Utility Cycling - Post your utility bike thread

Eh, you know how these threads go.


So here's my Suteki, built with love and mostly garbage. I wanted a bike that would fit me like a glove, be about as practical as can be and not attractive to theives. So I've put this bike together around early summer, but I've been changing stuff around a bit at a time and by now it's getting seriously good. One more thing it could use is a kickstand on the front wheel like on french mail bikes, because what happens is when the front is loaded the bike won't stand up on it's own. As is, 29.5Kgs light.

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x25/coutujean/87699c93.jpg


The rear rack is real tough and has plenty of surface so it's fairly comfortable to sit on, it's also got the sideways bar to tow other bikes with. There's an MTB barend on the seat tube so riders can hang onto, also a BMX peg on the non-drive side. The idea is I can give lifts to people with it, they sit amazon, Amsterdam style. One issue I have with this setup is that I can't use my axle mount trailer with it, I'm thinking modding the trailer wouldn't be so bad.

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x25/coutujean/3cb3f5d8.jpg


The handlebar has a friction shifter for the rings and a grip shift for the cogs, but it's a 7 speed shifter and there's 5 usable cogs, so first gear is 3. One of the front brake post braze ons has broken off so there's nothing attached to the front brake lever, the string keeps it from hitting my fingers over bumps. I'd like to find a front wheel Sturmey Archer brake hub. The other side has a throttle, but there's no motor on this bike yet, I've ordered one though. We shall see what it gives, if there's one bike that can use it this is it. the rear brake lever is pretty good, you can dial in the mechanical advantage you want. Rear brake is a Deore LX parallelogram V brake thing with cool stop MTB pads, ample power.

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x25/coutujean/8513c11d.jpg


On the rear I've added a derailleur protector and dork disk, since I'm more interested in having it last then to have it be light. The smallest cog can't be used because the nut & bolt of the fenderstays is in the way. The biggest cog in the rear is a 28, the small ring is 32-34ish. This gearing is wrong for hauling serious loads uphill. If the proportions were kept equal, having the big rear cog bigger then the small ring would probably be about right.

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x25/coutujean/cf05a8e1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v214/lamplightsg/Rockadile/IMG_9804small.jpg

Here is my dedicated grocery getter a 1976 Schwinn. This bike started out to be a restoration project but after I cleaned it up and rode it a few times I realized that this was really a sweet bike and suitable for an old man. The rack is made from a discarded skate board trimmed to fit. The stay for it is the seat stay from a frame I had taken other parts from for another project. Strong, wide and flat it makes a good seat for a passenger or to tie down a case of beer. The half-buckets are held on by industrial zip ties. I had planned to do something more sophisticated but zip ties are so cheap and quick I have continued to use them. Since the bicycle is used for cargo I leave the buckets installed. I can get more in them than I really want to carry. The front bucket is a Bell off the shelf item easily detached and really convenient with a carrying handle.
The original running gear has all been replaced with heavier stuff. The original wheels were light weight 1 3/8's replaced with 1.95's on steel wheels. The original gearing was a 10 speed but is now a 15 speed. The crank set is a 3 piece and has 3 chain rings (28-38-48) and the rear is 14 through 28. I don't have any hills here (unless you count the bridges) so you'd think I wouldn't need that kind of gearing but there are no bike paths, side walks or smooth shoulders either. Sometimes I need the gearing to get through the tall grass, gravel and in and out of pot holes. I retained the stem shifting levers for the chain ring shifting (nostalgia) and have an index shifter for the rear. Mostly I stay on the center ring (38t).
The brakes have been replaced with heavier duty rim brakes and would be inadequate for hilly country but that is not here.
The bike is stable and rock solid empty or under load. It weighs 45lbs.
I haven't needed more capacity yet but I think I will add an extension like the extracycle only home made. I'll post pictures when I do.
It ain't real pretty but it works and I have become emotionally involved. I get offended when it is insulted. Maybe I need professional psychiatric help.

