Handbuilt Schwalbe tyres
July 14th, 2010Interesting how labour-intensive the process is. I’d previously imagined that teh robotz did all the work. We’ve got Marathons (standard on Bakfiets.nl Cargobikes), Marathon Plus and Marathon Racers on variious bikes, and not yet been disappointed by any of them.
The Future!
July 4th, 2010No, not the awesome Sinner Mango (that I would love). No, look at the top – Solar cells.
David writes “They constantly keep the battery topped up, so my lights and indicators work. The idea is that on multi day tours you don’t have to find somewhere to plug in a battery charger. I built a charge regulator so the battery can’t be over-charged and also USB outlets so I can plug in an MP3 player and speakers. Everything’s neat and tidy in the dashboard. I ought to make some photos of this.”
I think even B&M have a thing or two to learn from him!
Taga – my second go
June 29th, 2010
Had my second go on a Taga the other week. Long-term readers will recall that I was skeptical before I rode it and continued to be so when I rode it last year. My main complaint was the steering system, which uses two linked tiller controls rather than a traditional handlebar. As a result, it puts what seemed to me to be considerably more stress on the wrists of the rider. In comparison to the Zigo Leader, I felt it was a much poorer handling bike, but overall, I just thought the ‘pramformer’ concept had limited appeal compared to say a Mummybike or bakfiets that could carry a pram.
I have to say, this time, the handling didn’t feel too weird. Either I’ve been riding too many recumbents or my wrists got stronger. Before, I thought it was too weird to be a realistic transport device. Now I think it works. I really can’t tell you why it felt better to me this time; it just did. Possibly, it’s the extra trike time I’ve had between then and now. Also, it is very pretty, and appears well engineered.
That said, I could never have one. For a start, the upper height limit must be sub 6ft. Secondly, the cargo capacity on the single seater at least is minimal. Lastly, the seats are small – as in my 4 year old is too big for it. Despite all that, I think if we had unlimited funds, my wife would have one (on top of her Madsen, Mummybike, Chariot Cougar2, etc).
After all that, where does it leave me? Well, I remain convinced it’s not a bike for me. However, I can see that for someone who doesn’t need to go far, and/or for whom the pramformer function is important it’s a niche filler. Also, it is really pretty, so I can see it appealing on that level. Overall, not for me, but if it is for you, good luck to you.
The pictures tell the story for me…
I Bike Cambridge – tryout session & more
June 29th, 2010
Cyclodelic are working with Cycle Cambridge to do another cycle promotion on Parkers Piece that’s going to include a tryout session (see below). It is called I Bike Cambridge, and is in conjunction with The Big Weekend, so there will be masses on, but there looks like there’s loads of bike stuff. Have a look at the I Bike Cambridge Website and Cyclodelic for more info.
Via Hugh at The School Run Centre
We’ll be at The Big Weekend with I Bike Cambridge on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th of July on Parkers Piece. There will be demonstration bicycles at the event, and even an opportunity for kids to paint the side of a Cargobike!
How to fit a Marathon Plus
June 22nd, 2010Anyone who has tried to change a tire on a bakfiets knows what a frustrating exercise it can be. I’ve done it twice, and I had been dreading doing it again. Not now. Spa Cycles show how to make the dreaded Marathon’s go on. Brilliant.