Utility Cycling - An inquiry regarding utility bicycles...

Hello there,

My apologies if this sort of question has been answered elsewhere; however I believe my needs to be somewhat different than "mainstream".

I will say beforehand that I am somewhat green to this "scene", so please forgive my ignorance and naivety.

I am looking for a bike to suit my needs - as a backpacker. I have carried my faithful Berghaus Vulcan rucksack across the world and I wish not to retire it; but to relieve it somewhat - preferably tied and strapped to the back of my bike.

I used to cycle daily as a small child averaging around 30-50 miles a day, I have recently considered traversing from my old home in Cornwall, England (I currently reside in Canada) to Umeå, Sweden. Roughly 1,800 miles (1,200km).

A few factors to bear in mind in this decision making process are as following:


I am 6' 4" (or 1.7m in new money) tall, and of exceptionally heavyset physique.
My rucksack capacity is 22 imperial gallons, or 26.5 US gallons (100l in new money), plus two 11/16 gallon (25l) daysacks.
The two times I checked my bags in through the airports they initially weighed in at 130 and 110lbs (59 and 50kg respectively).
The bag is also the largest size (as implied by the capacity), and when fully packed measures well over 4ft tall (1m, or thereabouts).
Bear in mind the weather constraints; the perpetual rain and mud of England and the heavy snowfall and ice in the north of Sweden.


I am not looking toward light, flimsy constructed designs - as far as I'm concerned the stronger the better, even if the thing weighs a tonne! :)

My ideal solution would be to have the rucksack strapped as I've said; however if absolutely necessary I am capable of (although not exactly thrilled about) carrying the thing on my back the entire way.

I found this design on these forums quite intriguing, with the possibility of mounting the rucsack between the rear axle and seat:
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i247/roughrider504/DSCF0119.jpg

Here is a picture of the rucksack of which I speak, however it looks like one of the more common, smaller sizes, but nevertheless should give you a good idea of general size:
http://picture.yatego.com/images/45f9189c062bf0.8/61218_Vulcan_C01.jpg

Any advice you could give me, and even a direction to start looking in would be most appreciated!

Thanks!

xtracycle free radical (http://store.xtracycle.com/_e/Xtracycle_Conversion_Kits/product/FR-KIT/Free_Radical_Kit.htm)
surly big dummy (http://surlybikes.com/bigdummy.html) (build 1 (http://store.xtracycle.com/_e/Xtracycle_Complete_Bikes/product/SUB-BD1/Big_Dummy_Longtail_from_Surly.htm) build 2 (http://surlybikes.com/bd_comp.html))
yuba mundo (http://www.yubaride.com/) (one-size frame, not the best for you)
kona ute (http://www.konaworld.com/08_ute_w.htm)

That Kona Ute bike looks quite fit for purpose! However I am abit hesitant about the aluminium frame... not only is it a lot of weight, ideally should I break down I would really like to only be looking at a 5 minute spot weld job to fix it...

I am not looking toward light, flimsy constructed designs - as far as I'm concerned the stronger the better, even if the thing weighs a tonne! :)


Workcycles FR8 (http://www.ecovelo.info/2008/10/16/workcycles-fr8/)

Made to order from Human Powered Machines, cargo bikes and trailers.

Have a look here-> http://catoregon.qwestoffice.net/hpmcatalog.htm

O^o

Indeed, those are some fine looking bikes... however looking on the economical side of things I think I will need to limit myself to European suppliers as this is my last day in North America for the forseeable future and the shipping costs would be extortionate.

The FR8 looks.... great! <ugh>

Too bad they keep all the good info on it "hidden" within a PDF. To my eye, it'd make a sweet (but hugely expensive) made-to-order long-tail.

Makes me wish Worksman offered something comparable. Right now I'm more inclined then ever to support local/national industries--and this NY company makes some good cargo/utility bikes.

>Guess I should self-sensor... I'm beginning to sound like a shill.<

Ben, I'd have a long look at Henry's Workcycle; they are a continental outfit and can tailor a machine to fit your needs. Perhaps not you're budget though.

Best of luck, let us know how it goes!

Ben, I'd have a long look at Henry's Workcycle; they are a continental outfit and can tailor a machine to fit your needs. Perhaps not you're budget though.

Best of luck, let us know how it goes!

