Utility Cycling - Post your utility bike thread

Here is a shot of my recently completed CETMA Cargo.


http://i370.photobucket.com/albums/oo143/johnlesar/CETMA3.jpg
That is the first CETMA Cargo I see in the wild.
Do you mind talking a little about your experiences so far? Build, ride, purchase process, etc.
It appears to have an IGH with a chain tensioner? I would love to hear more about it!
Duppie

Well I just recently completed my first utility bike- took my old trek hardtail 4300, put sefas drifter tires on, put a cheap used rigid fork on the front, (Green!) and got 2 wald baskets.

The rear carriers are on there all the time, the front grocery basket, I consider removable. (I am looking for some material like chain slap gaurds, clear smooth and strong, to put on the handlebars to prevent scratching when I take the basket on and off.)
Also, being a quick release bike, the front wald basket legs didn't have anyplace to mount onto, so I had to improvise, and the rear carriers mount wouldn't fit around the rear tube (designed for dual tubes in that area, and smaller) - to get that to work I had to drill 2 new holes farther apart in the wald bracket, and buy longer (stainless steel) bolts. I also threw some rubber in there so it wouldn't damage the bike. The baskets are pretty much level.

I call her multiple personality disorder, and she rides great! I also have a GPS mount you can see with the GPS on, (and off in the latest photo)

I am going to include close up shots of how I mounted the baskets.

Right after completion:
http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/4280/img0178g.th.jpg (http://img189.imageshack.us/i/img0178g.jpg/)

The rear basket mount I had to fiddle with- the new holes I drilled make the bolts about half an inch wider:
http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/2979/img0174lzj.th.jpg (http://img21.imageshack.us/i/img0174lzj.jpg/)

The front basket leg mounts- not the strongest solution, I could drill into the fork... but this is pretty good, and will support all the weight I would want to put in it:
http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/6761/img0173kwj.th.jpg (http://img25.imageshack.us/i/img0173kwj.jpg/)

And for the last photo, today's errands. As you can see, no front basket today. Sticking up was fine, because I wasn't going very far, and the handling was pretty good. There was more in the other side balancing it all out.
(I really do need a new kickstand though... or at least slightly shorten my current one)
http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/1305/img0184y.th.jpg (http://img43.imageshack.us/i/img0184y.jpg/)

After yesterday's parade... my diy longbike.

http://www.ravingbikefiend.com/bikepics/longbike09new6.jpg

That is the first CETMA Cargo I see in the wild.
Do you mind talking a little about your experiences so far? Build, ride, purchase process, etc.
It appears to have an IGH with a chain tensioner? I would love to hear more about it!
Duppie


So far I am very happy with the bike. I built it from a frameset since I had most of the parts to complete the build. The craftsmanship looks good with nicer welding than I have seen on other bikes. The lack of water bottle cage bosses would be my only negative so far, but you can rig something.

I am using a Shimano Alfine 8 speed IGH with a Soulcraft Convert tensioner. I like this tensioner because it doesn't rely on a spring for tension and has a feature to allow it to swing out of the way when removing the wheel. Shimano dynohub. Avid BB7 discs. Schwalbe Big Apples. Nitto Albatross bars and Periscopa stem. Brooks Champion Flyer. Since the picture was taken I have installed some Wald chromed steel fenders which have much better coverage. Everything installed without any fuss or modifications.

It does take a few miles to get used to the handling. I have no problem using it as an everyday bike. I have used it for my 20 mile RT commute to work. I haven't carried anything too heavy yet, probably less than 50 lbs so far, but it wasn't an issue for the bike or handling. I wish I could compare it with other bikes of this type but there is nothing like this in my area

Purchasing was easy through the CETMA site. I got a call from Lane within a few hours to confirm the purchase. A few days later I got my tracking number and a week or so later it was at my door.

John

I picked up this little number over the weekend :) I think we're going to have some fun.

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a261/catskillscooby/BIKES/IMG_6766.jpg

I picked up this little number over the weekend :) I think we're going to have some fun.

What a score! Nice!

Wow, where did you get it, and how much did it cost, if you don't mind?

Do you have any pics of the gears and such?

I picked up this little number over the weekend :) I think we're going to have some fun.


