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Bike Friday Haul a Day and rough roads

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Bike Friday Haul a Day and rough roads

Old 01-19-17, 08:59 PM
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Originally Posted by Ridefreemc
Yeah the idea of them sounds cool and they look all neat and compact, but I just go back to the tried and true derailleur system. I have well over 100,000 miles on my various bikes (total) and don't ever remember an issue with any of them.
I will say I've asploded one rear derailleur - I think it was original on my 88 Bianchi Strada, did some sort of weird shearing at the pivot pin this past summer. Had to ride to the transitway loose chain and throw the bike on the front of the bus.
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Old 01-20-17, 07:29 AM
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Originally Posted by Viich
I will say I've asploded one rear derailleur - I think it was original on my 88 Bianchi Strada, did some sort of weird shearing at the pivot pin this past summer. Had to ride to the transitway loose chain and throw the bike on the front of the bus.
That doesn't sound like fun.

BTW - I sold my Big Dummy yesterday so my sig line has been modified, but not shortened Adding the Haul-A-Day to replace the BD!

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Old 01-20-17, 10:55 AM
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Originally Posted by Dan Burkhart
So you never got that resolved, huh?
Nope. After a terse e-mail exchange, the original retailer finally offered to take the hub back. So I broke down the wheel and sent it in, in exchange for credit which got me enough parts to rebuild my bike on a derailler drivetrain.

I finally reached the point of frustration where I didn't even want a core swap. Just wanted to never look at the thing again. Almost want to swap my Alfine dynohub to one that doesn't say "Alfine", just so I don't have the name anywhere on my bike. But that would be silly.

Currently working the rebuild, which means my nice Ritchey has been pressed into winter duty. Not happy about it, but I lost my mind after more grinding spins in 5th gear on the Alfine.

I love the IDEA of hub gears, particularly for the conditions I ride in right now. Sure wish that thing had worked for me.
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Old 01-20-17, 10:57 AM
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Originally Posted by Ridefreemc
By the way, I was looking at the rear portion of the HAD and noticed that the beefed up frame has a double triangle formed by the extra frame piece (in front of the rear wheel) and completes the second triangle towards the rear. I think that is why the bike is so stable with a load. the load doesn't compress downward due to this structure.

https://www.urkai.com/wp-content/uplo...ed-650x400.jpg
On your recommendation, I too went with the heavy duty frame. What's one more pound on a cargo bike, right? Plus, the bike will be that much more capable of hauling a 5th barrel of beer, or two toddlers.

Can't wait! Expecting mine in March!
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Old 01-20-17, 11:00 AM
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So I was thinking about putting a dynohub on my Haul-a-day, but where would I put the light? I'm going to have the front platform, which will eliminate any fork mount possibility. I suppose I could wind the cable all the way up the steerer to a handlebar mount, but that seems inelegant. Plus, the B&M lights seem to be optimized for a fork crown mount.
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Old 01-20-17, 11:07 AM
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Originally Posted by Banzai
Nope. After a terse e-mail exchange, the original retailer finally offered to take the hub back. So I broke down the wheel and sent it in, in exchange for credit which got me enough parts to rebuild my bike on a derailler drivetrain.

I finally reached the point of frustration where I didn't even want a core swap. Just wanted to never look at the thing again. Almost want to swap my Alfine dynohub to one that doesn't say "Alfine", just so I don't have the name anywhere on my bike. But that would be silly.

Currently working the rebuild, which means my nice Ritchey has been pressed into winter duty. Not happy about it, but I lost my mind after more grinding spins in 5th gear on the Alfine.

I love the IDEA of hub gears, particularly for the conditions I ride in right now. Sure wish that thing had worked for me.
Sorry you had that experience. I understand your frustration. I wish I had the opportunity to do the forensics on that hub. I'm betting there was an assembly error.
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Old 01-20-17, 02:39 PM
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I have my Bike Friday with a headlight mount where the handle bar mast bottom and the top of the headset meet..

You with that big front rack could have a light mount added , the the rack finish re done..

Or Planet Bike Super flash Dynamo uses the same handlebar mount as their Battery lights..
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Old 01-20-17, 03:36 PM
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Originally Posted by fietsbob
I have my Bike Friday with a headlight mount where the handle bar mast bottom and the top of the headset meet..

You with that big front rack could have a light mount added , the the rack finish re done..