Yes, this site has lot's of super strong bikes for work. To bad you not going to be in America a bit
longer 'cause Worksman makes bike for industry that are bulletproof strong. They ship worldwide
so visit their site and call to inquire as they are really nice folk's.:thumb:

www.worksman.com

While, I want to tell you to rethink your idea of using that bag and moving on to something that will allow you to use a more standard bicycle (thereby increasing your selection/decreasing cost/preventing problems with locating non-standard parts), I'm sure you will dismiss that idea.

Putting an extra 100+ pounds up in the air on a bike will do nothing good for its handling, this is especially critical when you are considering an all weather/all roads journey. You just don't want bad handling causing you to crash every mile or two on some dirt/cobblestone road.

However here are two options that you may like:

Madsen Cycles (http://www.madsencycles.com/bikes/)...either the bucket or rack model should work for you, the rack is three feet long, with room at both ends for stuff to hang off (or even add a long board on top), the rack is lower than most longtails and the bike is tested to 600 pounds. The lack of a substantial number of gears is my main problem with it, but that may be fixable.

The second option...a trailer...considering the size of your bag, a Bikes at Work trailer (http://www.bikesatwork.com/bike-trailers/), rated at 300 pounds would be best.

How do you move from England to the mainland in Scandinavia? Are you buying it in Engand or do you wait until you crssed the ocean? I am thinking some "normal" bike + trailer. maybe buy at least the trailer (and maybe allso the bike?) after you cross the ocean? Cheaper transport if you do not have to ship it or take it on a plane.

If you want you can build a longtail. Cheap but you need access to scrap bikes and tools. The one on the pix is not completed (bike completed and ridable, but not the luggage rack. That one you can build the way you want. Take a close look at the tread where you found that one, there is more. This one is mine (homebuilt)
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk51/badmother-bikes/Roypsykkel2.jpg

You can put one big bag in each bag. dog is sitting on a platform. You can see the bent tube this platform is made fron in the second picture (pix from when I made it).

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk51/badmother-bikes/Bilde019.jpg

Indeed, those are some fine looking bikes... however looking on the economical side of things I think I will need to limit myself to European suppliers as this is my last day in North America for the forseeable future and the shipping costs would be extortionate.
Economical? Why not just buy a Burley cargo trailer? http://www.ebikestop.com/burley_2009_flatbed_cargo_trailer-BT3021.php

Or if you are in the UK.
http://www.cyclestore.co.uk/productDetails.asp?productID=9140


O^o

The FR8 looks.... great! <ugh>

To my eye, it'd make a sweet (but hugely expensive) made-to-order long-tail.



That's the plan :D

Are you saying you will be carrying 130lbs or 240 lbs of gear? If 130 lbs, you could use a longtail or a trailer. If the heavier, a two wheeled trailer would make going that distance much nicer. A nice longtail would work for the heavier also but you would want to unpack the backpack into the panniers and only use the backpack for hiking.

Thank you for all your kind words and interest.

My apologies for not replying any sooner, I am now back in Blighty, however I have not been this jetlagged since setting off to India in '00!

Still, I am coherent enough (just about) to say that yes, I have spoken to Henry at work cycles (seems very much to be a nice bloke), he's given me some food for thought regarding the tools I should be using for this next expedition.... oh, and yes, to those of you that suggested leaving the rucksack at home, you are indeed correct in thinking I would dismiss that idea - blasphemer!! ;)

She's been everywhere I've been and not even my wife could prevent me from parting with her! (Believe me, she's tried!)

I've attatched Henry's reply to the said e-mail (as he read this thread in order to know my needs)...


Hi Ben,
As promised, one last email before I head off to join the family or dinner. I read through your requirements and have a few thoughts:

As you well know a backpack isn't the most convenient thing to carry on a bicycle. Its just a strange form factor that doesn't fiet nicely on racks and so forth.

