The impact of a long-tail cargo bike

[@NightWhinnys]

The worst part of our cargo bike experience in the suburbs is the lack of bicycle infrastructure!

[@Shifter_Cycling]

This was the biggest impediment to Chelsea's family as well. I wish municipal politicians would see this.

[@SkipperJane]

@@Shifter_Cycling100% Day use bike lockers in civic centers I think would do a lot to reassure people.

[@daiviet]

@@Shifter_Cycling Even if the municipal politicians see it, they just get thwarted by the provincial premiers. *cough* ONTARIO *cough*

[@kitchencarvings4621]

The more people turn to other options like this the demand for infrastructure will become overwhelming. It seems like the bike companies would be working on the politicians, and they probably are.

[@barvdw]

@@kitchencarvings4621 probably, but the backlash is getting stronger, too. Too many places where new administrations remove safe bike infrastructure...

[@alexanderasdf2742]

I love how she lights up when you asked her how she liked the summer with the bike. And also her reaction when you told her that she could keep the bike ❤

[@sailwithtim]

Ha! I just watched her comment about theft. ALWAYS lock up your e-cargo bike with the very best lock(s). They are VERY expensive. She says that since the bike is “such a big thing” maybe bike thieves won’t go after it. I worked in the bicycle industry for 25 years and my advice to cyclists was (and still is): Lock up your bike with the best lock you can afford. To a thief an unlocked bike is the loot AND the getaway vehicle all in one!!

[@Shifter_Cycling]

Of course, yes, lock up your bike, and I'd follow Chelsea's practice of using multiple locks. I think her comment was more about that, initially, she was so worried about theft that she thought she might be reluctant to take the bike places. Over time, she got more comfortable with locking it up.

[@michaelfasher]

There is a Canadian company Lockrockit that sells universal U lock mounts that works really well.

[@woolfel]

what is it about the US that bike theft is suck a big problem? Not all countries have this problem with bike theft. I've had triathlete friends loose their bikes to theft from the back of their car with a lock. something sure is messed up in the US if we have such high theft

[@catrionatalbot]

@@sailwithtim It doesn’t hurt to add it to your house insurance either, as a rider, haha. Insurers usually have a minimum valence to do that, but most ebikes are going to be at least that high.

[@barvdw]

@@woolfel because while a (new) cargo bike can be as or expensive as a cheap second-hand car or more, most police departments still regard it more as a toy than a needed transportation tool and don't want to dedicate too much effort in recuperating stolen bikes. And because of that, less bike thefts get reported, so it ends up even lower on the priority list. And let's face it, when a Toronto guy sees his car stolen, then shipped to the Middle East without the police ever lifting a finger, it's not even that strange that bikes are prioritised even lower...

[@gingermany6223]

Our experience with a long tail cargo bike in the suburbs with kids is similar. I tell people my one regret is I didn’t get one sooner.

[@wheelsmsl]

I've been a traditional cycling commuter for the last 20 yrs (until I retired at the beginning of this year). I've worked through all the issues of cycling in mid-west US small cities without much cycling infrastructure, and crazy weather. About two years before retirement I was curious about e-bikes and whether I would use one if I had one. So I decided to spend as little $$ as possible to give it a go and find out. I bought an e-bike conversion kit on line for one of my city bikes and spent a day doing the build. The build experience was pretty straight forward and I quickly was zipping along. I ended up using the bike a lot!! My consumption of gasoline dropped substantially. Commutes to work were so much easier and on marginal weather days....way easier...especially days when strong mid-west headwinds had been a dread. Since retirement I use the bike often (daily) for trips about town and casual rides to get out and about. When asked about the bike and build experience I often say it is my poor mans version of a (pick your EV maker) and I am so glad I gave it a go. Two yrs in and it continues to be great....and yes I still enjoy the traditional bikes frequently. My advice...just go for it!

[@garyseckel295]

Most beautiful and fun video to watch! "Being outside and having the children with you." OH, YEAH!!! Come on fellow Americans, catch on to the greatest hobby, and to the most economical family vehicles ever!

[@nik257]

And just like that another cargo bike momma is born

[@ipskang]

Great video! For anyone curious, the suburban community mentioned is Mayland Heights.

[@ChiWhoBike]

Everyone we talk to with a long-tail cargo bike loves them! But there is one family we know who has a front loader and a long tail, because each parent prefers a different style

[@AdamNoble-Johnson]

This was great, Tom. My Xtracycle longtail has been the best purchase our family has made. Two kids under 7.

[@Shifter_Cycling]

Amazing, Adam. Thank you for sharing.

