Bakfiets

[BalkanExpress]

Not my usual thing, but we have just acquired this

This is a first toe in the water to see if we can/will go carless. I'd have splashed on an electric assist Bullitt with e assist and a gates drive but instead we have the a "pre-loved" agricultural beast. Three speed rear derailleur, band brakes including foot actuation for the rear, interesting V brake parking brake arrangement using a thumb shifter, and a possibility of instant death. Thus far I have adjusted the front bands so that hopefully it stops in a straightish line rather than veering off into traffic

 

[Specialeyes]

That is tremendous! Very wise to wait until the kids are too old to need to be carried

 

[classic33]

Anything over 12mph and they become nervous/twitchy.

 

[Andy in Germany]

Not my usual thing, but we have just acquired this

View attachment 524276

This is a first toe in the water to see if we can/will go carless. I'd have splashed on an electric assist Bullitt with e assist and a gates drive but instead we have the a "pre-loved" agricultural beast. Three speed rear derailleur, band brakes including foot actuation for the rear, interesting V brake parking brake arrangement using a thumb shifter, and a possibility of instant death. Thus far I have adjusted the front bands so that hopefully it stops in a straightish line rather than veering off into traffic

Awesome. Being car free is easier than people think: you'll be amazed at what you can carry in a Bakfiets.

I recommend a large blanket and a rope to hold stuff down...

 

[BalkanExpress]

O

Anything over 12mph and they become nervous/twitchy.

This far anything over walking pace and it is a bit nervous .

The band brakes are...interesting a light touch is required as they are grabby rather than progressive. Also if not set up properly they tend to pull the box to one side, which is a bit disturbing

 

[BalkanExpress]

That is tremendous! Very wise to wait until the kids are too old to need to be carried

The cunning part of the plan is that they may now learn to be ready to go out on time, rather than ask me for a lift in the car.

 

[Hugh Manatee]

That is so cool. What are the gears like? Low, lower, really low? Or does it follow the rule that the heavier a bike is, the higher the gears?

 

[BalkanExpress]

That is so cool. What are the gears like? Low, lower, really low? Or does it follow the rule that the heavier a bike is, the higher the gears?

So far the 3 gears are, working, sort of working and drops off the chainring. I’m sure i’ll Sort them out on the end

 

[Andy in Germany]

The cunning part of the plan is that they may now learn to be ready to go out on time, rather than ask me for a lift in the car.

Yup, true independence is knowing what time the train leaves* instead of relying on your parents to take you. Our kids have much more freedom to go where they want, roughly when they want, than their peers.

Which reminds me, I'm not sure where they are right now...

*Or just cycling, obviously

 

[tom73]

Love it I'd happily have one just no room at the moment Mrs 73 is ok with bikes around the place inc her's but i'm not pushing it
How do you steer a thing like that ?
Reminds me my Grandfather long before i was born once sold home made ice cream on a bike a bit like that.
Until someone grassed him up for not having a sink

 

[BalkanExpress]

Love it I'd happily have one just no room at the moment Mrs 73 is ok with bikes around the place inc her's but i'm not pushing it
How do you steer a thing like that ?
Reminds me my Grandfather long before i was born once sold home made ice cream on a bike a bit like that.
Until someone grassed him up for not having a sink

To steer. the wheels are fixed and the box pivots, so you push/pull the bar in the required direction. This takes a bit of getting used to * and as @classic33 has said the faster you go the twitchier it gets. Plus, the rear keeps going straight on especially if you try and turn sharply.

*I have not got used to it yet

 

[tom73]

Like the sound of one even better

 

[classic33]

Like the sound of one even better

Wait until you're on one and approaching the 10mph mark, then see if you still like sound of it.

 

[tom73]

Wait until you're on one and approaching the 10mph mark, then see if you still like sound of it.

All adds to the fun

 

[Boopop]

How has it gone @BalkanExpress ?