The Cascade Flyer is part of a new class of bikes called "mid-tails", shorter and lighter than a "long-tail" cargo bike, such as Yuba Mundo or an Xtracycle, but long enough to carry a kid plus a couple of panniers. And it comes with everyone you need, except for lights: integrated rack, fenders, chainguard, dual kickstand, 8-speed internal gear hub, disc brakes and a leather saddle.
The designer wanted a bike that was sturdy and long enough to carry his grandkids along with a couple of bags of groceries, but short and light enough to ride to work and around town. It also is just short enough to fit on a bus rack for bikes, with the front wheel turned backwards: this explains the curve in the down-tube. The geometry is designed to handle similarly to a modern hybrid or city bike, with 72 degree frame angles, and full-size 700c wheels (built by hand in Portland).
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| Front wheel twists so the bike can fit a standard bus rack |
This can be a good option for a person who wants a made-in-the-USA, fully equipped bike that can haul groceries and a kid, and also serve as a commuter bike and city bike. I wish the complete build included dynamo lights. Considering that the wheels are hand-built locally, it may be possible to add this on to the order for an additional cost. If not, the front wheel should sell easily on Ebay.
You also get some fancy extras, like the bamboo rack top with hidden lockbox:
This bike has been reviewed by Lovely Bicycle and covered by Bikeportland
Specs:
FRAME FORK |
Hand made in Portland Oregon from heat-treated Cro-moly steel tubing. Fits tires up to 1.75″ wide (700x42mm) with fenders.
Fork has eyelets for front rack at dropout and mid-blade. |
Sizes
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Regular (5’2”-5’10”) or Large (5’8”-6’4”)
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Three Colors
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Sardinian Sea, Red Earth, Clean Slate
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Built-in Rear Rack
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Rated for 130lbs (60kg) to easily carry a child and groceries.
21″ rack with bamboo deck. |
Child Transport
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Built-in Yepp EasyFit window for direct child seat mounting.
Integrated footpeg mounts. |
Cargo Capacity
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Pannier rails fit standard panniers even with a Yepp child seat attached
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GEARING | 27 SPEED DERAILLEUR | ALFINE 8 SPEED INTERNAL |
Cranks
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Shimano triple 44-32-22
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Kinn 36t Aluminum Crankset with Ring-guard
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Cassette
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Shimano 9 spd 11-34 Cassette.
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Shimano Alfine 8-speed Internal hub
with 20T cog |
Shifter
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Shimano Alivio 430 trigger shifter
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Shimano Alfine Trigger
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WHEELS | Hand-built in Portland by Sugar Wheelworks |
Rims & spokes
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Alex DM-18 700C silver rims, with 36 14G stainless steel spokes
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Hubs
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Shimano SLX or Shimano Alfine hubs
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Tires
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700c x 35mm, with reflective sidewall and puncture guard
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Brakes & Levers
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Avid BB5 mechanical disk brakes for all weather stopping power
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Levers
| Tektro 3 finger levers |
Pedals
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VP-560 silver alloy platform pedals
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Handlebar, Grips & Bell
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Alloy touring/city bar and lacquered cork grips and classic brass bell
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Saddle
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Velo comfort saddle
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Seatpost
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Silver alloy 27.2mm x 350mm
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Stem
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Polished aluminum stem. 90mm (small) 110mm (large)
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Fenders
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Alloy full coverage fenders with mud flaps and rear reflector.
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Other:
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Chainguard, double kickstand, footpegs
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