Nice pickup ;) Do I hear the clanking of spanners - the whiff of paint fumes, then its....

TAXI!!! :D

Regards
Tom

I got it from a local antique reseller who got it at an estate sale. The bike is really not that old, so don't let the rod brake fool you. I paid $150. Worse case scenario is I sell it for what I paid in better running order, or I have a great base for a trailer.

Generally it's in good shape. I'm giving it a good once over before I start riding it, but the craftsmanship is kind of lacking. It's got chinese branded parts everywhere, so I can't even read them to look it up online. Whatever:lol: Apparently, it came from a divorce that came from NYC.

It's a singlespeed drivetrain. The freewheel threads on to the rear axle just like you would on a normal bike, but there are two feet of threads to run it down. It came stock with a really junky 36t crankset, so I swapped it out for some Truvative cranks/Race Face bash guard/Blackspire 32t ring I had kicking around. I would expect it to be geared pretty ok now, but I have no idea really. As mentioned above, the front brake is a rod brake, and the rear is a ban type drum brake. It should do fine on flat ground.

I need to rustoleum some of the underbody, finish cleaning, buy a few bolts, and replace the headset bearings. Almost good to go! Once it's running, I'll have to decorate the cab and perhaps try my hand at a DIY canopy. I like the checkers idea :)

Here's mine......

Whooops....

I posted without including the photo.

Let me try again.......

About a year ago I stumbled upon this bike on the web. This bike is made by Project Rwanda (http://projectrwanda.org/cargo-bike) and has already been distributed to several thousand coffee farmers in Rwanda, hence the name. After a bunch of phone calls and unreturned e-mails, I finally found some coffee bikes in the US. I was able to get one shipped to me for a sweet deal.
The bike came fully ready to ride. Most of the parts were lower quality; I did quite a bit a work to get to the bike to where it is now. I semi-copied the extra-cycle freeloader bag system and sewed up my own bags with 1000 denier cordura nylon and heavy duty nylon webbing. The system works awesome. The bike handles great. This summer I rode it to Seattle, WA and back from my house in Eau Claire, WI; no failures.

Some pics.

Bare frame
http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/3788/bareframe.jpg

http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/4721/logomxqgfl.jpg

My homemade bags
http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/7034/emptybag.jpg

Glacier National Park
http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/6779/glaciernatpark.jpg

sheba - That is simply spectacular.

I would love to get a few of these frames to build up and am guessing they are probably rock solid.

Nekkid pics...

http://www.ravingbikefiend.com/bikepics/stretch09new3.jpg

Ah. I love posting pics of my bike as much as I love my bike. 43lbs as shown, with rain jacket, sun screen, air pump and bike lock in one pannier padlocked to the rack. The other pannier has a shoulder strap to use it as a carry-on bag.

I use it to commute, for groceries, fun and everything else. It's the only one I want to ride. http://imgur.com/yM0VC.jpg

Seb

Sheba~ I had to wipe the Homer Simpson drool off my laptop:) I want WANT WANT!!:)

But then again I also want 65'ers bike too which I've actually gotten to see in person.

Nekkid pics...


Sixty, is it right that the chainstays of both the rear triangles are almost level w the ground? do not remember how mine is, must find that out.

Yep...my stays are almost even.

It makes for a little less pedal clearance but also drops the main frame a few inches which will even allow my little sister to ride the bike with the saddle lowered.

About a year ago I stumbled upon this bike on the web. This bike is made by Project Rwanda (http://projectrwanda.org/cargo-bike) and has already been distributed to several thousand coffee farmers in Rwanda, hence the name. After a bunch of phone calls and unreturned e-mails, I finally found some coffee bikes in the US. I was able to get one shipped to me for a sweet deal.
The bike came fully ready to ride. Most of the parts were lower quality; I did quite a bit a work to get to the bike to where it is now. I semi-copied the extra-cycle freeloader bag system and sewed up my own bags with 1000 denier cordura nylon and heavy duty nylon webbing. The system works awesome. The bike handles great. This summer I rode it to Seattle, WA and back from my house in Eau Claire, WI; no failures.

:love:

Not the prettiest but it works for me!

