Super fun to grocery ride that always got me going the long way back 😂

Her home page linked.

Randomly chosen youtube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrOCDhTzFE0

Hi there,

I live in Lisbon. I own an old-style analogic, unplugged bike I use for my daily commute to work - it’s only a 10-min ride with a very manageable ascent on the way home. It’s a sturdy German one I bought second-hand, it’s perfect and I love it.

However, I have an additional commute - percussion classes 3 times a week about 8 km away from home. Although 8 km is not a lot by any means, there are more ups and downs involved in this itinerary and for some of the classes, as well as for our concerts, I need to carry my own instrument. It’s not SUPER heavy and I currently carry it in its own backpack. On those occasions I use the local e-bike share system, which currently sucks because we have the worst government ever, absolutely pro-car, who’s doing everything it can to get rid of the few, poorly-maintained and poorly-connectes bike lanes in the city. As the bike share service gets less and less reliable, I’ve been thinking of buying a cargo bike.

In addition to my drum (it’s actually a tantã, in case you want to look it up), I also have a dog (about 7 kg) that I take on bike trips as well sometimes, in her own backpack.

The thing is, not only is the bike share system getting worse, I’m not getting any younger (will turn 50 in a few months), and although the cycling itself doesn’t tire me in the least, carrying loads in backpacks is not exactly great for my back.

All this mumbling to ask for recommendations of cargo bikes. I like the idea of a front loader more than of a long tail, especially because of my dog, but I’ve never tried any kind of cargo bike so I’m completely in the dark.

Any ideas?

Thanks :)

Nice ride today, fresh tires make all the difference!

Hi there!

We are in Pennsylvania, USA and in search of a cargo bike to haul our 2 kids (ages 4 & 2) to school. We're considering Lectric expedition 2.0, Aventon abound, and radio flyer loop. We'd love a front loader, but those just aren't in the budget right now. We will primarily be taking the kids to school and commuting around town, although bike lanes are severely lacking.

Our questions are related to the following:

Is it worth it to buy a brand new bike? Or are used ebikes a smarter decision?

What are the pros and cons of the 3 listed? Any others you'd recommend?

How are you commuting with kids in the rain? Do you recommend a full storm cover? Or are ponchos/ rain gear getting you through?

Any safety pieces we should be considering beyond the obvious?

Thank you!