Utility Cycling - CETMA Cargo Bike

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3327/4619995200_40ae3268ab_b.jpg

I got to ride with my buddy and his CETMA cargo rig yesterday (http://thelazyrando.wordpress.com/2010/05/18/cetma-cargo-bike/).

It was a lot of fun and I can see how a cargo basket and flat deck would come in real handy sometimes...:thumb: I'm going to investigate a bit more and I may add a CETMA to my fleet if I sell a bike or two to make room and raise the $$$.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4049/4619379681_f637e72f98_b.jpg

More photos... (http://www.flickr.com/photos/vikapproved/sets/72157624089412736/)

Nice bike, nice sunny day, and lovely cargo your carrying in the pink hat ;) She looks to be having fun.

Regards
Tom

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4048/4619972227_a50d0dffce_b.jpg

Well she seemed to enjoy riding with her Dad more than when I was driving....:eek:;)

Ordered my CETMA rig today...:thumb:

http://thelazyrando.wordpress.com/2010/06/04/thorn-sold-cetma-ordered/

Awesome setup vik, glad to see you sticking with the rohloff. Can't wait to see pictures of it in use. :D

i so want one of these. i have been staring at the photos on his site every couple days since last summer.

Less than 2 weeks until I have a CETMA frame in my hot little hands. I think I have all the bits I need to build it up straight away...:thumb:

The Harry vs Larry cargo bike is a cool one too .. Danes designed it, they get it made in Taiwan,
welded of custom shaped aluminum and the whole frame is heat treated .

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4079/4927349340_29d8041dcc_z.jpg

I'm starting my CETMA build (http://www.flickr.com/photos/vikapproved/sets/72157624682241141/with/4927349340/)....:thumb:

Looks great! I see there have been some improvements since I got mine. You are really going to enjoy it.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4077/4930176319_f8a65d5925_z.jpg

Got the front wheel w/ 60mm Big Apple installed as well as the front brakes.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4095/4932630622_728e727369_b.jpg

She's rolling now...:love:

Fenders and lights next...:thumb:

looking at this is sure to get me in trouble with the wife....

Sweeeet setup!


http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4095/4932630622_728e727369_b.jpg

She's rolling now...:love:

Fenders and lights next...:thumb:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1KblF46ANc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZOGNb9auLg&NR=1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3XUb5Rn948

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQQP86ts9T8&feature=related

Hi Vik,

Any idea what it weighs as you've got it configured there? I'm REALLY jealous.

Hi Vik,

Any idea what it weighs as you've got it configured there? I'm REALLY jealous.

Hola Walt...no idea! It's definitely the heaviest bike I own so I'm guessing 50-60lbs. I've done some steep hills with a cart full of groceries in the box and thanks to my trusty Rohloff getting up was no problem.

If you are into CETMA porn - check out Greg's orange rig. (http://thelazyrando.wordpress.com/2010/09/07/gregs-cetma-cargo-bike/)...:thumb:

how steep?

i look at these bikes and go "oooo i want one" but...

i live on a hilltop and have a mile long 8% grade to get back up if i go anywhere.

how steep?

i look at these bikes and go "oooo i want one" but...

i live on a hilltop and have a mile long 8% grade to get back up if i go anywhere.

If I remember I'll measure the incline next time. I've climbed some of the steepest hills in Calgary with a 120lbs+ passenger on my Big Dummy. Basically if you have a low gear similar to a mtn bike and spin your way up you'll be surprised how much cargo you can get uphill.

If the climb home is too challenging you can always add some electric assist to your cargo bike.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4108/4964392690_978cd15d96_b.jpg

Here are my thoughts so far (http://thelazyrando.wordpress.com/2010/09/08/cetma-impressions/)....:)

Well she seemed to enjoy riding with her Dad more than when I was driving....:eek:;)

LOL, she assumed a crash position :D

I've started seeing one of these on my commute, we usually pass each other on the bridge going in the opposite directions so I can't have a closer look or ask him. But I'm pretty sure it's the same frame. He also carries his small daughter on it (in it?). It's great for carrying kids since you can keep an eye on them all the time. This bike is undeniably cool, but I'd opt for a Big Dummy for myself, since I have no kids, it's more versatile.

Adam

LOL, she assumed a crash position :D

I've started seeing one of these on my commute, we usually pass each other on the bridge going in the opposite directions so I can't have a closer look or ask him. But I'm pretty sure it's the same frame. He also carries his small daughter on it (in it?). It's great for carrying kids since you can keep an eye on them all the time. This bike is undeniably cool, but I'd opt for a Big Dummy for myself, since I have no kids, it's more versatile.

Adam

Adam - the BD = a cargo BIKE and the CETMA = a CARGO bike. Both are cool but the BD is better if you want a bike to ride unloaded a bunch that can also carry cargo. If you need to haul really heavy loads I think the CETMA is a better choice.

