These local talents put their skills to use to make products for us. We’ve developed great working relationships them and are having fun creating products for our cargo bike customers.

Efficient Velo Tools (EVT) -Workstand and Tools

Good tools can make a big difference in the quality of a final product. While Splendid hasn’t splurged on all new fancy tools we did invest strategically in a few critical tools for the shop; and we turned to EVT for those tools. Brett Fleming is the master behind the tools; an ace mechanic and machinist, we had the good fortune to work with him for many years prior to opening Splendid Cycles. So, we knew that there was only on workstand that would do the job here, and that’s the EZ-Lift Workstand. With its lifting assistance we can put heavy cargo bikes into the workstand, raise them to an ergonomic-appropriate height and focus on our work. We literally could not build or repair bikes without it.

BeSpoke Cycle Services - Machinist and Mechanic

Brian Twilley is one of Brett’s machinist understudies. He’s also one of the top bicycle mechanics in town. We know him as our shop mechanic but when he’s not wrenching on bikes here he’s working in his shop, honing his fabrication skills. Splendid Cycles has called upon those skills many times in order to resolve accessory installation puzzles. Brian, always delivers. He’s produced brackets for installing BionX batteries on Bullitts, brackets for installing our locally sourced Bullitt rain covers, and many other nifty little items. He’s the guy to turn to for specialty parts whether you need a special shim for your cleats or any bicycle repair, modification, or prototyping fabrication.

Metrofiets Cargo Bikes

We proudly stock and sell Metrofiets Cargo Bikes! We’ve devoted a whole page of our website to describing our love for these bikes but I’ll add here that if you’re looking for  head-turning artistry in your cargo bike this is THE way to go.

Jake Rosenfeld Construction – Custom Alloy Cargo Boxes

Jake is a real renaissance man: his skills span the breadth of many trades. But we’re most thankful for the metal working skills he’s applied to creating custom alloy cargo boxes for Splendid Cycles and our customers. We love the level of detail and personal attention he gives each design. His experience with bikes and food carts proves most helpful for advising our customers on the design details. He knows first hand the importance of a tough, lightweight, functional cargo hold. We know the importance of supporting local craftsman and are grateful we know Jake.

BLAQ Designs - Splendid Rain Cover for Bullitts

We have Joe at Joe Bike here in Portland, OR to thank for this relationship. He first worked with Jeremy of BLAQ Designs to craft a cover for his cargo bikes. The design was brilliant and we followed with some sincere flattery (we copied his idea) and commissioned a rain canopy for the Bullitt cargo bike. And what a big hit it’s been; we’ve even shipped covers back to the Bullitt homeland! We’re working on new covers and options for the coming year too. So, we plan to keep BLAQ very busy. By the way, if you’re in the market for a new messenger bag or backpack, do checkout their cool wares!

Jeff Lauten- custom wood cargo boxes

Most of the craftsmen producing products for us are experienced, skilled, and talented, but Jeff stands out, not only because he’s all those things but he’s also an artist. Each wood box he’s created for us is that – a creation. While he has a template for the basic shape of the box, no two boxes are identical in detail. And while I’m talking detail…his attention to detail is tremendous. The new padded seats and shoulder harnesses in this year’s box are well-designed and executed; some of the nicest we’ve seen. Jeff is a full-time dad and a part-time wood worker; lucky a chunk of his time goes to making custom wood boxes for Splendid customers.

Joel’s Creations

I’ve written about Joel fabricating the Splendid Deck plates in a previous post, but he is busy with his brilliance often. He makes cool Supernova tail light brackets, is the one who hatches many of the ideas that we take to the craftsmen profiled above. His vision for creating useful and functional products to accompany the bikes we sell is a driving force in our business.

 (ME? – I do the writing, and knit Joel’s sweaters and hats.  So I guess, we’re just a little company of craftsmen.)

Ah, what a handsome trio of Bullitt cargo bikes!

What all three of these bikes have in common is that they’re heading to new homes where they’ll help transform three family’s lifestyles with their car-replacement potential. Besides all being Bullitt cargo bikes, they also share:

• Shimano SLX components, including hydraulic disc brakes
• 48 Volt BionX e-assist
• FSA Metropolis Patterson internal 2-speed cranks

High-quality components and Ergon Biokork grips - sweet!

The above 3 features add to the functionality of these bikes and their ability to take over in situations where one might usually turn to a car. Reliable, durable, quality parts (like this Shimano SLX gruppo) mean that components last longer, are easy to replace or repair and most importantly – they work.  We’ve elaborated before on the benefits of hydraulic disc brakes on cargo bikes and especially for cargo bikes that carry kids in hilly and urban areas. I don’t think I need to tell any of our readers how important stopping is but some of you may not know how easy stopping is with hydraulic disc brakes. It’s not an exaggeration to say it’s effortless.

We’ve also waxed on previously about electric assist and cargo bikes. E-assist is a game-changer for many of our customers. Whether it’s installed on a cargo bike or hybrid commuter bike it will extend a rider’s range. How far, how fast, how heavy a load, and in what conditions you choose to ride, are increased with e-assist systems. For example, last week I was recovering from a bad chest cold, it was cold outside too. Conventional wisdom tells me that I shouldn’t cycle to work in such conditions. But, if I can get there more quickly (less time in the cold air) and not overdo it (use little of my energy getting there) I could ride my bike.  Hence, I get on my e-assist cargo bike and I arrive at work feeling just fine.

BionX and Patterson 2-speed crank - ready to cruise!

Then there’s the Metropolis Patterson crank; an internally geared 2-speed crank. Besides  it’s pant leg-friendly cogs, this cool component has many practical advantages. For one, similar to internal rear gearing, it allows the rider to downshift while stopped. Shifting is quiet and instantaneous whether on the move or at a stop. That’s a great feature for cargo bikes. It is no fun having to start across an intersection with a loaded cargo bike in too high a gear. With this crank, you just shift into the lower gear roll away, and then up-shift and cruise on. It’s great match to the BionX system, providing a low (28T ) gear for hills and starting up, and a higher gear (45T) for cruising.