Or Planet Bike Super flash Dynamo uses the same handlebar mount as their Battery lights..
I've been thinking that the best bet is probably to add a mount to the underside of the platform. Or put together a handlebar mount for the B&M. I strongly prefer the B&M lights to the Planet Bike dynamo light, so am likely going that way.
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Old 01-21-17, 07:17 AM
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If you are going with disks there will be the leftover brake braise ons at the fork. It would be a little lower than the fork crown, but you may be able to use that somehow. If you are getting the basket you may be able to fashion an elegant light mount for that to. The light will only shine straight though, as the rack it attached to the frame and not the turning portion of the bike (which I'm sure you are aware of).

Another thing I've noticed on the HAD is that the lower (very low) standover height is quite helpful when you have a load. You cannot balance the bike with your legs when straddling the top tube like the Big Dummy, but getting on and off is much better. Less of a balancing act. Funny that the first few times on either of my Bike Fridays I almost dropped the bike when I straddled it and forgot that the top tube (bar) didn't help that at all!

Also, that triangle that is formed by the extra tubes on the heavier duty frame not only help in reducing up and down flex, but also torsional flex. That to me (i.e., torsional flex) is the worst part of carrying a load, as the front of the bike has to compensate for movement in the rear of the bike. That means that you need to steer in the direction of the flex, making you zig zag a little down the road.

Lastly (for now), my Kryptonite Keeper chain lock loops twice perfectly around the rear of the rack, so I can place it there and forget it.
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Old 01-21-17, 07:21 AM
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Originally Posted by Banzai
On your recommendation, I too went with the heavy duty frame. What's one more pound on a cargo bike, right? Plus, the bike will be that much more capable of hauling a 5th barrel of beer, or two toddlers.

Can't wait! Expecting mine in March!
In my opinion that is the way to go. Especially given the beer load expected Of course I have not compared it to the standard frame, but I have enough experience with cargo bikes to know what I like and the extra bracing (including upgraded headset) is better.

March will be here before you know it too!

BTW - what color did you choose? I like the orange, but that red is cool too.

By the way, I am a little confused about what constitutes the standard duty frame when I look at pictures. Many HADs show that the triangular frame pieces (top of rack towards the bottom bracket) missing, and the vertical pieces on either side of the rear rack as missing too. Maybe they made some design changes on the standard bike from the first models? Anyway, this is from their website which shows both models with the two bar brace:

https://www.bikefriday.com/folding-b...pecifications/

Here is a picture from the web (notice no support frame piece - two bars - from the rack downward towards the crank):

https://www.tinyhelmetsbigbikes.com/u...46703_orig.jpg

This one is way different (notice the frame attachment towards the rack does not extend to the main tube and it is not parallel with the main tube either. Also, not short brace across the top (where you might normally connect a brake):

https://www.bikefriday.com/userfiles/hauladay.web.jpg

Regardless of the changes as the model progressed, the frame I have works great.

Last edited by Ridefreemc; 01-21-17 at 11:06 AM.
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Old 01-21-17, 03:08 PM
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I ordered the orange frame. It will be a good companion for my orange Ritchey.

I guess I'll commit to buying the dynohub and building the front wheel on it, and figure out the light mounting options when the frame gets here. If I don't rig up something for the platform, I bet I can use that brake boss like you mentioned.
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Old 01-21-17, 04:55 PM
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Originally Posted by Banzai
I ordered the orange frame. It will be a good companion for my orange Ritchey.

I guess I'll commit to buying the dynohub and building the front wheel on it, and figure out the light mounting options when the frame gets here. If I don't rig up something for the platform, I bet I can use that brake boss like you mentioned.
Also, there is a mid form braise on for lowrider front racks. I purchased a thingy that bolts into that and it is handlebar size for mounting a light.
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Old 01-24-17, 07:32 AM
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Originally Posted by Ridefreemc
In my opinion that is the way to go. Especially given the beer load expected Of course I have not compared it to the standard frame, but I have enough experience with cargo bikes to know what I like and the extra bracing (including upgraded headset) is better.

March will be here before you know it too!

BTW - what color did you choose? I like the orange, but that red is cool too.

