r/CargoBike

I ride a Marin Larkspur.

My current rack is aluminum and is fine for my current uses and the connection to the frame is a threaded hole in the dropout, not a braze-on.

That said, if anything were to go wrong, I think the weak link is the 2 M5 bolts that attach the rack to the dropout.

I've wondered if a custom steel rack welded onto the frame would spread the load more evenly as there are no more bolts to consider.

If anyone has ever done this, or considered doing this, would love to hear about it. Also not sure if it would be better to go with brazing or TIG welding. I'm thinking 3 vertical/diagonal tubes to the dropout, and one to the seatstay - or would that be overkill?

Here are some of my considerations:

- I would just purchase a midtail bike with a built-in rack, but it will not fit into an elevator. My current bike with a rack fits into an elevator with room to spare.

- There are few viable options for purchasing anything off the shelf, so custom is the best route and there are a few framebuilders who could do the job. I haven't consulted with them yet and am seeking experiences doing this first.

- My current rack is rated for 25 kg. The Surly rear rack is rated for 36 kg but sits higher than I would like. I don't foresee transporting past 50 kgs on smooth road over a short distance, so I'd love a rack solution that could support that. Time will come when my kid weighs more than 25 kgs and I'd still like to be able to take him around. Interestingly, the cost of a custom rack and having it welded to the frame might cost just as much as a Surly rack.

- I'm currently running on 27.5 x 2.5 hookworms and they're plenty stable.

- Trailers are not an option I can realistically consider due to storage space.

Hey friends, I've got a lead on an old Rad Wagon that many of you know has filed for bankruptcy and stock batteries pose a fire hazard. I'm contemplating deelectrifying this bike since it's not terrible to ride sans electric power but I think it would be way better served by cutting some weight via the battery harness/cables AND the heavy rear hub. Are there any suitable replacement wheels out there? I'm trying to do this on the cheap so likely getting a shop to rebuild the wheel with a different hub is likely not cost effective. This wouldn't be such a pain if Rad hadn't insisted on this really goofy wheel size.

I guess we kind of had it coming. Glad that I got a brand new Packster while I could.

Living in Germany. We have and have really enjoyed our urban arrow family for 5 years now. It still works but of course starting to show it's age. Over 12k km on it already!

My company offers jobrad leasing program, which saves some money with a cap on total price at 7k. I really like the r&m load 75, more sporty ride and design, but most models are over the 7k. Any other good options? What I've liked about the UA is the established network, repairability, really robust, relatively easy to ride for both me and my wife, comfortable box for the kids.

Thanks!

The website seems to show frames starting at $12,000 which is insane. Is this a glitch? It’s 10x the international price.

Here are the specs:

- short and nimble.

- step through

- can carry a second light adult in addition to the rider (total about 140 kg)

- can tow a trailer

- can fit a front lockbox without ruining the handling

- looks good/not too dorky

- available in Europe with factory-installed Bosch or Shimano e-cargo drivetrain.

I have considered a Tern HSD so far but not 100% sure about those small wheels. What else is out there?

With stock issues and rumors of their exit from the US market I was wondering if anyone has seen or made patterns for the Yuba bamboo front loader box. Eventually the wood on mine will rot and fail in places and I'd love to be able to recreate it. I wondered if anyone had already thought similarly to myself and created a vector pattern that could be used to cut copies on a CNC mill or large laser cutter.

If not, perhaps that will be my project next winter when the bike goes to sleep.

Mounted according to instructions but when I went to remove it it was completely stuck. Anybody have any tips to help? Reached out and haven't heard back yet.

It works where it's at but I wanted to be able to move the seat between bikes.

On a planet bike eco rack

I currently ride a Tern GSD. My kiddo is getting too big for me to carry them + their bike comfortably. We live in the PNW so having the box and the rain shield is necessary (so I carry their bike on the front rack).

I’ve looked at the R&M Load5 75, the UA FamilyNext, and the LvH Bullitt XL as options but I’m struggling to make a decision.

The Bullitt is sporty and I like it but my understanding is that I can’t get the XL with a belt drive and internally geared hub but could modify the bike after purchase. Being in a rainy environment the belt drive would definitely be a nice choice. How hard is it to fit one after purchase?

The Load5 75 was a dream to ride and would have bought it right there on the spot but the price tag was $18k USD. :eek:

The UA FamilyNext was fine, it rides less sporty than the Bullitt but I liked how much space was in the front. I thought it was a little less nimble than the both the Load 75 and the Bullitt as well.

How do I choose one of these? Is there an option I’m not thinking of? I’m concerned by the rumors that R&M will stop importation of bikes into the US and I’m tempted to pay the extremely high price before the option goes away.