As a package, these three options mean a more enjoyable ride and fewer excuses (or need) to drive. To make their rides even more enjoyable each of the owners has customized their Bullitt to fit their needs. One of the things we love about the Bullitt is the ease with which we can customize the bikes to fit the user’s preferences. Components, accessories, and cargo options can all be modified to meet the needs of the rider, and if those needs change, the set-up of the bike can be changed to address those changing needs. That means that a bike bought originally  to take a dog to the park can be refit to carry a child, or two, or three. A bike purchased for taking kids to school can become a work vehicle when the kids are grown and cycling on their own. Or a Bullitt purchased for general use can be easily ready for a bike camping excursion.

Brooks saddle and Supernova tail light.

Super-cool customer-made wood cargo box.

This Bluebird has a Brooks Flyer Saddle, Ergon Biokork Grips (one of my favorite accessories),Supernova E3 Pro lights, and a Splendid Deck Plate. He’ll also be adding a home-built cargo box to accommodate his kids, complete with a perch for his pet parrot. The middle Milk Plus was customized with Crank Brothers pedals, Supernova lights, and a Topeak rack (with custom rack riv-nut installation). This bike will rock a beautiful home-built box too. The Milk Plus on the left boasts a Alfine dynamo hub, Bullitt side panels, deck plate, and child seat and will certainly turn a few heads on the streets of LA!

Turning heads or not, all of these bikes will turn their owners onto a life of less reliance on automobiles.

Anyway, the antidote: just thinking about all of the amazing families we work with, sell bikes to, and know as part of the cargo bike community.

While it’s really cool and gratifying to help businesses reduce their reliance on automobiles, it’s the families that truly warm my heart. I’ve thought so much about them in the last few weeks. I’ve thought about their children, their stories, and the world they are working to create for their children. Every single family we’ve been honored to help with bikes has inspired us and given us many reasons to keep doing what we do.

A couple of family-biking kids and some of their supportive community on a bird watching excursion.

Seeing the way these families bond through bicycling and seeing the resulting healthy, happy children truly gives me hope. When sad news reaches me it is thinking about these families that have brought me the most comfort. These parents seem to be focused on the things that matter. They’re making choices that slow down their lives, enrich their children’s lives, and result in high-quality family time.They’re also the beginning of a change we need here in the USA that shifts us away from our automobile-dominated life style – a lifestyle that isolates us from each other, removes us from contact with our neighbors, and creates a hectic pace that results in excessive amounts of stress. 

It isn’t an easy path for these early-adopter bicycling families. They have to juggle busy schedules with the slower pace of the bicycle. While their neighbors and coworkers are zipping to destinations by car, they’re donning helmets, rain gear, and bike-friendly diaper bags. Sometimes I wonder how they do it as sometimes I’m challenged to get just myself out the door on a rainy day.

Some are ridiculed by the unknowing, well-meaning  strangers who say things like, “How can you endanger your child by putting them on a bike?” This whole line of thinking is fuel for another blog but let me say how grossly mistaken I believe such people are. Cycling has its risks but so does just about everything in life so calling out concern on just bicycling safety is a narrow focus indeed.

Cycling families cope with cold, wet weather and Totcicles (aka cold toddlers). They must get creative figuring out how to get the items they need by bicycle, all with kids in tow. BUT, Holy Cow! they do it, and from what I observe they do it with a sense of humor and open hearts. They are setting sterling examples for their children of how to embrace and enjoy life and each other.

I’m convinced , these children are growing up loved, open-hearted themselves, and surrounded by a strong community of adults supporting them and what their parents do; they all give me hope. They restore my faith in humanity. They help me see so much more goodness on this earth than bad.  Don’t get me wrong, I know dozens of wonderful non-biking families, it’s just that the cargo bike families really do so many remarkable things every day that I can’t help but be grateful for them all.

I know that now media-famous Emily Finch, mother of 6, has some received criticism for having a large family, as has another mom of 4 I spoke with recently. That’s unfortunate.  As an environmentalist, I am concerned about population growth, but I’m more concerned with the happiness and mental welfare of our society. These particular large-family moms (and dads) happen to be incredible parents and because of that are contributing to our society in ways that are far more important than zero-population growth. So, to them I say, “Hey, why aren’t you having more kids?”

And I say to all of the parents out there, making sacrifices to teach their children to appreciate a simple, slower way of life, structured with love and support: Thank You. Thank you for being my antidote to the sadness I feel in response to many of the world’s tragedies. May you all have tailwinds and rosy-cheeked children!

So, while I’m planning and doing exciting bookkeeping tasks, Joel is creating. “I like making things,” he says. And I like what he makes.

This week his project has been creating a new deck plate option for our Bullitt cargo bikes. Bullitt makes a fabulous deck plate – lightweight, tough, well-engineered. However, it’s not cheap (but, you do get what you pay for) AND until our 2013 shipment of plates arrives in January, we’re running low on inventory.

Hence, Joel starts thinking…materials, production, jigs: all part of his creative process. Thinking done, he springs into action. And after a few trips to the hardware and metal supply vendors he has results.

The result? A lightweight, tough, and attractive new Bullitt accessory that’s a great alternative for those on a budget.  It retails for $125 compared to the Bullitt deckplate for $250.

Here’s the story in annotated pictures:

Gathering supplies:

All good DIY folk know to save everything. You never know when the hinges left by your home’s previous owner might come in handy.

Besides these hinges, the jigs for this project used some old cabinet doors and a little plywood left from the build-out of our store.

Materials used for the deck plate: aluminum diamond plate.

