Zigo Bakfiets Carrier Bike - Converts to Bike and Stroller

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Taga Chinese Knockoff – Buyer Beware

By on April 13, 2011


Taga Knockoff

Taga Knockoff

Recently an email was received by Taga dealers stating “We offer a product Kangaro Bike – we are owner of the patent and the manufacturer in China”, and included the photo to the left. This is a shameless knockoff of the Taga bike, along with a claim to ownership of the patents. This company has also of couse appropriated the Kangaroo name, which is used by the well-known Winther Kagaroo. The supposed European representative of this Chinese company is based in Poland.

This email prompted Taga to post the following on Facebook yesterday:

“Warning: a Chinese company is selling a fake of Taga called Kangaroo bike. They claim to have the original design and patent, which is simply a lie. We received several messages from consumers who bought it and had severe accidents. The two parts of the bike are separated during the ride resulting with injuries to both the child and the rider. Please make sure you don’t buy a faked Taga and take unnecessary risks.”

Taga also notes:

“Taga is going through a transition period in operations and therefore we are currently out of stock. We apologize for the inconvenience. We will update when the product is available again.”

No doubt this Chinese company is hoping to take advantage of Taga’s transition period to attempt to launch this imitation.

It is also known that in the past carrier bike company Zigo identified an attempted knockoff in Czech Republic but was able to prevent its production by legal means.

So buyers beware.  Do not buy counterfeit product when your child’s safety is at stake.  Buy only from the designer and manufacturer who designed, developed and tested for safety these carrier bikes.  In this case, you get what you pay for.  If the price of a knock-off is too-good-to-be-true, it is for a reason.

 

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Achielle 100% Handmade Dutch and Retro Style Bicycles

By on March 26, 2011

Achielle Bakfiets

Achielle Bakfiets

Achielle, with two stores listed in the U.S., offers beautiful, albeit quite pricey bakfietsen and Dutch retro style bicycles.   These bakfietsen are handmade in Belgium, and starting at $4,625, they carry the distinctive look of retro quality.  The Achielle U.S. website says that there are two versions of the bakfiets:  one for kids, with a bench and seatbelts, and one for dogs. Really, for dogs!  Some people really love their dogs, to the tune of nearly $5,000.  The frame of the Achielle bakfiets comes in different colors, and is outfitted with Shimano roller brakes and a Shimano Nexus 8 gear hub.  The Achielle bakfiets has a 26″ rear wheel and a 20″ wheel in front, similar to other models, and sports Schwalbe tires.  The Achielle bakfiets definitely seems a beautiful well-made bike with high-end components, but it is priced at a point that will exclude most of the market.  Although there is certainly a niche market for this in the U.S., it is difficult to see how it will ever have a major impact on bike culture.  On the heels of the economically priced Zigo Leader bakfiets, and the expanding U.S. market for carrier bikes in general, there will likely be increased interest in the high end as well.  I certainly hope to see one on the streets!

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WorkCycles Cargo Bike

By on February 20, 2011

Zigo Leader Carrier Bicycle System

Zigo Leader Bakfiets - Converts to bike and stroller

WorkCycles Cargo Bike is a classic cargo bike with roots in Amsterdam. It comes in two versions: WorkCycles Cargo Bike Long and WorkCycles Cargo Bike Short.  This is a 2-wheeler design with a low front box.  The WorkCycles long can carry up to 3 kids.  The WorksCycles Cargo Bike Short is about 3o cm shorter on box length, which results in 40% less box space.  It has room for one child in a baby seat and not much more, but rides lighter than the WorksCycles Cargo Bike Long.   The overall design of the Workscycles Cagbo Bikes is similar to other Bakfietsen, such as those by bakfiets.nl.

