Cargo Bikes

You are reading a single comment by @rwn and its replies. Click here to read the full conversation.

•

thebrenthamtaffy
@rwn my thoughts:
Test ride, test ride, test ride! Many shops within London offer this
4k for electric + fully covered cargo is just not enough if bought new. If you want an all year round solution with no excuse not to use the bike then you should consider:
1. Full canopy on the front + proper bench seat with belts/harnesses
2. Full mudguards
3. Puncture resistance tyres
4. Dyno hub with front/rear lights
5. Proper lock - motorcycle chain style for maximum security - we use this and a folding Abus for quick stops. The chain fits behind the bench seat so doesn't get in the way
6. Rear rack & panniers so you can still carry stuff without squashing your kids! Once you dump x2 nippers in one there is not a lot of room spare
Lastly I love riding our cargo bike (we have a Douze F1) and it's been indispensable over the past 3 years of owning.

Good luck!!!

•

rwn in reply to @thebrenthamtaffy

Thanks- Dynamo /main battery lights is on the nice to have list as is the rear rack!

Problem with test rides is we’re in Edinburgh! We’re aware of Laid back bikes here and Hive in Glasgow. Gonna ask around and get some test rides sorted- plan is to get the bike in feb/mar 2020 once we’re settled into the burbs and the worst of the weather is over- do t want the wee man to hate riding!!!

I have to reluctantly admit 4K looking unlikely except for the Babboe :(

•

thebrenthamtaffy in reply to @rwn

Ah! Nice place to live!!!

Bakfiets are great handling bikes. Well built and available in short/long versions and you can get electric assist too. A lot less than 4K as well:
https://www.londongreencycles.co.uk/shop/bikes/bakfiets-classic-long/

The components are less performance orientated but still robust. Well worth a look. Riding a Bakfiets certainly puts a smile on your face with its super relaxed position and neutral handling.

Otherwise 2nd hand is the other option, but you're at the mercy of waiting for something to come up at the right place, right time...

Also you could use cycle to work scheme to buy and if your self employed might be able to one through your company if you can come up with a valid reason why! :)

About

Avatar for rwn @rwn started