Surly Big Fat Dummy

This is what a Big Dummy looks like.  Courtesy Surly Blog

The Surly Big Fat Dummy, a long tail, fat-tired cargo bike, will be available around April 2017.  Price TBD.

If you're familiar with Surly, then you know this bike was inevitable.  Surly's Big Dummy has been a dependable long-tail cargo bike for years (yet somehow we never managed to discuss it here). 

And then Surly began to roll out one fat bike model after another: Moonlander, Pugsley, Ice Cream Truck, Wednesday, along with fat do-it-all bikes like the Troll, Ogre, and ECR.  In fact, we imagined Surly making the following pitch at a QBP product meeting:

QBP Head Honcho: OK, let's talk 2016 products.  Surly, go ahead.

Surly: Fat, fat, fat, fat. As you know, we're all about the fat bikes.  And we just keep getting fatter.  Like land-on-the-moon fat.

But Surly wasn't done getting fatter, and we should've known that.  The Big Fat Dummy will take 26x5.25 tires!  Complete bikes will ship with 26x3.8 tires.

The Surly blog has a long post with everything you need to know about the Big Fat Dummy. So if you're interested, check it out.

Farm Fresh. Courtesy: Surly Blog

Kona Minute

Kona's compact cargo bike is ready to haul your stuff. Courtesy: konaworld.com

The Kona Minute is an aluminum cargo bike with disc brakes that goes for about $1400.

Do you remember when we told you about Yuba's Boda Boda?  Basically, Yuba took its full-size cargo bike, the Mundo, and made it more compact so apartment dwellers and people dealing with tight spaces could own a cargo bike. It was a really good idea.  And that's what Kona is doing here.

Kona took its full-size cargo bike, the Ute, and made it more compact.  So it's a mini-Ute, or a MinUte. Get it?

This is a solid design for a cargo bike: hydraulic disc brakes; wide 40c tires; long chainstays and "wood deck" rear carrier; upright riding position; and lots of gear options.  The Ute bags are included.

Here are the full specs:

Frame Material	Kona 7005 Aluminum Butted
Sizes	18", 20"
Rear Shock	n/a
Fork	Kona Project Two Aluminum Disc
Crankarms	FSA Alpha Drive
Chainrings	26/36/Guard
B/B	FSA Powerdrive
Pedals	Wellgo Platform
Chain	KMC HG53
Freewheel	Shimano HG200 11-32t 9spd
F/D	Shimano Acera
R/D	Shimano Alivio
Shifters	Shimano Acera
Brake Calipers	Tektro HDC-M290
Front Brake Rotor	Tektro HDC-M290 160mm
Rear Brake Rotor	Tektro HDC-M290 160mm
Brake Levers	Tektro HDC-M290
Headset	TH ZST No.10
Handlebar	Kona Handplant
Stem	Kona Commuter
Seatpost	Kona Commuter
Seat Clamp	Kona Clamp
Grips	Velo Ergo
Saddle	Velo Plush
Front Hub	Formula
Rear Hub	Shimano M475L
Spokes	Stainless 14g
Rims	Freedom Cruz Disc
Front Tire	Freedom Trekking 700x40c
Rear Tire	Freedom Trekking 700x40c
Paint Color	Charcoal w/Off White & Silver
Extras	Wood Deck, Fenders, Kickstand, Ute Bags, Steering Stabilizer

Virtue Truck

An affordable cargo bike. Courtesy: Virtue Bike

Virtue's Truck can haul up to $110 pounds. Accordingly to Chris Baskind (h/t), a Truck can be purchased for less than $600.

The new @virtuebike cycle truck will haul your stuff & costs less than $600: http://t.co/YHu6kWx0n4 pic.twitter.com/4TekoOYNUl
— Chris Baskind (@chrisbaskind) February 8, 2015

We wholly endorse Virtue's mantra: "It's not a sport; it's not a hobby; nor is it recreational. It's lifestyle."

Back in 2012, when we reported on the Virtue 6, owner William Mulyadi told us that Virtue can keep its prices low because it actually owns the factories. So that may be one reason its cargo bike is so affordable. But Virtue also cut costs by skipping the disc brakes, which have become a standard feature on cargo bikes. The Truck has Tektro v-brakes, which should have plenty of stopping power.

