I've seen pictures of front loader bakfiets with rain protection canopies for children. Do these create more wind resistance or do they operate like an aerodynamic fairing and help the air flow around the rider more smoothly due to being rounded on the front?

Looking for some recommendations on a motor to help haul my kids and self along better on my edge runner just need that extra bit of help. Thanks!

Ho ho ho / CSA

We have the 2020 model Load 75 and the cables in the twist shifter keep snapping. Has anybody done a video of how to change the cables out as I am fed up bringing it to the bike shop for this job?

https://preview.redd.it/nulq9dgh534e1.jpg?width=5363&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3afde5eb28783008a8f569abdb6ad17e2faa6d22

Dear cargo bike enthusiasts,

we're a cargo bike building project from Latvia, Riga. It's a 29er based aluminum full size folding cargo bike, takes less storage space, less parking space and fits in the trunk of a family car. Couple of prototypes are rolling on the streets and the mid-drive e-bike version is under development. We are curious if someone besides us thinks this bike idea is relevant. Really, we're here for open feedback. Check it out below:

Vezums folding 29er

All your thoughts are greatly appreciated. Please leave your comments here in the discussion, anywhere on our Instagram account or on our web page under ''Subscribe to Newsletter'' (promise, no trash emails from us).

Thanks in advance and happy riding!

Or you can just hit the poll :) - 29er folding cargo bike for a nice ride feel, less storage space and easy transportation. Should we build them?

View Poll

Yesterday we had a test ride on a (non-electric) Muli with our two kids (5 and 7), and it changed my mind about front loading cargo bikes, because it's so compact and lightweight. We live in a Dutch city as flat as a pancake (and a few bridges), so I guess we'll be fine without a motor, to keep it light.

We're expecting twins and I'm wondering if there's a proper way to safely carry two babies in a Muli (or any other cargo bike, for that matter). The official seat is kind of suspended between two bars, similar to the Thule Infant Sling, but it's suggested from 9 months old.

Does anyone have experience with two babies in a cargo bike?

Has anyone had any luck doing a DIY canopy? I've got a Yuba Supercargo and they're seemingly perpetually sold out of their canopy accessories. I think using a snowblower canopy/cab might be a good starting place, but was curious if anyone else has done something to a semi-professional effect.

Bought a Babboe cargo bike in California about ten years ago. Recently found out about recall and filled out the form. Babboe responded and is asking for my bank account and swift code. It feels kind of sketchy to give that out. Anyone give Babboe that information and get a refund?

Really interested in purchasing a cargo bike like the Wike Salamander or the Dahon Cargoe T5. Unfortunately, the Wike has a really low weight limit and I can’t find the Dahon cargoe model anywhere. Would really appreciate recommendations for similar bikes or contact information for people capable of building something like this. Thank you so much in advance!

I'm researching the topic of building a new front wheel for my Bakfiets Cruiser Long (a long john e-cargo bike with Shimano STEPS E6100).

The original wheel is: 20" 36-hole Ryde Andra 40 rim, unknown solid axle 6-bolt disc hub, unknown stainless steel plain gauge (I measured ⌀2.5 mm) spokes. A pretty beastly heavy duty thing that hasn't been giving me any trouble so far. And yet, I'm thinking it could be fun to build a new wheel for it as a winter project. Or at least I would like to understand what parts I could use to build a replacement wheel if it becomes necessary one day.

For the rim, I am considering a 36-hole Ryde Andra 40 (disc version), or DT Swiss U 663 (30 mm internal width - 5 mm wider than Andra 40). Leaning towards DT Swiss.

For spokes, I would go with DT Swiss Alpine III 2.0/1.8/2.34.

But I have no idea as to what hub I could use for this project. First of all, it seems that very few hubs are available in 36-hole versions with 100 mm OLD. I've only been able to find one such hub - Hope Pro 5.

Second, I'm having some doubts since I've only previously had bikes with QR skewers or thru-axles. The current wheel's solid axle measures ⌀9.5 mm (probably 3/8") at the threads. The fork dropouts are 10 mm wide (picture of the same fork model). The distance between the dropouts is 100 mm. I also don't get what type of axle I need. My guess is that I only have two options: QRx100 with a QR skewer or 9x100 with a DT Swiss RWS 10 thru-bolt. But would these be a proper (not loose) fit in my fork's 10-mm wide dropouts? Would this clamping solution be less secure than the current wheel's solid axle with nuts on both sides?

Or just tell me to not waste my money and forget about it :)

After 5000 miles it's time to swap out the drive train. Anyone upgraded to LinkGlide setup? What do you think? Any comments on improved shifting or longevity?

https://preview.redd.it/edo3h5lk6w3e1.jpg?width=4080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=eed40038eb8fc8e296f53f533ab8d7e391abda5d

We are considering electrifying our Yuba Mundo, as my kids are about 150lb combined now and are too much on proper hills (anything above 3 degrees grade for me). However, my main complaint with the bike (and only complaint, besides the handling being a little finicky when it’s unloaded) is that it’s SO slow.

