Bike Friday Haul a Day and rough roads
#26
Hack
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 1,251
Bikes: TrueNorth CX bike, 88 Bianchi Strada (currently Sturmey'd), 90's Giant Innova (now with drop bars), Yess World Cup race BMX, Redline Proline Pro24 race BMX Cruiser
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 343 Post(s)
Liked 181 Times
in
127 Posts
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.
#27
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Western Florida
Posts: 1,581
Bikes: 2017 Kona TI, 2016 Bike Friday Haul-A-Day, 2015 Bike Friday New World Tourist (for sale), 2011 Mezzo D9, 2004 Marin Mount Vision Pro - for now :)
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 103 Post(s)
Liked 5 Times
in
5 Posts
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!
Last edited by Ridefreemc; 01-20-17 at 07:45 AM.
#28
Jet Jockey
Thread Starter
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.
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.
__________________
Good night...and good luck
Good night...and good luck
#29
Jet Jockey
Thread Starter
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
https://www.urkai.com/wp-content/uplo...ed-650x400.jpg
Can't wait! Expecting mine in March!
__________________
Good night...and good luck
Good night...and good luck
#30
Jet Jockey
Thread Starter
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.
__________________
Good night...and good luck
Good night...and good luck
#31
Senior member
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Oakville Ontario
Posts: 8,108
Mentioned: 25 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 937 Post(s)
Liked 652 Times
in
367 Posts
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.
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.
#32
Banned
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..
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..
#33
Jet Jockey
Thread Starter
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..
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..
__________________
Good night...and good luck
Good night...and good luck
#34
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Western Florida
Posts: 1,581
Bikes: 2017 Kona TI, 2016 Bike Friday Haul-A-Day, 2015 Bike Friday New World Tourist (for sale), 2011 Mezzo D9, 2004 Marin Mount Vision Pro - for now :)
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 103 Post(s)
Liked 5 Times
in
5 Posts
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.
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.
#35
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Western Florida
Posts: 1,581
Bikes: 2017 Kona TI, 2016 Bike Friday Haul-A-Day, 2015 Bike Friday New World Tourist (for sale), 2011 Mezzo D9, 2004 Marin Mount Vision Pro - for now :)
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 103 Post(s)
Liked 5 Times
in
5 Posts
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.
#36
Jet Jockey
Thread Starter
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.
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.
__________________
Good night...and good luck
Good night...and good luck
#37
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Western Florida
Posts: 1,581
Bikes: 2017 Kona TI, 2016 Bike Friday Haul-A-Day, 2015 Bike Friday New World Tourist (for sale), 2011 Mezzo D9, 2004 Marin Mount Vision Pro - for now :)
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 103 Post(s)
Liked 5 Times
in
5 Posts
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.
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.
#38
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Western Florida
Posts: 1,581
Bikes: 2017 Kona TI, 2016 Bike Friday Haul-A-Day, 2015 Bike Friday New World Tourist (for sale), 2011 Mezzo D9, 2004 Marin Mount Vision Pro - for now :)
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 103 Post(s)
Liked 5 Times
in
5 Posts
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.
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.
#39
Jet Jockey
Thread Starter
@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.
#40
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Western Florida
Posts: 1,581
Bikes: 2017 Kona TI, 2016 Bike Friday Haul-A-Day, 2015 Bike Friday New World Tourist (for sale), 2011 Mezzo D9, 2004 Marin Mount Vision Pro - for now :)
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 103 Post(s)
Liked 5 Times
in
5 Posts
@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.
#41
Senior Member
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
Link: https://www.tinyhelmetsbigbikes.com/u...46703_orig.jpg
#42
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Western Florida
Posts: 1,581
Bikes: 2017 Kona TI, 2016 Bike Friday Haul-A-Day, 2015 Bike Friday New World Tourist (for sale), 2011 Mezzo D9, 2004 Marin Mount Vision Pro - for now :)
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 103 Post(s)
Liked 5 Times
in
5 Posts
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
Link: https://www.tinyhelmetsbigbikes.com/u...46703_orig.jpg
BF frequently modifies what they do based on what they learn, so those might now be available.
#43
Jet Jockey
Thread Starter
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.
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.
__________________
Good night...and good luck
Good night...and good luck
#44
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Western Florida
Posts: 1,581
Bikes: 2017 Kona TI, 2016 Bike Friday Haul-A-Day, 2015 Bike Friday New World Tourist (for sale), 2011 Mezzo D9, 2004 Marin Mount Vision Pro - for now :)
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 103 Post(s)
Liked 5 Times
in
5 Posts
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.
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.
#45
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Western Florida
Posts: 1,581
Bikes: 2017 Kona TI, 2016 Bike Friday Haul-A-Day, 2015 Bike Friday New World Tourist (for sale), 2011 Mezzo D9, 2004 Marin Mount Vision Pro - for now :)
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 103 Post(s)
Liked 5 Times
in
5 Posts
@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.
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!
#46
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Western Florida
Posts: 1,581
Bikes: 2017 Kona TI, 2016 Bike Friday Haul-A-Day, 2015 Bike Friday New World Tourist (for sale), 2011 Mezzo D9, 2004 Marin Mount Vision Pro - for now :)
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 103 Post(s)
Liked 5 Times
in
5 Posts
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.
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.
#47
Jet Jockey
Thread Starter
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!
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!
__________________
Good night...and good luck
Good night...and good luck
#48
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Western Florida
Posts: 1,581
Bikes: 2017 Kona TI, 2016 Bike Friday Haul-A-Day, 2015 Bike Friday New World Tourist (for sale), 2011 Mezzo D9, 2004 Marin Mount Vision Pro - for now :)
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 103 Post(s)
Liked 5 Times
in
5 Posts
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!
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!
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.
#49
Banned
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..
...
I need to switch the R'off cables to match the i9, which I cannot reverse.. 1st then clockwise upward..
...