What is the CETMA bike rated for? BD is 400lbs (cargo plus rider), right? I can hardly imagine being able to haul 200lbs on a bike. I'm not a weakling, but that seems like a freaking lot :eek: The CETMA bike seems great for large bulky items due to the flat platform.

200 lbs isn't as bad as you might think. with the BD on flat ground, the biggest challenge is getting it loaded without tipping it over, but with practice this gets easier. I think the most weight I have put on the bike itself is 300 pounds of cement. You knew it was there, but it was really pretty easy to manage.

I'd be surprised if the CETMA couldn't take at least double the payload of the BD.

I think my concern with hill climbing on the CETMA or a bakfiets would be those hills where I need to stand up on the pedals to get up the hill. It looks like that might not work too well, but may just be the look of it. I guess I need to try one out.

Seriously? Maybe I'll be able to try that myself one day. My next bike will definitely be a Big Dummy. It's probably worth getting the Xtracycle Kickback kickstand for the BD. I've seen some people modding it to make it even wider.

There is no established load limit on the CETMA....Lane was talking about 400lbs was the max hauled so far, but he can't afford to destroy a bike just to see what it could haul. I suspect I would never haul more than 300lbs. But the CETMA can take that in one square shape whereas if you loaded even 150lbs on just one side of a BD you'd have some fun trying to pedal it in a straight line!

Also keep in mind it's not simply a matter do how much weight you can carry that determines a cargo bike's capabilities, but how you carry your cargo, ease of loading and ease of riding.

I am not sure what the absolute limit might be, but how often do you really need to haul more than a bin full of gravel or logs?. I have done both and the CETMA bike stays rideable. As for hills, I can get it up 500m (1/3 mile) of 15% grade when it is mostly empty (mine is the green bike with the cute toddler) or up a mile or so of 8% with a couple of hundred pounds in the bin. I have a 33 tooth chainring and 34 tooth cog as my lowest gear.

It's probably worth getting the Xtracycle Kickback kickstand for the BD. I've seen some people modding it to make it even wider.

http://thelazyrando.wordpress.com/2010/09/03/xtracycle-kickback-review/

http://thelazyrando.wordpress.com/2010/04/14/diy-uber-stable-kickback/

I am not sure what the absolute limit might be, but how often do you really need to haul more than a bin full of gravel or logs?. I have done both and the CETMA bike stays rideable. As for hills, I can get it up 500m (1/3 mile) of 15% grade when it is mostly empty (mine is the green bike with the cute toddler) or up a mile or so of 8% with a couple of hundred pounds in the bin. I have a 33 tooth chainring and 34 tooth cog as my lowest gear.

Good point. I find that size and shape are a bigger issue for me than weight. Groceries go into my CETMA a lot easier than my Big Dummy - although both can carry them. A 11'surfboard is easier to carry on my Big Dummy than the CETMA.

http://thelazyrando.wordpress.com/2010/09/03/xtracycle-kickback-review/

http://thelazyrando.wordpress.com/2010/04/14/diy-uber-stable-kickback/

So you're not totally impressed with the Kickback? I wonder how/if it'll affect me (when I eventually get to build my BD :rolleyes: ) I don't see myself swapping the wide loaders a lot. I don't even plan to get them at first, maybe later.

So you're not totally impressed with the Kickback? I wonder how/if it'll affect me (when I eventually get to build my BD :rolleyes: ) I don't see myself swapping the wide loaders a lot. I don't even plan to get them at first, maybe later.

I don't use the Footsies at all and use the Wideloaders only occasionally, so I find the Kickback is OK.

So you're not totally impressed with the Kickback? I wonder how/if it'll affect me (when I eventually get to build my BD :rolleyes: ) I don't see myself swapping the wide loaders a lot. I don't even plan to get them at first, maybe later.


I don't use the Footsies at all and use the Wideloaders only occasionally, so I find the Kickback is OK.

As I note in my review...if you don't need Footsies and don't use or don't remove your Wideloaders often you shouldn't have much issue with the stand. There are some negative comments regarding chain rub with IGHs and corrosion due to salt in winter...depending where you live and how your bike is setup that may or may not be an issue.

Personally I use my Wideloaders often as the Freeloader bags can only hold a limited amount securely. I also don't want to ride a bike that is 5' wide all the time to avoid the hassle with the Kickback nor can I get my BD into the yard and its storage location with Wideloaders attached.

Of course if you aren't using Wideloaders perhaps you don't need a centerstand in the first place? My $7 side mounted kickstand has held up to a lot of hard use.

However, I don't have kids and only carry adult passengers.

Vik, I gotta say, your setup is one of the most beautiful I've seen. The black/white contrast somehow enhances the triangles in the frame. I'm so happy to read your review/feedback and see the bike in action.

It KILLS me that I wasn't set up to install one of these:

http://26.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l9kdvudFaH1qzwy97o1_r1_400.jpg

Nonetheless, your bike sounds like it's getting a good workout. I'm sending a cover and new bushings to you this week, and I'll see if I can get a 20" wheel together...