[@sailwithtim]

Wonderful that this family was given the bike at the end of this experiment. I understand this family may have been chosen because they seem like they’re straight from “central casting” for a suburban family who rides a e-cargo bike. However, it would have been nice to see a family chosen who desperately needs a second mode of transportation they would otherwise not be able to afford. (I also realize I have NO idea of THIS family’s finances)

[@Musical_Man_Guitar]

That is a great idea. To see how it works as a necessity would be interesting.

[@scmcarthur]

@@Musical_Man_Guitar @shifter I agree!

[@Johnthetripper]

Fun, that is the thing. If I go to the local hardware store to grab a few things (7Klms) in the car, it's just a thing to do. Get in the car, drive park, shop, drive home etc. If I take my box cargo bike it's an adventure, everytime. Sure it takes longer to prepare and go, but not that much. Then you have the trip which can be a bit of a challenge in the suburbs of Perth as we are not that bike friendly. After a few trips you work out what's best/safest and it all works. I was getting 3 x 20kg bags of gravel the other day, standing at the checkout with my bike helmet in the cart and I could see people looking at me, thinking, how's he gonna carry that! When I was loading up outside (this is a 3 wheel box cargo bike with 100KG capacity) a guy came up and said "Wow, I was wondering how you were gonna carry that". One thing's for sure, you will always get some interest when you cargo bike it. Thanks for the video Tom.

[@emma70707]

I love carrying absurd amounts of stuff on a bike. Always makes my week to prove you don't need a car for that stuff to people. Haha

[@sailwithtim]

Changing a rear flat on my Xtracycle is EASY. I lay the bike down on its side. The kid’s foot rest keeps the bike off the ground for easy rear wheel access. No need to remove ANYTHING like bags or fender to remove/install the rear wheel.

[@curiouspenguin6887]

That's a very important consideration. I heard about a guy who had to call triple A to come get him when his heavy cargo bike got a flat. Servicability is a must.

[@blakewolford8019]

This seems like the perfect family car replacement! I have a commuter ebike at the moment, but it can hold 1 kid at most, this would be life changing when the family gets bigger

[@krob9145]

I've tried cycling with a long tail cargo bike carrying a passenger in the UK. It did feel no different from a regular bike. I tried one of those front loader box bikes but found that harder to deal with. The long tail bikes are popular with some parents in my neighbourhood because it's hilly and there are some bike short cuts that have a lot of bollards so tricycles, box bikes etc won't be able to get through. Even so if you've got full bags or panniers you might have to go the longer less safer way around.

[@Shifter_Cycling]

Heavy loads, in my experience, are most difficult to deal with when you're just pushing the bike around. Once you get riding and the momentum starts, I always tend to forget that I'm hauling stuff. This has been true for me with both bakfiets-style box-bikes, and long-tail bikes.

[@benedictypx]

I have never considered the challenges with bollards and front loader box bikes. I was about to get a box bike for myself in the future when my new home arrives. My city has a lot of bollards to protect cyclists from drivers, i think I'll consider a long tail instead, thanks for the advice!

[@krob9145]

@benedictypx We have a few tight chicanes as well that box bikes can't get through. Also some long tail cargo bikes are easier to store for those of us flats/apartments or small houses without much garden space and will even fit in a lift held upright.

[@CaptApril123]

That Xtracycle allowed her to keep the bike (they're expensive) put them up a big notch in my books but also an excellent marketing move. Word of mouth is still one of the best ways to drum up sales. I met two guys outside MEC in Toronto that had taken theirs across Canada, these would be non-electric versions. Excellent bikes.

[@barvdw]

Absolutely. I mean, sure, they don't lose the retail price, and as the bike would have been second-hand after a few months... But still very clever marketing. And because she was (seemingly) informed only after that the bike was hers to keep, it would be likely she was more honest in her opinions about the bike, too. I mean, even if it's subconsciously, people tend to not want to look a gifted horse in the mouth too hard.

[@supaklaw]

As for dealing with a flat tire, the mid drive is a big bonus because changing tires on hub motor wheels is no bueno.

[@chow-chihuang4903]

I second that! That’s why I use Flat Out in the tubes and if I have to remove the rear tire to fix a flat, I add a tire puncture resistance liner as well (Tannus Armour requires a smaller tube, others that are thin strips don’t). They prevent most flats at the cost of a little weight.

