After a couple of days of mulling the Haul-a-Day over, I still couldn't decide what to do. The bike is amazing but I was worried that I'd need too many additions that would push it over our budget and that it wouldn't carry all our things. Luckily, we were able to make another stop at the Bike Friday shop in Eugene on our way back home. This time, I was able to really take my time to test out the bike again and price out our options. We ended up staying there for about two hours, getting lots of great help from Walter who went above and beyond his customer service duties.
I learned how easy it is to adjust the crossbar sizing, just two allen bolts and a push button. We use the OSATA bikes in the school fleet but I've never taken the time to check out how to change them.
I had to double check that I really liked the new Bike Friday handlebars. I was tempted by their H-bars but finally decided that the swept back style is more my type.
And of course, the ultimate test--a heavier load. While the Mundo has an unbeatable 400 pound cargo limit, we think the Bike Friday Haul-a-Day has about a 300-350 rider+cargo max. That still leaves plenty of extra weight to carry even with two boys at about 40 pounds each. I've taken adults on the back of the Mundo a few times and it's always interesting to get started. Once we're rolling, the bike stabilizes itself and we're good to go until we have to stop again. What surprised me most about the HaD was that we were rolling really quickly. I think it was the fact that the 20" wheels revolve faster than the 26" and so within a few pedal strokes, we were balanced. I actually didn't realize how far back Walter was sitting on the deck, usually I have to make people scoot closer to me so that the bike doesn't drag as much. I also had no idea that he was flopping around in back like in the last photo. I'm usually very aware of all the movements on deck. The low deck was easy for him to get on, it was even easy for Little Brother to climb on. I know Walter wasn't super comfortable as there wasn't anything for him to rest his feet on but he was a great sport. They do sell a set of foot rests to help that problemt.
Little Brother was happy to get in on the action, too.
There's no denying Bike Friday makes gorgeous bikes and since my dad has two and my mom had one before it got stolen, I already know that the bikes are high quality and the team will work with you to create a bike that truly fits your needs.
Long story short, I have an order number and a plan to head back up to Eugene via Amtrak next month to test out our newest trainable cargo bike!
I realize that this is the opposite of downsizing but we still have two bikes on the chopping block and we'll have to wait and see what happens to the third when its cuter, smaller baby sister shows up.
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