/07/11/roundup-reviews-of-various-family-transport-bikes/

Indeed. Opinions on that trike seem quite divided. (The owner of WorkCycles may be North American, but he seems to share the Dutch propensity for directness.

)

You're right about the outdoors thing. I noted from a video on the Bear site that my own bike, made by Azor, has been designed to live outside for 20 years. (The video is, I think, the last one on this page. I'd link it, but YouTube is blocked in work.)

As for the garage, you're spot on, at least regarding Dublin. I don't currently have access to one, and sadly my landlady wasn't too keen on me sinking a bracket into her driveway! When the housing market bottoms out and I make my killing, a garage - or at least a secure shed - is high on the list of requirements.

Anyway, for the sake of completeness, here's the controversial blog post I mentioned in my last post.

monument · 05-08-2011 11:33am

I'm looking at the Bullitt from Larry vs Harry or the one Bear Bikes sell. I'm also looking at winning some amount on the lotto to pay for one.

Larry vs Harry website is here, details of their Irish dealer too: http://www.larryvsharry.com/english/

jinghong · 06-08-2011 9:27pm

Looking at that red bullit and thinking to myself "I must have you" in my finest withnail and I accent

enas · 06-08-2011 9:40pm

jinghong wrote: »

Looking at that red bullit and thinking to myself "I must have you" in my finest withnail and I accent

Glad to see I'm not alone

Since the day the thread has started, I've been constantly thinking that I would really like to have one of these. I manage to come back to reality by thinking that with all the hills in Cork, I would be better off with a trike for a cargo bike (even if I wasn't planning to buy one at the first place).

penexpers · 07-08-2011 12:43pm

I am he with the Big Dummy

It's a good bike more than capable of carrying a weekly shop and other large objects. Add in some wide loaders and a long loader and it would be capable of carrying pretty much anything.

I would prefer it over a trike because it's more maneuverable and more flexible than a trike and it's also easier to store.

jinghong · 12-08-2011 11:33pm

I'ma actually passing through the netherlands next week and will have the ability to buy one and bring it back (large camper on toe). My main driver is that herself doesn't drive, and we're moving to a new location soon, and we want to have the flexibility to be located a couple of kms out of town if necessary. We have a 1 yr old and another due soon. She needs to be mobile and independent herself, as I'll be away working during the day.
Because of that I'm leaning towards a bakfiets 3 wheeler with a 250 watt battery assist drive. she had a bad fall a couple of years back so she's a little nervous. For that reason I want to give this my best shot at making it work, so I'm thinking 3 wheels versus 2 This company actually ships them to Ireland apparently free.

So, some people think 2 wheels are better (I would have been biased that way myself, but thinking of her needs changes my mind), others think 2 are best. Anyone else got any opinions on this, and if going for a battery assist would be useful (pushing 2 kids up a hill sounds like work)?

Harrybelafonte · 13-08-2011 12:26pm

jinghong wrote: »

I'ma actually passing through the netherlands next week and will have the ability to buy one and bring it back (large camper on toe). My main driver is that herself doesn't drive, and we're moving to a new location soon, and we want to have the flexibility to be located a couple of kms out of town if necessary. We have a 1 yr old and another due soon. She needs to be mobile and independent herself, as I'll be away working during the day.
Because of that I'm leaning towards a bakfiets 3 wheeler with a 250 watt battery assist drive. she had a bad fall a couple of years back so she's a little nervous. For that reason I want to give this my best shot at making it work, so I'm thinking 3 wheels versus 2 This company actually ships them to Ireland apparently free.

So, some people think 2 wheels are better (I would have been biased that way myself, but thinking of her needs changes my mind), others think 2 are best. Anyone else got any opinions on this, and if going for a battery assist would be useful (pushing 2 kids up a hill sounds like work)?

For the situation you describe I'd tend towards the Christriana type three wheeler. Both your children will still need to be in baby seats I guess so a trike may make more sense? Did you look into gearing before looking at the engine?

jinghong · 13-08-2011 1:40pm

I just dont now if using an electric assist makes sense with a bike or not. I wouldnt dream of using one myself. It's like admitting failure. But then again, I relish a good 150km spin on a good day. Herself is a different story, although pretty fit, if there are less barriers to using it, it will be used more, you know yourself..So does an electric drive help much with carrying a load?

jinghong · 13-08-2011 1:48pm

BTW the link I posted above may be to cheaper chineese imports, which are quickly developing a bad reputation for cargo bikes I've learned. I'm not sure it the bikes there seem too cheap..

