Originally Posted by
CliffordK
I'm not sure it is the minority of the worlds population. Just the minority of the US population.
Looking at photos of countries like India, they'll carry just about anything on bikes.
I've heard that one doesn't want to tip over a 500 pound motorcycle either.
I didn't like my cargo bike with 100 lbs on the back end. However, it ends up with a relatively high center of gravity. The long nose bikes (which often have the small wheels) may well be more stable with the heavy loads, assuming the frames are made to carry the weight.
Even in India people realize that it makes more sense to put that heavy of a load over an axle, between two wheels. A long frame bike makes more sense due to the low center of gravity and it spreads the load a little bit so its not directly over the front wheel, but then you also have to worry about the frame,forks, and every other piece of load bearing structure on the bike if you're trying to carry 200 pounds of cargo...
You don't want to tip over a 500 pound motorcycle but you don't have to worry about it either because the wheels probably weigh 30 pounds a piece and once you start moving the angular momentum of the wheel holds you upright and motorcycles arent designed to go 5-10 mph everywhere.