Trek Transport

The 2012 Trek Transport, including Bontrager bag.  Credit: Trek website.

While we're on the subject of 2012 Treks, we should mention a clear winner: the Transport cargo bike from the Gary Fisher Collection.  The MSRP is $1,390.

This is a cargo bike done the right way.  I'm very happy that Trek, having swallowed up the Gary Fisher brand, is at least continuing to execute some of his best ideas.  The Transport comes with well-designed, well-proportioned front and rear racks, fenders, disc brakes (makes good sense on a fully-loaded cargo bike), and kickstand (the specs say it's a double kickstand, but the photos show a regular kickstand). 

Now here's a feature I really like: flip-flop dropouts.  This means you can have vertical or horizontal dropouts, which allows you to choose whether you want a derailer with multiple gears, a single speed, or an internal gear hub.  Versatility is nice.

You can also opt for the Transport Plus, which gives you an electric assist. 

What are the Trek marketers trying to tell us about this bike? Click for big.  Credit: Trek.

Here are a couple of reviews of the 2010 Transport:

Bicycle Design

Cyclelicious

The 2012 specs:

Colors: Matte Metallic Bronze

Frame: Trek Aluminum cargo design w/folding load racks

Fork: Alloy, straight blade w/lowrider mounts

Sizes: 17, 20"

Wheels: Shimano disc alloy hubs; heavy-duty double-wall 36-hole alloy rims

Tires: Bontrager H4 Hard-Case Plus, 26 x 1.5"

Shifters: Shimano M360 Acera, 8-speed trigger

Front derailleur: Shimano Altus

Rear derailleur: Shimano M360 Acera

Crank: FSA Alpha Drive, 38/28 w/guard

Cassette: Shimano HG31 11-32, 8 speed

Pedals: Wellgo nylon body w/alloy cage

Saddle: Bontrager H1

Seatpost: Bontrager SSR

Handlebar: Bontrager Capital OS Urban

Stem: Bontrager SSR OS, 10 degree

Headset: Slimstak, semi-cartridge bearings, sealed

Brakeset: Shimano M416 mechanical disc front brake, Tektro linear-pull rear brake w/Tektro alloy levers

Grips: Bontrager Satellite Plus, ergonomic

Extras: Folding rear load racks, front rack, Bontrager Transport cargo bag, fender, wide-stance double kickstand