Harrybelafonte · 13-08-2011 2:12pm

I know nothing about electric motors unfortunately. Nor do I know much about the Chinese cargo bikes. I do, however, have a Bullitt set up to carry a child, older though, which you are welcome to have a look over.

jinghong · 13-08-2011 2:31pm

Cheers for that I might look you up when I get back

tomasrojo · 13-08-2011 6:27pm

The Nihola is quite a nice-looking three-wheeler too. Doesn't have as big a storage space as the Christiania, but the wheels move independently of the box. I think if I get one, I'll get that one, as I could use the goods trailer in conjunction, if I needed more storage. It would cut quite a sight too!

dubmess · 14-08-2011 12:08pm

I have a white Bullitt I'm considering selling, I want to get a three wheeler to put my kid in.

I was part of Velocity Couriers, so it's seen a few miles, but also been looked after. Everything is in working order, just needs new brake pads for the disks.

I also have the aluminium box and honeycomb bottom board that comes as an extra for the bike.

Retails for €2173 without the box or honeycomb bottom board, box is €296, honeycomb board is €161.

I'm looking for €1500 for the lot.
Here's a pic: http://www.flickr.com/photos/dublinmessenger/3288872602/in/set-72157603473483270

tomasrojo · 20-08-2013 3:08pm

I saw a Gazelle Cabby cargo bike locked in town yesterday. Looks interesting, with a collapsible cloth "box". Anyone have experience of one? Are they stocked in Dublin somewhere?

I'm broke, but I fondly imagine I'll find a suitcase of cash in my garden soon, or something like that.

Doctor Bob · 20-08-2013 4:49pm

tomasrojo wrote: »

Are they stocked in Dublin somewhere?

2 Wheels in Sandymount used to sell them, but I think they stopped stocking Gazelles. Might be worth calling them anyway.

PS I recently lost a suitcase of cash, so if you do find one, it's probably mine.

Harrybelafonte · 20-08-2013 5:24pm

Actually, I'm trying to find some sort of lockable metal box that'll attach to the Bullitt now that the child is too big for the wooden one. Anyone got any suggestions?

cdaly_ · 20-08-2013 7:23pm

Will anybody bother cutting into the wooden box if you add a lockable lid? Might have to run the hinges down the sides for security though.

nak · 20-08-2013 8:00pm

Harrybelafonte wrote: »

Actually, I'm trying to find some sort of lockable metal box that'll attach to the Bullitt now that the child is too big for the wooden one. Anyone got any suggestions?

We have the box Harry vs Larry supply ~€300.

Harrybelafonte · 22-08-2013 5:00pm

cdaly_ wrote: »

Will anybody bother cutting into the wooden box if you add a lockable lid? Might have to run the hinges down the sides for security though.

Yeah a lid was a thought, but after a few more thoughts I started considering trying to work some kind of tarp over it, thanks.

nak wrote: »

We have the box Harry vs Larry supply ~€300.

Thanks, trying to keep it cheap for the moment tbh. Might pick one up if I'm in Copenhagen again.

cdaly_ · 23-08-2013 12:45pm

Harrybelafonte wrote: »

Yeah a lid was a thought, but after a few more thoughts I started considering trying to work some kind of tarp over it, thanks.

If you want to go DIY, you could consider recycling some election posters. I made up a cover for a car trailer out of the last election and a bag of rivets...

Harrybelafonte · 23-08-2013 4:15pm

cdaly_ wrote: »

If you want to go DIY, you could consider recycling some election posters. I made up a cover for a car trailer out of the last election and a bag of rivets...

How many years to I have to wait?

tomasrojo · 07-02-2014 1:50am

Concise reviews of different cargo bikes:

Seen here:
http://www.copenhagenize.com/2014/01/tricked-out-rides-which-bicycle.html

CramCycle · 20-06-2014 9:06am

After seeing another cargobike around town last night I went on a hunt for them again but still nothing in my range but I did get a great price from an english company cargobike.co.uk

775 for their lugger
125 for front disc brake upgrade
95 for a box

Can't find a weight for it but even in Sterling it seems like a good price

Harrybelafonte · 20-06-2014 9:24am

CramCycle wrote: »

After seeing another cargobike around town last night I went on a hunt for them again but still nothing in my range but I did get a great price from an english company cargobike.co.uk

775 for their lugger
125 for front disc brake upgrade
95 for a box

Can't find a weight for it but even in Sterling it seems like a good price

They say they build it in UK so might be ok. Can't see them list tubing though. You could probably sort the box yourself and save money, but disc brakes are a definite.

My offer to try the Bullitt still open.

CramCycle · 20-06-2014 9:34am

Harrybelafonte wrote: »

My offer to try the Bullitt still open.

