mawwwk

I'm looking at finally branching into the world of utility bikes. I found a local builder that builds up an extended front framed bike with a 36 spoke bmx wheel in front and a sturdy basket for cargo. He takes existing frames and repurposes as much as he can to build up these bikes. The drivetrain is normal length and the design is pretty simple/ingenious. I took a friend as cargo for a test ride. With an extra 140 lbs the front wheel is a bit "wobbly", but once I got some speed it was fine. Braking distance with v-brakes was great, and it wasn't hard to balance with an extra person sitting cross legged in the front.

I'm trying to get my hands on a photo for this post.

I'm also considering the Surly BD and a Yuba. The cargo method is different but they also have appeal. I'm hoping for people to weigh in with their experiences with these two different types of cargo bikes. Both can haul people. But, the local builder's bike can haul large boxes, laundry, unruly large cargo without much hassle at all.

Gareth

I build both front loader and flat deck rear loader Cargo Bikes to order. My personal preference to ride is front loaders: No loss of length within the wheel base due the heel strike arc from the pedal crank. No extra long chain. No extra long gear change cables, and better weight to strength ratios. I also have a preference for Internal hub gears; I offer S-As, and I prefer 20 inch wheels front and back.

mawwwk

Gareth,

Thanks for the input. I'm leaning toward the front loader. For the reasons you stated, and when I test rode it with a passenger it was much more fun for both of us I think. My passenger described it as magic carpet ride! Out of curiosity, what internal hub would you recommend. I'll probably build up a rear wheel for it and make it my all around commuter. I was thinking of a Shimano nexus 11 speed internal gear. In the future also building up a generator front hub for it as well.

Gareth

I spec 5 or 8 speed Sturmey Archers with 36 spokes; but I am using different rims to everyone else. I am using 36 spoke, 16 inch moped (light motorcycle) rims and tyres which by some quirk are the same diameter as a standard 20 inch bicycle rims and tyres but an awful lot stronger. They have thicker spokes, and I have to drill out the hubs accordingly to suit.