Versatility is the name of the game when it comes to load-carrying. Companies that specialise in pedal-powered haulage often have to buy a range of different machines, to carry anything from a letter to lawnmower. The Reiko Transport Bike (Transportfahrrad in German) is primarily a large-capacity goods-bike, with a payload of 80kg. But if you buy a second one, you'll find that one plus one makes much more than two! With Reiko's linking kit, you can bolt two Transport Bikes together to make a tandem with a carrying capacity of 300kg. And you can use one or two riders, depending on the load, and how far it's going.
The Transport Bike is based around a powder-coated Cro-moly steel frame, available in a choice of five different colours. Custom-built frames are also offered. Cantilever brakes and the Nexus 7-speed hub are standard, but as each bike is assembled to order, options such as disk or hydraulic brakes are also available. The rear wheel is 26" (559), and at the front there's a choice of 18" or 20" (406). The smaller 18" size is best for when the bike will be ridden at slow speeds and for tight manoeuvring, while the easy-rolling 20" option is ideal for more open stretches of road.
Transport Bike is actually surprisingly easy to ride. The low centre of gravity means that even with a full 80kg payload, the handling is really quite straightforward. Notice, too, the built-in load straps, and the extra heavy-duty propstand. A heavy-duty rack on the back offers further loading possibilities.
The manufacturers stress that Transport Bike is not just a work bike. You can mount a child-seat in front of you, where many parents prefer to put their child, and it's also great for touring with a full load of outdoor gear.
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