cargo bike

Edit: watch the recorded event on YouTube.
Past cargo bike webinar recordings are also available!

Perennial Cycle of Minneapolis, Kindred Cycles of Pittsburgh, Clever Cycles of Portland, and J. C. Lind Bike Co. of Chicago are presenting a free cargo bike webinar on February 4. 

The goal is to empower you with enough information so you can make the best choice for your upcoming purchase. The presenters, who are avid riders and have been taking care of cargo bike users for many years, will share their experiences to help you along the way.

SO, if you're considering buying a cargo bike in 2024, take advantage of this excellent opportunity to learn from experts. We are bringing our knowledge to you, as we understand that many people are not fortunate enough to have shops like these in their neighborhood. We expect attendees from various locations, and will be thrilled to have people join our Zoom from anywhere.

About the presenters

Luke Breen — Minneapolis, MN

Luke has been the owner and operator of Perennial Cycle, previously known as Calhoun Cycle, for over 30 years. Throughout his career, he has consistently shown his love and dedication for utility and cargo bikes. For many years, he eagerly waited for cargo bikes to become more popular among customers.

Today, Perennial Cycle is the go-to place for cargo bike enthusiasts in Minnesota. The shop also organizes a variety of community-oriented group rides and events. Rides organized in 2023 include the Queer History Ride, the famous Pastry Rides in April, several Family Fun Rides, and DJ Dance Rides.

Eva Frazier — Portland, OR

Eva has been the co-owner of Clever Cycles since 2014. She has been a part of the retail bike industry for 17 years and is passionate about solving problems, working with numbers, and interacting with people. Eva is originally from New York's Hudson Valley but moved west for college and fell in love with the community. She is currently a member of the executive board of BikeLoudPDX and co-hosts the BikePortland podcast.

Clever Cycles is Portland's largest and first-ever bike shop that focuses entirely on bicycles as primary transportation. The shop mainly caters to urban households that want to reduce their dependence on cars.

Jon Lind — Chicago, IL

J.C. Lind Bike Co. has been selling European city and cargo bikes in Chicago for the past 16 years. The owner, Jon Lind, believes that bikes are more than just modes of transportation; they are lifestyle vehicles that have the power to enhance their owners' lives. Jon's passion for biking began during his time living in the Netherlands, known for its cycling-friendly culture. Furthermore, Jon's interest in transportation biking runs deep, as he remembers his mother riding her bike to work every day, even in the snow, when he was a boy.

Aiming to help customers lead car-light urban lives, J.C. Lind Bike Co. provides practical and dependable bikes.

Katharine Jordan — Pittsburgh, PA

The 10th anniversary of Kindred Cycles is coming soon! Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Katharine developed a passion for cycling while residing in Boston and has been repairing bikes ever since. Kindred Cycles has become a reality of their dream — a place where cyclists using bikes for both transportation and pleasure can receive exceptional service and benefit from the vast commuting experience and knowledge available.

Undoubtedly, electric cargo bikes have proven to be a valuable asset to individuals and families seeking to replace their cars and embrace a bike-centric lifestyle. Kindred Cycles supports a diverse and expanding community of riders united in their determination!

With Saturday set to end with the giveaway of a Yuba Boda Boda, the big question on everyone's mind started with a hypothetical: "If I were to win tonight..." Would my life change? What would I do with a cargo bike? Thus, we set up a photo booth in the shop with a racing-green Bullitt by Larry vs. Harry and asked you to share with us, "What would you carry?"

Some of you were inspired by your favorite food or drink. Others were led by love. Our younger shoppers offered that they might carry notebooks or books... even the family dog. Nick, from Rock-It Bicycle Delivery (and proud owner of a Clockwork Bullitt), responded with a question of his own: What wouldn't I carry?

Click here to view these photos at your own pace in our Flickr gallery. Thanks to all who stopped in our What would you carry? photo booth.

It's no secret around here that Velo Vision Magazine pays attention to what's happening in the cycling world and to see the latest issue's (#36) cover is sweet. The Cover picture sells a story by Richard Peace in which he critiques 3 cargo bikes after having tested all three rather extensively.

There's a whole lot of fun in Velo Vision #36. We're pretty partial to the Richard's review of three cargo bikes that he tested. The cargo bikes he rode were the Larry vs. Harry Bullitt, Madsen kg271 and a Yuba Mundo.

Here are a few Headlines of Velo Vision #36

Workbikes special!

Richard Peace puts three two-wheel load-carriers through real-world tests. Under the spotlight are the Bullitt Clockwork, the Madsen kg271 and the Yuba Mundo, the last with an Ezee electric assist system.

Dropping in on dealers: another three reports from specialist dealers across the country: London Recumbents, Futurecycles, Bikes and Trailers. What you'll find if you visit yourself...
Review: Villiers custom frame. It's here at last - a lovely test bed bike frame built by Paul Villiers to our own Velo Vision design. We look back on the custom ordering process, and the end result.
Review: Catrike Dash. This medium-sized recumbent trike for teens or for the shorter rider is put through its paces by riders who appreciate its proportions...
Review: FreeParable T1 Trailer. An impressive new bike trailer from Taiwan which transforms into a smart, baggage-handler-proof suitcase.
Short reviews: Books, chains, trousers, bells, puncture fluid...
Reader bikes: Streetmachine recumbent, doing up a DIY trike...
Report: London show: A brief reports on new products at Cycle 2009.
Feature: Touring with dogs: How lack of pet-sitters led a couple to tour with two dogs on board - and how they cope.
Regular features: News, Letters, and the best specialist advertising!

The June century was scheduled for the last day of the month and was tagged "The Great Cargo Bike Century". Derek has a sweet Utilitarian Transports cargo bike. I have a most beautiful Larry vs. Harry Bullitt cargo bike.

The day before the ride I installed bar-ends, swapped on my clipless pedals, put on an XL stem and installed a cyclometer. Ready to Roll. I did add a few non-essentials for the ride: a couple of pink Flamingos and a cooler with ice, Izzies. San Pellegrino and a variety of snacks. I called Derek to see if he needed any help getting his UT ready to roll. The Heart of the UT is a Surly One x One (which we had converted to a One x Eight last week (see his new derailleur hanger here). Derek's response was to state the obvious in the world before the Bullitt: Cargo Bikes are not designed to do a century ride on. He's on for the ride, but he's going to pretend that his Surly Cross Check is a Cargo Bike : (

For a moment I panicked thinking that I might be setting myself up for more punishment than I could handle, but after a quick think (2 seconds) I decided I was right on track with the Bullitt as the day's steed. I thought for another 2 seconds about stripping off the deck from the Bullitt to save weight, but I decided that was silly and then as mentioned I ended up loading a cooler up (how often can I have fresh chilled grapes 80 miles into a century?).

The ride went smoothly and the Bullitt was a joy to be on, even at mile 99. I ended the day with 115 miles and put in a 5 hour day of work after the ride. The Gear range was perfect and the Alfine 8 speed hub shifted flawlessly all day long. The Bullitt is just a sweet riding bike that happens to be capable of carrying 200 pounds of stuff when I'm out and about.

This video is also available at our youtube page: Bullitt Century

See a Video of Derek's Utilitarian Transports Bike HERE