Other Resources My Cup of Joe » Talk me into this bike Rss Feed  
Moderators: k9car363, the bear, DerekL, alicefoeller Reply
2013-11-11 1:35 PM

User image

Champion
10018
50005000
, Minnesota
Bronze member
Subject: Talk me into this bike

I really want a "cargo" bike, which to me means going to do real shopping trips, including picking up 12-packs of soda and other big/heavy things.  Right now I do smaller trips for a bags worth of groceries, but I use either pannier or a backpack. It can be uncomfortable.

My husband has a trailer, but I want something where I am more self-contained and can see my cargo.  And, doesn't require assembly when I want to use.

So... the local bike shop has this bike on sale.  Normally $1299, it's listed at $750-ish.   I should buy it, right?



2013-11-11 1:41 PM
in reply to: BikerGrrrl

Iron Donkey
38643
50005000500050005000500050002000100050010025
, Wisconsin
Subject: RE: Talk me into this bike

Hopefully they include pedals.

2013-11-11 2:46 PM
in reply to: BikerGrrrl

User image

Pro
5755
50005001001002525
Subject: RE: Talk me into this bike

Does it come in carbon?

2013-11-11 2:46 PM
in reply to: 1stTimeTri

User image

Extreme Veteran
3025
2000100025
Maryland
Subject: RE: Talk me into this bike

Personally I wouldn't even consider spending that much on a cargo bike. Then again i'm a poor twenty something.

2013-11-11 3:03 PM
in reply to: dmiller5

User image

Champion
14571
50005000200020005002525
the alamo city, Texas
Subject: RE: Talk me into this bike

the seat's too high.

2013-11-11 3:03 PM
in reply to: BikerGrrrl

User image

Master
2802
2000500100100100
Minnetonka, Minnesota
Bronze member
Subject: RE: Talk me into this bike
Hi Emily! How about this used Kona Ute? Mount a big 'ol box on the back to hold gear plus the panniers. Maybe talk them down another 100 or so - plus no tax!

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/bik/4140504936.html

I think I'd rather have my load over the rear wheel than than the front.







2013-11-11 3:59 PM
in reply to: ejshowers

User image

Pro
15655
5000500050005001002525
Subject: RE: Talk me into this bike

I would make REALLY sure you want that bike.....because you'll likely be stuck with it or have to sell it for pennies to get rid of it.

2013-11-11 4:06 PM
in reply to: BikerGrrrl

User image

Member
1293
1000100100252525
Pearland,Tx
Subject: RE: Talk me into this bike
Bike fitting
2013-11-11 4:07 PM
in reply to: Left Brain

User image

Master
2504
2000500
Southwest Iowa
Subject: RE: Talk me into this bike

I would ask them for a test ride and put as much liquids as you would ever carry and then when you tip it over with all the weight over the front wheel and not like the way it handles you can take it back without spending the money.

I prefer the weight in the back, but I also have rear panniers and a trailer that I made from a kiddie trailer for $20.00

 

 

 

2013-11-11 4:51 PM
in reply to: flip18436572

User image

Champion
10018
50005000
, Minnesota
Bronze member
Subject: RE: Talk me into this bike

You guys are the worst friends!  I thought I could for sure get a group of triathletes to okay a bike purchase, no matter how silly.

I do agree that a test ride would be in order. Maybe I'll bring the 36-pack of Diet Mountain Dew I just got at Sam's Club, to try a real life scenario.  That thing is so heavy I can barely lift it. 

I think the idea of the smaller, lower front tire is to help balance the load. 

2013-11-11 4:54 PM
in reply to: BikerGrrrl

User image

Sensei
Sin City
Subject: RE: Talk me into this bike

An exception to the N+1 rule?



2013-11-11 4:56 PM
in reply to: Kido

User image

Champion
10018
50005000
, Minnesota
Bronze member
Subject: RE: Talk me into this bike

Originally posted by Kido

An exception to the N+1 rule?

Apparently!  Geez!  I guess this is why it's still on the sale rack...