[@manoz6194]

@@chow-chihuang4903 Yeah I have tannus armour on my rear wheel (hub motor 20x4 wheel)

[@NicholasIstre]

We are a family of 3 who live right outside Olympia, WA, and I had to do a once a week 2-hour drive up to Seattle for work and it looked like the company was going to make us come to the office 3 days a week. We had only one car, and we were starting to do research into getting a second car to get (we have a paid-off 2016 Honda Fit that we will run into the ground and were leaning on picking up an EV), but two things stopped that decision: 1 - Perhaps the biggest thing was discovering that Amtrak had added trips on the Cascades line from Portland to Seattle, and I live right by the Amtrak station in Olympia and the office is only a few blocks away from Kings Street Station in Seattle. The earliest trip was fine enough, even if it ran late, for me to use to get to the office on most Fridays. But for the days I do need to take the car for any reason... 2 - We picked up an Aventon Abound back in May this year. It's a mid-tail cargo eBike, but well big enough to carry our son and other cargo along. We fitted it with the seat rack in the back and a front basket, and we used it all summer to bring him to appointments and to the parks especially. This made us not worry about how my wife will get our son around if I need to use the car. It also also allows me to use the bike to go grocery shopping if my wife needed to use the car to bring our son to a further appointment. The Olympia area has some rails-to-trails conversions that lets us get off the streets and go all the way almost into downtown Olympia. A few of our son's appointments are at offices on streets that connects directly to this trail. Though I'm paying out-of-pocket for the Amtrak train tickets, that's probably saved me more financially compared to having to maintain a second car, plus the safety aspects of commuting by car vs. commuting by train...

[@brucemacneil]

My e-cargo is the greatest ride ever. The best part - riding in a major city - is that I can park absolutely anywhere. (sidewalk)

[@davidneville4022]

Thinking of my first Ebike for a short commute to work, I have bad knees and with my regular bike it’s difficult, hoping it will help get back on track, you were the inspiration that helped me get back on the bike a couple years ago, thanks buddy.

[@HarrisonMoore-p2z]

As someone who e-bikes to work I 100% support this! An added bonus is you don’t show up to work sweaty!

[@ecopennylife]

Go for it, I've done 8000 km during 6 years of eBike use 😊

[@claredriscoll5092]

Yes, do it! I ebike commute to my job (which luckily is in the same town I live in), and I love it! Saves milage on my car, saves gas, I get to see my town in a new way (saying hello to the morning dog walkers, kids at the bus stops, crossing guards, it's so pleasant). I do a modest 1,000 miles/year on my Velotric ebike, mainly because winters are tough where I live and there are no bike lanes to protect one from the ice, snow, and sand used on the roads. I love my commute, though, from March through mid-November!

[@catrionatalbot]

Just do it! At 73, I had hesitated for a couple of years, largely because I was afraid I would rely too much on the power assist and then lose all that muscle I had built up in my five years of commuting daily to work on a regular bike. I finally bought a Trek FX+ 2 bike. Glad I procrastinated, because it was just released that year. At 40 lbs it is the lightest ebike in the Trek line and the unassisted version had already been in production fot 20 years, and was their most popular fitness bike. They electrified it, but it was a great bike to start with, so when you‘re not using any power assist (which is 90% of the time for me) it handles like fitness bike because that‘s what it is. This can‘t be said for most ebikes on the market which weigh in at up to 70 lbs and can barely be ridden without using power. You‘re using a lot of power just to move all that extra weight. The difference from unassisted bikes is you feel much freer to go further because you‘re never going to be in a situation where you get so tired on the ride out that it is no fun at all coming back. Just switch on the power if and when you need it. Enjoy!

[@gilsmusic4u]

Look up ebike school on KZbin. The presenter Micah has a free ebike program for individuals who could benefit from an ebike in their day to day and who may not be able to afford one already. It's called ebikes for good..

[@Musical_Man_Guitar]

Great video, it is sure hard to be unhappy on a bike :)

[@ecopennylife]

Awesome video & family 😊 I use my eBike for commuting coupled with a kids trailer for groceries. Trailer also doubles as a shopping cart. Like the fact I can disconnect the trailer when not needed. Even if you bike for half the commutes or shopping it is a step forward. I've recently posted a short with 8000 km of eBike commuting on local trips during 6 years 🚴

[@MrAyla]

I love it. I started riding full time last winter here in Edmonton. I mostly have bike lanes on my commute, making that switch much easier. And gotta be honest, even with snow on the ground, riding the bike takes marginally more time. I plan on leaving the house roughly when I would go out to get the car ready and I arrive at work at the same time. Do folks think I’m a bit crazy? Yah. But because we have much better bike infrastructure than we did in the past I see a lot more families on the street than I used to. This really is a build and they will come situation. Even in Alberta. Even in the winter. I am a letter carrier for Canada Post, I drive and walk for a living. I see so many young families using bikes to deal with commuting, e-bikes and cargo bikes. Even in oil centred Edmonton, folks are up for it. Just give them the infrastructure that makes them feel safe

[@bikerinthewoods7256]

3 decades as bike commuters and travelers in SE usa here. We bought a Lectric Expedition a year ago and it is amazing. Totally a car replacement vehicle at a modest price (get the double battery to eliminate range anxiety). I wish i had it when we had kids in the house! Kudos to any communities that are subsidizing these.

