Cargo Bikes

Let's just say we have our preferences...

The only part I hate is the fact that the assist cuts out at 20 mph

@bright In Denmark it's 25km/h. On a R&M with all the trimmings (must be 40kg before you start putting any load in) reaching the cut-out is actually very unpleasant, as it's pretty abrupt.

I am getting a riese & muller packster (most likely) 40 but only one child

quite a bit slower... didn't expect that.

The KR8 was what I really wanted - in fact, would have been much better for my tat and kiddy hauling - but they almost never come up for sale secondhand. Something to really bear in mind is if you go for a drop-front bike that doesn’t natively have a box that goes with it, you’ll have to make everything yourself.

You could also get a 45km/h version, but with a number plate (I think the law has changed now).

...

getting a riese & muller

not surprised tbh

only one child

For now!

Thanks hive mind- much Googling to be done (due to the many thoughts expressed!)

Packster 60 ticks all the boxes except budget.

Im not keen on the Fr8, as it’s not a front box but liking the look of the Kr8, but no info on accessory prices and I dread to think what delivery from NL is... (€4100 w/o box etc)

EBullit also looking nice but £4600 before adding box and rain cover etc

Thoughts on the Urban arrow bikes? Should be a contender I think as they excel in their little (and large) human carrying power. As long as you are getting e assist that is.

Whatever you choose make sure you and your partner go for test ride and get a feel for the overall weight and size of the bike.

Whatever you choose make sure you and your partner go for test ride and get a feel for the overall weight and size of the bike.

Very true. The dead weight is surprising at first, but only when the bike isn't being ridden.

Packster 60 ticks all the boxes except budget.

I wouldn't go near a suspension fork for this application. Seems completely ridiculous.

they do take a lot of the bounce out of the front end, levels out the ride quite significantly for passengers. annoying in terms of servicing and needing to be replaced when they get knackered though

Passenger comfort?

I wouldn’t build one with a suspension fork, I’d run a wide tyre, but it would mean I’d feel less cautious about bumps etc

600 to 1000 miles is about the most those forks go before you get noticeable play in the bush's. I think r+m were let down by a manufacturer that was meant to originally supply them, so the fork they use now isn't what they were planning on is what I've heard (translated from euro forums). Big tyres all the way.
You'll find yourself naturally slowing down to navigate the worst bits of road when you have your precious cargo aboard.

Big tyres all the way.

How big we talking :)

2.3" and up or gtfo

@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!!!

Wish my Omnium would take 2.3+

35Kg in that box and it was feeling a little top heavy round the corners at speed! Need more bungees...

What bike is that?

.

.