Looks like some kind of crazy snowboard at first glance but it’s really the cut-out plate.  Several sheets of diamond plate were stacked together and then cut using the template jig; edges were then ground, sanded, and polished.

 The Jigs:

Joel created two jigs. One to serve as a template for cutting the deck plate, the other to bend the plate to the desired angle

The finished bending jig(right). You can see where Joel used the turquoise hinges.

Building the jig took the most time in this project, by far. Getting the proportions and registration position for the plate just right was a matter of measure a dozen times, cut once.

Production:

The diamond plate is placed in the jig, secured, and ready for bending. To bend the plate, Joel simply steps up on the jig, grabs the handle (a re-purposed strip of metal) and commences bending. Having a built-in a stop point that coincides with the correct amount of bend for the Bullitt deck, he produces a precise bend in the plate. The plate is ready to remove from the jig.

Installed:

Installation is easy, using the template jig, holes have been pre-drilled for the bolts that will secure the plate to the bike. Dense foam padding, recycled from packing materials are placed between the plate and the frame. Bolts inserted and nuts are tightened and Viola!

And that’s how we spend the time between customers here at Splendid Cycles.

Typical winter street conditions - big puddles and slippery leaf-sludge.

Since I own a cargo bike shop it’s only natural that I ride cargo bikes frequently. I enjoy pushing the limit of expectations for what a cargo bike can do. Bike touring, commuting, even a little gravel grinding, are all uses not commonly prescribed for cargo bikes. Yet, cargo bikes are incredibly capable in those applications.

If you ride a cargo bike around enough you’ll collect dozens of frequently asked questions from curious passersby. One of the questions on that list is:

“How is it for longer distances?”  Ha! How is it? It’s fantastic!

Some are asking about touring/bike camping but we’ll answer that question in a future post. Really, what most people are asking is whether or not cargo bikes are suitable for commuting.  Either way, the answer is still: It’s fantastic!

I first started commuting regularly by cargo bike in the winter months. I had a very challenging commute that included about 1-2 miles through an unlit industrial corridor. Although there is a bike lane along the route, the bike lane is swept infrequently and during fall and winter has leaves, branches, random flotsam from passing trucks, and potholes. Add darkness to the mix along with a dash of fast-moving truck traffic and you have a less than desirable bike route.

So, it was on one rainy morning that I set off for work. I was running a little late and knew that the e-assist on my Bullitt would help get me to my destination on schedule.  At first I hesitated also knowing that I had about 15 miles to cover each way. I’d done a few long rides with the Bullitt but not a long commute. Ultimately, the e-assist won out and I took off for work. And I used it the next day and the next day and it is now the bike I use most often for my commute.

It didn’t take me long to start appreciating the Bullitt commuting benefits.Here’s what I discovered:

1. Stability

Long wheel base and overall size add to stability and safety.

With their long, nearly 8-foot wheelbase, low center of gravity, and fat tires Bullitts (and most cargo bikes) are very stable. Obstacles that would have normally slowed me down, such as leaf slicks and branches, slushy snow, and metal grates are basically of little concern. The Bullitt just plows right through without even a hint of traction loss. Railroad, light rail, and street car tracks are a major danger point for most cyclists, even if you avoid the ruts next to the tracks, the rails themselves are quite slick in winter rain and I know my share of experienced cyclist that have had pavement encounters due to the rails. Not likely with a Bullitt. Crossing tracks is a fairly insignificant thing. On the Bullitt I don’t need to moderate speed or angle or my position on the bike when crossing tracks. The only danger is not remembering my skills for track crossing when I get back on a standard bicycle.

2. Respect

It may seem odd, and I don’t know how universal my experience is, but drivers seem to give me a little more berth and to treat me as a fellow vehicle (as the law dictates) more often.  I’ve had fewer close brushes with aggressive drivers, more acknowledgement to take my right of way, and basically fewer hassles taking the lane when I needed to, when riding the Bullitt. I would say that I am usually a defensive cyclist and normally project my confidence and right to the roadway, so noticing the difference is surprising to me. Perhaps I’m projecting even more confidence than usual because I’m riding a big bike. Perhaps people see the big bike and assume that I’m not on a recreational ride: I’m working or headed to work and that somehow entitles my use of the road;I’m talking driver perception here, not the law (which gives us the right to be on the road). Whatever the reason, it certainly makes for a more enjoyable commute. It’s nice to have that extra room any time of year but with decreased visibility during winter months it’s especially appreciated.

3. Protected Cargo

Ah, the joys of a waterproof, lockable cargo compartment! My Bullitt commuter has a lightweight, lockable aluminum box on the front. That means that I can carry my laptop, camera gear, change of clothes, lunch, and what ever else I want, back and forth to work with no worries about water damage or an unwieldy load. It also means that if I need to run errands before and after work, I not only have a place to stow my rain gear and helmet, but all of those items are secure while I take my time selecting the best avocados at the store, with no mind to watching panniers either on the bike or in my grocery cart.

Those are three BIG reasons why a cargo bike makes an ideal commuter in the winter, and all year-round. Other Bullitt features that make winter commuting a little easier:

• Fenders – If you want to ride in rainy weather a good set of fenders is essential. They keep you drier but also help reduce the amount of grime splashed onto your bike’s drive train and brakes. It’s easy enough to install fenders on most bikes but they are stock items on all Bullitts we sell.
• Disc brakes- Disc brakes are wonderful in wet climates: they don’t cause rim wear, require less maintenance than other brakes, and really work well. Hydraulic disc brakes are even more remarkable. When road conditions are sketchy and visibility poor it is not just nice, but life-saving, to have brakes that really work. With hydraulic disc brakes, a cargo bike can stop on a dime even in wet weather.
  

  Fenders and lit by dynamo - the way to go!