I've had a go on the Bullitt before, and almost got a second hand one in January but I was beaten to the bike by a guy who got there 20 minutes before me. I just can't justify the new price for it, well I can but I can't afford it would be more honest. If I could I definitely would as it was, IMO the same as riding any decent commuter, I have ever ridden.

If I haven't sourced a second hand one or decent equivalent by next year I am going to get a new one but until then I shall keep looking.

nak · 20-06-2014 9:49am

Has to be said that the quality of some of the cheaper cargo bikes on display on Sunday was pretty poor. The Bullitt is well worth the money. Ours is still going strong, but it's well looked after and lives in the hallway (it's spoiled really).

idiottje · 20-06-2014 10:28am

If your handy with the spanners, the Bullit frame kit is currently €1,317 with about €300 shipping. You can then put whatever you want on gear wise. (You need to let them know if your going internal or external so they can supply the correct drop outs.) I am seriously considering this route, and sacrificing my commuting bike for the parts, but will need to source a front wheel. The bottom bracket is threaded as an FYI. I have not done much research on this, or at least that is what my wife is being told.

Harrybelafonte · 20-06-2014 11:01am

idiottje wrote: »

If your handy with the spanners, the Bullit frame kit is currently €1,317 with about €300 shipping. You can then put whatever you want on gear wise. (You need to let them know if your going internal or external so they can supply the correct drop outs.) I am seriously considering this route, and sacrificing my commuting bike for the parts, but will need to source a front wheel. The bottom bracket is threaded as an FYI. I have not done much research on this, or at least that is what my wife is being told.

Just to be clear, you mean internal hub rather than internal cabling.

nak · 20-06-2014 11:53am

Harrybelafonte wrote: »

Just to be clear, you mean internal hub rather than internal cabling.

My husband changed the rear wheel on ours from the original one with the Alfine hub to a wheel with a Shimano cassette without issue.

CramCycle · 20-06-2014 1:02pm

Harrybelafonte wrote: »

They say they build it in UK so might be ok. Can't see them list tubing though.

They have got back to me with a typical weight of 28kg without the box, although they have pointed out that they are all custom built so it would depend on the desired length in the end.

Does not sound terrible considering I have heard cheap steel cargo bikes coming in at 34kg+ sans box.

I do like the idea of the frameset and building it up myself but would want to work out the costings for wheels and gearsets etc. My father is quite a handy carpenter and metalworker as well so if I go for it next year I may give him the dimensions for the box (on the bullitt site) to create a custom one if he has time.

monument · 20-06-2014 4:16pm

It might not be posable at the current scale of the cargo bike industry, even across Europe and beyond, but I'd love to see a cargo bike at purchase finance system mirroring a lot of what happens with the financing and sales of cars.

mrsFitz · 02-04-2015 6:21pm

Just a quick heads up. The next cargo bike championships are happening in the Phoenix park again, this year on Sunday the 21st of June.
Looking forward to seeing a few more new bikes/faces there.
spread the word!

tomasrojo · 09-04-2015 2:42pm

These new? Peter Walker of the Guardian mentioned them (and their resemblance to a 1950s' vision of a space rocket) on Twitter.

http://boxercycles.com

lennymc · 09-04-2015 2:47pm

the rocket is deadly looking

Kinet1c · 27-04-2015 11:44am

mrsFitz wrote: »

Just a quick heads up. The next cargo bike championships are happening in the Phoenix park again, this year on Sunday the 21st of June.
Looking forward to seeing a few more new bikes/faces there.
spread the word!

Do we need to get a ticket as a spectator? Thanks.

Harrybelafonte · 27-04-2015 2:16pm

Kinet1c wrote: »

Do we need to get a ticket as a spectator? Thanks.

Not as far as I know.

dandyelevan · 27-04-2015 3:12pm

Got an old Cargo bike here taking up valuable space (and dust) in my workshop.
It works, but needs a new home.

Letting it go at cost price to make room.

PM email address for pics of the beastie if interested.

tomasrojo · 14-03-2016 4:01pm

I might finally have got my finances enough in order to get a bakfiets.

Does anyone know up to what age would it be reasonable to carry children in a bakfiets for someone who's pretty fit (I already carry them one at a time in a trailer, and I pull dozens of kilos of cargo in trailers pretty frequently)? Two children, currently just turned six and approaching four. Six-year-old is pretty average size, three-year-old is small for her age. I was hoping to get about two years carrying both of them before the older one would be ok for longer journeys on her own bike and I'd transport the younger alone. I'm thinking of getting the short-wheel-base one from Greenaer, as I have a goods trailer for extra capacity anyway.

http://www.greenaer.ie/product/bakfiets-cargo-bike-short/

where to get me a cargo bike

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