Cargo Bikes

The best bikes for hauling stuff around town

For commuters looking to go car-free, cargo bikes offer a number of advantages. They have higher weight capacities and more storage room than standard commuter bikes, so they can haul everything from a week's worth of groceries to a couple of kids. On the other hand, they are heavier and take up more space than most comfort bikes, which may be problematic for apartment-dwellers. Cargo bikes are also more expensive than your average commuter bike, and you can expect to spend upward of $1,000.

Cargo bikes are almost always so-called "longtail" bikes, meaning there's an extended rear frame-mount for the back tire that allows extra room behind the seat and over the rear wheel. That extra space can then be outfitted with saddlebags called panniers, a platform seat for kids or a basket accessory. Most cargo bikes are long enough that they need a double kickstand.

One of the most affordable longtail cargo bikes for 2009 is the Kona Ute (MSRP: $900). This aluminum-framed longtail bike sports a wooden rear platform with bright orange panniers, a center-mount kickstand and Smoky Mudflap fenders. It comes in 18- and 20-inch frame sizes. Given the price, many reviewers say the value is hard to beat compared to other popular cargo bikes. BikeHugger.com calls it a "rock solid cargo bike," with a stable ride and capable gearing for climbing. BikeRadar.com also calls it sturdy and comfortable, and Mountain Bike Action says it is an "awesome bike." Most reviewers agree that this bike is very stable -- a little slow to accelerate, but it cruises and handles well when up to speed. However, BikeRadar.com cautions that the Kona Ute is best suited for moderate loads. That seems to be the Kona Ute's biggest drawback -- a lack of lower platforms, according to BikeRadar.com, and a moderate weight capacity limit on what you can haul on this bike. It's also not compatible with Xtracycle's popular cargo accessories, which is a bummer for some riders. Still, reviewers are generally very pleased with the Kona Ute, especially considering that it costs hundreds less than other cargo bikes.

In many ways, Xtracycle helped launch the cargo craze with their popular Xtracycle FreeRadical (MSRP: $240), which converts just about any diamond-framed bike into a longtail bike using a bolt-on frame attachment. Given the popularity of the FreeRadical, Xtracycle also offers the Xtracycle Radish (MSRP: $940), an 80-inch-long cargo bike that sports a chain guard and fenders. To fully complete the XtraCycle Radish, however, you'll need to purchase the Xtracycle LongTail kit (MSRP: $250) that provides the rear racks, storage bags and related accessories, so you're looking at a total cost of about $1,190. You'll also have to pay extra for the double kickstand (MSRP: $140). The Xtracycle Radish gets good reviews on blogs and a lot of buzz overall, including a recommendation from Sunset magazine for commuters who don't have a car. However, some reviewers lament that the Xtracycle Radish still uses a bolt-on accessory, so it's not an integrated bike like the Kona Ute.

The Surly Big Dummy is another option; it's available as a frameset only or as a complete bike (MSRP: $2,450) with an Xtracycle snapdeck, V-Racks and Freeloader bags. The Surly Big Dummy was designed in conjunction with Xtracycle, so it fits well with all the Xtracycle accessories. Eric McKeegan at Dirt Rag magazine tests the 2008 Surly Big Dummy, finding it very stable and noticeably stiffer than his Xtracycle FreeRadical-converted bike. BikeRadar.com gives it four out of five stars, saying it offers a versatile and comfortable ride around town. Because it's expensive, BikeRadar.com thinks the Surly Big Dummy is a good choice if you plan to use it for seriously heavy loads on a regular basis. If you are only hauling small loads, the Kona Ute or a FreeRider conversion kit may be a better choice. Surly is now offering custom builds and paint designs for the Big Dummy at HelloBigDummy.com.

If you don't want a longtail, but you need more storage options than a typical commuter bike provides, the Torker Cargo T (MSRP: $640) may be a good choice. It's not a longtail bike, but it has two heavy-duty racks, fenders, a double kickstand, full-wrap chain guard and step-through steel frame. Brad at UrbanVelo.org says the racks are large, sturdy and solidly attached to the frame. The brakes -- coaster in the rear and drum up front -- have good stopping power, but UrbanVelo would prefer a different setup and a higher-quality brake lever. RL Policar at BikeCommuters.com agrees that the racks are sturdy; he never has any problems with them during his testing period. Policar also thinks the Torker Cargo T is more convenient than the XtraCycle because it's more compact -- though it can haul less. The Torker Cargo T is distributed by Seattle Bike Supply.