Winfried

Hello

I'm thinking of getting an Omnium Mini cargo truck, ie. with a 20 inch wheel* in the front and a 700c in the rear:


But since it's not cheap, I'd like to make an informed choice.

Civia used to make once called the Halsted but it's end-of-lifed :-/


Are there other brands I should know about?

Thank you.

* ETRTO 451, actually

John Lesar

I have an Ahearne Cycle Truck. Its 20"/26".
Ahearne Cycles

Winfried

Thanks for the link.

But considering just the frameset sells for $1,750… the 1) complete bike 2) shipped to Europe will be more expensive than the Omni.

mel2012

It costs $500 for the kit alone, plus shipping, but Haulin' Colin in Seattle makes a kit that will convert any bike to a cycle truck: Haulin' Colin

fietsbob

In France IDK .. Soma/ Merry sales out of So San Francisco has some as does Human Powered Machines In Eugene.

as Before The Trans Atlantic Shipping costs will be a Problem..

Winfried

Thanks for the infos.

So it looks like there are no local alternatives to the Omnium cycle trucks.

kickstart

Worksman makes a few that are relatively inexpensive. American Made Bicycles, Industrial Bicycles from Worksman Cycles

Be the only kid on the block........



Pashley in the UK makes one also.

Winfried

Thanks for the tips.

I read elsewhere that Worksman Cycles aren't very good quality-wise, but I'll check out Pashley's DeliBike, which, cherry on the pie, is much closer to home.

Considering they look like a better alternative to carry a child to two- or three-wheeled cargo bikes or seats in the back before heading for work… I'm surprised cycle trucks aren't more widespread.

As added bonus, couldn't the rack in the front be folded/detached, so as to take less space if commuting by train/bus?

fietsbob

the type has been made for a very long time.. IDK who in the EU is making them Now . Im on the US west coast.

get on the train to AMS/CPH and look around.



There is a big front rack for Moultons , FWIW.. its an extension of the frame ..

I have used an old Brompton steel bag support frame and had some extra steel tubes added to it ..
to carry weird cartons.

Somewhere I've seen an Aluminum frame block to replace Brompton's plastic one. to beef that up..

semaler

You can also check the Biba (20" wheels).
urbanbiba - urban cargo bike made in barcelona

NormanF

I like it -its a really nice 20" cargo bike:



Listed price inclusive of VAT is 675 euros. $725 USD at current rate of exchange.

Mr Pink57

Nils? Cycle Fab Long Haul Trucker Cargo Bike | The Radavist
Saw this today...

Winfried

Thanks for the infos.

Too bad more bike makers don't provide the option to replace the front 700/26 wheel with a 20 + rack welded to the head tube like Haulin' Colin does. I'm sure a lot of parents would rather carry their child in the front on a cycle truck than on a seat high up in the back.

My list so far:

• Omnium (Denmark)
• Biba Cargo (Spain)
• Kemper (Germany)
• Donky Bike (UK)
• Pashley (UK)
• Bilenky (USA)
• Ahearn (USA)
• Worksman Cycles (USA)
• (RIP) Civia Halsted (USA)

fietsbob

A frame made for a Bigger wheel can take a Fork With the crown race seat way up on top of a tall tube on top of a short Blade fork
for a 20" wheel..
you just have to find a Builder ready to do it..

Winfried

Yup, I'm working on it.

At first sight, a much cheaper and practical alternative to cargo bikes to carry a kid or groceries.

Winfried

Before I try to find someone who can build that piece, I was wondering: Does it have to be someone who works on bikes, or can it be anyone who works with metal but not necessarily in the bike business?

Am I correct in understanding the missing piece is "just" the vertical tube + a porteur rack welded to that tube?

After I provide a standard fork from a 20-inch wheel folding bike, any idea how much work is involved to build that piece? I'm wondering if it's realistic to get it for less than the $500 mentioned in the article.

fietsbob

You may find a machine- welding shop to take a BMX fork and modify it ..

I dont own such a business so I cannot give you an estimate.

I dont know what such a shop rate may be in Paris France.

NormanF

If you want to go custom, consult a frame builder on what you need and how much it would cost to get it done. You may find its less hassle and expense getting an off the rack cargo bike from one of the manufacturers on your list.

Good luck.

kickstart

They're not refined in a way appealing to an enthusiast, They're rugged work bikes meant to be used commercially and in industrial settings. I see them in Boeing plants, warehouses, postal facilities, utility depots, military posts, the list goes on. They're beat on, overloaded, rarely maintained, and constantly in use.

Not pretty, but robust.

Winfried

Good to know, thanks. An article on NPR.

Their cycle truck at least seems to require a bit of work to get it right, but at $600, it could be a good option… provided there's a way to get them over here without doubling the cost:

riska

what

StephenH

The Worksman bikes are made basically in one size, so if you're not "average" size, not a good fit. They're "old technology", like US bikes were in the 1950's. Generally single-speed with coaster brake, so use mainly for flatter areas. Anyway, if you're in Europe, you have better options closer to home, so don't worry about them.

One minor drawback is that if you get the front end loaded heavily, then try to pick the front wheel up over a curb, the rear wheel will lift instead of the front. I found this out using my Arpan (made in India) low-gravity bike. (Speaking of which, it's also low-tech 1950's type stuff, only Raleigh-type instead of Schwinn-type stuff.)

It would not occur to me to use one for hauling kids, but I suppose it could be done (the basket isn't THAT big on them!). A cargo tricycle might work better there.

Winfried

Thanks for the feedback.

Looks like it's doable :-)

cargocycling.org*|*Archive*|*Load Carrying

oldsmobum

Check out the Soma Tradesman- It's on my list, that's for sure.

Tradesman Cargo Frame Set | SOMA Fabrications

b0wz3r108

I have a Tradesman and it's a fantastic bike! I use a Sterilite storage box on the front cargo deck, and a Burley Travoy in the back; with both of them together I can haul a full cart full of groceries. I typically put lighter stuff like bread, chips, etc. in the storage box, and heavier things like canned goods and milk jugs in the Travoy. When the Travoy is loaded it really helps stabilize the entire bike as well, allowing me to load more weight into the storage box.