Here are the specs:

2014 Virtue Truck Green

AVAILABILITY: IN STOCK
SKU: 30037
COLOR: GREEN
SEAT TUBE SIZE:
C-T = 52 CM
C-C = 48 CM
TOP TUBE SIZE:
C-C = 60 CM
SPECIFICATION:
HANDLEBAR: PORTEUR Alloy, Silver (Width: 50 cm, Clamp: 25.4, Tubing: 22.2)
GRIPS: VELO Stitch, Brown
HEADSET: NECO Threadless, 1-1/8”, Silver
STEM: 90 mm, Threadless, Silver
SEATPOST: 27.2 Polished Alloy, Silver
SADDLE: VELO Suspension Comfort, Brown
SHIFTER: SHIMANO SIS 7 SPEED Thumb Shifter
FREEWHEEL: SHIMANO MEGA RANGE MF-TZ31, 7 Speed, 14-34T
REAR DERAILLEUR: SHIMANO ACERA
CRANKSET: ALLOY, 38T, 170MM, Silver
CHAIN: KMC Z72, Silver
BRAKE LEVERS: TEKTRO CL720
BRAKESET: TEKTRO 839-AL V-BRAKES, Silver
FRONT RIM: 20”, MSW, 36H, Polished Alloy, Silver
FRONT TIRE: KENDA K-RAD 20X2.125, Black
FRONT HUB: 36H, Sealed Bearings, Silver
REAR RIM: 26”, MSW, 36H, Polished Alloy, Silver
REAR TIRE: KENDA K-RAD 26X2.125, Black
REAR HUB: 36H, Sealed Bearings, Silver
PEDALS: WELLGO B087, Platform, Silver
BOTTOM BRACKET: Sealed Bearings
EXTRAS: KICKSTAND, CHAIN GUARD, BELL
RACKS: TIG Welded Steel, Heavy Duty Flat Crate, Dimension (WxL): Front: 20" X 14.5" Rear: 14.5" X 20"
CARRYING CAPACITY: 55lbs per Rack, 110lbs total.
*Components are subject to change without notice. Product specifications (weights, dimensions, and colors) may vary slightly.

Bike Friday Haul-a-Day

Bike Friday's answer to the SUV. Photos courtesy of Bike Friday.

The Haul-a-Day is a custom-made folding cargo bike from the family-run Bike Friday in Oregon. They start at $1,500 and can go for more than $2,000 depending on the features you choose.  The basic features are an 8-speed transmission with a rear disc brake, front v-brake, rear rack, and dual kickstand.

A few months ago, Joseph wrote a great post about Bike Friday folding bikes. Now there's something to add to that post: Bike Friday is putting out a cargo bike that is one of the most versatile bikes, period.  The frame has a low step-over height, which is intended to allow anyone from 4-foot to 6-foot-4 ride. The low center of gravity (it has 20" wheels) allows for hauling a heavy load of passengers or cargo or both.

The Haul-a-Day is less bulky than other cargo bikes, allowing it to fit in tight spaces.  It's about 75 inches end to end, and weighs about 35 pounds sans cargo.

Bike Friday would like to increase its production of the Haul-a-Day.  For more information, you can contact Bike Friday here.

BULLITT Cargo Bike

BULLITT Red

While a number of North American designers have developed "longtail" cargo bikes, where the kids or freight are carried in back, the Dutch and Danish prefer keeping things up front. LARRY VS HARRY, a shop in Copenhagen, designed the BULLITT to be a relatively light-weight and speedy way to transport cargo and children.

Most of the models come standard with a 7 or 8-speed internal gear hub in the rear, disc brake in the front, a custom kick-stand and fenders. Derailleur gearing and e-assist are also available. The riding position is somewhat leaned-forward, especially for taller riders, and there is no step-thru frame option. The modern-looking aluminum frame is meant to be extra stiff, to prevent twisting even with heavy loads.

I had a chance to test-ride this bike alone and with kids in the front (in a version that has an added kid seat); the handling is similar to a road bike, with responsive (or twitchy) steering which takes a minute to get used to. Disc brakes are a good idea on a bike meant to carry weight at high speeds.

