Main difference is that bakfiets.nl frames are welded in Holland; Cargo Cycles frames are welded in China.

The Chinese know a few things about building bikes (how many bikes in China?), and about using bikes to transport cargo (we’ve all seen the pictures that get circulated in funny emails).

Aside from the country of origin, there’s obviously a difference in component spec.

I think I have the critical items covered with the Sturmey-Archer 8-speed drum brake rear hub and the Shimano Nexus dynamo front hub. The rear brake is the main stopper on such a long bike, with all the rider’s weight over the rear wheel. Shimano hubs are always quality units; the dynamo function is a bonus.

Other parts on the Cargo Cycles bikes are decent quality generic parts – not top shelf, but not bottom of the barrel. No Brooks saddle and Chris King headsets, but no cheezy 1-piece cranksets and plastic brake levers either.

I’m sure the bakfiets.nl bikes are brilliant machines, if you have the money. They’re a premium product, with a price tag to suit. I’m aiming for “competent and affordable”.

tim

I’d be interested to know what the differences are between this and the bakfiets.

I thought the same thing about the cost of these “bakfietsen” when I started looking for one last year.

So I’ve decided to do something about it: importing affordable cargo-bikes into Australia.

http://www.cargocycles.com.au

$1195 delivered to Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne or Adelaide… or cheaper if you get in quickly.

Enquiries and questions are more than welcome.

Love the blog, by the way.

Cheers, tim