2013-11-11 5:10 PM
in reply to: BikerGrrrl

User image

Champion
16151
50005000500010001002525
Checkin' out the podium girls
Subject: RE: Talk me into this bike
2013-11-11 5:29 PM
in reply to: BikerGrrrl

User image

Master
1970
10005001001001001002525
Somewhere on the Tennessee River
Subject: RE: Talk me into this bike

They are all the rage in Copenhagen and other European areas.   If it makes you happy go for it.   Just because it's not a "road" bike or "tri" bike doesn't make it any less desirable to have.   My favourite bike of the three I have is my beach cruiser.     It has two rear foldable wire basket and a removable front basket. It will eventually have a honky horn, a retro headlight and any other thing I can think of. It is what I use to run errands on in my wee small town.  I'm cheap, umm, no, frugal that way.    Yes, I love all my bikes and make use of every one of them.   When the day comes that I no longer can ride two wheelers I will gladly and gleefully find me an adult trike to get out and about.    Hopefully that day is far in the future.

It's the way of the past and the way of the future......

2013-11-12 7:35 AM
in reply to: BikerGrrrl

User image

Pro
5011
5000
Twin Cities
Subject: RE: Talk me into this bike
I think I would feel odd with stuff in front of me.

Can't give you any advice except my friend Adam who is into all sorts of weird and strange and apparently useful bikes has a Big Dummy as his cargo bike and loves it.
2013-11-12 9:33 AM
in reply to: BikerGrrrl

User image

Extreme Veteran
961
5001001001001002525
Subject: RE: Talk me into this bike

The smaller front tire concept was implemented much better decades ago. You'd have a lot more fun putting a basket on one of these:

 

 





(swing bike.jpg)



Attachments
----------------
swing bike.jpg (8KB - 9 downloads)


2013-11-12 12:00 PM
in reply to: wingsfan

User image

Regular
115
100
Subject: RE: Talk me into this bike
Here is my 2 cents.

I have made the dutch style cargo. Short dutch style. Ute style and one like the one in the picture.

I like the true dutch style and the ute style best for heavy loads.

For small light stuff the front higher carry works well. With weight and the little tire the ride can be harsh.

With a ute style and some good bags I can carry my 60# son and 50# of supplies to a bmx race.

My wife rides to school on one like the picture and loves it but when it is loaded heavy it is hard to steer.

Fell free to ask any more questions. for 7 months of the year we live on these bikes.
Dan
2013-11-12 12:06 PM
in reply to: wingsfan

Iron Donkey
38643
50005000500050005000500050002000100050010025
, Wisconsin
Subject: RE: Talk me into this bike

Originally posted by wingsfan

The smaller front tire concept was implemented much better decades ago. You'd have a lot more fun putting a basket on one of these:

 

 

The Manta Ray 5 speed on the top post was awesome as a kid, unless you hit the wrong bump!
http://i.ebayimg.com/t/1971-Schwinn-Manta-Ray-5-Speed-Kool-Lemon-Yellow-Original-Banana-Seat-Shifter-/00/s/NzY4WDEwMjQ=/z/31MAAOxypNtSeU-W/$KGrHqNHJBUFJPSNFp9BSeU-WvH,g~~60_57.JPG

2013-11-12 12:16 PM
in reply to: 1stTimeTri

Member
354
1001001002525
Subject: RE: Talk me into this bike
Like someone else said, I also made a cargo trailer out of a used kiddie trailer. Cheap, holds up to 100 lbs and when I take it off I have a "normal" bike.

Also,, hauling weight low and behind you (like in a trailer or low rear panniers) is wayyyy better than the setup pictured. Loaded down, that thing would handle like a pig. You aren't racing it, but it will be a problem when you need to react quickly for safety.
2013-11-12 12:20 PM
in reply to: BikerGrrrl

User image

Pro
4578
20002000500252525
Vancouver, BC
Subject: RE: Talk me into this bike

Of course.

2013-11-12 3:13 PM
in reply to: jeng

User image

Expert
3126
2000100010025
Boise, ID
Subject: RE: Talk me into this bike

 

I would think that setup would be scary with any kind of decent weight in it. You won't be able to see your front tire which can be helpful when avoiding obstacles. Also if it is your "errand" bike I imagine you will be going on and off sidewalks, perhaps over some bumpy terrain. All the weight in the front, the small front tire and a decent sized bump sounds like a recipe for a crash to me.

If I had to carry a decent amount of weight I would want it behind me centered over the rear wheel for better handling or in a trailer. 

And like LB said, if you go ahead with it make sure you love it first cuz that looks like the kind of bike that might be real hard to get rid of. 