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_eXOBm4Rp86o/SXpftJAcdFI/AAAAAAAAAgg/Llfp1N-ZRiI/s800/P1230529.JPG

How is the large green plastic basket attached. Doesn't it throw you off balance?









JK.


Good choice. GT bikes are bombproof.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2434/3824408973_532a512a46.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/neilfein/3824408973/)
Taking my folding bike Little Red to the shop for a new handlebar post. they say it'll be ready on Wednesday.

Novara Randonee, pulling a Dahon Curve D3 in a Burley Nomad.

a quickr pickr (http://quickrpickr.com) post

Hey twentysixtwo, thanks for making me laugh!

I'm not done coating her handlebars...


Batavus Old Dutch traditional omafiet.
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w217/titiklabingapat/batavus-olddutch-steelprincess.jpg

Everything is mostly stock except for the grips and the brooks.

It's considered a woman's frame but I'm comfortable enough to sport her, and I love look and the easy dismounts of loop frames.
Here`s an other dutch one called "Pastoor-Kruisframe"made by http://www.workcycles.de/lastenfahrrad/index.html

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2576/3829089765_bd63560808_b.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2583/3829089501_d7b9421196_b.jpg

andy

The pastor needs skirt guards too :) riding in his robes. I love the biblical reference of the cross in the frame. I love that bike. Thanks for posting pics. Is that Germany?

The pastor needs skirt guards too :) riding in his robes. I love the biblical reference of the cross in the frame. I love that bike. Thanks for posting pics. Is that Germany?

It`s in the Netherlands...Only a few miles out of Amsterdam.

andy

Finally done!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2602/3872844209_85394b5e41.jpg

DVC45, I like that rigid Diamondback frame. Nice bike!

oldfool, I like your home brew utility bike. I grew up about 40 miles from Bayou Blue, and I've handled quite a few flat-back feed buckets for horses. That's a great idea for those buckets!

The pastor needs skirt guards too :) riding in his robes. I love the biblical reference of the cross in the frame. I love that bike. Thanks for posting pics. Is that Germany?

Here you can see my dutch utility bike in a german landscape...
Hope you like it.

andy

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2445/3877650274_4e5e8eae45_b.jpg

True North has done a number of these:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/36450622@N03/3655083710/in/set-72157620270604319/

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2478/3889258599_92495555f5_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2658/3889261645_b69f82b864_b.jpg

sashae are those 717 rims? Any problems putting fatties on them?

Yep, Mavic X717s. No problems with the Fat Franks thus far...

I put huge tires on my bike once, man that sucked. I ride alot and it's hard enough without a ton of rubber. I guess with disc brakes and tires like that, your rims will last forever. Is that the thinking? I gave mine fatties away after a week. You must be a beast!

I just finished putting this together this afternoon, so my first ride was with a load on the back.

http://smorris.smugmug.com/photos/647258366_HufR2-XL-2.jpg

Just a bit of headshake until I got rolling. I sure got a lot of looks!

http://smorris.smugmug.com/photos/648521917_KgXyV-XL-1.jpg

i like the looks of that dutch utility bike macfred. interesting triangulation probably makes for a stiff frame. who makes it? are the wheels different sizes or is that an optical delusion?

thanks

i like the looks of that dutch utility bike macfred. interesting triangulation probably makes for a stiff frame. who makes it? are the wheels different sizes or is that an optical delusion?

thanks

@bikecoppXXX
It`s an optical delusion...:lol:
Wheels are both 622 / 28".

grettings
andy

Here is an unusual quad cycle utility bike

http://jacksonville.craigslist.org/bik/1374850091.html

Hi all, I have a DIY longtail but it's pretty generic so I haven't ever bothered to take photos of it. Instead, however, I thought I would show off the custom cargo bike I made for a local delivery service.

I call it The Truck. It is almost 11 feet long with an 8 foot wheelbase, it will carry 12 common plastic tubs for a gross vehicle weight of 500 lbs. The rear wheel has zero dish and uses a special 14mm BMX axle with a 6-speed cluster. The kickstand can be remotely operated by cable with a special pull handle mounted atop the stem. Chain slap is minimized with a layer of UHMW beside the chainstay. Mostly made with materials and bike components rescued from the landfill.