[@DavidMacPherson-h6e]

I have a Kona Ute long tail and have used for schools, daycare,grocery,day camp etc. My son and daughter easily fit on the back and because of the gearing the few hills in our commute seemed manageable (the bike had no electric assist).A cargo bike is a great tool to have and makes every day chores enjoyable.Personally,even in bad weather if you’re dressed properly it’s all good.

[@SaltBayGull]

I want to see a longtail bike with a bakfiets front for the ultimate in long. Tall bikes have dominated the freak bike world for too long, the time of the long bike is upon us!

[@HarrisonMoore-p2z]

We have a Black Iron Horse Pony (3 wheeled cargo box bike). Got it in February. My 2 and 4 year old love it. Will see how much we can use it this winter! All the best from Edmonton.

[@garyseckel295]

Black Iron Horse trike with rear steering would be my favorite choice! SIMPLE bicycle steering, 2WD, differential, E-assist AND tightest turning radius!!! Children up front would be hugely entertaining watching their joys while riding!!!

[@flexxx222]

I'm awfully close to buying a Mongoose Envoy. Just recently learnt about this and was immediately hooked. Not electric but pretty affordable for a Longtail!

[@zacappleton474]

Love the video, and I think this is exactly how we should be communicating on climate - the trying out of solutions and adapting. I also love my Xtracycle, an old Edgerunner with a BionX battery. I wonder what this new Xtracycle used (I may need to adapt my old frame to new tech soon)

[@grahambonner508]

Great video and wonderful to see her reaction to keeping it. It looks like a really good quality bike. I empathize with her feeling/desire to be outside on the bike.

[@test40323]

fun experiment. did dad get involved? thanks!

[@rkrjrdn]

I don’t also wondering what happened to the dad.

[@Shifter_Cycling]

Dad was super supportive and also loves bikes, but the cargo bike became more mom's thing. He was happy to step back and let Chelsea be the primary guinea pig. Thank you so much for the support! It's really helpful and motivating.

[@triaxe-mmb]

What timing! I have been cross shopping this bike (Swoop) with other options (Lectric Xpedition is other front contender) Form my first CB. Been doig. The trailer+acoustic bike game for the last year for school and close in shopping trips and i think i deserve an upgrade now 😂

[@triaxe-mmb]

Also looking for a internal gear hub version that's a bit more affordable than the stuff from companies likw Tern and RM

[@triaxe-mmb]

Update: my take away from this video is that I need to not consider either one I am looking at...if I want to take my kids around more, I will need something that has the ability to add weather protection...which neither Lectric or Xtracycle offer...let the search begin... again...sigh...my budget is kind of the issue...the ones with the great bells and whistles cost bells and whistles I don't have...maybe used is my way forward...

[@chow-chihuang4903]

How about a cargo ebike from Yuba? They offer a couple longtail models less expensive than Tern’s GSD, and they offer a weather cover accessory, though it requires the passenger bars, but so do the similar covers from Tern.

[@klunkébikes]

Yay Xtracycle! I finally found a second hand Xtracycle FreeRadical kit (discontinued for years now) earlier this year, I installed it on my 1992 GT Avalanche, I stuck some plump 2.5" Maxxis Hookworm tires on it and I fell in love with it. I haven't tried any other type of cargo bikes, but I really like how long-tails ride.

[@geoffreyhoney122]

Thanks for this wonderful heartwarming video Tom!! Chelsea's reactions to finding out she gets to keep the bike say it all. Sadly, here in Ontario, Doug Ford is hell bent on ripping out safe bicycle infrastructure, but maybe with municipalities digging in their heels and people like Chelsea opting for utility fun biking on cargo bikes, the wave of demand for safety and fun will push provincial politicians to acknowledge our transportation choices. I agree that the window of time is a bit limited for this type of a bike but I am amazed what you can carry with a milk crate zip tied to a back rack and 3 cloth bags tied to it for extra capacity! I am sad that Extracycle stopped selling their cool conversion kits that let you convert your regular acoustic bike to a long tail! I would totally go for one of those now.

