DaleW

I wanted ONE bike to use for urban errands, rail-trails and shorts tours with camping. Fit wise, I have a long torso and short legs and arms so getting a fit was an issue. I also have limited mobility in my neck, so an upright stance is a necessity for me.

I found a 2006 Novara Bonita women's model mountain bike in a thrift store and it fits me well. The short steep top tube does the trick.

Basic specs:

• 17" aluminum frame
• Hayes MX2 disc brakes
• Manitou Trace Comp 80 fork
• Shimano Hollowtech crank set
• Deore/Alivo 3x8 drivetrain
• WTB SpeedShe saddle
• WTB rims and Weirwolf tires

With that as a core frame and components, I made the following modifications:

*I replaced the front suspension fork with a Nashbar rigid version.

*Upgraded the dirt tires to 26x2.15 Schwalbe Big Ben tires. They are similar to the Big Apple model with deeper cleats. They have proved to be a great all terrain tire--- the only surface that felt unstable was wet grass. The tires use 55psi max and smooth out the bumps on both ends and more than make up for the heavy power-robbing suspension fork. The rolling resistance is better than I expected and of course better than the dirt tires. In fact my average speeds are about the same as my previous bike, a Trek PDX with 700x32 Schwalbe Marathon tires running twice the pressure.

*Added a Topeak Explorer disc version rear rack.

*Added a Sunlite Gold Tec front rack.

*Replaced the handlebars with Origin8 Citi Classic "North Road" style bars and swapped out the stem for a Profile Designs BOA 90mm 130° model. Both are aimed at getting me in a heads-up position. I use Origin8 lock-on Kraton grips.

*Swapped the saddle with a more "manly" WTB Speed V saddle.

*Upgraded the pedals to Kona Jack**** platform pedals.

*Added SKS Velo 65 plastic fenders.

*Lighting: Planet Bike 2 watt headlamp, PDW tail light and rack bracket

*Added a Minoura BH-60 handlebar/stem water bottle adapter and Klean Kanteen cage (mounts on the front side of the stem) and a generic bottle cage to the frame down tube.

*Added a Delta Smartphone Caddy. I use an iPhone 5 with Gaia GPS app

*I tried a Sunding 548c wireless computer but it was weak on signal and my headlamp in strobe mode and phone would make it malfunction. I currently have a Schwinn SW65 wired model that I found new in a thrift store for $3.

*Added a Mirrycle MTB mirror. This is part of my ergonomics package, allowing me a full view behind without twisting my neck too far.

*Added a Mirrycle Incredibell. A bell is really important on busy rail trails with pedestrians, pets, kids, and other cyclists.

Luggage: I have a potpourri of second hand panniers and rack trunk bags. With the short wheelbase, I have to watch the heel clearance on this bike.

*Detours Tecco Too convertible backpack pannier
*Nashbar folding grocery bag style pannier
*Jandd Rear Rack Pack II expanding rack trunk bag
*Topeak MTX DXP rand trunk bag with fold-out panniers

I use the Topeak MTX DXP for general urban trips. I use the Detouts Tecco and Nashbar bags for grocery errands and taking packages to the post office. I'm not impressed with the quality of construction and fabrics on the Topeak bag, but I got it from a Craigslist seller for $15, so it's hard to cry. I have the inkling to strip the sliding MTX mounts off it and use them for mounting a plastic ammo can style dry box. I think that would make a slick "urban assault bike" rack pack.

I recently added Hyalite Equipment LTW waterproof panniers that I got from Sierra Trading Post for cheap. They are huge and I fear filling them! I plan to use them for camping only. I also have waterproof stuff sacks and a waterproof backpack that can be strapped to the racks.

Uses: urban and rual rail-trail travel, grocery shopping and other local trips to the post office, library, etc. My wife commutes to work on a Jamis Coda Sport and we use just one car now.

olmobelgium

I take my 4 year old daughter to school with my Gazelle Cabby,
baby brother safe and cosy in his car seat.

These bikes are absolutely genius! Relatively light weight, 7 gears, good brakes, can carry quite the load.
no pesky 3-wheeler and you can fold the seating so it doesn't take up too much space.