By the way, I am a little confused about what constitutes the standard duty frame when I look at pictures. Many HADs show that the triangular frame pieces (top of rack towards the bottom bracket) missing, and the vertical pieces on either side of the rear rack as missing too. Maybe they made some design changes on the standard bike from the first models? Anyway, this is from their website which shows both models with the two bar brace:

https://www.bikefriday.com/folding-b...pecifications/

Here is a picture from the web (notice no support frame piece - two bars - from the rack downward towards the crank):

https://www.tinyhelmetsbigbikes.com/u...46703_orig.jpg

This one is way different (notice the frame attachment towards the rack does not extend to the main tube and it is not parallel with the main tube either. Also, not short brace across the top (where you might normally connect a brake):

https://www.bikefriday.com/userfiles/hauladay.web.jpg

Regardless of the changes as the model progressed, the frame I have works great.
So I spoke to my contact at BF and we talked about the differing versions of the HAD that have evolved from the beginning. My frame is different than what they show on their website now, but it was the HD frame at the time - the first version of it. That is, beefed up forks, head seat, thicker tubes, etc. The newest version seems to have stronger rear rack supports as well. All good in my opinion.
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Old 01-29-17, 04:14 PM
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@Ridefreemc , are you using your Xtracycle bags, or the BF Haul-a-Day bags? The pics of the BF bags look like they're just open ended slings.
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Old 01-29-17, 06:52 PM
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Originally Posted by Banzai
@Ridefreemc , are you using your Xtracycle bags, or the BF Haul-a-Day bags? The pics of the BF bags look like they're just open ended slings.
Using a backpack at the moment as it is fairly cool out, plus the HAD bags only look like slings. I think stuff would fall out. The Xtracycle bags are very well thought out and I'd like to try them out. The Surly bags are useful, but a PITA to use. My parents are both in trouble health-wise so as soon as I can get some free space and time I'll switch the bags from the XC. However as I said, the HAD bags don't look like something I'll pursue.
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Old 02-05-17, 11:55 AM
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Are these Bike Friday produced handlebars? They are interesting, I like how the mirrors and such are mounted off that front bit.

Link: https://www.tinyhelmetsbigbikes.com/u...46703_orig.jpg
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Old 02-06-17, 09:30 AM
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Originally Posted by wesmamyke
Are these Bike Friday produced handlebars? They are interesting, I like how the mirrors and such are mounted off that front bit.

Link: https://www.tinyhelmetsbigbikes.com/u...46703_orig.jpg
Those look similar to what they call their "H-bars." That H-bars hand position are at 90 degrees to the other part of the bar though. Although the ones that I have on my NWT look like they are more extended towards the front of the bike (the grip area). I had bar-ends on them that would not allow a mirror in the ends.

BF frequently modifies what they do based on what they learn, so those might now be available.
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Old 02-06-17, 09:58 AM
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I'm making a handlebar decision now. Very tempted to do drop bars...drops are my favorite for most applications, and the telescoping frame fit of the HaD makes it possible to size the frame for drop bars, where other cargo bikes can't do that.

The only potential pitfall may be that drops don't offer me the leverage I need to steer a heavy load. So perhaps a swept flat bar, like the Soma Clarence, or even something more cruiser-like, such as the FSA Metropolis.

Choices, choices.
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Old 02-06-17, 04:24 PM
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Originally Posted by Banzai
I'm making a handlebar decision now. Very tempted to do drop bars...drops are my favorite for most applications, and the telescoping frame fit of the HaD makes it possible to size the frame for drop bars, where other cargo bikes can't do that.

The only potential pitfall may be that drops don't offer me the leverage I need to steer a heavy load. So perhaps a swept flat bar, like the Soma Clarence, or even something more cruiser-like, such as the FSA Metropolis.

Choices, choices.
I had the Metropolis on my BD and that was a comfortable bar. They don't sweep back too far, like some bars that actually put you behind the center of the stem, of course depending on how long a stem you use (squirly ride). Good hand positions and better than drops for leverage. The best leverage has been flat bars with bar ends. I have the H-bars from my NWT that give good options (not as comfortable as the Metrops or the drop bars), but either way you go you'll likely need to retrain your riding style if you should decide to stand and peddle. The 20 inch wheels take some getting used to for sure. Once you smooth out your style you can do it, but it takes practice, especially with a load.
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Old 02-23-17, 12:47 PM
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Originally Posted by Banzai
@Ridefreemc , are you using your Xtracycle bags, or the BF Haul-a-Day bags? The pics of the BF bags look like they're just open ended slings.
Banzai not sure you got my PM so I'll repeat here.

I put one of my Xtracycle bags on the HAD and it fit perfect. I think actually better than on the Xtracycle. They are way better bags than the Big Dummy too. The BD bags were a pain to use.

So, these are staying on the HAD!
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Old 04-10-17, 07:33 PM
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Originally Posted by Banzai
I'm making a handlebar decision now. Very tempted to do drop bars...drops are my favorite for most applications, and the telescoping frame fit of the HaD makes it possible to size the frame for drop bars, where other cargo bikes can't do that.

The only potential pitfall may be that drops don't offer me the leverage I need to steer a heavy load. So perhaps a swept flat bar, like the Soma Clarence, or even something more cruiser-like, such as the FSA Metropolis.