I think it's beautiful, oldfool. :)

wohoo........i get to post my trike again......lol

its ugly but alot of fun
http://img113.imageshack.us/img113/2015/picture005vy3.th.jpg (http://img113.imageshack.us/my.php?image=picture005vy3.jpg)
http://img180.imageshack.us/img180/4883/picture006ko0.th.jpg (http://img180.imageshack.us/my.php?image=picture006ko0.jpg)
http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/2015/picture003td6.th.jpg (http://img513.imageshack.us/my.php?image=picture003td6.jpg)

pretty dam cool oldfool
but the flinstones trike is hard to beat
-Mac

Hey, I love the chicken graphics on the skateboard/rack. Nice bike. Here's my own daily ride, a 90's Kona Fire Mountain. Apparently, it was once a race bike, though that rumor is unsubstantiated. Still, it's pretty light and I can pick it up with one hand if I want to.http://s201.photobucket.com/albums/aa152/BanffBikeGirl/?action=view&current=S6300023.jpg

Oldfool,
Looks like the ticket to me! The only bikes I make fun of are the weight weenies because they make fun of me, but quite often the joke is on them when I get where I am going before they do:D I love utility bikes and the more owner original the better!

Aaron:)

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c346/diff_lock_cr-v_awd/bongv2064.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c346/diff_lock_cr-v_awd/front%20rack/frontrack169.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c346/diff_lock_cr-v_awd/front%20rack/frontrack001.jpg

Ive been toying with this old mountain bike for a while now. The wooden rack that I built can now hold the weight an adult, so it does a good job of carrying my junk... and it cost very very little to make. With the semi-slick tires, it has become my commuter, since I only have 0.7 miles to work :) and it allows me to be 95% car-free! Coming soon, wooden (lockable) removable panniers, wooden fenders, & homemade trailer.

Ive been toying with this old mountain bike for a while now. The wooden rack that I built can now hold the weight an adult, so it does a good job of carrying my junk... and it cost very very little to make. With the semi-slick tires, it has become my commuter, since I only have 0.7 miles to work :) and it allows me to be 95% car-free! Coming soon, wooden (lockable) removable panniers, wooden fenders, & homemade trailer.

I like it. I'm doing a front rack and looking for ideas. Maybe in bamboo.

I like it. I'm doing a front rack and looking for ideas. Maybe in bamboo.

Good idea. The hardest thing to decide is how to attach it to the bike... the mount points ought to be metal if they are going to last. As you see, I have used angle steel for attachment at the axle (it is also providing support for the future panniers, but that is secondary). If you are working with bamboo, you might consider fabricating a round bracket that will allow the round bamboo to slide in, instead of attaching the bamboo directly to the bike which would create a localized stress and end up splitting the bamboo down the grain. Likewise, pay extra attention to ALL your stress points - think about which directions your cargo weight will try to shift, and adjust your geometry accordingly. It's definitely been a rewarding project, and I get lots of double-takes.

(sorry about the double post but I forgot to add the quotes. I forget a lot of stuff) No trouble, but just for your info, once you posted something, you can actually edit it or delete it (just look for a little links under the post that say [edit]).

...............you can actually edit it or delete it (just look for a little links under the post that say [edit]).
Thanks, I'm still learning

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q119/hotbike/photo005.jpg
Fiberglass Utility box.
http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q119/hotbike/photo004.jpg
The lid can be tilted back for better aerodynamic drag ratio.
http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q119/hotbike/photo006.jpg
The lid closes to keep out the rain.
http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q119/hotbike/photo002.jpg
It looks like this from the front.
http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q119/hotbike/photo007.jpg
This is the view from behind.
http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q119/hotbike/photo008.jpg
A close-up of the mounting hardware, made from 1"x4" polyethylene stock.

The frame is a Worksman Y3K. Worksman is known for it's utility bikes, but the Y3K comes without a utility box. The Y3K is furthermore out-of-production.

Very old and seen too often of a pic, but here it is:
http://homepage.mac.com/awcg/.Pictures/XtraLite/XL3.jpg

Very old and seen too often of a pic, but here it is:


Beauty is never seen to often

...

Love that rack!

Wood, awesome

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c346/diff_lock_cr-v_awd/strobe%20in/dualbong149.jpg

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jaydollars/bike1024.jpg

Here's my Xtracycle.