These bikes have been reviewed by:
Totcycle
Josh Volk
Lovely Bicycle
Momentum Magazine

Many of the Bullitts in the USA are sold by Splendid Cycles in Portland, Oregon, but they are also available in a few other cities. The bike comes as shown, but most people pay for a child seat or cargo box to be added, and an electric bike version with a lithium battery pack is also very popular. A frameset costs $2350 alone. The complete bike with Alfine 8-speed hub is $3500. The e-bike version with a BionX rear hub is a grand more, $4500. Dynamo hubs and lights are an option.

Due to the relatively narrow cargo deck (no wider than the handlebars), one child can fit easily, but only small kids can double up.  Winther, another Danish bike company, makes an adaptation of the Bullitt frame called the Wallaroo, which has a wider child carrier included, to fit two kids side-by-side. However, there is only one current USA dealer, JC Lind in Chicago.

BULLITT Specifications (ALFINE 8 version):

shifter	Alfine 8 speed
rear drivetrain	Alfine 8 speed
crank	Alfine
bottom bracket	Alfine
chain	SRAM 9-speed
brake levers	Avid
brakes front	Avid BB7
brake rear	Avid BB7
rotors	Shimano centerlock
Headset	FSA Pig
stem	Civia Midtown 25.4
handlebar	Civia
grips	Civia Ergo
seatpost	FSA
saddle	LvH
pedal	Wellgo Platform
fenders	20″ front/26″ rear black
tire front	Schwalbe Marathon 20×2
tire rear	Schwalbe Marathon 26×2
tube front	Slime tube 20″
tube rear	Slime tube 26″
rim strip	Schwalbe rim liners
wheel front	Alfine/Alex DM24 rim/stainless spokes
wheel rear	Alfine/Alex DM24 rim/stainless spokes

BULLITT Geometry:

Xtracycle Edgerunner

Xtracycle Edgerunner 27D Lux XO

Continuing our overview of cargo bike options, the relatively new Edgerunner is a Longtail cargo bike from Xtracycle.

Xtracycle founded the current Longtail cargo bike craze, with their FreeRadical. This frame extender attached to a standard bike, converting it to a longtail. An ecosystem of accessories, bags, decks, lights and kickstands was developed around this standard, which Yuba later adopted for their Mundo bike, as have some other manufacturers. Now Xtracycle is making their own complete bike, the Edgerunner. 

The 27D Lux features fenders, a double kickstand, disc brakes, a front dynamo hub and high-end dynamo-powered lights. It has a 3-speed front and 9-speed rear derailleur, for a wide range of gears. 

It uses a smaller, 20 inch rear wheel to keep the center of gravity lower. This make it easier for kids to mount the bike by themselves, and improves handling with carrying heavy loads. It also lowers the effective gearing, which will be a big help when hauling 2 kids and a week of groceries.

Options include huge cargo bags for the rear rack, rails for kids to hold, toddler seats, hydraulic instead of mechanical disc brakes, internal gear hub, and electric assist with the BionX system. The price can vary from $1500 for the basic 24D, to $2500 for a special version with Alfine 8-speed hub at Splendid Cycles, to $2900 for the 27D lux with dynamo lighting and high-end derailers. E-assist is $1000 extra.

Edgerunner Electric 24D Family

Reviews: 

Bicycle Times

Bike Radar

Davey Oil

Hum of the City

Specifications: (24D Family)

Frame & Fork
Paint
Brakes
Front Rotor
Rear Rotor
Brake Levers
Headset
Handlebar
Stem

Grips
Shifters & Derailers
Crank
Chainring
Bottom Bracket
Cassette
Chain
Front Hub
Rear Hub
Front Rim
Rear Rim
Spokes
Nipples
Front Tire
Rear Tire
Seat Collar
Seatpost

Saddle
Pedal
Kickstand
Front Light
Rear Light
Fenders

100% Chromoly
Black, White, Blue, or Orange + clear coat
Avid BB5
180mm
160mm
Avid FR5
FSA Mallet
31.8 clamp alloy
65mm ext (16.5”)
95mm ext (19”)
Velo Duracork
Acera 8s
Altus 8s 170mm
Steel 48-38-28
JIS - 68 x 125mm
Acera 11-34 t
KMC Z72 8-sp
Sealed Bearing 36h
Sealed Bearing 36h
36h Double Wall
36h Double Wall
14g Stainless
Brass
Schwalbe Big Ben 2.35
Schwalbe Big Ben 2.15
34.9 alloy allen
31.6, 300mm (16.5”)
31.6, 400mm (19”)
Velo
Resin, Cromoly Axle
Alloy black
Optional Luxos U
Optional B & M Std.
Optional Upgrade