• Dynamo hubs – Good light systems make a hard commute a bit easier. I’ve been caught in the dark several times because the headlight’s battery died. That’s no fun at all. With dynamo hubs and LED headlamps there’s no such problem. As long as the wheel is turning you have light. And with systems like the Supernova E3 Pro, a capacitor keeps the light lit even when you’re stopped. Not a stock item on a Bullitt, but an easy upgrade to make. We have 20″ dynamo wheels on hand and can build up other sized wheels when you’re ready to brighten up your commute.
• Rain canopy – Have kids that need to go to day care or school? Want to go by bike? No problem. We have a rain canopy specifically designed for the Bullitt kid seat set up. The Splendid Rain Canopy is constructed from tough cordura and vinyl and it not only sheds water but blocks winter’s chill. Kids sit happy and warm inside and there’s no messy rain gear to manage when they get to school.

Essentially, the Bullitt has become my “go-to” bike for nasty weather and road conditions. It’s a little slower and more effort than my light-weight commuter but because the stability of the Bullitt allows me to maintain my momentum through tough stretches of road, I find my overall commute time is about the same.  I love the convenience of being able to take everything I need to work and run errands after work without concern for security or capacity for my cargo. I think too, that there’s a certain je ne sais quoi that just makes commuting by cargo bike so much fun.

So, if you’ve been toying with the idea of getting a cargo bike but thought it might be a fair-weather grocery fetcher, think again. For me cargo bikes make foul-weather riding fun. And who doesn’t need more fun in their life, eh?

Joel and I (Barb) have been helping people choose bikes and helping them get more enjoyment from cycling since the late 1980′s (Joel since 1988, Barb since 1987). Nothing brings us more pleasure than customizing a bike to exactly fit a rider’s tastes and needs. Now, working with cargo bike customers we feel like everything we’ve learned in all of our years of bike shop experience has coalesced to help us find incredible purpose in what we do.

One case in example, is our latest project bike.  The facilitators for that project, the Austins, walked into our shop last summer looking for a cargo bike to carry some precious cargo: their daughter.  After test-riding, talking with us about possibilities, and some brilliant creative thinking, the Austins had a picture of their perfect bike. Their expressed needs:

1. Safe and suitable for an infant
2. Low maintenance
3. Classic lines and color but modern components
4. Low stand-over and capable of fitting a 4’11″ rider

The bike that fit those needs: A lovely gray Metrofiets cargo bike with silver Shimano Alfine 8-speed components, dynamo hub,and Supernova lighting. The completed bike, does not disappoint! It’s gorgeous, practical, and a fun to ride:

Disc brakes - front and rear.

The wood cargo box has a classic aesthetic that compliments the Metrofiets’ lines. With the optional rain canopy, the cargo box is dry and warm against cold winter rains. Inside, a removable bench seat with shoulder harnesses for two kids make for a safe and adaptable cargo hold.

More safety features include Shimano Alfine hydraulic disc brakes on the front and rear. Some shops are hesitant to install hydraulic disc brakes on bikes but with thousands of miles of use on our own cargo bikes we’re convinced this is THE way to go. Not only is your stopping power fantastic even in sopping wet weather, but we’ve found maintenance to be easy. Disc brake pads last many more miles than other brake pads and while cable activated brakes often require a yearly overhaul (new cables or housing in our NW climate are common annual maintenance tasks), we have systems that are on 2-3 years without the need for any maintenance. Would we recommend hydraulic systems for round-the-world bike tours? Probably not, but for urban riding they are definitely a recommendation.

Shimano Alfine 8 rear hub.

Speaking of low maintenance: the Shimano internal Alfine-8 gearing is the ultimate. No derailleurs or cassettes to gunk up in winter weather.  Just keep your chain lubed and do adjustments as needed. If you’ve never adjusted gears on an Alfine internal 8-speed, I think you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to do. No tools required, nor a work stand, just good eyesight as you align adjustment indicators located on the hub using the adjusting barrel on the shifter.

Another feature we love about the Alfine hubs is the ability of the rider to shift when stopped. If under- or over-geared at a stop, the rider can shift to the preferred gear, and when the light turns green, take off in that new gear with out even a clunk or a grind of the gears.

Never worrying about charging light batteries or remembering to bring along a light set is a small pleasure but, one well-worth investing in if you want to always be ready to ride.  For this bike we paired the reliable Alfine dyanamo hub and the impressive Supernova E3 Pro headlight and Supernova LED taillight.

Alfine dynamo hub with Supernova E3 Pro.

The E3 Pro beams over 300 lumen onto the road in a very clean, broad beam. The light includes a capacitor that provides a 5-minute stand light. The stand light is dimmer than the running light but it is bright enough so that you’re visible to on-coming traffic when you’re  stopped at a stop light. Add a 5-year warranty and that makes the Supernova hard to beat.

Satori Easy Up Stem.

In order to accommodate two riders, we set up this Metrofiets as we do many of the bikes we sell, with a Satori Easy Up stem. This stem allows the riders to raise and lower the handlebars to their preferred height with the flick of a quick release lever. And, never fear, that quick release does NOT release the stem from the bike so it is NOT a security risk, just a nice customization feature.

Just a short while after taking the photos in this post, the new owner came to claim the bike.  Needless to say, he was thrilled as his dream bike had been manifested. As we did final preparation for sending the bike home, the clouds moved in and a downpour began.  The sky opened up and quickly dampened everything…everything, that is, but Mr. Austin’s excitement. Without rain gear or even a sweater he headed out for the ride home; he certainly wasn’t going to let the weather keep him from his maiden voyage on the lovely new Austinfiets.

And so, a new chapter has begun for the Austin family. We have absolutely no doubt that their new Metrofiets cargo bike will change their lives. That’s why we do what we do. Building a custom cargo bike with attention down to the last detail certainly makes our customers happy. But, it’s what we enjoy doing most because we know that if we do our job right, that cargo bike will change how our customers address their transportation needs. It feels like the best way we can give back to our customers: making them happy so they can enjoy their riding their bikes. If they enjoy their bikes they ride more. If they ride more all sorts of wonderful things happen.