[@kevinfeeney5309]

I lucked out and got two of those Free Radical kits. One's a 700c and the other is for 26ers. The 26er I have set up to primarily haul bicycles... by using the Hooptie "cage" mounted low and a Yakima Lockjaw bike tray. I can, however use it on the 700c kit... which I used a 1976 KHS Gran Sport mixte as the base. (Using a Specialized Hardrock 26er for the other base)

[@janh.9841]

At the end of 2021, we purchased a Yuba Kombi E5 (that is a longtail without being long), and it was the best thing. Taxiing the kids to kindergarten or school, buying groceries, getting to playgrounds in other neighborhoods, buying christmas trees (done that by bike since then - no more messing up the car) ... Being in Germany, though, it rather quickly turned out that it is a bike for good weather (being designed in California - no more questions). We had to do some makeshift modifications to account for that (fenders and fender extensions, mainly), since we use the bike the whole year. Result: We're about to ditch the car. We're now at 7,000 km.

[@rowejon]

Here in the Netherlands, if you're travelling up to 15km into a city centre to shop, it will usually be quicker to cycle because you can't drive into the centre. You have to park on the outskirts.

[@Doodle4me2please]

I've just bought my first bike. My city just completed a trail right by my house and I cannot wait to start using it with my kiddos!

[@christophersmith7703]

For me, bags are more important than the bike you choose. I have 40L and 29L panniers, messenger bags, front rack bags, and slings. Basically, having bags for various situations, commuting, grocery shopping, bike camping, etc. I don't have an e c bike but not opposed to people using them. I think it's great if people choose to bike vs. driving a car.

[@gerekappo]

Great video! I just felt weird with the outdoor to indoor(studio) question explaining, maybe next video you can leave your voice behind the camera? I think it wouls work better. I ride a bike here in São Paulo for the last 6 years and wont change it to a car or a motorbike…. Even with rain, doing groceries… i just love it.

[@kostyafedot551]

Very good option if family has access to garage. Trend in Europe is the front loaded ones. But electrical ones are very expensive. Yet, I ride to and from work it is about 40 cents per km paid to me. Leasing via company with low buyout is also possible. It is snowing today in Belgium and I'm not sure if I want car for hour and half or bicycle-train two hours commute.

[@MM-sn6ix]

We bought a R+M Multitinker a year ago. Our kids are 1 and 5 yrs old, and we rode (and occasionally still ride) a trailer. The kids love the Longtail and clearly prefer it to our car and the trailer. It changed our life, partly because it's more convenient than the trailer, but most likely because of the motor. 10/10 would recommend. And about the costs: it was around 5000 €, and a lot of people are shocked by that. But when you consider, the owning and driving a car costs around 425€ per month on average (Germany), or 70 ct/km (our car), the break even ist quickly reached.

[@erikk7643]

I love cargo e-bikes. Mid-tails are my jam. The Yuba Fastrack is in my future. It has rear caster wheels, so you can roll and store upright in the corner. Even bike mechanics love Yuba's Great job on this video!

[@felixgenest2367]

Oh yeah I'm taking my date to a michelin star restaurant on this bad boy for sure

[@emma70707]

Plenty of people take their brides away in a bikebox style cargo bike so why not?

[@janciza7709]

Tandems are even cooler for that!

[@randalmiller1080]

Have been riding a Madsen cargo bike (or "bucket bike") since 2009 and absolutely love it! It's steel, heavy and a beast to get up a hill with a heavy load, but if it ever get's stolen or completely brakes in half, I'll definitely get a new Madsen -in a different color, maybe. I don't have kids. I use it for, well, cargo: bags of soil, mulch, kitty litter, and trips to Costco because the back bucket's load capacity is over 400lbs (total load capacity is 600 lbs!). It's my 2-wheeled truck. Speaking of Costco, I just loooove riding my Madsen cargo bike through the long lines of trucks and SUV's getting gas at Costco. Thought about getting a smaller cargo bike like the Yuba Sweet Curry (the Sweet is the same as the Spicy but non-electric) or the Xtracycle because the 20" wheel gives it a lower center of gravity = a bit more stable, but, you have to purchase all of the bags and add-ons, which can be kinda spendy, whereas I only bought front and back lights, water cages and a $25 fire pit cover for the bucket of the Madsen. There's no opening bags, strapping things down, you just throw it in the bucket and go...through the lines of trucks and SUV's getting gas -HA!

