Am I the only cyclist in Australia who thinks that work bikes are unfairly maligned? And am I the only cyclist in Australia who laments that our bike retailers are stuck on the idea of sports bikes only, to the detriment of practical utility bikes?
Surely not.
And cheeky transport obviously thinks likewise—schmadzie desperately wants to import the long wheelbase Bakfiets Cargobike.
Maybe I'm a bit odd, but I happen to think that's One Cool Bike. I mean, I love riding with the Co-Pilot in the back seat but having the kids right up in front must multiply the enjoyment all around.
I could really see myself parking that thing outside my local supermarket, confident that I could get a week's worth of supplies home. And it's hardly a speed machine, so who'd steal it while I was inside collecting my groceries? (Even if some idiot did nick it, it's such an unusual bike they wouldn't get far and certainly wouldn't be able to sell it…) And being so eye-catching you'd probably get a bit more respect—and space—in traffic.
And apart from anything else, how much beer could you fit in that front bucket?!?
I just showed this to MLSP and batted my eyelids hopefully, but unfortunately it looks like funding approval won't be forthcoming this time around. A real shame that but I'll keep working on it. In the meantime I hope schmadzie gets some interested buyers. We really need to get a few more interesting bikes like this onto our streets.
Isn't it lovely? But as da Wheelman says, it's EXPENSIVE...
Oh, I know. But I really, really want one. Do you think if I nag for long enough that I'll get permission?
Mad- I want one.
Like everyone else, I may have to sell a close family member to afford it though.
I wonder if we can all get together and buy one to share?
We considered bringing one of these back from Amsterdam with us recently. Only trouble is they don't do well with even very slight inclinations, let alone a hill. Our amsterdam bicycle repairer wanted to fit a motor for us but that would ruin it for me. The one pictured is very streamlined, most of them are much bigger and boxier and heavier. You should see them leaving an intersection after a red light! 0-5 in 10 minutes! But once they are going they are quite easy to keep going. I love them, everything went into it, kids, dogs, pusher, shopping!
Ah, that sounds like the good life!
Please excuse the blatant plug for my own gear...
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
195 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
Whoa, now that's getting really tempting.
I'd be interested to know what the differences are between this and the bakfiets.
Re: differences between cargocycles.com.au cargo bikes and bakfiets.nl cargobikes
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
If it is ok to promote your own product here, then I'd like to tell that Christiania are bringing out a 2 wheeler, very light (25kg) and more drivable than anything on the market.. And with all the well known and high quality equipment the trike are known for..
No Helmuts? For anyone? Do they have cheap heads or something?
I have 2 Trio Bikes arriving some time in the near future bought them in the US after I saw them in Santa Monica
Comments
One of the problems we face here in the States is that these kinds of bikes are EXPENSIVE. I posted about one beautiful work bike, Denmark's trioBike hereThere are few cheap alternatives such as Chicago Cargo Bike & Trailer Co that makes trailers out of scrap metal or plastic or the UK's Carry Freedom Bike Trailers that provides directions for DIY trailers.