Here's some pics, none of them are mine, just plucked them from the web:

TejanoTrackie 

This is the closest thing to a utility bike in my stable. It started out as a Salsa Casseroll singlespeed with a drop bar and hooded brake levers, and this year I converted it to a 7-speed IGH with townie bars. I use it to run errands and as a grocery getter, as well as general local transportation.

hotbike

BULLITT Cargo Bike by AviationMetalSmith, on Flickr

BULLITT Cargo Bike by AviationMetalSmith, on Flickr

I think people need to see the UNDERSIDE^ of the BULLITT, there is a trick to it, the way it is built...

BULLITT Cargo Bike by AviationMetalSmith, on Flickr

How about some pictures of a BULLITT Cargo Bike? Not mine, but I did take the photos... There are TWO of these in town, the other one is orange.

fastrdisastr

Almost finished with my MTB to Utility Bike conversion. Set it up for general hauling, but specifically for 2015 Portland Disaster Relief Trials.


Mods/Acquisitions:

• Front Disc Brake
• Schwalbe Big Apple tires.
• Heavy duty pannier rack (rated for 88lbs.)(note: 5 gallons of water weighs 40 lbs, so I can haul two 5 gallon buckets on the rack)
• Portal panniers (each pannier will hold a 5 gallon bucket)
• Small front rack and bag.
• New handlebars and a stem riser
• Heavy duty kickstand
• Burley Travoy trailer

• may still need a stronger rear wheel; not sure (this wheel has taken pretty MTB hard use over the years with no difficulty so I might just ride it with weight for a while to see how it does.)
• steering damper/spring acquired, not installed yet
• may add a basket/bag setup to the front rack so that I can put a little more weight up front

In its former life it was very nice Schwinn Moab; I've been enjoying hauling more and more stuff.

Crawford53

Just finished most of the wrenching to put the commuter into double-duty as a utility bike. Still need to figure out a solution for the front rack, install base support under trailer and fashion a bike-hauling bit for the trailer.


Next to my old utility vehicle



Took the little guy for a ride. He has never been in the trailer before, but he loved it! Tail wagging and nose sniffing the whole time!


Parked next to some likeminded folks at lunch

steve-in-kville 

What basket is that in the front? Wald I suppose?

ciderguy

This is my commuter / grocery store / I don't feel like walking today bike.

GT Traffic 2.0
Disc Brakes
Stock Mudguards
700c x 40mm tyres
Blackburn Rack
Blackburn Panniers
(better lights coming soon)

canklecat

Getting closer to what I had in mind for a utility bike. It began with a good used Globe Carmel I snagged off craigslist a couple of weeks ago. My first ride in 30+ years so it's taking awhile to get back into shape, even for short rides.

The stem is tall enough and there's enough knee room that I might not need a conventional front basket or handlebar bag. I've just tied an ordinary insulated bag to the inside of the frame. Good enough for ice cream, yoghurt, whatever.

I bolted a on Bontrager BackRack S, which fit easily with no trimming. For now I'm just using bungee cords to fasten an insulated rolling bag atop the rack. It flopped a bit to port during the maiden shopping voyage home, but not enough to upset the balance. Some re-rigging should fix the balance.

I may add some Wald folding baskets. Save some time over having to re-bag everything into the red insulated rolling bag, at least for short jaunts home - usually less than a mile.

Added a Mirrycle mirror to the left bar end. Can't turn my neck anymore to look over my shoulder, due to a car wreck umpteen years ago. Much more confidence inspiring.

I had no idea what to do about lights so I grabbed the cheapest flashing LED doodad off the rack at the LBS, a Blackburn 2'FER, which turned out to be very bright and easy to fasten anywhere. Eventually I may move it to the rear and add a real front light, but I don't plan on much night riding. It's mostly just an attention getter.

But after loading up the bike for the maiden shopping voyage, I can already see the advantages to a step-through frame. Just tilting the Globe Carmel enough to hoist a stiff-hipped leg over the sorta-mixte bar proved more difficult than I'd expected. I nearly dumped the bike. So if I get serious about this I may get a step-through frame for shopping and errands, and just use the Globe Carmel for unladen fun rides.

forresterace

Congratulations - that is one gorgeous bike. The colour is fantastic and you've done a beautiful job.