Your daughter is SO cute!

I saw at least one of these bikes on Highway 1 in California last month. Lots bike tourists, many of them on various types of long bikes.

Tom

I replaced my kick back cheapo bungee thing with another bungee cord and the kick back works great, now. I just happened to have a bunch of bungees of different lengths at my disposal.

I really love the CETMA and wish I could justify the expense.

Pardon the rookie question, but how much does it cost to complete a CETMA cargo bike with average grade components?

Pardon the rookie question, but how much does it cost to complete a CETMA cargo bike with average grade components?

http://cetmacargo.com/

Frame is ~$1850...total build cost really depends on what you go with. Most LBS will offer a deep discount on parts if you are buying a complete build kit. You could also scavenge parts of old bikes to good effect.

I'll also add that the frame uses standard components all around, so one could really pull nearly everything from an old mountain bike, throw them on the CETMA, and go.

Thanks for the replies. Beyond the cost of the frame what does it cost to complete the bike with average components?

Thanks for the replies. Beyond the cost of the frame what does it cost to complete the bike with average components?

There is no single answer. You'd have to go down to your LBS and ask them what they'd sell a build kit to you for or price one out at an online shop.

You guys must be politicians.

You guys must be politicians.

I just don't feel like spending an hour adding up prices at an online bike shop so I can come back here and give you an answer that won't be the same as what you end up with. If you want the answer do the work yourself...not only will you appreciate all the options available, but your answer will actually be helpful to you since it will contain parts you actually want.

Try Speedgoat: http://www.speedgoat.com/

They have a build kit on special that is $717 - you'll need wheels and tires on top of that.

If you want something more specific start adding up the costs of parts at Speedgoat one by one.

So about $3000 for everything including shipping?

Cargo biking is a rich man's game...

A bike + trailer can haul more weight with fewer handling issues, for a fraction of the cost...

Cargo bikes are really cool but I'm glad there is a cheaper, better way to haul freight with human power.

So about $3000 for everything including shipping?

Cargo biking is a rich man's game...

A bike + trailer can haul more weight with fewer handling issues, for a fraction of the cost...

Cargo bikes are really cool but I'm glad there is a cheaper, better way to haul freight with human power.

For a bike hand built in small numbers in the US yes they aren't cheap. If you want a cargo bike built in China the costs come way down. A trailer works for some loads, but definitely not all. One of my main cargo loads is people and other CETMA owners haul their young children around so they want to keep and eye on them as well as communicate with them.

I have owned 2 cargo trailers. I sold one and keep the other, but haven't used it in years. A dedicated cargo bike is much easier to use and handles better. I would never go back to trailers personally.

I don't believe a big load (300-400 pounds) handles better on a bike than on a trailer, but I'll never know for sure.

Enjoy the ride. You are very fortunate to have such a nice bike and the precious cargo. :)

I wouldn't want you to spend any time at all figuring out exactly what it would cost. Maybe I wasn't being clear enough. I am very new at this. I didn't even know about speedgoat. I did find Nashbar and they have build kits that can be had from 800 to 1000. That's all I was asking for, just a WAG ballpark number. Point two: As a new guy I don't know the parts needed to complete a bike so adding it up at speed goat doesn't help much. I have been spending a lot of time at Barnes and Noble reading and trying to figure all this out. I have also ordered the Park book. Sorry if I'm not as smart as you.

I wouldn't want you to spend any time at all figuring out exactly what it would cost. Maybe I wasn't being clear enough. I am very new at this. I didn't even know about speedgoat. I did find Nashbar and they have build kits that can be had from 800 to 1000. That's all I was asking for, just a WAG ballpark number. Point two: As a new guy I don't know the parts needed to complete a bike so adding it up at speed goat doesn't help much. I have been spending a lot of time at Barnes and Noble reading and trying to figure all this out. I have also ordered the Park book. Sorry if I'm not as smart as you.

It's basically using the same parts as a regular mountain bike with disk brakes, except for the front wheel. You'd have to have someone build you a 20" front disk wheel, but otherwise, just about anything would work as long as it's geared low enough.

Also: good lord, I love these bikes. I wish I could afford one as well. Simply fantastic, and several really good design improvements over the bakfiets.

I wouldn't want you to spend any time at all figuring out exactly what it would cost. Maybe I wasn't being clear enough. I am very new at this. I didn't even know about speedgoat. I did find Nashbar and they have build kits that can be had from 800 to 1000. That's all I was asking for, just a WAG ballpark number. Point two: As a new guy I don't know the parts needed to complete a bike so adding it up at speed goat doesn't help much. I have been spending a lot of time at Barnes and Noble reading and trying to figure all this out. I have also ordered the Park book. Sorry if I'm not as smart as you.

Apparently you were smart enough when you bothered to look for the answer yourself. $800-$1000 is certainly in WAG territory.