I have always liked the traditional Kronan (military style) bikes.

I wanted to tidy up the rear end of my Long-John, so I bought some Kronan bits from Witter Tweewielers, Amsterdam

Here are some pics on Flickr of my unfinished conversion :- Kronan-ised Long-John

I've added :-

Vintage style rear LED lamp

Rear double rack with pump holder & pump


Number plate and bracket (which I will change, hopefully, for one with L J 1980, the year my bike was made)

I will remove the Kronan badges and replace them with Long-John badges or my Long-John.com website address

Hope you like it!

Safe riding!

Different looking but any Long John style bike is a rarity in most of the USA. I have never actually seen one in the metal. The few here are imports from Europe or custom bikes.

Of course where I am even longtails such as my Surly Big Dummy are relatively unusual.

Ther have been a few Long-John style bikes available in America :- here

And Danish Bullitt

There are actually several North American makers of these bikes, including Bilenky, CETMA, HPM, and Metrofiets (the latter two have an optional box like a Bakfietsen).

It is also possible to make your own, I've seen homemade examples in Amsterdam, using a BMX 20" front wheel and forks, 2 steering cables connecting the fork to a T-piece at the bottom of the steering bar

Hope this helps

hope it last longer than must of the kronans that hit amsterdam.

Should note that three of those North American makers are located in Oregon. As are two nice shops that specialize in cargo/utility bikes. Both Sendid Cycles and Clever Cycles are located in Portland. Between the two, you have a delightful variety of cargo bikes to choose from.

It's already lasted since 1980, & survived 10+ years punishing abuse from yours truly!

The standard of the spares I bought are very good except for some dodgy rivets on the rear rack, which I'll replace with stainless domeheads.

I know that the latest batch of Kronans used Chinese parts which failed.

Bloody hell you're an upbeat lot on here, a lot of negativity to anything I post, unlike the folding bike section, where there seems to be more of an appreciation of input.

Looks very cool. I got a long john rolling this summer. Definitely a very unique ride...practical for a lot of loads.

Hey Vik

Who made your Long-John? It looks very cool & capable

It's made in Oregon by CETMA. Ya It's a real truck...the more you carry the better it works!

The frame also splits in two behind the box so you can store/ship easier.