[Closed] Cargo bike on cycle 2 work

Anybody?

Your best bet may be something like a Kona Ute, just based on price and the number of Kona dealers out there. Or are you set on one with front load space?

Interesting, nothing to add but marked as I'm interested in any responses to this.

What Mr Blobby said, Kona ute's are ~£750 in loads of places. And being behind [i]minibassplayer number 2[/i] will be sheltered from the cold wind. Im imagining sitting in front is like freewheeling a decent, constantly.

[url= https://www.cyclestore.co.uk/kona_ute_hybrid_utility_bike_2013-ID_56729?gclid=Cj0KEQiAypGjBRCPme6jmqu3gZsBEiQA8NAiICkGZqt0GXYbeEtDb6Cf5XZqSRRc9goa7WdOrBsAE0saAsMW8P8HAQ ]£675 for a 2013 one[/url]

Having said that, [url= http://practicalcycles.com ]Practical Cycles[/url] do seem to do most of the cycle to work schemes. Can't see any of the dutch style cargo bikes for under a grand though. Maybe a [url= http://practicalcycles.com/products/67309--noomad-trike-conversion.aspx ]trike conversion[/url]?

As for being out front and at the mercy of the elements...

[img] [/img]

Edit: Doh, just spotted the "no trikes".

I recommend calling Rob at Really Useful Bikes, he has a lot of experience with cargo/utility bikes and IME always tries his best to get you matched up with the right thing. I haven't bought a CTW deal but note they state on their blog

"All of our bikes are available though any scheme your business uses, we are just happy to spread the gospel of really useful bikes."

I bought an ex-demo Kona Ute (had previously tried an Xtracycle kit but didn't fit my dropouts) and will say it was an exceptionally comfortable bike, and not too hefty. However on the grocery run there was noticeable flex at the rear, and I always felt the load was positioned too high. Consequently I can't rationalise a 29er for cargo bikes. There is the Kona Minute (essentially same bike but 26er)

(Now use a Batavus Personal deluxe thingy- weighs a ton, hub dynamo, charges my phone, stem-light built in, solid kickstand, built in locks and retractable cable bla bla, is stable as anything and virtually zero maintenance save for a bit of oil in the roller brakes every year. )

I recommend calling Rob at Really Useful Bikes

+1 for this. I called him a few months ago with a pretty basic query, ended up on the phone for a good half an hour discussing cargo bikes. Passionate is a much abused used word, but Rob really is about cargo bikes.

Just remembered it was Rob who introduced me to Bakfiets, (and the Gazelle*), he was very keen to promote having kids low in front of the bike rather than high at the back where they are out of sight and potential fall casualties.

*Edit - Urban Arrow

Dream is a larry vs harry bullit but there is no way the £1000 limit is going to stretch to even the frameset alone.

1k limit is a tough one. Gazelle Cabby is the nearest that comes to mind (1.3k?)

Do like the look of that Harry vs Larry. Anyone ridden one? What's it like with the wheel out in front? Is it tricky around things like the stupid staggered gates you get on cycle paths? (Looks on in envy at dutch cycling infrastructure.)

The harry vs larry is a real rocketship. Only spun one round the block though 🙁

My son did not want his kids behind him where he could not keep an eye on them and sort them out if there was a problem. He was right and his bike has been completely successful and he does not ride any other bike now

His bike is a Bullett bike, but it is quite expensive but a frame only might work for you.

When he first had it in London it got more attention than a Ferrari. Lots more of them in Copenhagen where he now lives.
http://larryvsharry.co.uk

I'm at this point as well, I have a 2nd hand Ute from the classifieds on here about to come, I would have loved a bullitt but way too pricy... I did find these guys online tho (don't know how you would do CTW unless halfords will send them the cash?)

http://www.cargobike.co.uk/Prices/prices.html

my thinking is that the ute will be a bit more versatile and the cost of 2nd hand

I got a Yuba Mundo though C2W from Practical Cycles.

Talk to Rob at really useful cycles I went down the Yuba Mundo route as have Twins, its Worth going to see someone like Rob as they have lots of different bike you can try etc

howabout looking out for a secondhand pashley U+1 for nr1 and using a wee ride for the Little one

you could use a centre stand and a steering stabisiser to keep the bike stable when mounting

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I Have a Minute. very very good bike. shorter than a ute but longer than your normal bike by about 120mm. This gives it good load carrying ability. It is fast and fairly well spec'd. id recommend one to anyone for anything :0)

Surly Big Dimmy frame on offer at Triton

I Have a Kona MinUte and I can carry both kids on the back in proper Kepp seats, it is a bit flexible though !!

It is still 700c wheels, so it rolls really well when you get it going but I am half tempted to try it on 26" wheels as I reckon it would handle better being a bit lower.

But it really is only an issue with both kids on the back (4.5 and 2.5 but they are both the same size /weight) carrying shopping, panniers fully loaded its just fine.

It became my default commuter for a while too, as it was just such a good bike, full guards, discs, rack, good riding position etc.

Thanks all, will check out really useful bikes as he is relatively close and the Gazelle Cabby looks like it could be our best bet!

Just seen this thread.
I have a Larry vs Harry for nursery drop-offs.
It's an awesome bike.
A doddle to ride once you stop looking at the front wheel. Very stable with a 2 year old wriggling about in front.
I have a plywood deck and the official LvsH seat on mine. Waiting to get some armrests.

Happy for you to come and have a go if you're up north.

I bought the frame only and built it up with 2nd hand parts