WorkCycles Cargo Bike Long

WorkCycles Cargo Bike Long

The WorkCycles line of cargo bikes is somewhat higher end in components than some other brands, and the price, 1499 Euros starting price for the Long and 1449 for the Short reflects this.  Like other cargo bikes, the WorksCycle cargo bikes can be used for child transport as well as grocery hauling and other errands, with a reported load capacity of 80kg in front and 50kg in the rear. It comes with a rear 26″ wheel and a front 20″ wheel, Schwalbe Marathon tires, a Shimano 8-speed internal gear hub, hub dyamno with LED head lamp and tail light, and an Axa defender lock.  The box is, well a box made of marine plywood.  You can also get a 3-gear version, a second bench option to put in the box, a Maxi-Cosi carrier, and rain canopy.  The WorksCycles cargo bike also boasts a Stabilo parking stand, which makes it easy to load and unload children or cargo.  Overall, a wellmade traditional style bakfiets.

Zigo Leader Carrier Bicycle System

Zigo Leader Bakfiets - Converts to bike and stroller

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De Fietsfabriek – Where are they now?

By on December 24, 2010


De_Fietsfabriek

De_Fietsfabriek

De Fietsfabriek, based in the Netherlands, is one of the oldest and best known names in carrier bikes, cargo bicycles  and bakfietsen, offering a number of 2-wheel and 2-wheel models.  Sadly, earlier this year, De Fietsfabriek was reported in the news to be bankrupt, having accumulated unmanageable debt.  However, their website is up and running and we have heard anecdotally that they have received new investment and a new lease on life.

De Fietsfabriek makes a 3-wheel bakfiets, as well as a number of 2-wheel bakfiets models.  They also make bikes, such as the Filibus, which are city-type bikes with large cargo baskets. Among 2-wheel bakfiets, the Model 994 is probably their best known model.  They also have the more modern looking Model 995 and Model 996.

The question is of course, how did De Fietsfabriek end up bankrupt?  Perhaps they cannot compete well with both cheaper bikes from brands like Babboe and more modern looks, such as those from Gazelle and Zigo.

De_Fietsfabriek_bf18_01

De Fietsfabriek bf18_01

Filibus from De Fietsfabriek

Filibus from De Fietsfabriek

We are interested to hear anything about the current status of De Fietsfabriek, how they ended up bankrupt, and if and how they have come out of it.

Please post your comments here.

 

 

Addendum: 03/30/31

Someone just wrote us the following:

Hi,I recently bought a bike from De Fietsfabriek in Antalya, Turkey but don’t get excited they closed the shop last week. They have a nice new website www.bisikletfabrikasi.com.trand still have a factory in Ankara I think. The company claim to be opening again in Turkey but I really wouldn’t believe a word that they say, they are full of lies and false promises in my experience.
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Urban Arrow – New Electric Bakfiets

By on November 21, 2010

Urban Arrow Bakfiets

Urban Arrow Bakfiets

We have just seen on the internet a new Dutch electric bakfiets called the Urban Arrow.  The first Urban Arrow electric transport bike is designed for families with young kids looking for green, affordable, time-saving alternatives to cars.  Of course, all Bakfietsen are after the same market.

The Urban Arrow web site claims that they have “reinvented the transport bike” with a fresh design that utilizes “light, safe and comfortable materials”. It comes equipped with a German made electric pedal assist.

Of interest, they note that the modular frame makes it possible to change the front frame to make a transport e-bike or 3-wheeled cargo e-bike.

There are not many pictures on the Urban Arrow  website or much information, but it looks slick from what we can see (the picture above was best we could download).  We look forward to seeing more of the Urban arrow and learning more about its specifications.

Zigo Leader Carrier Bicycle System

Zigo Leader Bakfiets - Converts to bike and stroller

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More on Bakfietsen in Amsterdam

By on November 11, 2010

Please visit: Zigo Bakfiets
Zigo Leader Carrier Bicycle System

Zigo Leader Bakfiets - Converts to bike and stroller

A multitude of Bakfieten to choose from.

Tuk Tuk Bakfiets

Tuk Tuk Bakfiets

We have learned about a few more Bakfiets makers in the Netherlands, with even lower pricing than Babboe.  What is the difference in quality and components, we want to know.

