Cargo bikes can be an economical solution to car ownership or replacement, and may even allow you to go car-lite entirely. Unfortunately, they can be prohibitively expensive; not every rider would like to spend that kind of money.
Are you on a budget and searching for ways to cut costs? Several DIY options exist which can be assembled on any regular bike.
1. Frame
Frame selection is essential when planning a cargo bike project, but especially so.
Cargo bikes are sturdy bicycles designed to carry heavy loads with space for two or more children on board. Usually with an extended wheelbase and featuring either a front rack or rear basket, cargo bikes can often accommodate larger loads than traditional bicycles can carry and may include child bike seats, boxes, panniers, and rain covers for customized customization options. Furthermore, an electric motor may help make hauling large loads easier as well as help climbing hills more quickly.
Although you could purchase a brand-new cargo bike, many opt to build their own instead. Doing this can save money and allow them to create something truly tailored to their needs and specifications. However, building one yourself may prove challenging and potentially hazardous; therefore it is advisable to collaborate with an expert who can teach welding techniques and assist with any issues that may arise during construction.
Ben Stone created his DIY cargo bike with a distinctive adjustable frame design, accommodating riders of different heights. Utilizing twin main tubes to increase stiffness and control with heavy loads. Furthermore, there is an inbuilt handlebar adjuster and seat mast adjuster, making sizing changes simple in just minutes.
The bike is perfect for families that wish to ditch their cars in favor of more eco-friendly transportation methods and get around town comfortably and stylishly. It can accommodate three children at once and features two cargo areas - one large in the rear, and another at its front end - plus it comes equipped with suspension forks to make rides more comfortable; also, lightweight makes this model easily maneuverable.
2. Steering
As opposed to regular bicycles, cargo bikes feature sturdy frames with large cargo areas designed for carrying groceries or packages - or even children - without the use of cars. Many families are opting to forgo cars altogether in favor of cargo bikes (also referred to as bakfiets, longtails, or boda-bodas). Riders of cargo bikes can reduce traffic congestion and carbon emissions while enjoying some exercise as they spend quality time with family.
I added pivoting barrel adjusters to the cargo box frame to fine-tune steering feel and performance, while also giving additional travel for maneuvering tight turns or parking on streets. The front suspension features a spring-loaded system to provide some additional maneuverability when making tight turns or parking on streets.
Handling-wise, this cargo bike performed admirably given its heavy front-end weight distribution. Steering was generally straightforward - all that would improve matters would be more leverage when turning. I intend to move down my front pulley so it does not catch on the front wheel hub and pull forward as I try to turn.
Cargo bikes come in various styles and designs, so it is essential that you carefully consider your specific needs and commute when making a purchase. Check the manufacturer's website to see if they provide racks or child seats to go along with their cargo boxes, or consider investing in an adaptable system that allows you to change out rear box components with front seat components as required by your hauling needs.
3. Brakes
Cargo bikes require powerful brakes to stop safely, as added weight requires greater force for stopping than usual. Hydraulic disc brakes offer optimal stopping power while still handling lots of weight efficiently.
There is a wide selection of high-quality hydraulic brakes designed specifically to fit cargo bikes. If you're unsure which brakes would suit you best, give a test ride at your local bike shop and seek advice from their staff about which brakes they recommend.
Mechanical drum brakes offer another option, though they aren't as quick. Their main benefit lies in reduced maintenance requirements - just make sure that any pads wear down regularly if going this route.
Apart from brakes, quality cargo bikes need some means of mounting child seats and panniers. While some cargo bikes feature dedicated racks on either the front or rear frame for these purposes, others such as those from Tern and Riese & Muller feature a single box-like rear deck that can accommodate kids as well as gear.
Building your carrier is another popular option, and can be an excellent way to learn weld techniques while personalizing your bike. To do this, you'll need some metal tubing as well as welding equipment such as an MIG welder or stick welder.
If you're feeling intimidated by this project at home, professional long-tail cargo bikes can provide peace of mind by being road-tested and guaranteed safe and reliable. While they might cost more, these custom-built options often come with additional benefits such as road testing.
4. Seat
Cargo bikes are sturdy bicycles designed to carry large loads, such as two or more children. They typically feature front and rear cargo areas for storage purposes and may come equipped with accessories like child bike seats, racks for panniers/boxes/footrests, and rain covers - they may even come equipped with electric motors to assist pedaling up hills or make long rides more comfortable.
Cargo bikes can be an excellent way to navigate urban environments, particularly if you need to transport children or groceries. But they can be tricky to maneuver when fully loaded, and many find them uncomfortable over long distances or rough terrain - for these reasons, a traditional bike with a trailer may be better suited.
A good set of DIY cargo bike plans should be easy to follow and provide clear and detailed instructions on how to build your project. They should include photos as well as a materials list to assist with purchasing parts and tools needed, plus include an outline of the frame as well as a full explanation of all steps required in completing it.
YouTube provides many helpful videos on how to assemble a cargo bike, with this one by Blake Thomas being particularly informative on the materials necessary for building an inexpensive cargo hauler and tips on making sure the bike is safe and easy for its user. There are plans available online for DIY cargo bikes without welding capabilities as well, though these may prove more challenging and less stable than conventional methods of assembly.
5. Wheels
If your bike requires extra stability to carry larger loads, creating a simple cargo trailer from two bicycle wheels and other easily available parts is one solution. Or you could purchase a whole bike with built-in trailer functionality. When selecting your cargo bike and accessories as you would when selecting a new car - there are plenty of choices out there!
Cargo bikes may cost more than traditional bicycles, but they tend to outlive conventional ones due to their durable designs. They're built for taking on weight like kids, groceries, and other cargo with ease while offering easy load adjustments when running errands or collecting goods at local markets. Furthermore, cargo bikes feature convenient quick-release mechanisms that make for fast trips between shops or market stalls.
Mechanically speaking, bikes are also easier to operate than trailers. While adding a front basket or rear rack to an ordinary bike may add weight and complexity, its more complicated mechanics may be more susceptible to wear and tear than those without them.
Cargo bikes feature larger tires which provide a cushioned ride for their riders in the back, particularly children and adults who may not be used to riding over rough terrain or bumps. Furthermore, cargo bike tires often are constructed of more durable material than those on standard road bicycles, ensuring they hold up against frequent use. Furthermore, cargo bike wheels come in various styles and colors with various tread patterns and size measurements so that you can find one to match your bike.