Utility Cycling - Commercial ute bikes

I was driving down the street this mornins and saw a pair of beautiful utility bikes. The name on the side was Yuba Mundo. Anyone know anything about these bikes?

I found this Web site... It looks like it could be interesting.

http://yubaride.com/index.html

Looks a lot like an Xtracycle/Kona Ute to me.

Interesting bike design, I know I'd like one.

Looks a lot like an Xtracycle/Kona Ute to me.

Interesting bike design, I know I'd like one.

Same class of bike, and I like their philosophy and design.

Aaron:)

Yuba is one of the established players in the longbike market. I think some have pooh-poohed their gear-sets but they've always seemed respectable to me.

Yuba is one of the established players in the longbike market. I think some have pooh-poohed their gear-sets but they've always seemed respectable to me.

They are simple and durable. I am considering one their frames and adding a Nuvinci hub.

Aaron:)

I own of the Yuba Mundo bikes since May 07. I use it for running errands and hauling my kayak. I really like the Utility, and the frame stiffness. I have not had to many problems with the parts (entry level), but I have installed new brakes and different derailleur.

The BikeHacks Blog did a piece on them a few months ago. I like the look of these but they seem rather expensive for what they are.

At $800, its a bargain compared with a $3,000 Surly Big Dummy build.

At $800, its a bargain compared with a $3,000 Surly Big Dummy build.

...and a Kia is a bargain when compared to a Ferrari.

Compared to something more comperable [like a Kona Ute] it isn't a great value due to it's lower end components.

Maybe the comparison between a SUV and Pick-up truck would more appropriate here.
I don't think I'm going to ever use my Mundo for long adventure trips like I would probably use the Big Dummy. But for what I do with the Mundo, carrying boxes or a kayak, it works great. Also I don't worry as much about getting stolen.
Mybe the bike that co treker saw in Colorado.
http://longwalktogreen.blogspot.com/2009/01/yuba-mundo-wow.html

Regarding the Ute and the Mundo, it's like comparing a Sedan with a large trunk and a pick-up truck. Components on the Ute are somewhat nicer but the Yuba-Mundo utility is far superior I think.

Back when the Big Dummy seemed to be "Alice's Jam", I considered both the Kona Ute and Yuba Mundo, but I'm glad I held out for the Big Dummy, if only because I can use Xtracycle accessories and could add a StokeMonkey.