Tuk Tuk Bakfietsen sells a basic unit starting form 495 Euro .  The Tuk Tuk name is taken from a class of motorized tricycles popular in Thailand.  The Dutch version is not motorized, but it is a tricycle.

The Tuk Tuk ‘Basic’ is equipped with: SRAM Spectro with 3 speed, coaster brake, a plywood cargo box with a bench  and SRAM drum brakes. All Tuk Tuk trikes come with aluminum wheels and a powder coated frame.  It seems from the photo to be tiller steering.

The Tuk Tuk Bakfietsen do look rather industrial, but at that price you would not expect it to have the style of a Zigo or Gazelle.

Bakfietsweb.nl is another provider of lower-priced bakfietsen.  The Model 030 tricycle is 699 Euro, which includes a light color wooden box, 3-speed Shimano hub, and coaster brakes plus V-brake.

Bakfietsweb Tricycle

Bakfietsweb Tricycle

In two-wheeled Bakfiets they make several models, also with a wooden box and similar components on the cycle.  It comes at two price points: 599 Euro and 699 Euro.  He more expensive Model 020 LB is longer with a bigger box as compared with the Model 010 LB.  We have also heard that Dutch bike maker, Dutch ID, has stopped production of their Bakfiets, called the Cargo XL, pictured below.
DutchID Bakfiets

DutchID Bakfiets

And on the subject of Bakfiets manufactuers stopping production we have been informed that de Fietsfabriek stopped production due to financial problems but has now started up again.
It seems that in the country with more bikes than people (the Netherlands), there is naturally no shortage of choices in Bakfietsen.
Please let us know your opinions on these products.  Which are good, which have problems, why some sell for 599 Euro and some for 3,000 Euro.
Please visit: Zigo Bakfiets
Zigo Leader Carrier Bicycle System

Zigo Leader Bakfiets - Converts to bike and stroller

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Stroller Bike, Bike Stroller, Bike With Stroller, Strollercycle, Strollerbike…what should we call it?

By on November 8, 2010

Zigo Leader Carrier Bicycle System

Zigo Leader Bakfiets

With the proliferation of products such as the Zigo Leader Carrier Bike and the Taga Carrier, there has been an equal proliferation of terminology to describe these products.  In Europe, the conventional term Bakfiets would cover it, or if you are in Denmark, Ladcykel.  But in the U.S. the situation becomes more complex.  The terminology ranges from Carrier Bike, which is favored by Zigo, to Stroller Bike, Bike Stroller, Strollercycle, and other even more cumbersome monikers.  Sometimes Dutch Cargo Bike is used in the U.S. as equivalent to Bakfiets, but this does not seem widely adopted.   In the United Kingdom, we must also take into account the usage of pushchair instead of stroller.

So here is the question: in the United States (and United Kingdom and English speaking world everywhere) what should we call these products?

Zigo Leader Carrier Bicycle System

Zigo Leader Stroller Bike

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Which Bakfiets Dominates in the Netherlands?

By on November 8, 2010

Zigo Leader Carrier Bicycle System

Zigo Leader Bakfiets or Ladcykel

Bakfiets.nl versus Babboe.nl versus de Fietsfabriek versus Other

Bakfiets.nl

Bakfiets.nl

We are actually looking for some feedback here.  We have seen quite a few Bakfiets (Bakfietsen, I suppose)  in the Netherlands, and Amsterdam in particular, and would like to know which one is actually the market leader.  We would also like to hear about the differences among them–both real and perceived.  Bakfiets.nl seems to be the 1000 pound gorilla in the Dutch cargo bike market.  Bakfiets.nl makes the CarboBike Lang, CargoBike Corte, and CargoBike Premium, which range in price from 1465 Euros to 1829 Euros, and vary by type of hub, brakes an level of trim.  Bakfiets.nl also makes a Cargo Trike and a Cargo Trike L (L is for Large).

