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Showing posts from September 22, 2019

Finally - tackling the No-Weld, Longtail DIY Cargo Bike (for hopefully less than $100)

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I finally started, y'all! Long-time readers of MH or 2WM are thinking, Jeez, MH, it took you long enough! To that I say,  Both of you are absolutely right. Our biggest-ever posts on both blogs have been about cargo bikes, and the really big one is about a No-Weld DIY Longtail Cargo Bike . So, here we go, people - it's time to build one. This week, the final piece fell into place: a Giant Simple Single cruiser bike ($35ish). Originally, I planned to pick up a cheap Huffy cruiser for the build, but cheap Huffys (Huffies?) have been rather rare lately, so I ended up with a nicer (but cheaper) bike. The free swingarm donor The other two main components that previously came into place are a nice and very cheap 3-speed Schwinn step-through ($20 and not pictured) and a junky full-suspension mountain bike ($0). So, the goal here is to balance this equation: Giant + Schwinn + Junky MTB = Longtail Cargo Bike < $100 Humble beginnings (I'll also

Mongoose Cargo Bike Now Available in the US (UPDATE: Lower Price)

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[Update at the bottom] For those of you who've been following the most-read story on this blog, there's a full resolution. You can order the Envoy for $749 from Amazon and receive free shipping if you're a Primer. My hope for this bike is that it helps Americans to develop an appetite for cargo bikes and creates a larger market for all the cargo bike manufacturers/sellers. There are so many really great offerings out there, but I live out here in the sticks (only a quarter million people live in Lubbock) and I have never seen a longtail, midtail, or bakfeits style cargo bike pop up within 200 miles of here. And I've looked! Spread that cargo bike love people - they're the healthiest station wagon, pickup, minivan recreation/transportation device available! So, yes, it's very inexpensive and pretty cool, but be sure to check out the other amazing cargo bikes on the market, and if you're lucky enough to be near a shop that sells them, check them o

One (Very Good) Year with an E-Bike

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Should I go into bumper stickering? (Or stick with my day job?) From last weekend's ride It's been a full year now since my wife bought me an electric bike. It's been a good year! The most important thing I can tell you about it - I ride a lot more (and drive less) because I have it. And that is what I wanted out of it - healthier heart and lungs, less contribution to polluting the planet. It's also been a very dependable ride. It's a workhorse. Before the rear rack (first ride) What have I done to it? Replaced the skimpy tubes with thorn-resistant tubes and added tire sealant to those. (I've not had a flat since. Do this with every bike you bring home!) Added the rear rack. Swapped the handlebars and stem. Adjusted the brakes often. Adjusted the derailleur twice. (I'm thankful there's just one.) Added a Wald collapsible side basket . (Very happy with this addition!) What will I do soon: Replace the brake pads Adjus