Have you considered a little trailer? That way you divide the packed load and your apparently considerable mass between bike and trailer. We have a lovely little trailer here from Carry Freedom: Y-frame small. It would fit your backpack (and whatever else you accumulate) perfectly and avoid having to build any strange constructions on the bike... or carrying that beast on your shoulders. I use one and think its great. You hardly even notice it behind you.
http://www.carryfreedom.com/Y-Frame.html

We've got one here, used a few times, that we'd sell. That plus a solid but simple bike and you're set to go. I'd have to check prices but I'll just say that they seem pricey until you see how elegant and solid and thoughtfully designed they are. Its in the "couple hundred to few hundred" range

In terms of bikes, I saw that somebody recommends our FR8. Yep, these are great: super strong, stable, reliable, modular, easy to service etc. They are also not cheap. About €1000 with front and rear carriers with 3-speed, hub dynamo etc. Sorry, FR8's not on our site yet - we sell all we can make anyway. If you want to stretch your budget you'l fall in love...

But if you're towing a trailer why not just a Secret Service or Opa city/utility bike (both on our site). Durable, comfy, invisible and something you'll enjoy daily for the next few decades. We've got plenty in stock and can finish one to your needs within a couple days notice. You'll probably need a 65cm frame and I think you'll prefer the extra beefiness of the Opa. I've attached a price list. Please note that we don't have any credit card machine here which usually means paying by cash for those with foreign bank cards.

Have a good flight over and probably see you soon.

Regards,
Henry

I do very much like the idea of his to have that small trailer behind... probably because I especially like the "look" of the Secret Service... however I bow to your wisdom, kind community, as to the practicality of such a suggestion?

Ben

P.S. I am not ignoring the other suggestions in this thread by any means, however I am yawning so much I can barely even see the screen right now, I will do my best to actually read what's been said here tomorrow at some point!

Thank you for all your kind words and interest.

My apologies for not replying any sooner, I am now back in Blighty, however I have not been this jetlagged since setting off to India in '00!

Still, I am coherent enough (just about) to say that yes, I have spoken to Henry at work cycles (seems very much to be a nice bloke), he's given me some food for thought regarding the tools I should be using for this next expedition.... oh, and yes, to those of you that suggested leaving the rucksack at home, you are indeed correct in thinking I would dismiss that idea - blasphemer!! ;)

She's been everywhere I've been and not even my wife could prevent me from parting with her! (Believe me, she's tried!)

I've attatched Henry's reply to the said e-mail (as he read this thread in order to know my needs)...


Hi Ben,
As promised, one last email before I head off to join the family or dinner. I read through your requirements and have a few thoughts:

As you well know a backpack isn't the most convenient thing to carry on a bicycle. Its just a strange form factor that doesn't fiet nicely on racks and so forth.

Have you considered a little trailer? That way you divide the packed load and your apparently considerable mass between bike and trailer. We have a lovely little trailer here from Carry Freedom: Y-frame small. It would fit your backpack (and whatever else you accumulate) perfectly and avoid having to build any strange constructions on the bike... or carrying that beast on your shoulders. I use one and think its great. You hardly even notice it behind you.
http://www.carryfreedom.com/Y-Frame.html

We've got one here, used a few times, that we'd sell. That plus a solid but simple bike and you're set to go. I'd have to check prices but I'll just say that they seem pricey until you see how elegant and solid and thoughtfully designed they are. Its in the "couple hundred to few hundred" range

In terms of bikes, I saw that somebody recommends our FR8. Yep, these are great: super strong, stable, reliable, modular, easy to service etc. They are also not cheap. About €1000 with front and rear carriers with 3-speed, hub dynamo etc. Sorry, FR8's not on our site yet - we sell all we can make anyway. If you want to stretch your budget you'l fall in love...

But if you're towing a trailer why not just a Secret Service or Opa city/utility bike (both on our site). Durable, comfy, invisible and something you'll enjoy daily for the next few decades. We've got plenty in stock and can finish one to your needs within a couple days notice. You'll probably need a 65cm frame and I think you'll prefer the extra beefiness of the Opa. I've attached a price list. Please note that we don't have any credit card machine here which usually means paying by cash for those with foreign bank cards.

Have a good flight over and probably see you soon.

Regards,
Henry

I do very much like the idea of his to have that small trailer behind... probably because I especially like the "look" of the Secret Service... however I bow to your wisdom, kind community, as to the practicality of such a suggestion?

Ben

P.S. I am not ignoring the other suggestions in this thread by any means, however I am yawning so much I can barely even see the screen right now, I will do my best to actually read what's been said here tomorrow at some point!

The trailer is great. I copyed this one when I made my flatbed.

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk51/badmother-bikes/GetAttachment3.jpg