Happy cycling everyone.

If you’ve been around bikes, and know the history of mountain bikes, you might understand the significance of Marin County and the influence of its residents in the evolution of the bike and its uses in modern times.  I began my career in the bike biz just as mountain bikes were beginning their reign as popular bikes. Mountain bikes, then and now, were built for the purpose of riding rough terrain. But they also have the appeal of giving of an upright riding position, stable handling, and low gearing. Those features appealed to the masses who at the time only had racing bikes or beach cruisers from which to choose. If you ask me, the popularity of the mt. bike was due to those factors and not just the lure of off-road riding. Many of the mt. bikes I sold NEVER hit the dirt.

As bike manufacturers got wise, many more bike styles appeared on the market: hybrids,  comfort bikes, commuters, flat-foot geometry, etc. Today, we are fortunate that we have a bike for just about any purpose and rider. However, there are two bike categories that still have yet to fulfill their potential: cargo bikes and electric-assist bicycles. These bikes, we’ll call them utility bikes for the purposes of this article, are still a bit of an oddity, even in Portland. 

Joel talks over XtraCycles' latest innovations with Ross.

No doubt, we (Joel and I) are a bit biased these days, we see cargo bikes and e-bikes as the next great thing that’s going to change who bicycles and how they do it, and ultimately how bikes look. In other words, we believe the next bike revolution is around utility bikes.

Like the mountain bike in the 1980s, cargo and e-assist bikes are still in their infancy in the USA. Interbike, the annual bike show for bike dealers, still is dominated by recreational cycling. The latest and greatest full suspension bikes, carbon fiber road bikes, and wheels, dominate the show. But, utility bikes are gaining in popularity. In Portland, there are 3 specialty bike shops dedicated to utility and city riding (Splendid Cycles, Joe Bike, and Clever Cycles),  a well-respected e-bike expert (eBike Store), cargo bike manufacturers (Metrofiets) and e-assist system manufacturers (EcoSpeed). We also benefit from a vibrant, active cargo bike community (Transportland.org).

So, on our visit to Northern California, Joel and I stopped, visited shops and manufacturers, participated in events,  and observed the current state of utility bicycles in the hotbed of the last bike revolution, and generally felt encouraged that the next bike revolution is in fact underway. Influential and  affluent, the SF Bay Area is indeed gaining momentum with utility bikes. Here’s a short list of some of the people, organizations, and shops leading the way:

East Bay

XtraCycle – I recently wrote a blog post about XtraCycle. After visiting their Oakland showroom, I am even more enthusiastic. Joel and I chatted with Ross Evans, founder of XtraCycles and Worldbike,  for an hour or so and are very encouraged to learn that the latest XtraCycle bike and accessories have created quite a buzz. After test riding an EdgeRunner, I understand what all the buzz is about.

Rob walks...uh, rides...the talk:a mountain bike becomes a utility bike. photo by Blue Heron Bikes

Blue Heron Bikes – Rob of Blue Heron Bikes of Berkeley is a bike industry veteran. He knows the bike business well and when faced with the exciting prospect of opening his own shop, he chose to focus on transportation and utility. Blue Heron, has a wonderful mix of city bikes and cargo bikes. With brands like Bullitt, XtraCycle, Yuba, Brompton, Raleigh and Felt, Rob is able to meet the needs of a wide variety of customers. When I stopped in to visit, he was addressing the needs of a mom looking for a kid-carrying bicycle. But, his mechanic was completing a tune-up on a rugged commuter. His shop is well-stocked with racks, bags, tires, and commuter accessories and one of their fortes is converting mountain bikes into practical everyday bikes.   Blue Heron’s Mission Statement  aspires to bringing people closer together and enhancing neighborhoods and communities through bicycles  From what I observed in our short visit to this shop on the Ohlone Greenway bike trail, Blue Heron Bikes is already achieving success on that account.

South Bay

Bay Area Cargo Bikes  - Located in Campbell, CA,  owners Paul and Dallas, are spreading the utility bike word in the south Bay Area, San Jose/Los Gatos area selling Bullitt and Metrofiets cargo bikes.  Their business grew from their enthusiasm for riding cargo bikes and that enthusiasm has not waned. Like us, they use cargo bikes as everyday bikes and some nights (as during the San Jose Bike Party events). Paul and a couple of his customers dropped in at the Cargo Bike Jubilee relay races and their Team San Jose Awesome lived up to its name. Not only did they show the rest of the competitors how you transport goods by bike, but they clearly demonstrated how to have a good time doing it. If you’re in the San Jose area and want to test ride a Bullitt, they’re your contact.

San Francisco

The New Wheel owners, Brett and Karen, are optimistic visionaries. They even fly the tag line “An Optimistic Bike Shop.” Visionary, yes, but also driven to convert the city by the bay into THE city of e-bikes; so their shop specializes in electric bicycles. SF is famous for its hills. While it’s possible, as a visitor, to avoid some of the bigger hills, for those living in the city it’s a different story. Many neighborhoods require cyclists to tackle steep climbs. Some of the steepest streets in SF are over 30%, so 15% -20% is not unusual in some areas. Even for the most intrepid cyclist that makes for a challenging commute. Brett and Karen know that e-assist has the ability to effectively level those hills. When getting up hills is not an issue, there’s one less obstacle to cycling instead of driving.

I absolutely LOVED their shop. Like Splendid Cycles, it’s a small but welcoming space. You’re greeted by a charming old-west store front with a modern twist – a solar charging station. Solar panels and a convenient place to wait while you charge your phone, iPad, or computer! Inside, is a similar mix of practical time-proven products (such as Brooks Saddles) and modern technology – e-assist bikes. With expertise in BionX and a variety of other e-assist system, they are able to appeal to a variety of cyclists – casual to performance. Most of all, The New Wheel offers something that’s valued in any era – customer service. Customers are clearly their priority. In talking with Brett and Karen about their business, it was very clear that they are very focused on providing a good experience before, during, and after the sale.

