When it comes to bike commuting, we've heard all the excuses, "It's too far; It's too cold out; I've got too much to carry." Lucky for you there are bikes specially designed to carry you and everything else that comes with you.
Editor's Note: May is National Bike Month! To celebrate, we'll feature a weekly post about the crispest, greenest bikes and bike accessories on the market. If you've got suggestions about what we should feature, tell us here.
People are busy. We've got places to go and people to see. Kids to drop off, groceries to haul, and big playful dogs to transport. Many people say that it's these everyday transportation chores that make it impossible for them to become bike commuters, but we've got three cargo bikes that beg to differ.
Cargo bikes are bicycles designed to carry a load, and have been called the "SUVs of the bike world." Cargo bikes come in many different shapes and sizes, depending on the specific type of commuter and cargo they were designed to service.
Thanks to a rare stroke of luck in late 2009, I won one of these cargo bikes in an online contest (above). It was so big that it had to be sent (fully assembled!) via freight and was dropped off at my house by a tractor trailer truck. But if you've ever heard the phrase "more to love" you'll understand why my partner and I heart this bike. Built to carry over 500 pounds of weight, the giant bucket is the best part of this bike. Ours came with a removable bench seat and seat belts so that precious cargo would stay safely strapped in during the journey. Best part? It was still a two-wheeler, so it retained most of the turning agility of a regular bike.
Dubbed a '2-wheeled “pick-up” truck' the Cargo-T features heavy duty front and rear racks, a sturdy centerstand and locking headset to keep it steady (ever tried using your kickstand with a load of groceries strapped on the back?), and can carry up to 45 pounds. It also comes with Shimano 3 speed internal hub gearing and is equipped with both front and rear cargo racks so you can keep an eye on the eggs. Or your laptop. Whichever is more important.
Whether you're an architect, handyman or delivery person, the Kona Ute makes carrying stuff on your bike a breeze. The 2011 model includes two newly designed panniers made of waterproof vinyl, with a stiff plastic bottom for structural stability. The Ute comes with a 7-inch front brake rotor for stronger braking power, a comfortable Hand Plant handlebar and a newly designed alloy fork. It's also compatible with an Xtracycle Pee Pod LT childseat, cause kids can be cargo too.
Do you have a cargo bike? Or is there one on your wish list? Share your bike-lust with us in the comments or upload pics on our Facebook page!
Top Image - Copyright Beth Buczynski
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