If we elected to have our local shop put the BBS02 on it (they keep the kits in stock and are fairly reasonable in price), am I still doomed to a top speed of maybe 14MPH unless I’m going downhill, or does the motor help? No idea how it all works except that supposedly, I won’t have to kick rhe kids off if it gets too steep for mom power.

As an aside, we are planning to use it in lieu of a second car, so I might also be using it for groceries sometimes or possibly to drive to work, if I don’t use my regular bike - but the handling on it unloaded isn’t my favorite so not sure about that yet.

Hello,

I just got my Urban Arrow Performance Plus this Tuesday evening.

I took on a short ride out on our parking lot Wednesday. I took the Kiox display and the battery inside, and I charged the battery.

Now I put the fully charged battery and the Kiox display back Thursday. And it just stopped working. The left handle power button makes it light up for a short while, and then turn off. No light in the display or on the handlebars. The battery also lights up when the power button is pushed. But it does not turn on.

I've taken the Kiox and the battery in and out multiple times. I have made sure they are properly connected so many times. But it still won't turn on.

It took such a long time for me to get this bike. It was delayed by several months. And now it is finally here, and it does not work.

I contacted the dealer who will come take a look on it tomorrow. They didn't have time today.

Is this a common issue with Urban Arrow? All the electrical components not working on a brand new bike? What could be wrong here?

I've been offered a second hand 2020/21 Urban Arrow XL cargo bike with rohloff gearing and the Cargo-line motor. It has around 4000miles/6600km on the clock. It is dual battery capable (one battery included) and was part of a courier fleet, so it has been well maintained and kept inside overnight. The bike frame is in good shape, although the aluminum box has taken some knocks.

Asking price is 4000GBP / 4800 EUR / 5075USD

At the same time, I've been offered a brand new 2023 one, same spec for 7100 GBP from a retailer.

I'm looking to use the bike for my business, I won't be doing a crazy amount of miles as once we reach a site, we tend to stay there fore the day before returning.

Any advice or thoughts on what to look out for?

Picked this up yesterday for $400, has a ezee 48v 14.5ah Panasonic battery and ez hub motor. It’s throttle not pedal assist. The guy said the battery is about 5 years old and the hub motor is 10 years old. Might do a full rebuild this spring with a bafang mid drive.

Hi guys, we are not new to carbo bikes, but we just removed the 2 child seats from our Babboe and face an issue with the original 3-point safety belts as they are not holding the kids on the shoulders and slip down permanently.

We have the same safety straps like the ones on the photo. Does anyone has an idea for an upgrade or refitting of some other straps? Google search didn't bring anything at all...

Thanks for your advice and input!

Hey all. Battery question.

I've got an electric cargo bike, a Vogue Carry 3, which I have bought second hand in very good condition with only 300kms on the odometer. It was going great for a few months, but suddenly the battery just died. When I connect the charger it just remains unresponsive.

I have found an e-shop to order a replacement, but before that I need to make sure 100% that the battery is dead.

Before I involve a bike mechanic (which is expensive where I live) I am asking for help in diagnosing myself whether it is actually dead. How can I tell if the problem is with the charger? Some batteries have a fuse, could that be the case? Any other things to test? The battery is a Phylion XH370-3J. The warranty does not cover the second owner unfortunately.

I expected battery troubles at some point, of course, but I thought it would be gradual wear rather than a sudden death.

Any help is appreciated! Thanks!

I'm not a fan of what was out there so I tried making some better ones more in line with our community.

Feel free to make requests!

https://ridr.myspreadshop.com/

All feedback and suggestions are welcome.

Looking to get my first tern and first e-bike. Had my mind set on a Quick Haul Long, but a local shop has a HSD s11 that the owner is willing to sell me for a discount.

I still think I want the length of the QHL but the upgraded components of the HSD are appealing. I also like the less complicated stem and handlebars of the QHL.

Is the upgrade in drivetrain and the front suspension really worth the upgrade to a shorter overall length? Looking to use this as a commuter, grocery getter and toddler carrier.

Anyone have any thoughts on the comparison between the two?

Thought I'd share some of the ways we've used essentially used old tandems as cargo bikes, primarily for tranporting kids over the years. Tandems are expensive new but difficult to ship so you can get very nice tandems very little ebay. So this can be a very cost effective way of moving children and stuff around.

When we had our first child we'd long had a tandem, as we weren't going to have much time for riding together for some time it made sense to convert it into a kind of long tail cargo bike. Below is from a trip to the supermarket, on outings folding baskets were fitted instead of panniers. Hamax siesta seats are great as you can recline them when the occupant falls asleep which they often do. Ursus jumbo stands are great, the geared legs splay outwards give good support and can safely hold two children.

https://preview.redd.it/mrnlookcgi3e1.jpg?width=1236&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3ef19823aa78716b8be8b8ca04555da93cf2ce96

When our 2nd arrived had to use a trailer till their neck was strong enough to go on a bike. Useful at parks as they could be left in to sleep with it converted to a buggy whilst the eldest played.

https://preview.redd.it/ktjbiksehi3e1.jpg?width=4180&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9250dd97271d09783771b399397a58ae741f1494