Yuba Boda Boda

Yuba Boda Boda LUX. Credit: yubabikes.com

A bike that can carry stuff is a useful bike.  A bike that can carry a whole lotta stuff is a whole lotta useful. The Yuba Boda Boda is a whole lotta lotta useful.

Cargo bikes are well-established as a great option for those who wish to live carfree. The problem with cargo bikes is that they’re heavy. You wouldn’t want to lug them up and down a flight of stairs. Yuba tackled the flight-of-stairs problem with the Boda Boda by making the frame from lightweight aluminum and more compact than the typical cargo bike. In 2012, Outside Magazine named it the best $1,000 utility bike.

Oh, and we can add the Boda Boda to Edwin's list of bikes that come with dynamo lights.  The Boda Boda LUX comes with Shimano dynamo-powered Spanninga LED headlights and taillights.

Here is my 2013 write-up on the Boda Boda.

Honorable Mention: Yuba Mundo.  The Mundo is a full-fledged cargo bike that David wrote about back in 2008, and Tom did an update on in 2010.

A Tale of Two Longtails

I had the opportunity to ride two longtail cargo bikes that are both compatible with the Xtracycle standard and both less than $1000. Longtails have an stretched frame to handle huge loads behind the rider.  

The Sun Atlas Cargo is a purpose built longtail like the Surly Big Dummy or the Yuba Mundo.   The Altas Cargo falls below both of these bikes in price while keeping a funky Mixte-Kruisframe geometry and comfortable ride.   

Sun rates the cargo capacity at 400 lbs and the bike feels solid with rails with frame ports to accept Xtracycle accessories.   The 2.1-inch wide tires and BMX bars provide an upright, relaxed ride. 

Most of the time when I ride one-size-fits all bikes I find the reach to be too short, but the Atlas Cargo is surprisingly comfortable reach.  If the Yuba is like riding a pickup truck then the Atlas Cargo is more like an old Jeep Scrambler.   The BMX bars can be rotated to adjust the reach as well. 

The Sun Atlas Cargo was priced at $600 at Bikes@Vienna.  How can they offer it so cheap?  Look at the component list --lots of bottom of the barrel stuff here.  But hey, you can upgrade as things wear out.  The frame is solid and ready to carry whatever you can throw at it.

No one will argue that longtails are not incredibly useful as car replacements.  Storing them is another matter.   It's tough to haul them up stairs or squeeze them into a shed.   Even taking them for a ride in the car is tough. 

Xtracycle teamed up with Tern to offer the Cargo Joe, a folding longtail.   This a great idea who's time has come.   The Tern platform as 26-inch wheels and 21 speeds and comes in two frame sizes.  The Xtracycle bits are a FreeRadical, a HDPE Flightdeck and Freeloader bag set.  You get it all for $1000, which is not bad at all.  At some point down the road you could still repurpose the FreeRadical on an old hardtail mountain bike still have a nice folding bike. 

I felt a little cramped on the Cargo Joe, but I'm not sure what frame size I was riding, I realized.  Like most folding bikes, they adjust easily to fit most riders.  It felt a lot shorter and quicker than the Atlas Cargo, but a bit more flexy with it's higher pressure tires.  Of course the real trick is that you can fold it in half and shove it in the shed or minivan without sacrificing utility.

Carrying Something Very Old And Delicate

A letter from a reader:


I have a bit of a unique problem and was wondering what your take on the solution would be. I have a very old (and delicate) Persian instrument called a santur.

Reader's picture.

I'm wondering how I could secure the suitcase that this instrument is placed in on to a bicycle. There are basically a few locations I really like to play my santur, and they're all a ridable distance away. They're are some good bike paths to the areas I'd like to go, but also some short spats of steep inclines and rugged dirt paths.

I've recently sold my old bicycle, so I was wondering what the best option would be in terms of getting a new bicycle, given these are my needs.