Doug

PatrickGSR94

I had a KHS MTB from the 90's which has slowly morphed over the last 3 years into a utility hauler bike:



But the frame on it was too small for me, so I picked up a 2006 Marin Pine Mountain steel frame for very cheap, and built it up using most of the parts from the KHS (which itself was a custom build back in the 90s' by the guy I bought it from).



I had to come up with a custom solution for hooking up my kid/cargo trailer, due to differences in the frame dropouts:



It's first voyage to the grocery store since I finished building it up:

TejanoTrackie 

Thanks. Since I posted it six months ago, I've added a kickstand and a better tail light.

forresterace

I just realized that although I have posted pictures of my shopping bike in another thread, I have never posted it in this one.
It's a 1990 Norco hardtail that I completely rebuilt with a new drivetrain and spent way too much money on, but I enjoyed it immensely and learned a lot.


Doug

tramptrade 

This is my do-everything bike.

Grocery getter, gear hauler, day tripper, woods traveler, bike packer, trailer puller, dog runner, and zen seeker. 1997(ish) Cannondale Killer V500. I love this bike.

Mr Pink57

Just about to head home from the grocery store after work.

hermanchauw

hotbike

A video of, well, not mine, but somebody else's bicycle trailer...

hotbike

I don't want to go OT, so here is a video of MY Utility Bike^

(the threads Not titled "post a picture of somebody else's Utility Bike", LOL...

justMatthew

My Utility Bike - Schwinn Collegiate 3 speed



when I had the rear rack and basket on a men's bike i had a hard time putting my foot over the top bar.. so i switched to a women's bike with a low bar.. no more looking goofy getting on the bike... lol. mostly use it to go surf fishing or going to the store. it's a 3 speed coaster brake with bullhorns and 26" (559) rims

hotbike

Looks like I forgot to show you all this picture:
New Panniers by AviationMetalSmith, on Flickr
There may be other pictures, I think I posted some in a thread about "Coroplast™ Panniers"... I've added lights to the bike since I took the picture...

hotbike

Bicycle with Stand by AviationMetalSmith, on Flickr
I bought some 6 millimeter Coroplast™ for the rear panniers, it's heaver that the 4mm "free" stuff...

Mr Pink57

I installed a comically large front basket....

PatrickGSR94

Latest version of mine, with double-leg kickstand, front wheel stabilizer spring, and coffee mug holder installed.

DQRider 

I've had my `95 Specialized Rockhopper for twenty years now; figured it was time for a makeover. I didn't have a ute bike yet, and I wanted to make my runs to the farmer's market and grocery store on a bike, so that's where I decided to go with this build. I found the baskets in the housewares section of the local big-box store ($13.99 each, on sale), and I set about lining the bottoms with wood slats, then painting the whole thing(s) with clear lacquer, applied quite liberally in order to weatherproof them. Try to buy anything like this purpose-built for bicycles, and you would spend hundreds.

Anyway, once those were mounted, I took a hard look at the old drivetrain, and I decided to see if I couldn't update that a bit. I put in a new bottom bracket, a Sugino crank with Wolf Tooth Components "Drop-Stop" 34t chainring, a Praxis 11-40t 10-speed cassette, and a new XT long-cage derailleur. Now I ride around pulling cars out of ditches!

I've tried to keep it as "organic" as possible - after seeing how nice the baskets turned out, I bought some walnut fenders to go with them. Leather Gye's saddle and Brooks leather grips, Soma alloy platform pedals, you get the idea; I've taken great pains to keep plastic to a minimum on this build. Anyway, here it is:



It's a bit heavy, but the gearing covers that. What's the hurry, right?

Ride well,
DQR

b0wz3r108

Here's mine, a Soma Tradesman. I also have a Burley Travoy that I use with it. With the Travoy and the front storage box, I can haul an entire shopping cart of groceries. I also take the Sterilite box off and strap a small cooler on the cargo deck to go to the park for picnics with my kids and the like.