Marin County

Jelani (left), of The Bicycle Works sharing his utility bike knowledge at Biketoberfest

Now, to the cradle of the last bike revolution to see it’s standing in, what we see as, the next bicycle revolution.  Bike culture is alive and well in Marin. Sitting at a local cafe, I observed kids heading home from school by bike, adults doing errands, and of course lots of recreational riders. When I cruised by the local grocery store, there were at least three longtails parked outside! Here’s what else is happening with utility bikes in Marin County:

The Bicycle Works - A common theme among the utility bike proponents that I meet is the desire to build or enhance a sense of community. The Bicycle Works is a sterling example of an organization achieving that goal. Located in San Anselmo, CA, there is no shortage of cyclists. On Sir Frances Drake Blvd. (the main street through town)  you’ll view a parade of cyclists.  That parade has a number of shops to patronize BUT The Bicycle Works is the only non-profit. Offering tools and instruction for repair, advocating utility bikes, and providing a community resource is their strength.   In addition to their non-profit services, they are also a retail shop selling “human-electric hybrid vehicles.” They’re our North Bay Bullitt dealer but carry XtraCycle, Surly, and a host of other utility bike options. The positive energy evident in the leadership and volunteers of this organization have enabled this organization to grow and expand. I see a bright future ahead for them and their community.

Geronimo Wheel Works Michael Bock of Geranimo Wheel Works, a craftsman and pioneer in e-assist bicycles, works closely with The Bicycle Works consulting on e-assist projects. The custom e-assist bikes he builds are also on display at The Bicycle Works.

Just a few of the utility bikes in Michael Bock's workshop.

Always wanting to improve on performance of the systems he offers, Michael’s always thinking and a doing bit of tinkering to find innovative solutions. Inside his workshop numerous cargo bike frames, bike parts, and e-assist motors and parts await assembly. I await his next creation!

 (R)evolutions per Minute: CargoBikes in the US -When Liz Canning, the dynamic and passionate cargo cyclist behind (R)evolutions, embarked on her open-source cargo bike documentary project, I’m not sure she knew how much her film would ignite the cargo bike community. Since she first posted a trailer of her film on YouTube there’s been a buzz around utility bikes. The cargo bike community has coalesced around her project, producing miles of footage and inspiring new converts to the revolution. The film’s FaceBook page serves as a community bulletin board for the exchange of information and ideas on any cargo bike-related topic. Liz (and her family) also bring heaps of pro-utility bike energy to the local (Marin) neighborhoods by setting a fabulous example of how to incorporate bikes into everyday life.

Biketoberfest Marin/Cargo Bike Jubilee – Our discussion of what’s happening in Marin, would not be complete without singing the praises of the Cargo Bike Jubilee at Biketoberfest Marin. Biketoberfest, a benefit for the Marin Bicycle Coalition, is huge. The attendance by vendors and customers is exceptional. While many folks come just for the group rides or beer sampling festivities, it also brings cargo bike people from all over the SF Bay Area. Whether shopping for a bike or looking to connect with fellow cargo bikers, I met people from San Jose to San Francisco to Emeryville.  Some came to see a representation of all of the popular cargo bike brands others to participate in fun events such a cargo bike parade and relay races. The jubilee is only in its second year but it already is a mainstay of Biketoberfest.  There’s as much fun as there are attendees – can’t wait for next year!

 Summary

My overall impression is that there’s momentum but also a long way to go before the revolution really catches on.  Utility bikes are gaining ground as awareness of their existence grows thanks to the early adopters, dedicated advocates, and even to some degree, the mainstream media. That’s all encouraging. But, what really gives me hope are the common threads I observed during our trip (and have observed here at home):

• 1. Everyone’s welcome. This revolution is about community, sharing, and building relationships: whether connecting with neighbors or strengthening family ties. Cargo bike events and groups are inclusive, all types of bikes and riders are encouraged, even those who don’t yet own a cargo bike.
• 2. It’s about a return to simple values. The retailers involved in this revolution focus strongly on customer service. Taking care of customers, working hard to enable cyclists to reduce stress and expenses through car-lite living, and standing behind their products, are common priorities. The people buying utility bikes want a simpler, more sustainable life.
• 3. Excitement. This revolution is just beginning and many of the early-adopters see the potential for a big shift in how bikes are used for transportation. That vision creates excitement and enthusiasm, which in turn brings new people to the revolution.

Four Bullitts ready to hit the road.

We juggle keeping the store open with doing promotion and business out of town. In reality, with just 2.5 people on staff here at Splendid Cycles, a business trip means closing up shop.  Since we don’t like to inconvenience the customers that come to our Portland shop we are not only very judicious about when we close, but we tend to optimize our time away.

That means that we do multiple stops on the road visiting customers, attending events, doing some promotional photo shoots, and of course we also always try to plan a little product testing.

Sundial Bridge in Redding, CA.

Since Biketoberfest Marin and the Cargo Bike Jubilee was a big hit with us last year, and the Bullitt cargo bikes a big hit with the fest attendees, we decided to go again this year. On our agenda:

•  Biketoberfest Marin;
• Visiting Bullitt dealers in Berkeley and San Anselmo;
• Visiting potential and existing Bullitt customers in San Francisco;
• Product testing on the Sacramento River Trail and at Castle Crags State Park.

We happily fit all of those activities and the 1100+ mile drive into a weeks worth of days.

First, you’re likely wondering how we transport bikes to show and ride. Since Bullitts are neither ultra-light or compact, the solution is to stow them onto our Yakima RockAndRoll Trailer using Rocky Mount Tandem Mounts.  The trailer is lightweight, and has proven itself quite road-worthy.