[@ddaniels]

Loved seeing her reaction to getting to keep the bike ❤❤❤🎉

[@1-less-car]

Excellent. Best vlog! Thanks

[@lostsierraforrest5542]

One thing that bike lacked that she really needed: mirror(s). Turning your head to check for traffic behind is unsafe. It throws your balance off for one thing and takes your eyes off the road ahead for another. I just bought an e-bike for myself and one thing I put on right away was a mirror.

[@snowdrop629]

100% ! End of handle bar round mirror is a saviour

[@rickbosacker]

The ABSOLUTE best time of my life was the years bringing my young kids to daycare and school in my Xtracycle longtail. I wish more people could experience this joy during that all too brief period of time.

[@velokernow3696]

My GSD is fantastic car replacement.

[@raduturcanu8393]

Very nice video! I remember struggling with 2 little kids to go to the park and go shopping. That was about 8 years ago, and here in Eastern Europe we didn't have and still don't have proper bike infrastructure. I managed to get them going on their own bike from 4 years old, but an electric longtail bike would have been superb. I think if you have just one small kid you can do it with a normal electric or even classic bike, but with 2 kids a longtail like this is so much better.

[@jrother]

My life fundamentally changed for the better when I bought my Dutch bike three years ago. I can't imagine going back.

[@ManifestoConfrm]

Love the production of your content. Going out and getting real people to comment on things is so much better than punditry.

[@rickgovek2715]

Loved this video! What a great case study of a young family seeing the positive impacts of having a cargo bike.

[@een_schildpad]

Great video!!! Our family has LOVED our long tail non-electric Yuba Mundo, it really transformed our relationship with our city. Before the bike we didn't get out as much because it was more work to load in the car, but now it feels like a fun adventure to ride and we're getting out all the time! It also has plenty of carrying capacity so I can pick up family size grocery orders no problem. We've kept using it with the kids even though they're a bit older now because it feels a bit safer than letting the kids ride their bikes around the unpredictable cars plus we can get there faster :-) Eventually they get to heavy though and we've already had to boot one off onto their own bike 😂

[@Bismvth]

Thank you for the drone shot over Mayland Heights - this has been my community for 21 years and I've always dreamed to see what the skyline looks like from that angle up there. Marvelous. I must be the 1% that bikes hehe - it's a hilly community, I wish there were more assets spread across different parts of the community rather than centralized in that big strip mall (although I love our little strip mall).

[@Leviajohnson]

Love her reaction to the gift! 🎉

[@K1989L]

We are a family of four and I got a long tail bike. My wife has a longish commute so she drives it during the icy winter and cycles somewhere from spring to fall. I carry the kids almost exclusively with my bike around the year. This works well when my commute to work has been short. I live right next to my old workplace and now I work almost 100% from home.

[@K1989L]

So we do have one car and we have an occational change to borrow a car from my parents. I love my long tail bike to bits. I will likely keep it after the kids refuse to hop on dads bike. But I do know that if I get a new job from across the city it is likely that we need a second car to save time on commutes.

[@benoitdegrace]

Great video and great way to “review” a product. Curious to know how such a bike would survive our salty, humid, eastern Canadian winters?

[@vasheed]

I have a KBO Ranger. I love using my bike, nice for taking my son out and with a trailer I can easily handle groceries for the week. The major headache has been broken rear spokes. Not overloading it but, a constant problem. I think it's a problem for spokes on a hub motor and 20" wheels.

[@fmb-fishingmeansbusiness]

We've got about 3000km's on our long tail. 2 kids. They are great, especially the mid drive with hydraulic disc brakes like the this xtracycle. Great video

[@xandysaid]

Hope Chelsea enjoys it! Also, try moving the saddle a bit forward, she seems to be reaching for the handle bars and it may not be the most comfortable position.

[@hnaguski9675]

I bought a bike with an Xtracycle FreeRadical conversion kit (from the 90s!) from a local nonprofit bike shop and electrified it myself. About a year and 3000km later, it's still going strong, even through winter in Montana! I love my longtail, and it's replaced my car for just about everything other than long road trips. I've even towed my mountain bike to the trailhead with it!

[@MrPhelan1979]

I am a big bike fan. Yesterday it was rainy, windy and freezing temperature. No, not everything is better on a bike ;-) I dont have a car, so I did stay at home.

[@agilemind6241]

I ride my bike in almost all weather (my exceptions are if there is visible snow/ice on the road, or winds so strong I can't keep the bike straight), the physical activity of the bike keeps you warm enough with proper clothing - double layer leggings + ski pants (or any thicker outer trousers), hat and mittens - and a water-resistant panier with a change of clothes ensures even the heaviest rain or negative temperatures is just a temporary discomfort.

