Hi folks.
I've already built 2 long tail Xtracycle-type bikes. Both were succesfull, the second one got a little nicer than the first, I'm using it for hauling my kids and occasionally for some cargo. It's been a marvelous experience, one of the most fulfilling cycling related ones I've ever had actually. I'd like to express my gratitude to everyone who contributed to the xtracyle home build thread - it would have been a lot more difficult without that big help and inspiration!
I've put a tutorial together BTW. It's in Portuguese, but I've included pictures for each and every step of the process, including more than one solution for for some of them, so it's self-explaining to a degree. I very much hope it will help more people get to know the fun and utility of long tail bikes. It's on my blog:
http://pespracima.blogspot.com/2011/...sso-passo.html
So.
I've recently come across the concept of the frontloader 2-wheeler: Bakfiets, Long John, box bike, whatever you call them. I can't stop thinking about building one! I'm not planing to get rid of my beloved xtra, but I feel compeled to try the other side of the force too...
The purpose of this thread is to get some data and inspiration for that project. Perhaps more people will join and we will end up with a long rich thread similar to the "home built xtracycle" one?
For now, I'm asking some help from owners of "proper" (professionally made) box bikes such as CETMA Cargo, Bakfiets CargoBike Long, Joe Bike's Box Bike, Bullit, or whatever you might have. I'd very much like to know some rough measurements, so that I can rest assure I'm on the right track. This is what I have in mind:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/2376346...ream/lightbox/
I'm curious about this 4 dimensions (as indicated in my drawing) to begin with:
a) wheel base
b) length of the actual cargo holding section of the front frame
c) ground clearance
d) length of the steering column (or just the length of the short section that protrudes below the horizontal main tube)
I've already seen several tutorials/reports from people who built box bikes. Tom Cargo Bikes' pages are most interesting and usefull. But I've found little data regarding dimensions so far.
Before someone asks: I'm only trying to make one sturdy, rideable and usefull box bike - this is not about stealing industry secrets!
Box bikes are not available in Brazil (nor are Xtras), importing one is out of the question, so the only way is making one myself. I'm not particularly knowledgeable or skilled but I want give it a try.
I've already bought some tubing - hauled it over 20 kms:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/2376346...ream/lightbox/
Main frame will most likely be an old, sturdy, US made steel MTB.
Thanks in advance for any positive input.
p.s. I wasn't able to insert the images, so I put links to them.