Family Cycler Bicycles and accessories to help families ride together.

I’m going ahead with this business project. Have a new logo, and tax ID and business name are done; still working on resale permits.

As I get products to sell, they’ll be listed on the site with a Google Checkout option. Have to find something that works first.

I’m starting with the Yuba Mundo. It will definitely carry the weight of kids, but out-of-the-box it’s a little intimidating and heavy. OK, a lot heavy. I could barely get the empty bike uphill. The luggage rack weighs as much as my friend’s whole single-speed bike! I’ll make some suggested modifications to the gearing and build a top-deck and see how it goes then.

Also looking at the Kona Ute. It looks a lot lighter and more city friendly, but I’m not sure about how it will handle the load of wiggly kids yet.

I haven’t forgotten about the FR8 or Bakfiets. One thing at a time though.

There’s a local bike store that’s going to handle Xtracycle extensions, so I’ll let them handle that and delete it from my brainstorm list.

My first BoBike seat is on order! Hopefully I can make it fit securely on the Mundo. Neither of the seats I had laying around would fit but I got this notion I might be able to steal the seat of Ruth’s tricycle and bolt it down…

more to come.

Brief Summary

As gasoline prices in the U.S. rise and start to match prices in Europe, more and more people will look for ways to reduce their family’s dependence on oil and gasoline. European’s have long relied on bicycles for personal transportation due to fuel and space limitations In the years ahead, we believe Americans will re-discover the ease and practicality that well-designed bicycles offer for personal and family transportation.

Our goal is to tap in to the niche market of families who want to spend more time together and spend less money at the gas pump. These families spend money on quality goods and foods, may shop at local farmer’s markets and co-ops, and actively seek methods to slow their life down and appreciate time together. The commuters in these families do not travel long distances to and from work, and prefer a quality, comfortable ride which does not require a change of clothes once they get to work.

Business Idea – continue reading