Ride #1

Atop Shasta dam.

Making the most of our travel time, we slowly made our way south with our first planned product-testing stop in Redding, California. Previously, I associated high summer temperatures with that town. Now, I associate an amazing network of paved bike-ped paths. We chose to ride our BionX Bullitts from Redding to the top of Shasta Dam, a round-trip of about 40 miles. Our ride essentially began at the Sundial Bridge at Turtle Bay  on the Sacramento River. Across the bridge we turn left and head upstream following the river. First we pedal through city parks, and neighborhoods but we’re soon out in the rolling chaparral-covered hills. Not far from town, we crest a hill just as two bald eagles perch in a nearby Ponderosa pine. The rest of the ride feels equally wild. We see only a few other cyclists but multitudes of birds, squirrels, and lots of bear scat.

The paved trail takes us past two smaller dams , more bridges and a through an old tunnel.   We leave the hills and cruise along the river-grade trail towards at a nice 16-17-mile per hour pace.  Soon we arrive near the base of Shasta Dam. The trail continues on a back road; 600-feet in about 1.5 miles later and we’re on top of the dam. And despite a bit of a headwind, we cruise back to Turtle Bay at a lovely clip. All-in-all a wonderful Bullitt adventure.

Ride #2

Fun for a passenger!

Our second product-testing stop was on the return trip, at Castle Crags State Park. This time a much shorter ride but testing out one heavily loaded Bullitt on another steep sustained climb. For this ride, Barb was loaded into the cargo hold of the bike along with her camera gear for a mile-long 500-ft climb to a vista point in the park. I’d approximate the load at 150 pounds.

First, I must say, if you haven’t been a passenger on a Bullitt, it is a total blast. As an adult passenger, more leg room would be nice, BUT, for short trips sitting in the kid seat and being pedaled around is nothing but fun. Usually, I laugh, or at least smile, the whole time. For the pilot, it usually takes just a minute to get accustomed to a live, squirmy adult passenger. Once past that moment, the sole issue is having the leg strength to move the load.

We’ve had great success moving adults and heavy loads (over 100lbs.)  around the rolling hills of Portland with BionX Bullitts, but how did it do on the steep climb at Castle Crags?The answer: the BionX system certainly helped but after about a half mile when the grade of the road rose to over 15% in places,  the system showed certain signs of strain. When that happens, the motor reduces its output in order to protect the motor from over-heating. So, after that, we were moving at a walking pace up the hill. After another quarter mile, it just didn’t make sense to stay seated in the cargo hold. So, Barb got out and walked. The motor soon cooled and Joel was able to zip up the last few yards of the road and trail. And, the trip down was a hoot!

Bullitt - rear hub-drive

Evaluation

The bikes ridden for these test rides utilize the standard, rear hub-drive BionX PL350, a 37 V, 350 watt system. BionX is a great system for increasing your range. Whether needing to go farther, faster, or carry more we’ve found it quite capable in the right circumstances. For our 40-miler it was great. Forty miles on a cargo bike, even the speedy Bullitt is taxing. With the e-assist, we rode as if on lightweight bikes,  had fun doing it, and were able to enjoy our long walk to dinner afterwards. In other words, we were tired, but not exhausted.

EcoSpeed - mid-drive

But, BionX does have its limitations, as proved by test ride #2.  Performance of hub drive systems, like the BionX, decline with more extreme weights, road grades,  high ambient temperatures, or combinations of those factors. We give BionX credit for designing safeguards that protect the system when stressed in those conditions  But, it’s our opinion that it is not a system for every situation. For moderate loads and hills we love it. But, in situations where you’re hauling heavy loads up steep grades e-assist systems, like EcoSpeed, are far more suitable.

One of our goals in opening Splendid Cycles was to have our own niche and to have  products not available at other bike shops. For the majority of cargo bikes we carry that’s the case.

Just add kids!

But Xtracycle, you can buy lots of places.  So what that heck is it doing at Splendid Cycles and why do we love it so much?

There are lots of long tail bikes out there but if you want to carry kids, have lots of easy-to-install and fun accessory options, Xtracycle is THE one.

Why?

Answer:

First: You can carry kids. Xtracycle is committed to kid-carrying. Committed is a key word here. While the legal department at a few other long-tail manufacturers has put the kabosh on kid-carrying – that’s right, you’re outright told NOT to carry kids. Not only does Xtracycle not have such labels but they are selling and marketing kid-carrying attachments for their platform. Add stoker bars, add kid seats, add foot rests; in other words: add kids. With so many other companies NOT doing this it must take a real committment from the companies that do in order to deal with the legal/liability issues involved.

Accessorized for versatility.

Second: Quality. Mechanics love Xtracycle accessories. The accessory options are modular and easy to install.  We think they have the best quality kid attachments available. The kid seat is none other than a Yepp-made, best in class kid carrier. The Pea Pod is sturdy and well-designed.  Expensive but worth every penny. Who doesn’t think the wood-grained running boards or footsies are the bomb! There’s just something about wood accessories that make a bike instantly cool. By golly, it’s the bike equivalent to the wood-paneled station wagon of the 1960′s.

Third: Versatility. Perhaps you’re not carrying kids and just want to haul lots of stuff. They’ve got that covered too.  Add the Wide Loader, Long Loader, and a KickBack kickstand and you’re ready to haul anything your massive quads can move.

Fourth: They continue to innovate. Rather than continue to sell just their original product, Xtracycle continues to respond to customer needs and push boundaries with new products.  A few of the new products we’re excited about:

Hooptie: Super cool idea – gives your passengers a handhold and helps secure them on the bike. More comfort, more safety, that’s what we love.

SideCar: Not an original idea BUT certainly one of the few sidecars available for the masses.

