We are always excited to see more Cargo bikes in the market, we checked out Madsen bikes (thanks to GHD for the heads up) and these bikes are quite interesting.
Unlike the Yuba/Ute/Xtracycle, the Madsen features a 20″ tire in the back. This configuration makes the bike more stable under heavy loads (up to 600 lbs!!!!) due to the lower center of gravity.
They currently offer two models, one with the rack and the other with a plastic tub. Cool thing about the tub is that you can comfortably fit 2 kids inside of it.
The complete bikes will retail at around $1,300, not a bad investment if you are considering ditching the car altogether.
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600 lbs?!
I have no doubt the bike can handle it, but could anyone power that? That’s what I’d like to see!
Very cool looking bike, but for the price I want a cooler looking bucket.
Wild…like a reverse “bakfiets” with the little tire and cargo bucket in back!
Love that bike, will have to invest in one one day. Will it be available through a LBS or will it have to be a special order type thing?
Madsen Bikes will be sold through “Brick and Mortar” Stores.
OMG! Think of all the iced down beer you could haul in that thing…
It looks like a great bike. I checked out the home page which is very colorful, but a bit short on specs.
The small wheel in the back is interesting. It will have to carry most of the weight. I wonder what gear ratios one gets from that 8 speed derailer on such a small wheel. Is that a high pressure tire? The type of rear brake is also not clear. Small rims often wear down quicker than larger wheels if V-brakes are used.
While the big plastic bucket looks practical, it has a rubbermaid trashcan look to it. Children can be lifted into it and are nicely protected, but I don’t think I can lift my wife into it! Plus I think she would refuse to sit in the “trashcan.” I am more interested in the “taxi seat” accessory that is promised on the homepage. I wonder what that will look like.
But I wish Madsen Bikes well, the more cargo bikes, the merrier.
Very cool write-up. Thanks for investigating for us. Can’t wait to get on one of these and try it out!