[@MrPhelan1979]

@@agilemind6241 I would say the same about me, and I would have taken the bike before taking the bus. But saying at home was an option 🙂 ps.: for the face I do not jet have a good option to keep me warm without getting my classes foggy.

[@dcb8531]

@@MrPhelan1979 *goggles , ski goggles

[@mikefawkes5195]

for 8 years I rode to work made it much better , felt like I was getting some summer not just working .

[@CLipscombe]

Great video, nice bike. Cargo bikes soon will be impractical in Ontario. Not that it matters much, he will do what he wants (hates cyclists), but have you heard that Ontario Premier Doug Ford wants to ban and remove bike lanes, and require municipalities to ask his permission to install bike lanes? Bill 212. I believe it gets turned into law today or tomorrow if I am not mistaken. On an up note, I’m glad she got to keep the bike. I was thinking how disappointing it would be to have to give it back.

[@Shifter_Cycling]

My heart goes out to you Ontarians and your remaining bike lanes.

[@loveisall5520]

Back in the seventies I lived in a suburb of Houston and worked in a large Houston hospital. My commute was 30 mi round trip when it wasn't raining. Every day was taking my life in my hands due to lack of infrastructure combined with jerks who would intentionally try to intimidate me. My case was rather extreme but it allowed me to combine my love of cycling with practicality. Bicycling, in my opinion, is still the most perfect all-round form of transportation yet invented. When I used to ride so much these electric ones weren't around. Would I do it again? You bet. I notice here the attractive, fit young people chosen for the study. We need to get those lard butt couch potatoes riding, and as long as our government subsidizes cheap gasoline, sadly I don't see that happening. Great video!

[@gBrueske]

I didn’t expect that one would get so many plastic bags with their groceries in Canada. Anyways, this bike looks like a perfect solution to take kids around without an extremely long solution like arrow bike or a chariot. Looks great!

[@shanefrench3944]

Fantastic review. Loved her reaction when they let her keep it.

[@davemeise2192]

I have a long tail cargo bike and I feel the same way as what you said about one. Once you get going you don't notice the length, it is maneuverable, can carry a lot and you don't notice the weight. Even heavy loads seem to transport well. Locking it up to certain types of bike racks has been a challenge though. I always carry a U lock and a chain lock so I can lock it up no matter where I have to park. Theft has been a major concern for me so, sadly, I don't ride it as much as I would like to.

[@austinsp00l24]

Love my xtracycle free radical conversion.

[@Laurynas_LTU]

This experiment clearly shows that if one takes a chance to try a (cargo) bike, they'd probably love it and would not miss their car too much. I wish more people would try bicycles - what a world would that be...

[@markday1714]

great content, thanks!

[@zeemon9623]

I've always had fenders/mudguards and a rack on my bikes and I don't think it's really more difficult or time consuming to remove and reinstall a wheel. Maybe the first few times but I've never seen a bike that needed its rack removed to access the rear wheel. Going off the pictures on the bike's website it looks pretty easy to get an allen key where you need it. The large rack might actually help a great deal here because you can just lie it on its side and work on it in relative comfort. And the much smaller wheels are easier to handle, too!

[@kennybo-iy2ed]

nice one.

[@dantonmcdiffett7127]

I like the video, live in a town with equally poor bike infrastructure. I have nowhere to store a bike like that unless I leave my car out of my tiny garage. By the way, the bike runs $4,500-$5,000. Not bad if you can leave your car in the garage most of the year.

[@ryannatividad3137]

With some combination of getting rid of a second car, reducing your fuel consumption, and reducing wear and tear on your car...you probably would make up the difference if you live in even a moderately compact and bikable suburban area in no time. It's amazing to me how many car-brained, otherwise frugal suburbanites barely question the full and exorbitant costs of each mile of driving, owning a second vehicle, and all the many ways that owning/using a car (especially multiple cars) truly is.

[@biercenator]

I've ridden a Surly Big Dummy for a couple of years now, after selling off the cars, in a demographically similar suburb here in Japan. It's a vanilla bike, which I like given the risk of disaster in this region-if we lose electricity, I can still move.

[@doris41236]

So cool that they were given the bike ❤

[@bobavontanelorn5713]

Hey Tom! Thank you for this video. Awesome to see the surprise when she noticed that the bike belongs to them now. I would like to have a comment from the kids about their experiences, especially being able to watch the enviroment instead of being stucked in a car (most backseat-windows are so high, that kids can't see much of the outside...). But anyway - great story and a very cool happy end. Thank you!

[@RodMesa-e2t]

This makes me smile. I love the idea of cargo bikes.