Any help would be very much appreciated!

 Thank you!

I wrote back and asked about the dimensions of the instrument.  I have not heard back yet.  Assuming that the instrument and case do not fit inside a waterproof pannier (which would be my #1 recommendation), what would you suggest?

UPDATE!!!

More information from our reader, who is grateful for your comments.  This time the reader includes dimensions, along with a diagram:

I'm very flattered you've included my question on your blog!

The instrument is basically a trapezium shaped and the dimensions are: 80cm on the bottom, 33 cm on the top and 35cm on both sides with a total height of 9cm. The suitcase I use for the instrument is 31cm x 98cm x 11cm.

I've read some of the comments on your blog and can already see some potential solutions.

The Burley Travoy seems like a possible resolution, so long as I can secure the suitcase on to it, however, I'm not to certain how my santur will hold up given the slant (the weight of the instrument will be focused on one of the edges, which could potentially damage it - though this shouldn't be too much of a problem given the instrument only weighs about 3 kilograms).

I'd prefer to keep the item flat, so maybe a simple rear rack would do the trick - though I'm not sure if there are rear racks out there that can sport a 98cm suitcase.

I'm not sure if its the best idea in terms of functionality, but I wonder if there are any front rack options where I can place the suitcase perpendicular to the bicycle to keep an eye on it while I'm traveling.

Someone suggested buying a Bullit Cargo bicycle, but this is probably a little too specialized for my needs, as I'll taking the bicycle out for a lot of trips where I won't be needing to carry something on it.

I've attached an image with the exact dimensions for my santur the better visualize the size of the instruments.

Once again, thank you for your response and I look forward to hearing from you again!

 
Any additional ideas?

Yuba Boda Boda

Boda Boda stepover and stepthrough. Credit: Yuba

The Yuba Boda Boda cargo cruiser is available at Bikes at Vienna and other local bike shops.  The typical price appears to be about $1,000.

Yuba had already perfected the long-tail cargo bike in the form of the Yuba Mundo, which is capable of replacing your car for most local errands.  For urban apartment or condo dwellers, however, the heavy, bulky cargo bike presented of challenge in terms of storage and just getting the thing up the stairs.  Boda Boda appears to be Yuba's solution, a lighter (35 lbs.) shorter cargo bike with a handhold for carrying it up a flight of stairs. 

The Boda Boda has an integrated rear rack and is capable of carrying an impressive amount of weight.  It's available both as a step-through and a "step-over."

In October 2012, Outside Magazine named the Boda Boda the best utility bike for $1,000.  There's also a review by Cyclelicious.

Here are the full specs as of June 27, 2012:

