If only cargo bikes like the one in the picture didn’t cost as much as a small car
They don’t where I live, though they aren’t cheap. But within reach for most people that needs one I’d say.
They’re a little pricey I suppose, but judging by a few minutes comparing gumtree listings for hatchback cars and cargo bikes:
< 20% the cost of a hatchback in analogous condition/age/fanciness.
To be clear, I was explicitly talking about cargo bikes like the one in the video thumbnail.
It was a lamentation that the specific style of bike I want, that is featured in that video, is so expensive.
It wasn’t a meta commentary on total cost of ownership, or cargo bikes in general.
Yeah, I agree that there aren’t many budget cargo-in-front options yet (none that I could find in 5 sec of googling).
Compared to used car prices, unfortunately there are not many used cargo bikes. I think the cheapest new option would be like the unfinished project I’m riding, which is fine on small hills or if you don’t mind working hard sometimes, top assist speed 15mph (+~$500 more = moar⚡)
$3k acoustic supercargo, 440lb max load yubabikes.com/cargobikestore/supercargo/
+ $570 tiny 250W 190Wh #eBike wheel ➕ torque arm hilltopperbikes.com/product/sprinter-12-mile-24v-electric-bike-kit-copy/@agegamon @ada there are also trikes in that price range like from lectric and radpower, which could be a good option for a lot of people but your top speed on that is more like 12 even downhill, so you don’t tip over. If you’re going slower, the trike can be easier to manage a big load, but bakfiets are great at 12-20mph 30 if you like wind.
@agegamon For a budget option, there’s the rare mid-loader back-to-back tandem design with plenty of storage between the riders.
The primary frame is made from a custom bent exhaust pipe.
Naturally aerodynamic and fast.
@Andres4NY @markstos @agegamon in NL they are still ( custom) made by ACE in Winterswijk. If you fancy one, I can help link to the place where second hand ones are sold
@Andres4NY @agegamon That back-to-back tandem recumbent was designed by Kurt Ritchie in Richmond, Indiana as a one-off. He’s an acupuncturist by day who also knows how to weld. The chain crosses over at some point so the stoker can also pedal “forward”. There’s also a freewheel that allows the stoker to idle if they wish.
Besides the exhaust pipe from, I believe he ordered some chromoly tubing from airplane supply company.
The shape of the bike does make it aerodynamic and fast!