[@DustinUnderwoodMKE]

That was extremely charming. Also, I was thinking about getting an electric gravel bike for my commute, but this is making me rethink! I go by my kids’ school on the way to work, maybe I’ll take that responsibility over from my wife 😅

[@orthicon9]

My favourite bit was at 02:58-03:05 when the two kids were sticking their arms out like they were flapping wings.

[@janh.9841]

My children do that all the time. never gets old.

[@NearCry91]

If you're smaller look at Tern bikes. Especially the GSD or the cheaper Quick Haul Long.

[@normawingo5116]

I got a Blix Packa and got rid of my Prius!

[@lazylonewolf]

I'm happy that Fiido came out with a longtail version of their T2 here in the Philippines. I don't quite need it yet nor is it as long-tailed as this one, but it's WAY cheaper. $4999 is a ridiculous price, whew.

[@merendell]

My advice would be always have some form of sealent in the rear tire at a minimum. I've got a belt drive bike for my daily commuter and haveing to change the rear tire is a PITA. I've done it on the side of the road but its not a quick release by any stretch. With sealant you just loose a bit of preassure and can keep going instead of haveing to change a tire. if you want you can risk not haveing it on a front tire with quick release but you may as well do both. I always find several new puntures that got sealed automaticly every time I do my quarterly deep inspection maintnence cycle. I swear by FlatOut but you can choose your prefered option. I put that stuff directly in the tubes and have no issues with it. Just have to be sure I rotate the tire so the valve is in the top half of the wheel before adding air to keep from cloging the valve.

[@maxsievers8251]

If you enjoy a long-tail cargo bike I don't want to convince you that it's bad. But I think there are better options. Randonneurs don't or hardly have any load behind the riders legs. They use a substantial front bag on a rack and held up by a decaleur. If you want to carry cargo the bike design has to accommodate the load in front of the rider: like the Frances Smallhaul or the Hase Gravit Dust. If you want to transport people it's more convenient to have the passenger lying in front of the rider - like on a recumbent. Like for example the Hase Pino Tour.

[@garyseckel295]

In an accessible cycling area, I would prefer Up Front Children having fun WITHIN my vision! In a tighter, less accessible cycling area, I might possibly require a rear cargo/Tighter Steering Option!

[@Shifter_Cycling]

Yes, there are certainly advantages to the different styles of cargo bike. I think it really depends on your use and your city

[@bikebikenudgenudge]

My 15 year-old might disagree about wanting the independence on her own bike. She tells me how taking the bakfiets is zero effort (for her), plus she watches anime on her phone while I ride. "I'm going to bike to the store, want to come along? Sure! You're riding your own bike, I'm not taking the cargo bike. Nevermind."

[@tommybos5331]

Love the bike prints. Good video!

[@jacobpowell1882]

We went down to a one car family by getting an urban arrow family. We decided on that one because we have 5 kids. And we can haul 4 of them in the front bucket. Pretty much any errand less that 5 miles from home we take the e cargo bike on.

[@markifi]

very nice

[@MathieuTechMoto]

Thank you for the content and real world sharing

[@steemlenn8797]

"Biking is a lot more fun!" is a sentence that always comes up. And then I think of all the people who say "Why would I take a bike if I can drive a car" and think that maybe they were really poor kids who could not afford even a simple bike.

[@Tokoroegao]

Other brands that offer similar bikes are TERN, Cube, Bergamont, Yuba, Benno Bikes and DECATHLON. The Loden One is a much more compact version that would still be enough for one kid and groceries.

[@codylittlefield7885]

The big question though. Is there a local bike shop who is going to become an Xtracycle dealer?

[@kevinbourke4038]

It's a great concept. I do indeed like it - lots. Would I buy one of these ? Sure would. I ride an ebike with large carry cage on the rear, with large lift out carry bag, this is a huge step up. Thankyou for this video. Greetings from Melbourne Australia.

[@jeffmpvd7689]

My city has very few protected bike lanes. This summer I had my first bike crash, I suffered a broken knee and wrist. For the most part I will no longer ride in traffic along with cars. I much would prefer to cycle to get around town but it's too dangerous.

[@logicalfundy]

Sounds like something to add to my wish list :) Coming up on the first winter with my ebike - will have to figure out the best clothing, temperatures are dropping well below freezing already. Might have to get a motorcycle helmet - apparently regular bike helmets don't come with face shields for the freezing wind. That's the USA, though - assuming that biking is just a summer activity. Also have to find a good way to protect my legs.

[@TheAntibozo]

Fantastic video!

[@an_der4856]

excelente vídeo! like garantido!