:)ensen.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2592/3930063075_0cf28779cc_o.jpg

Hi all, I have a DIY longtail but it's pretty generic so I haven't ever bothered to take photos of it. Instead, however, I thought I would show off the custom cargo bike I made for a local delivery service.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2592/3930063075_0cf28779cc_o.jpg

Holy cow!!!!!


Any reason you put the rear wheel so far back? For load carrying, handling, and turning radius, it would have been better to have the rear wheel at about the CG of your load (assuming your rear wheel can take the additional weight)

Any reason you put the rear wheel so far back? For load carrying, handling, and turning radius, it would have been better to have the rear wheel at about the CG of your load (assuming your rear wheel can take the additional weight)

No, the theory is a fallacy. The best handling vehicles are the ones with as close to 50/50 weight distribution as possible. Since the spec was an average of about 25 lbs for each tub, the CoG moves from around 40" behind the front axle when empty to about 65" behind the front axle when fully loaded. That keeps the weight distribution between 42/58 and 32/68. Moving the rear axle forward changes the distribution when loaded to about 24/76 a situation that can really mess things up if there load starts to bounce around. Of course, in use, the tubs are strapped down with those cam-locks.

It will negotiate normal street corners without problem. A U-turn is still possible in a space that is at least 25 ft wide, but as you might expect, the movement is more like that of rotating the front wheel about the rear wheel. For really tight maneuvers, I recommend the operator dismount and, facing backwards and straddling the front wheel, use the handlebars as if moving a low flat dolly.

The beauty of the cable-operated kick-stand is that the rider need not worry about balancing the load while dismounting. Even better is that the load is only about 8"-9" from the ground and if you come alongside a curb with the sides just overhanging, the bike can be set down on the curb without much tilt. Though that seems like a lot less clearance for turning, it still calculates to cornering at about 0.5G... more than most riders ever do on any bike and way more than any fully loaded cargo bike should be going.

:)ensen.

Just amazing - the cable actuated center stand is ingenious.

My theory for loaded CG is more from trucks so prob not appropriate for bikes...

Actually, I studied trucks and other cargo vehicles of various types for this commission. Take a look at the next truck that goes by.... flatbed, cube, semi-trailer, etc. The rear axle(s) will be behind the middle of the loaded area.

There are several design reasons I can think of why Xtracycle puts their rack over the rear axle. One primary consideration is shipping weight and size. Moving the load forward entails making the extension kit even longer, and thus harder to ship. Moreover, because it is an addition to the existing bike, the designer cannot be certain exactly if the bike frame being modified is even strong enough to carry extra weight. By putting all the cargo weight on the rear axle, Xtracycle guarantees that any bike frame can be used, regardless if it is a Bianchi or a Flying Pigeon. Finally, the load itself is almost never large enough to affect the handling of the overall vehicle, especially if using the Wideloader wings to carry the weight down low. IME, only loads in excess of 100 lbs negatively affect the handling of the typical longtail with wings, and only when moving slower than 2 mph. If I had to guess, I'd say that the load has to reach 200 lbs before the bike requires constant attention while in motion. For what it is supposed to do, it is a good design.

:)ensen.

Here is an unusual quad cycle utility bike

http://jacksonville.craigslist.org/bik/1374850091.html

That's a Worksman quad. Basically, they use the front end off of their reverse-trikes and the back end off their regular industrial trikes. Makes it more stable, gives some extra cargo capacity. It'd be neat to have, but likely to be heavy and slow, too.

purplepeople, really nice bike! Great work!

Thanks.... the biggest problem was the required size. I am working out of an 8'x10' shed and the bike is 11' long. I'm sure the neighbours though it pretty funny to see the bike slowly growing out the door of a backyard shed.

:)ensen.

http://www.1lesscar.com/bc/crates2.jpg

Very nice, cabana!

I removed the rear rack from my Marin, but it's easy to hitch the B.O.B. when needed.
http://i478.photobucket.com/albums/rr147/Rod_Smith/IMG_3488.jpg

Nice photo, Cabana!

Box prototype done! New version coming next week.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v88/lancekagar/cb6-1.jpg

Popping a wheelie! ;)

Nice bike. The box looks good.