Joe-bike up in Portland has the kind of store I’m dreaming of. He offers a variety of unusual and useful bikes for many different people. I might focus just on the kid-carriers, and he offers a couple of those.
He takes a short-wheelbase box bike, completely updates the hardware, retrofits a custom rack mounting system to the front, then powdercoats the whole thing.
One of the front-mount accessories is the “tandem” seat.
What a tremendous way to take passengers around. Up in front, riding with you but not earning their keep. It looks like it has a handle and side rails for the tandem, plus a spot for small stuff.
The three-configuration Joe Bike is $2699, including front disc brake with Alfine hub (not shown in the photos), the double-decker racks shown in the photos, rear deck, and the box, along with features such as a Shimano low-resistance dynamo with a superbright front lamp, rear light that also incorporates an automatic brake light, full fenders, full four-point kickstand (not shown in the photos), rear-wheel lock, mirror, and bell. You can also choose your own frame and rack colors at no extra cost.
Cetma Cargo bikes offer another twist on hauling stuff.
The “standard” bike has a huge flat cargo area in front of the rider with many possibilities for modification.
Like this heavy-duty box.
This wood box is built from marine grade plywood, which means the glue used to make the plywood
won’t separate in wet climates. Additionally, the entire box is stained and sealed with polyurethane
to protect it. The backside of the bench is hinged to provide extra cargo room if needed.
Bikes are built to order and shipped from Oregon. $3150 complete with shipping.
The latest Yuba Mundo cargo bike is available and looks great! They’ve shaved off a pound or ten, and redesigned the cargo rack to be more child-seat friendly.
I’m looking forward to trying the 18 speed version. I might get just the frame (only a couple left in stock they say) and build it up with the parts from my V1 Mundo.
The 18 Speed is available at $1100, less for the 6 and single speeds.
For about $1000 more they offer an electric-assist motor, but I don’t have much information on that yet. More as it becomes available.
Looks very promising though, I might be able to ditch the car more often on one of these babies!