A tandem can easily take two child seats, had to fit a low profile rack so it didn't conflict with the seat. Rear rack blocked by 2nd seat necessitating a very large wald basket at the front. This did affect handling when heavily loaded but was manageable. Fitted a steering damper to try and stop the handlebars flopping to the side too much when using the stand. Contraption on the rear left of the bike is for carrying a push chair.

https://preview.redd.it/fhzpnetmhi3e1.jpg?width=1236&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=65bcddcdfb5c1e1a1869e1d344a1fcd757b3e775

I was given an old very heavy hire tandem converted to a childback, dreadfully heavy at over 25kg and needed quite a bit of work. But it's nice for kids to feel involved, even if you are mainly just pushing their legs round and would be quicker without their "help". Note the double drilled child length cranks for the stoker. The bungies between the pedals are to stop the toe clips from dragging on the ground and catching on stuff when ridden without a stoker. Stokers must have clips and straps or clipless pedals for their own safety.

https://preview.redd.it/gz76lbouhi3e1.jpg?width=700&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9083d923797855a2aa1e5a3168522ce37d403678

The followMe tandem is great for transporting a kid and their bike to a place where they can safely ride. Beautifully designed and made bit of kit, really secure connection and handles superbly, almost as good as a real tandem and far, far better than the trailer bike. Also doesn't conflict with the rack or a childseat.

https://preview.redd.it/84b75emnii3e1.jpg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d403f0729c876717533f34bdfdaea9f7cc8b2754

As the followme doesn't conflict with a childseat i was able to add an extra slot for a visiting cousin. Please excuse the image quality, no photos of this trip so a still from a video will have to do.

https://preview.redd.it/monan5bvii3e1.jpg?width=1179&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=76516b5188006fd37cbf3b327d06458172d3e392

A followme tandem on a converted tandem allows you to safely get 2 kids and their bikes to the park. The excellent Vitus Nippy balance bike was light enough (1.5kg) to simply be strapped to the rack and barely affected handling.

https://preview.redd.it/kjw420u6ji3e1.jpg?width=1236&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=74acf8ddc03d0b67a3bb6ef8a94a5a0225343a36

When the youngest moved onto a pedal bike it was too big and heavy to just strap on so I made a bracket. You could feel all that weight up there but it was manageable.

https://preview.redd.it/h1xnjqbfji3e1.jpg?width=3407&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c61379470e0929b45adcc5abc299dda7774932bf

Noticed a triple in the garage of the guy who sold me the followme and asked him to let me know when his kids outgrew it as my youngest was very keen to get out of the seat on the childback and start pedalling. The kids were a bit too small when we 1st got the triple hence the bolt on kiddy cranks. The ghost ring is to tension the front timing chain as for some reason I just couldn't get the tension right using the eccentric bb alone.

https://preview.redd.it/h5beo3yoji3e1.jpg?width=728&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b58677b022e117538e575aa1cabadf7bddc8665a

Test ride of the reconfigured triple when the kids were old enough not to need kiddy cranks, much nicer when they can both get on without assistance.

https://preview.redd.it/4sw24o2jki3e1.jpg?width=3386&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=231c36cc1322db8d8b47a25acce7857085b0b714

Hauling two increasingly heavy kids round a very hilly city whilst also having to push their legs round most of the time is very tiring so I decided to convert over to electric. Mid motor would have been best but even if it fit I wasn't sure how it would work with child specific tandem cranks. The rear axle is wider than standard so I had to go for a front hub motor. A street legal hub motor struggles on steep hills but it does help and has significantly expanded our range.

Summing up an e cargo bike would make life easier however once I'd arguably made the mistake of getting the childback tandem rideable the kids were reluctant to go back to being passengers and wanted to feel like they were active participants. The triple is rather unwieldy, we seem to manage though and I am really looking forward to the kids growing strong enough to power me along.

Also even with the conversion all these bikes collectively cost us less than a tern would. That said I am currently fixing up and converting a rathe worse for wear cargo bike so my wife can use the car less when she takes the kids out.

Can the bike be stood up like the Tern GSD?

I've been shopping and researching cargo bikes for many weeks, as this would be serve as a second cargo bike for my family in order to go on weekend rides around town with my kids. I'm not a regular rider so wanted one with a throttle, for the extra security to get out of traffic or help with steep hills.

Had looked at the Aventon Abound, Lectric Xpedition 2.0, Tern GSD and Xtracycle Hopper. Decided against the GSD as it was at the top of my price range. I very nearly got the Xpedition 2.0 but thought the welds on the back frame looked a bit untidy and the consensus here is that they're a cheap brand so you get what you pay for. That left the Abound and Hopper. Couldn't find the Abound anywhere nearby to test ride and I didn't want to buy a bike without test riding it beforehand. So that left the Hopper. Fortunately the Hopper test ride felt great, conquered hills with ease, I personally like the upright riding position. And when I checked the Costco Next discount today they just added an extra $200 off this week for Black Friday sale, so instead of $2399+tax, came out to ONLY $2199+tax!

The timing worked out great for me. Wanted to share this info in case anyone else was interested since it is a limited time sale for the extra $200 off