Long John Cargo Bike

January 23, 2016

This week we had the opportunity to test ride a Metrofiets long john cargo bike from Bicycle Junction - our local urban biking specialists.

Kids in Metrofiets Cargo Bike

This test riding phase has come about due to the arrival of Hoopla Kid 3. Not because I can't fit them all on Mundo now, but more for the attraction of being able to put a carseat in the box enabling me to carry a baby on board.

After the initial "getting the hang of it" I embarked on our 4km journey home with the immediate challenge of a mighty hill. Up I plodded. Sure, it took considerably more effort than I'm used to given Mundo has electrics on it, but in my not so fit state it was doable. And the bonus was a wonderful downhill on the other side.

We grabbed 8 litres on milk on the way and continued home with Hoopla Kid 2 falling asleep on the way.

During the week we ventured out nearly everyday on the box bike. I added an extra 3 year old to the mix and headed to the library one morning. One evening I took Hoopla Kids 1 and 2 for a ride to the beach. The bike was well received by a friends kids who visited - in they jumped and around the block we went.

I'm not an expert on the technical side of these bikes but I can say it was a pleasure to ride. It was so much fun and the kids loved it. They loved the bench seat and being upfront. And I loved how nippy it was and how easy it is to just put the kids in the box. Plus the added bonus of a raincover for those not so sunny days.

On returning the bike we tried out the Christiana 2 wheeler for comparison. Still lovely to ride and a seemingly more spacious box it's defintely the more affordable model on my wishlist.

I have to confess though that it won't solve our Hoopla Kid 3 transport issue quite yet - he's just to young for the bumpy ride even in his car seat. But patience is a virtue and the months will pass quickly I'm sure. In no time at all we'll be back on two wheels, this time 4 of us on a bike. Maybe a Christiana bike yet . . .

Thank you Bicycle Junction. It was a pleasure.

Kids in Metrofiet Cargo Bike