FAQs

FAQ: Mundo, Bakfiets, Xtracycle, Big Dummy, Ute or trailer?

This is a fantastic question and a darned tough one! Before you buy a utility/cargo bicycle, we recommend that you be very realistic about how you intend to use your new ride, whichever you choose. This will definitely help guide your purchase. The Mundo, Bakfiet, Xtracycle, Big Dummy, Kona Ute and utility trailers all offer compelling arguments for their specific use-case. These are all excellent options that will change the way you carry stuff on a bike. This being said, here are a few insights and comparisons to help in your search:

The Yuba Mundo ($875-$1,000) is a scalable and extensible, super-duty, German-built cargo bike for less than $1K –it’s a lot of bike for the money. The potential for utility is tremendous as the Mundo offers an impressive array of capabilities not served by other utility bicycles. The Mundo’s cargo platforms are larger and stronger than any comparable offering, enabling it to carry more than any vehicle in this category. In fact, the Mundo will gracefully haul more than you’re likely going to want to carry! While this is impressive, what really makes the Mundo a clear choice for many is its quality and price. The Mundo is a complete, heavy duty utility bike that not only fits most any rider, but also fits most any budget. The Mundo can serve the needs of individuals, families and business owners by offering a wide array of cargo carrying options on its beautifully crafted steel frame. Due to its simple, quality component set and comfortable, traditional bicycle geometry, the Mundo is extremely low maintenance and simple to master. Additionally, the Mundo is built around industry standards, making it highly scalable to fit whatever modifications you seek. Lastly, Yuba’s a company seeking to change the world for the better, one bike at a time. Their commitment to building solutions to help solve the world’s transportation problems is genuine and unmatched in the industry.

Bakfietsen (est. $3,000) are great for carrying awkward loads and children as the basket is low, easily accommodates shifting loads. They are also excellent for newbies because they come relatively ready-to-roll, fully outfitted with great equipment. Some people may want a cycle that better matches the profile of a regular bike, so the Bakfiet isn’t the best match, but it’s still easy to use. It’s not quite as scalable as a Mundo, as long-tailed bikes can configure to carry a variety of odd-sized loads. The Mundo simply carries more weight, but the Bakfiet can still pack all sorts of common loads with ease. Lastly, Bakfiet’s are (rightfully) far more expensive and a bit heavier than the rest. This being said, the weight is very manageable with their Shimano Nexus hub and the price delivers a complete solution. We love the Bakfiet and believe it is an excellent addition to any garage.

Xtracycle conversions ($450+) are excellent because they have accessories galore and the cost is easily digested. What’s more, you can retain a lot of what you love about a comfortable old steed by using your favorite existing bicycle for the conversion. The Xtracycle extension is made from TIG-welded chromoly steel tubing with aluminum cargo carriers, which combine to ensure a lightweight ride, albeit with more flex than a fully integrated frame. The overall capacity isn’t as high as the Mundo or Bakfiet, but Xtracycles can still handle awkward loads with ease. Lastly, Xtracycle defined the longtail market in the US, so people have been modifying and accessorizing Xtracycles for years. This has produced a massive user/support group. Expect fully-built Extracycle conversions (using a new bike) to cost $900+.

Surly’s Big Dummy (est. $1800-$2000 fully built) has further validated the Xtracycle geometry by delivering a solid cargo frameset built on Xtracycle specs to ensure simple cross-pollination of accessories. While the Xtracycle delivers flex, the Big Dummy is an integrated frame, providing excellent stiffness and strength. For cargo carrying, the Big Dummy relies on Xtracycle’s snap-on aluminum top and side loaders. Fabricated with quality in Asia, the Big Dummy adds a steeper price tag to the Xtracycle equation, but Surly designs excellent frames, so you can expect a life-long investment.

Kona’s Ute (est. $800-$900) is a fantastic entry into the market, at a great price. The big benefit of the Ute is its’ light-utility commuter focus. The bike features a fully integrated, extended tail (not quite as long as the Xtracycle or Mundo) built on an aluminum frame. While not as strong as the Mundo or Bakfiet, the Ute’s frame is stiff and lightweight. While offering less capacity than other options, the Ute offers more cargo options than a regular bicycle with a rack. Kona put a lot of thought into engineering a bike that could handle an extra set of bags without being too heavy duty –and without the added weight of a heavy duty bike. It’s a unique niche that will serve many people very well. Complemented by many commuter-friendly features (including fenders, disc brakes and a lot of gears), the Ute is the best solution for folks who just need to be able to pack more than a regular bike on their commute, but don’t necessarily need a car-replacement like the heavy duty Mundo or Bakfiet. Kona makes great bikes and the Ute is no exception.

Trailers (est. $200 - $500) perform an amazing array of functions and come in more varieties than we choose to even mention. We love trailers and believe they definitely have a place in the utility cycling market. Trailers are competitively priced and often extremely well-made. We’ve used a two-seat Chariot Cougar for more than a year, packing children and groceries alike. The Chariot can handle up to 100 pounds and tracks beautifully. What’s more, it converts to a stroller with ease. We probably put as many miles on our Chariot configured as a stroller as we have as a trailer. This being said, like with automobiles, it’s always a bit more challenging to setup and tow a trailer than it is to just throw things into/onto your vehicle. Trailers take time to attach/configure and have to be locked-up separately from the bicycle. Additionally, they just don’t carry as much as a cargo bike; nor do they handle as wide a variety of loads. If you’re on a budget and need to carry children safely and securely, the Chariot is fantastic. Just make sure you understand and appreciate its limits.

© 2008 Stumptown Mundo: Portland’s Home for the Yuba Mundo Utility Bike.