Comments on: Carrying stuff by bike

By: Errol Brocklehurst

Errol Brocklehurst — Mon, 15 Jul 2024 21:10:53 +0000

Trailers on bikes is a good idea for carting items, I brought a Trailer from Steve in 2008 and it has saved me time and stress trying to arrange pick up or drop offs of items. A closed bin is my preference as it helps stop water eg rain from damping things, plus a flag flapping at driver eye height helps with safety. Best buy for bike I have made, cheers Steve for making these available.

By: renanda tribowo

renanda tribowo — Sun, 10 Nov 2019 08:23:55 +0000

is it not burdensome?

By: Alastair Brown

Alastair Brown — Tue, 12 Mar 2019 04:46:39 +0000

In reply to Criggie. We use a triple tandem

By: Steven Muir

Steven Muir — Sun, 10 Mar 2019 20:26:19 +0000

at least two large fridges have been successfully transported by bike trailers in Christchurch. I also built a trailer with a large old fridge on it side & motor removed as a large insulated box for iced drinks at biking events.

By: Criggie

Criggie — Mon, 16 Jul 2018 01:19:46 +0000

In reply to Steven Muir.

Fridges should ideally be moved upright, but laying them down works too.

You have to watch out for damage to the exposed coils out the back, that the door may not be flat and if it is the handle will poke out, and to leave them standing up for at least a day before plugging them into power.

Some fridges have an evaporation tray on the motor which can fall off, and some have glass shelves that are just sitting under their own weight. Power cords should be wound up and tied on so they don’t drag.

Also helps to empty them before laying the fridge down 🙂

Riding: Crosswinds are no fun with a big tall load, and neither are sudden stops. Minor slopes like driveways and railway crossings can be a sudden adrenaline rush, as are potholes. Even road intersections can have enough up/down slope to be exciting. If you’re on a hill, strongly consider your options.

Sudden braking – normally skilled riders use their front brake most. When towing a big weight, you want to use your rear brake more. Brake like normal and its possible for the load to lift your rear wheel clear off the ground and jackknife you. I’ve had this happen once and its scary.

My heaviest load was 100 kilos of computer gear on a 2 wheel trailer rated for 15 kilos. Needed 20-25 gear-inches to get that moving from stopped 🙂

By: Alice

Alice — Wed, 11 Jul 2018 02:08:43 +0000

In reply to Criggie. A friend of mine cycles with her kids fairly frequently. They're 7 & 8 and can manage a 20km round trip (with a stop at the library halfway to recharge a bit!) Other options like childseats, cargo bikes, tow bikes & trailers could be investigated to see what would fit in your lifestyle & budget.

By: Steven Muir

Steven Muir — Wed, 11 Jul 2018 01:09:16 +0000

At least two fridges have definitely been carried on my bike trailers. They are best upright of course – its not so good for them to be laid flat. I even had an old fridge as the body for one trailer which I filled with ice and cold drinks for one event

By: Criggie

Criggie — Mon, 09 Jul 2018 00:05:48 +0000

What about if you need to travel with kids? – a bike of their own?

By: Chris Abbott

Chris Abbott — Sun, 08 Jul 2018 22:17:37 +0000

I used to commute in London over 6 miles each way with an early 11Kg Compaq luggable in my back pack. I only went over the handle bars once…. No lasting damage!

By: chrism

chrism — Sun, 08 Jul 2018 20:58:23 +0000

Unoccupied child seats are perfect for carrying gear. I always just chuck my bag/shopping/takeaways into the child seat and away I go. And actually even when it is occupied I can still fit a bit of stuff on Ben’s lap.