Converting frame to cycle truck
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Converting frame to cycle truck
I would love to have a cycle truck at some point. However, I am short (5'1" / 155cm) and most of the pre-existing cycle trucks (Soma, Bombtrack, Ahearne, etc) seem way to big for me, just looking purely at specs and geo.
I saw a picture on the internet; some guy named Nihls took a Surly Long Haul Trucker frame and converted the front end with a rack and a 20" wheel. On a 42cm LHT frame that takes 26" tires, how feasible would it be to do this? Cost for the conversion? Anybody in NYC who could do this or someone that I could ship the frame to? What might some potential problems be doing this kind of conversion?
Disclaimer: I know nothing about framebuilding but do have a general understanding of geometry numbers and whatnot. Appreciate everybody's input, thank you in advance.

This is what I'd like to achieve in the end.
I saw a picture on the internet; some guy named Nihls took a Surly Long Haul Trucker frame and converted the front end with a rack and a 20" wheel. On a 42cm LHT frame that takes 26" tires, how feasible would it be to do this? Cost for the conversion? Anybody in NYC who could do this or someone that I could ship the frame to? What might some potential problems be doing this kind of conversion?
Disclaimer: I know nothing about framebuilding but do have a general understanding of geometry numbers and whatnot. Appreciate everybody's input, thank you in advance.

This is what I'd like to achieve in the end.
#2
Randomhead
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Happy Valley, Pennsylvania
Posts: 23,469
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Liked 2,973 Times
in
2,041 Posts
I like that, seems doable. I think I would triangulate that head tube extension back to the downtube. I would ask Porter Cycles to see if he's up to it https://www.portercycles.com/
#3
Team Beer
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Sacramento CA
Posts: 6,314
Bikes: Too Many
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 110 Post(s)
Liked 146 Times
in
97 Posts
Looks like they turned down that head tube extension to fit like a headset and then bolted the support to DT. Interesting idea. For a simpler project you should check out the Crust Clydesdale fork. https://crustbikes.com/collections/f...ale-cargo-fork
__________________
I'm not one for fawning over bicycles, but I do believe that our bikes communicate with us, and what this bike is saying is, "You're an idiot." BikeSnobNYC
I'm not one for fawning over bicycles, but I do believe that our bikes communicate with us, and what this bike is saying is, "You're an idiot." BikeSnobNYC
#4
Member
Thread Starter
Looks like they turned down that head tube extension to fit like a headset and then bolted the support to DT. Interesting idea. For a simpler project you should check out the Crust Clydesdale fork. https://crustbikes.com/collections/f...ale-cargo-fork
I would like a slightly larger platform as I plan to load my 18LB dog in it 95% of the time with groceries taking up the other 5%. I did also email Porter Cycles to see if they were interested in the project. The Crust fork is definitely more straightforward though.
#5
Team Beer
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Sacramento CA
Posts: 6,314
Bikes: Too Many
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 110 Post(s)
Liked 146 Times
in
97 Posts
That actually might almost be perfect (and cheaper). Thanks! Is there any benefit to the wheel turning independently of the rack?
I would like a slightly larger platform as I plan to load my 18LB dog in it 95% of the time with groceries taking up the other 5%. I did also email Porter Cycles to see if they were interested in the project. The Crust fork is definitely more straightforward though.
I would like a slightly larger platform as I plan to load my 18LB dog in it 95% of the time with groceries taking up the other 5%. I did also email Porter Cycles to see if they were interested in the project. The Crust fork is definitely more straightforward though.
__________________
I'm not one for fawning over bicycles, but I do believe that our bikes communicate with us, and what this bike is saying is, "You're an idiot." BikeSnobNYC
I'm not one for fawning over bicycles, but I do believe that our bikes communicate with us, and what this bike is saying is, "You're an idiot." BikeSnobNYC
#6
Randomhead
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Happy Valley, Pennsylvania
Posts: 23,469
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Liked 2,973 Times
in
2,041 Posts
for heavy loads, a main frame mounted rack is far superior. OTOH, it's a lot more difficult modification
#7
Member
Thread Starter
You nailed the primary difference, the load attached to the frame or fork. It can make a difference, depending on how you ride and what you carry. If your pooch moves around a bunch then the rack being attached to the frame could make more sense. The crust fork allows you to add a larger platform. Here is a decent write up and photos (with dog) about the crust option. https://theradavist.com/2020/05/just...fuji-sundance/
I must say I do love the clean transition from fork to frame on the retrofit. The Crust looks a little goofy albeit just as practical.
Likes For sdimattia:
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Eugene, Oregon, USA
Posts: 27,525
Mentioned: 217 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 17505 Post(s)
Liked 4,133 Times
in
3,072 Posts
I like that, seems doable. I think I would triangulate that head tube extension back to the downtube. I would ask Porter Cycles to see if he's up to it https://www.portercycles.com/
Without any vertical diagonal support to the rack, it will need to be made strong, and still will be weight limited.
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Eugene, Oregon, USA
Posts: 27,525
Mentioned: 217 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 17505 Post(s)
Liked 4,133 Times
in
3,072 Posts
For rear rack cargo bikes for small stature people (or even shared between different heights of people), the Bike Friday Haul A Day is popular, and very adjustable.
The company is a small semi-custom fabricator here in Eugene, Oregon, and are always willing to talk to customers.
https://www.bikefriday.com/folding-b...day-cargo-bike
https://www.bikefriday.com/folding-bikes/tag/haul-a-day
The company is a small semi-custom fabricator here in Eugene, Oregon, and are always willing to talk to customers.
https://www.bikefriday.com/folding-b...day-cargo-bike
https://www.bikefriday.com/folding-bikes/tag/haul-a-day

#10
Member
Thread Starter
For rear rack cargo bikes for small stature people (or even shared between different heights of people), the Bike Friday Haul A Day is popular, and very adjustable.
The company is a small semi-custom fabricator here in Eugene, Oregon, and are always willing to talk to customers.
https://www.bikefriday.com/folding-b...day-cargo-bike
https://www.bikefriday.com/folding-bikes/tag/haul-a-day
The company is a small semi-custom fabricator here in Eugene, Oregon, and are always willing to talk to customers.
https://www.bikefriday.com/folding-b...day-cargo-bike
https://www.bikefriday.com/folding-bikes/tag/haul-a-day