FRAME

BODA BODA FRAME, AL 6061

FORK

26"X2.125, CR-MO, OLD:100W, 400.5 LENGTH, 40 OFFSET,

DYNAMO BRAZE ON

WHEELS

FRONT RIM 26" X 26MM, DOUBLE WALL, 32 HOLE, NO DECALS

REAR RIM 26" X 26MM, DOUBLE WALL, 36 HOLE, NO DECALS

FRONT HUB MODUS NUTTED, 32 HOLE, CRMO AXLE, LOOSE BALL, DOUBLE SEALED, GROUND RACE, DUAL LOCK NUTS

REAR HUB MODUS NUTTED, 36 HOLES, CASSETTE, CRMO AXLE, LOOSE BALL

SPOKES 2.0MM, 14G, STAINLESS 3X FRONT AND REAR

SPOKE NIPPLE 2.0MM X 12MM BRASS, INCLUDED WITH SPOKES

FRONT TIRE KENDA 26" X .1.95", WIRE BEAD, 30TPI

REAR TIRE KENDA 26" X .1.95", WIRE BEAD, 30TPI

INNER TUBES CST/KENDA SHRADER VALVE (A/V), 1.2MM THICKNESS

TRANSMISSION
CRANK SET LASCO 170MM, JIS, 4-BOLT

CHAINWHEELS LASCO 38T, W/ GS0 STEEL OUTER GUARD, INCLUDED WITH CRANK SET

BOTTOM BRACKET VP JIS, CARTRIDGE SEAL, W/ CAPLESS STAINLESS STEEL BOLTS

CHAIN KMC 1/2"X3/32", APPROXIMATELY 125 LINKS

REAR DERAILLEUR SRAM MEDIUM CAGE, 7-8 SP, 1:1 RATIO

REAR DER SHIFTER SRAM 8SPD,

TRIGGER SHIFTER, RIGHT

CASSETTE SRAM 8 SPD, 11-32, STEEL


COCKPIT

PEDALS VP NYLON PEDAL, LOW PROFILE

HEAD SET VP STEEL, 1-1/8", THREADED

STEM PROMAX LARGE = 100MM, SMALL = 80MM EXT., 25.4MM QUILL DIAMETER, ALUMINUM

HANDLEBARS PROMAX FRENCH CITY BARS, >600MM WIDE, 70MM RISE, >196MM GRIP AREA TAPE / GRIPS VELO CORK, REQUIRES GLUE FOR INSTALLATION SADDLE CIONLLI WITH SPRING

SEAT POST PROMAX ALLOY, 30.2MM,

LARGE = 500MM, SMALL = 400MM
SEAT CLAMP PROMAX QR

BRAKE

FRONT BRAKE PROMAX DIE CAST ALLOY V BRAKE, 125MM ARM, 60MM 1PC PAD

REAR BRAKE PROMAX DIE CAST ALLOY V BRAKE, 125MM ARM, 60MM 1PC PAD

BRAKE LEVERS PROMAX TRIGGER SHIFTER, SILVER LEVER, ED BLACK BODY

OTHER

DECK 8MM THICK, BAMBOO,

KICKSTAND MASSLOAD YUBA SIDE STAND

BELL YWS DING DONG BELL, 60MM, STEEL

Soma Tradesman

What you see is what you get.  Courtesy: Soma Fabrications.

Soma is offering this new-for-2012 Tradesman cargo frameset for $700.

According to Soma, the Tange chromoly frame can load 40-50 pounds of cargo. It's one-size-fits-all.  Here's a few more details:

- 22" inches wide and 68" long

- Designed for 26" rear and 20" front wheels.

- Designed for front and rear disc brakes

- Extra long 40mm oversize head tube for maximum cargo capacity

- Modular high-tensile steel rack.

- Wheelbase of 1116mm

What it looks like built up. Courtesy: Somafab Blog

There have been a few reviews:

Urban Velo

Bike Tinker

Pushing the Pedals

Soma also has another cargo bike in the works, called the Pickup Artist, which you can read about here. 

Workcycles Fr8

Fr8, the family version. Credit: Workcycles.

The Fr8, from Workcycles, is available from Clever Cycles for $2200, without racks or child seat.

The Fr8 is the "do-anything bike" at its finest.  Here's how Workcycles describes it:

The Fr8 (pronounced like "freight") is our modular, city-utility bicycle system.  It can be configured and outfitted for many heavy-duty purposes: delivery, industry or carrying kids and groceries.  Thanks to an enormously stiff, low instep frame, robust construction, sophisticated geometry and special carriers it does it all with ease.

According to Workcycles, the load capacity is 250 kg, or "one parent, up to 3 kids, and lots of groceries."  In other words, the Fr8 may be able to replace your minivan.

The Fr8 has been mentioned and photographed by EcoVelo and Brooks England. Also, here's a great write-up by Fr8 owner mamafiets.

Here are some specs:

• "Adaptive Seat Tube" quickly adjustable for riders of about 160-200cm


• TIG welded Chro-Mo frame and fork

• Heavy duty wheels with aluminum rims, 13g stainless spokes

• Vredestein Moiree or Schwalbe Big Apple tires w/ Kevlar antiflat belts

• Shimano front roller brake

• Hub dynamo, halogen headlamp, LED taillamp with standlight

• Fully enclosed chain-case, painted stainless steel fenders

• Wide double leg centerstand

• Stainless steel handlebar, stem and all hardware

For options, Workcycles says there are too many to list.  Here are a few important ones: Shimano Nexus 3-speed or 8-speed internal gear hubs; coaster or hand rear brake; Brooks leather saddle; city front carrier; long rear carrier; lock box; child saddle on frame behind handlebar; Trelock defender wheel block; bell.

In other words, Workcycles took everything useful and put it all on one bike.