Choices, choices.
So did you get the new wheels?
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Old 05-03-17, 10:41 AM
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Originally Posted by Ridefreemc
So did you get the new wheels?
I'm a couple of days into using my new Haul-a-Day now. Haven't moved more pure cargo than light groceries. Heaviest load has been my 8 year old going to school. The two littlest have also been for rides, but not together yet, because I'm wary of attempted murder by one on the other.

So for mine, I basically took delivery of the frame and some of the HaD specific parts. Built my own wheels, and kitted it out with a 10 speed Tiagra drivetrain, on the flat-bar shifters. Front is built on a dynohub, though I haven't purchased the light yet. Bought the Extracycle "magic carpet" for the kids, thought I'm using the HaD "Whoopie deux" so I can stand the bike on end. Currently using the HaD bags, though I think Extracycle ones may be in my future.

A lot of fun. Tighter turn radius than the Dummy I test rode. The upright storage is a HUGE plus, and was the tipping point in buying this model. The kids absolutely love it, and my 8 year old asks now every day if she can ride the HaD to school. It gets lots of notice there too, with other kids asking for rides, and commenting on what a cool bike it is.

The front end sometimes feels light and squirrely/wobbly when starting under load, particularly when over-geared. Helps to anticipate those shifts and be ready for the start after a stop. When pushing hard, or especially when standing to pedal, there is a noticeable wiggle or twist in the back with my 8 year old riding the deck. Don't know how this compares to bikes like the Dummy, since I never rode a Dummy with a load. It's slightly disconcerting at first, but didn't take much adjustment to get used to. I have the heavy duty back end on the bike as well.

So far it's two big thumbs up! Right now it's doing great with its primary purpose of trucking kids around. Haven't gone particularly far with the littlest one (2.5 years old) because I have concerns about him nodding off and falling out. I don't want to get a Yepp (though I may have to) because the Yepp will preclude my oldest from riding easily, and will prevent the bike from being stored on end.

Next task: major grocery haul!
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Old 05-03-17, 03:09 PM
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Originally Posted by Banzai
I'm a couple of days into using my new Haul-a-Day now. Haven't moved more pure cargo than light groceries. Heaviest load has been my 8 year old going to school. The two littlest have also been for rides, but not together yet, because I'm wary of attempted murder by one on the other.

So for mine, I basically took delivery of the frame and some of the HaD specific parts. Built my own wheels, and kitted it out with a 10 speed Tiagra drivetrain, on the flat-bar shifters. Front is built on a dynohub, though I haven't purchased the light yet. Bought the Extracycle "magic carpet" for the kids, thought I'm using the HaD "Whoopie deux" so I can stand the bike on end. Currently using the HaD bags, though I think Extracycle ones may be in my future.

A lot of fun. Tighter turn radius than the Dummy I test rode. The upright storage is a HUGE plus, and was the tipping point in buying this model. The kids absolutely love it, and my 8 year old asks now every day if she can ride the HaD to school. It gets lots of notice there too, with other kids asking for rides, and commenting on what a cool bike it is.

The front end sometimes feels light and squirrely/wobbly when starting under load, particularly when over-geared. Helps to anticipate those shifts and be ready for the start after a stop. When pushing hard, or especially when standing to pedal, there is a noticeable wiggle or twist in the back with my 8 year old riding the deck. Don't know how this compares to bikes like the Dummy, since I never rode a Dummy with a load. It's slightly disconcerting at first, but didn't take much adjustment to get used to. I have the heavy duty back end on the bike as well.

So far it's two big thumbs up! Right now it's doing great with its primary purpose of trucking kids around. Haven't gone particularly far with the littlest one (2.5 years old) because I have concerns about him nodding off and falling out. I don't want to get a Yepp (though I may have to) because the Yepp will preclude my oldest from riding easily, and will prevent the bike from being stored on end.

Next task: major grocery haul!
The Big Dummy rear was way more twisty than the BD. I think it takes a little getting used to on any cargo bike with a load. Although my Xtracycle has the least twist I think the BF is the best all-round cargo bike.

Glad you like it!

EDIT- you stand and pedal with a load!? Wow, I don't think I'm talented enough to do that! More power to you.

Last edited by Ridefreemc; 05-04-17 at 01:50 PM.
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Old 05-06-17, 08:55 AM
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I have a Rohloff in my Pocket Llama.. just got a BF Tikit with a Sram I 9.

I need to switch the R'off cables to match the i9, which I cannot reverse.. 1st then clockwise upward..



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