EdgeRunner: The latest complete bike from Xtracycle features a 26″ front wheel and a 20″ rear wheel.  This asymmetric wheel configuration makes the rear platform more even more versatile.

Check out this video to see the Edgerunner, Hooptie, and SideCar in action!

the Hooptie

SideCar

EdgeRunner

Fifth: It’s easy to like a company that produces great products and promotes values that: support community, enrich lives, foster excitement and adventure, and work toward positive change. This company has a conscience too; they donate 5% of their profit to Worldbike to further the development of Xtracycle-like solutions worldwide.

 Ah, But the Real Reason is…

Yup, all the cool techie and practical, functional stuff makes the Xtracycle a fave. But, really, the reason we love it is the way we’ve seen it transform lives. True, many bikes, especially cargo bikes, do that.  Xtracycle does it with some amazing ease.

The learning curve for riders is very short. That means we’ve seen immediate changes in the kids and adults riding Xtracycle bikes. The bikes are just plain fun, so we’ve heard stories of kids begging to get on the bike. The limitations of an Xtracycle are few, so the range of uses is only limited by imagination.

Our Favorite Xtracycle Bike:

Disc brakes, front and rear!

The Surly Big Dummy is our favorite Xtracycle-compatible bike. We could call it the “Sturdy” Big Dummy, as the  double-butted CroMo tubing give it a great balance of quality, stiffness, and lightweight (for the weight it can carry).  What that means to the rider is a versatile (I know we keep saying versatile!), maneuverable bike that can carry loads up to 200 lbs! Since it’s equipped with quality components, including disc brakes and a wide range of gears, you’ll be able to rely on the Big Dummy. It’s a bike suitable for a commute, a grocery run, or as a family school bus.  

No, they’re not perfect.

There is no such thing as the perfect bike; no one has it all figured out, but that’s OK.   Xtracycle is doing enough right, meeting the needs of so many families very well, and working hard to improve.  That means we can get behind this company and stand behind their products. Basically, they get the Splendid stamp of approval!

What does it show? Although intended to be showy, that is, turn heads and attract attention, what it really shows is what happens when you combine the cream of the crop in the bicycle world with a cargo bike.

Who is the Cream of the Crop?

Bullitt: We’re biased of course. We believe Bullitt is the world’s best front-loading cargo bike. From the design of the frame, materials, and workmanship, we don’t know of a cargo bike that’s more capable or more fun to ride.

Matt Cardinal Design: Matt Cardinal of Signal Cycles fame designed the paint scheme. We’ve been a fan of Matt’s art for a long time, both on canvas (he’s a fine artist too) and on bikes. His sense of color and design are well-suited to the bicycle frame, including this Bullitt.

Coat Custom Paint Shop: What’s a great design idea without great execution? Coat, Vanilla Bicycles’ own custom paint shop here in Portland, certainly has the experience with producing beautiful bikes and in this case they’ve exceeded expectations.

Shimano: Shimano is leading the way in component technology and their new ZEE component group and Saint pedals, although designed with mountain bikes in mind, are a great match for a cargo bike. More details below about the Zee gruppo.

Chris King Precision Components: The pride of Portland. Hands down Chris King not only produces the best headsets and hubs in the…yes, we’ll say it…THE WORLD, they’re also a company with great integrity and we’re proud to display their workmanship on this beauty of a bike. And…what’s cool about a front-loader? It has two headsets and that’s twice the cool of a regular bike!

Shimano ZEE Components

What are we thinking putting hard-core downhill mountain bike components on a cargo bike?

We’re thinking it’s truly a great match because of  the toughness and the performance features of the downhill mountain bike parts. From the ZEE gruppo we’ve selected brakes, shifters, crankset, and rear derailleur.

If you’ve talked to us or followed our posts you know that Splendid Cycles is an advocate for modern braking systems on cargo bikes. Mountain bike brakes are a logical place to turn. In the case of ZEE, we’ve got a heavy-duty, all-weather, hydraulic disc brake. Simply said, that means you S.T.O.P. in all conditions. The dual ceramic pistons and heat dissapating fins mean that you can depend on these brakes on long descents.  Control on descents is never over-rated on cargo bikes. Hence the ZEE brakeset.

We also like the 1 x 10 gear set-up of the ZEE drivetrain. The 11-36 cassette gives this bike the range of gears that allows the rider hammer on the flats or spin up a steep hill.
These cranks are stiff and light so when you’re standing on the pedals and riding with a big load, all of the power from your massive quads goes directly to propelling the bicycle. The chainring also includes a bash guard, which for the cargo biker serves to keep pant legs away from the chain. How handy!

Saint Pedals – a low-profile, durable flat pedal with lots of style.

Overall, we’ve got a gorgeous bike that’s only 50 lbs but ready to haul, in every sense of the word!

That’s a 50-pound front-loader without compromise! All the components selected are heavy-duty, durable, and engineered to perform in rough conditions. Not only did we spec tough mountain bike parts but we also added some other goodies:

Schwalbe Marathon Supreme tires. Light, fast, puncture-resistant and all with outstanding grip on wet roads. Most cargo bikes are pretty sure-footed but with the Marathon Supreme’s grippiness you’ll have confidence on even the sketchiest of days.

Ergon GS- 1 Grips – We love the comfort of Ergon grips. With great support, reduced numbness, and a great feel, you’ll be able to ride all day if you want to. And you will want to.

This is our dream bike. What does yours look like?

This bike was hatched through the dream of building what we think is the ultimate cargo bike. Perhaps you have a similar vision, but have a few favorite parts and features of your own. Maybe you’d like a Portland Timbers themed bike.  Or, a dynamo hub along with a 300 lumen LED headlight from SuperNova is your preference. We can do that. We can do just about anything you can dream up…or at least we’ll consider trying. Tell us about your dream bike and let’s see if we can make it a reality.