I Love My SUB
It’s no secret that the folks behind Urban Velo are big fans of road bikes, track bikes and singlespeed mountain bikes. But there’s a less popular bike that holds a special place in our hearts—the Sport Utility Bike.
SUB’s can take many forms. Some feature bar-mounted racks like Jeff’s basket bike (pictured above) which features a heavy-duty Wald basket. Others make use of rear racks and extenders like the Xtracycle “Free Radical” longbike, or Surly’s new Big Dummy.
For the cyclist with extremely heavy loads to carry, a specially designed machine like ANT’s Frontaloadontome becomes worth its weight in gold. Capable of carrying 60-pounds, the bike’s independent steering linkage makes it possible to carry children, dogs, dog food, etc.
For most people a simple rack is the wisest decision, and your local bike shop should have a good assortment to choose from. Quite a few professional couriers are taking a liking to the handmade offerings from Eugene, Oregon-based Cetma racks. And if the ultimate in style and functionality is on your agenda, consider the offerings from Portland’s Ahearne Cycles.
June 18th, 2007 at 11:48 am
Sport Utility Bike…why didn’t I think of that? Perfect description of the common bike I see in these parts.
Additionally, EVERYONE should check out CAT (The Center for Appropriate Transport), located here in Eugene, Oregon. They’ve been making cargo bikes for years, but for some reason rarely get a mention.
June 18th, 2007 at 1:06 pm
Let’s not forget Bilenky and their cargo bike!
http://www.bilenky.com/prod42.html
June 19th, 2007 at 8:16 pm
It’s interesting that the phrase coined by Xtracycle “Sport Utility Bicycles” Is being used here to sell front baskets. But listen. When you put a load on your handle bars you compromise both steering and visibility, and thus the sportiness of it is compromised also. Better slow down.
With the Xtracycle you have a sportier ride and your balance is improved by the longer wheel base. I used to be a big crasher but the Xtracycle has kept me up for three years going faster than ever, with loads. That is Sporty!
One blogger put up a front basket as the answer to really heavy loads like 60 lbs. Show me pictures on the kids and dogs up front and I’ll show you a dangerous ride. That would have to be thte upper limits for any kind of speed with a front basket. A drop in the bucket of the Xtracycle FreeLoaders!
Xtracycle can carry that much and you will barely notice the weight and on up to 200 lbs and it’s not a problem, just more work. You can still go fast fearlessly.
June 20th, 2007 at 7:33 am
I’ve got a standard rack on the back of my bike but I found a fold out attachment in the back of my LBS once. It’s great for carrying large bags and musical instruments, I think its a dutch or german design - do you know of anything similar?
(Xtracycle is too big to fit on British trains so I haven’t come across any over hear - did consider it tho)
July 5th, 2007 at 4:15 pm
this guy just put a new basket on this bike…
the previous one was leaving pedestrians in its wake
http://bp2.blogger.com/_g0YuboCNUU8/Ro01Gsd5jmI/AAAAAAAABz8/VWHiUmKqe8Q/s1600-h/00cargoSM.jpg
stolen from my blog
http://www.gwadzilla.blogspot.com
July 16th, 2007 at 9:09 am
Orange_Utan, Wald makes a folding rear basket that mounts to the sides of your rear rack. It’s model #582 and is available in almost any local bike shop. Let me know if you need more info.