It's a bit old photo, but I think I never posted it, so here it is.

[youen@mastodon.gamedev.place]

It's a bit old photo, but I think I never posted it, so here it is. This was my first #CarryShitOlympics with this #DIY #CargoBike. It was not even finished (actually it still isn't, but what ever is?)

[fried_67@mastodon.social]

@youen
Have you thought about a four wheeler?
That would be my favourite!

[youen@mastodon.gamedev.place]

@Fried_67 yes, and it would improve over the central rear wheel that takes space. But it would increase the cost, be heavier, more complicated transmission, requiring suspensions, and being forbidden on bike path (at least where I live in France). Three wheels is not perfect but an interesting tradeoff.

By the way, forgot to say this bike is based on an #OpenHardware design! https://vhelio.fr/

Documentation available for free https://communaute.vhelio.org/d/83-documentation-du-vheliotech-version-100-mai-2023 (everything is in French though)

[youen@mastodon.gamedev.place]

@Fried_67 it's not obvious on the photos but it actually has one small roller on each side. These do not touch the ground in normal use, but if you happen to take a very violent turn they prevent tipping over (you are still on three wheels: opposite side front wheel lifts off, but one front wheel remains on the ground for direction). So, actually, this bike has 5 wheels 😁

[youen@mastodon.gamedev.place]

A few more details about the bike: it's based on an #OpenHardware design https://vhelio.fr/vheliotech/

Complete documentation is available for free https://communaute.vhelio.org/d/83-documentation-du-vheliotech-version-100-mai-2023 but unfortunately it's only in french.

If you don't speak french, maybe this and next pages are the most visual to get an idea how it's made: https://documentation.vhelio.org/vheliotech/guide-de-montage/main/030_plan_general.html

Full translation is not planed for now, but feel free to ask if you have questions! (I'm a member of the volunteer association in France that designed it)

[fried_67@mastodon.social]

@youen
For some years now, I have a bike from Steintrikes (https://www.bike-revolution.at/steintrikes/) in mind. Keep the front part from Steintrikes, add a cargo department and a shelter. I like the idea of suspension.
Costs? Well, you better don't ask.
But I think, it would be a perfect replacement for the inner city.

[youen@mastodon.gamedev.place]

@Fried_67 from the few experimentation I've made, I think every bike is a tradeoff. Improving something brings other drawbacks. So really it's about finding one that correctly fits your needs, but none will be perfect for everything.

The one you've linked seems really cool to travel lightweight, efficient, single person, with possibility to transport groceries in bags. Adding anything will increase weight and/or air drag, but depending on the use case it can be a good tradeoff.