Babboe City

Babboe City

Babboe on the other hand, offers the Babboe City for just 849 Euros, and the Babboe Big 3-Wheel for 749 Euros.  The Babboe city comes with a Shimano Nexus 7 speed gear.  They also make a model called the Rabobank – Babboe City and According to Mamma – Babboe City.

de Fietsfabriek F22

de Fietsfabriek F22

de Fietsfabriek is another classic Ducth Bakfiets brand.  They make quote a few models, including the Troy for 1995 Euro, the 994 for 1495 Euro, the 995 for 1495 Euro, the 995 for 1595 Euro.the FF16 tricycle for 1995 Euro, and the FF22 tricycle for 3750 Euro.

There are of course other sellers of Bakfietsen, but these brands one see a lot of around the city.   Please help us understand the large price difference between Bakfiets.nl, Babboe.nl, and de Fietsfabriek  Please send us your comments about the differences between these Bakfietsen, as well as your ideas about what the “perfect Bakfiets” should be.

Zigo Leader Carrier Bicycle System

Zigo Leader Stroller Bike

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Portland’s Shuttlebug

By on September 15, 2010

Zigo Leader Carrier Bicycle System

Zigo Leader Carrier Bicycle System

Shuttlebug

Taking a page from the traditional Bakfiets model, the Portland-made Shuttlebug has incorporated several design changes.  The Shuttlebug, made by Joe Bike in Portland, is described as lightweight, yet strong, and engineered for traversing the hilly Portland terrain.  At only 55 pounds, the Shuttlebug claims to make cycling with up to 3 kids a breeze.  However, the light weight may make handling more difficult when riding empty.   The Shuttlebug looks to be inspired by the Dutch Gazelle Cabby.

Gazelle Cabby

Gazelle Cabby

The cabin of the Shuttlebug is said to be large enough to accommodate both an adult and child together.  The steel box frame is covered with durable, water-resistant fabric that can be removed from the frame without any tools.  These quick-release mounts allow you to go from carrier bicycle to cargo bike.  The Shuttlebug has an optional double-decker rack accessory for big cargo loads.  The Shuttlebug is pricy, starting at $3750, but it is to be expected for a more-or-less custom product.

Zigo Leader Carrier Bicycle System

Zigo Leader Carrier Bicycle System

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The (very) Nordic Cab

By on September 8, 2010

Nordic Cab

Bike trailer, ski sled, push stroller, dog sled. Is there anything the Nordic Cab can’t transform into? This Norwegian design is among the most versatile we’ve seen so far. For starters, it is a spacious traditional two-child bicycle trailer with ample back, head and neck support for growing children. From trailer, Nordic Cab converts easily into a push stroller with adjustable handlebar. On the down side, the tiny front stroller wheels placed squarely in the middle of the front end make the carriage seem difficult to maneuver and potentially off-balance. Nordic Cab also sells a jogger attachment which would actually appear to be a more secure alternative to the flimsy front stroller wheels.

Dog Kit for Nordic Cab

In addition to the modes previously mentioned, the Nordic Cab also meets the needs of parents in Northern, snowy climates. The Ski kit accessory may be advantageous for the uber-athletic parents who enjoy trekking long distances through blustery winds with their children in tow… (to each his own). Even more unusual is Nordic Cab’s Dog kit adapter, which allows the Nordic Cab and Nordic Cab sled to be pulled by none other than man’s best friend. Perhaps we can chalk it up to mere cultural differences, but we find it hard to believe that many North Americans would trust their excitable canines with dragging their infants behind them in the local park, let alone in a blizzard.

Zigo Leader Carrier Bicycle System

Zigo Leader Carrier Bicycle System

In summary, while the Nordic Cab is truly innovative, with a lot of imagination and creativity, we find it to be somewhat lacking when it comes to practicality. With so many traditional bike trailers available, we do not feel the Nordic Cab, with all its accessories, will resonate with most average families. There are plenty of other bicycle trailer brands which will offer a similar design and value without all the bells and whistles.

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Zigo Bakfiets Carrier Bike - Converts to Bike and Stroller