2013-11-12 5:24 PM
in reply to: Chuckhead

User image

Champion
10018
50005000
, Minnesota
Bronze member
Subject: RE: Talk me into this bike

Originally posted by Chuckhead Here is my 2 cents. I have made the dutch style cargo. Short dutch style. Ute style and one like the one in the picture. I like the true dutch style and the ute style best for heavy loads. For small light stuff the front higher carry works well. With weight and the little tire the ride can be harsh. With a ute style and some good bags I can carry my 60# son and 50# of supplies to a bmx race. My wife rides to school on one like the picture and loves it but when it is loaded heavy it is hard to steer. Fell free to ask any more questions. for 7 months of the year we live on these bikes. Dan

Thanks! 

My main interest in this was the integrated basket that didn't require another bag (i.e. pannier, etc) or attaching anything.  But if this is not fun to ride, I won't ride it (or use as intended). I would like at least to depend on carrying maybe 20 lbs or so - that's a guess, maybe more. 

 

2013-11-12 5:27 PM
in reply to: BikerGrrrl

User image

Champion
16151
50005000500010001002525
Checkin' out the podium girls
Subject: RE: Talk me into this bike
Originally posted by BikerGrrrl

Originally posted by Chuckhead Here is my 2 cents. I have made the dutch style cargo. Short dutch style. Ute style and one like the one in the picture. I like the true dutch style and the ute style best for heavy loads. For small light stuff the front higher carry works well. With weight and the little tire the ride can be harsh. With a ute style and some good bags I can carry my 60# son and 50# of supplies to a bmx race. My wife rides to school on one like the picture and loves it but when it is loaded heavy it is hard to steer. Fell free to ask any more questions. for 7 months of the year we live on these bikes. Dan

Thanks! 

My main interest in this was the integrated basket that didn't require another bag (i.e. pannier, etc) or attaching anything.  But if this is not fun to ride, I won't ride it (or use as intended). I would like at least to depend on carrying maybe 20 lbs or so - that's a guess, maybe more. 

 




My Surly Cross Check is my SUV bike. I carry 40 pounds on the back and have no handling issues. I haven't yet had the need to add a front rack, but am confident it would be fine. I think that Kona Ute or something like the cross check would be a great "human powered truck".

I have yet to run errands to the garden center for mulch and topsoil, but bet that I could.
New Thread
Other Resources My Cup of Joe » Talk me into this bike Rss Feed  
RELATED POSTS

What I Talk About When I Talk About Running

Started by BigDH
Views: 1312 Posts: 5

2009-02-02 8:55 PM Medusa_Ann

DON'T TALK TO ME!!!!! I'm not talking to you!!!!

Started by Sharkie
Views: 971 Posts: 14

2008-03-03 3:22 PM D.Z.

Football smack talk...

Started by Brett
Views: 850 Posts: 14

2005-11-13 8:51 PM recon110

Lets talk about Runnergirl Pages: 1 ... 6 7 8 9

Started by Comet
Views: 5285 Posts: 203

2005-10-21 12:11 PM tritocatchme

I'd like to talk to you about....

Started by tmwelshy
Views: 1064 Posts: 16

2005-08-30 5:23 AM nliedel
RELATED ARTICLES
date : November 6, 2011
author : alicefoeller
comments : 4
A Walmart bike, a borrowed road bike or a new carbon fiber bike? You don't need to break the bank for your first triathlon bike.
 
date : August 11, 2011
author : FitWerx
comments : 1
Dean from Fitwerx answers a BT member question about what kind of bike should be the "next bike."
date : June 29, 2011
author : alicefoeller
comments : 4
Second in a series of three articles about the basics, the niceties and the luxuries
 
date : April 12, 2011
author : FitWerx
comments : 0
How should I be shifting gears on the front chainring and the rear cogs to cope with hills?
date : August 10, 2010
author : EndurancePlanet
comments : 0
This month we talk with AdventureBear, aka Coach Suzanne on her coaching philosophy, approach to gadgets, training plans, missed workouts and strength training.
 
date : December 27, 2008
author : FitWerx
comments : 9
Are you a beginner triathlete? This video will compare triathlon bikes and road bikes to help you figure out what is best for you as you begin your triathlon training.
date : August 5, 2008
author : mrakes1
comments : 0
Are you traveling to a race and need to ship your bike? This video will demonstrate how to disassemble your bike to be able to pack it properly in a bike case for shipping.
 
date : March 22, 2007
author : KevinKonczak
comments : 0
Discussions on indoor bike workouts, IM fueling, coke or broth, bikes and swimming exercises.