52374

Hi everyone, this is my first post. I've been lurking for some time though! I think this is the most appropriate place to post a picture of my bike. I use my bike to get groceries, carry lunch, water, and anything else that needs carrying. I have two boys 7 and 9 so there is always LOTS of 'stuff' to carry!:p

http://pic40.picturetrail.com/VOL277/1972235/3839767/273520662.jpg

Sometimes, she looks like this:

http://pic40.picturetrail.com/VOL277/1972235/3839767/273568912.jpg

Alisha

I'll update with REAL pics when the bike gets here but i went against tradition and ordered a shiny new bike to beat up on trips to the store.



New for 2008 it's the Raleigh Detour Deluxe
http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h170/HandsomeRyan/detourdeluxe1.jpg

see sig line for details

My commuter/grocery getter bike.

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa87/DVC45/IMG_0132.jpg

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x262/jaydollars/bike1024.jpg

hey, nice ol Syncros CattleHorns!

I'll throw up my two since they're old style utilities. The Sports picture is a bit old here- I've since added an old fashioned tire bottle dynamo and also an authentic Prestube rack.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v516/SirMike1983/Bikes/Picture051.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v516/SirMike1983/Bikes/Picture001.jpg

Okay ya talked me into it....;):p

Aaron:)

http://inlinethumb52.webshots.com/3251/2987525810066886751S425x425Q85.jpg (http://sports.webshots.com/photo/2987525810066886751dSywsc)

:rolleyes: Notice they ALL have Fenders!:eek:

L to R
GT Slipstream, Raleigh Colt, Raleigh Superbe, Staiger Florida, Giant Excursion, Raleigh RSW (back)

Those old 3 speed Raleighs are the best utility cycles ever made in my opinion- and they look nice too.

Those old 3 speed Raleighs are the best utility cycles ever made in my opinion- and they look nice too.

+1!:D That picture was only about half the herd around here. There are 4 more Raleighs and my Expedition bike that AREN'T in the picture. Plus a Redline 9.2.5 but that one is more of a fun bike rather than a utility.

Aaron:)

Bike, trailer, and groceries.

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u94/donnambr/biketrailer2082407.jpg

Bike, trailer, and groceries.

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u94/donnambr/biketrailer2082407.jpg

How do you stay upright on a seat with a backwards tilt like pictured? I would fall backwards or be in a lot of pain.:eek:

My grocery getters.

How do you stay upright on a seat with a backwards tilt like pictured? I would fall backwards or be in a lot of pain.:eek:

That is about the same tilt as on my Raleigh Superbe...and mine is almost as comfortable as my Lazy Boy recliner that my wife is threatening to have me buried with:D

Aaron:)

http://inlinethumb36.webshots.com/6307/2725424670066886751S425x425Q85.jpg (http://sports.webshots.com/photo/2725424670066886751OpUuOz)

How do you stay upright on a seat with a backwards tilt like pictured? I would fall backwards or be in a lot of pain.:eek:
This is a question that males of the species frequently ask me - both on this forum and in real life. In real life, the guys also flinch. I cannot explain except to say that it works for me. :)

Here is my utility bike:

~95 GT Karakorum with one of the utility purposes in front of it.

Here is my old mule.....the A1A FiReBaLL :roflmao:
Its seen mileage in three different states, from snow
to 100 degrees......Its slow and cantankerous, but I just
cant bring myself to move on.......

w/details of 'Gimme Room' flag and pUnK r0Kk spikeage to intimidate bike haters and roadies :roflmao:

This is a question that males of the species frequently ask me - both on this forum and in real life. In real life, the guys also flinch. I cannot explain except to say that it works for me. :)

Viva la Difference, eh?

w/details of 'Gimme Room' flag and pUnK r0Kk spikeage to intimidate bike haters and roadies :roflmao:
Is that Pokemon on your fender stay, Lem? That would sure scare me off... :p ;)

Viva la Difference, eh?
So it seems. :)

That is a pokeman, Donna !
I had more stuff that jsut ended up on it over time,
so much so that it looked like a lonely old spinsters
bric-a-brac shelf, When I came to FL my Brother in Law
became my riding buddy but I could tell he was sort of
embarrassed to be seen with someone that looked like
they just got released from a manditory 72 hours so I
cleaned it up a bit.....
:roflmao: :roflmao:

Wood racks home made stuff:) not completely finished;) Goal is transport 8 cases of beer 10 miles its getting closer :D Nice rig Donna

Throwing self respect to the wind, I once again post pictures of what has been (this summer), my favorite bicycle to ride. I have a more BF acceptable :) '80's Schwinn Continental hanging from the rafters in the garage, but I am consumed with the desire to ride this...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v160/Juggler54/bicycle/th_Schwinn2004.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v160/Juggler54/bicycle/Schwinn2004.jpg)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v160/Juggler54/bicycle/th_Schwinn2001.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v160/Juggler54/bicycle/Schwinn2001.jpg)
click to enlarge

Throwing self respect to the wind, I once again post pictures of what has been (this summer), my favorite bicycle to ride. I have a more BF acceptable :) '80's Schwinn Continental hanging from the rafters in the garage, but I am consumed with the desire to ride this...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v160/Juggler54/bicycle/th_Schwinn2004.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v160/Juggler54/bicycle/Schwinn2004.jpg)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v160/Juggler54/bicycle/th_Schwinn2001.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v160/Juggler54/bicycle/Schwinn2001.jpg)
click to enlarge

I still think more people would ride if they saw bikes like this one....I have 3-4 projects going right now, but near the top of the list for next year will be a Schwinn Classic 3 with baskets front and rear, with long term plans to convert to a trike with electric assist for my MIL, something along the lines of Sianelle's Herc (http://bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=334069).

Aaron:)

You all inspire me! I've been thinking to get a pack for my rack, but after seeing you guys in action I think I'm going to just keep the rack and improvise. Yesterday I "drove" home with a birthday cake in a box on the back tied in with shock cords and string (hum, 97 degrees in the shade here in Mass. and on one bump some of the buttercream icing sloshed down... whoopps...)... But I realized if I HAD a pack it would have been harder to get the cake on there. Anyhow, when I wheeled into the bakery the folks all smiled and said this was a first. They went out of their way to help me secure the box. I do believe I'm starting a whole new less gas-dependent phase of life here. Except for well... winter.
cheers to everybody. Love those rigs! And particularly impressed with the wood rack, those old Raleighs and of course the hand-built untheivable which is a beaut.

I still think more people would ride if they saw bikes like this one...
How 'bout dis one? My weekend utility bike when I'm in the mood.

I think this is my new fav-0-rite forum ! :)

http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=52981&stc=1&d=1188135162
Here we are, just back from the Arlington County Fair. Car parking is very scarce there, so it is horrible to try to drive. Cycling is much more convenient, as is the case for many destinations in our area. The bike is a German Kettler, modified with a front dynohub replacing the bottle generator, and the Adams Trail-A-Bike has a fender added for all weather transportation. As you may surmise from her smile, our daughter prefers the Adams to either of our cars.


Paul

Nice pic of your set-up, Paul. Nice to see how your daughter has grown, too. I think the last time you posted a pic with her in it, she was quite the small rugrat. :)

I think this is my new fav-0-rite forum ! :)

yeah! I'm conjuring up a way to bolt on rear baskets with rivnuts and thumbscrews so a person can bolt on baskets in seconds with no tools. These bikes in this forum are great!

Throwing self respect to the wind, I once again post pictures of what has been (this summer), my favorite bicycle to ride. I have a more BF acceptable :) '80's Schwinn Continental hanging from the rafters in the garage, but I am consumed with the desire to ride this...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v160/Juggler54/bicycle/th_Schwinn2004.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v160/Juggler54/bicycle/Schwinn2004.jpg)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v160/Juggler54/bicycle/th_Schwinn2001.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v160/Juggler54/bicycle/Schwinn2001.jpg)
click to enlarge

I actually rode one of these, I think it was one of these bikes anyways, around the store the other day. Of course it still had the huge 90cm wide handlebars on it and I would have to say that its not the fastest but it is the most comfortable bike I have ever ridden!

old utility bike for IN town..... 'utility' bike for going OUT of town......


after ten years of hard use, I snapped the bike on the left in half. I'd actually used it enough I broke one Wald basket and it was on its' second front basket.

However, just this week, someone gave me another multi-speed cruiser frame, and I now have a NEW utility bike that looks remarkably like the old one. pics soon.