Virg and Andrew went for a test ride, want to see how much fun the had? Have a look here.

Want to go for a test ride as well? Just come by and try one of our beautiful bikes for a ride along the beach!

As spring is blossoming, there is another cargo bike picnic! Please come along for some fun, rides and a chat. bring you helmet, and if you have your own (cargo) bike, we would love to have a look!

Again a Melbourne CARGO BIKE PICNIC! An event about awareness and
promoting the cargo bike lifestyle. Where people can try all kind of cargo bikes,
ask questions and have a fun afternoon. Promoting sustainability, riding the
cargo bike keeps you fit, your kids start life with a healthy lifestyle, but
most of all it is easy, saves time and is FUN! There will be a picnic area,
playground, face painting, and  trying all types
of cargo bikes! We will also arrange shade or when it drizzles some rain
protection. Come along and join us for a great day, come by cargo bike,
bike, walking, train or even by car. Just bring your helmet and a smile.

And if you have your own cargo bike? Please come along, have a chat and show other how great this beautiful, green and happy way of transport is!!!

PICNIC
Try out cargo bikes + trailers
Talk to Sydney cargo bike users
Free bike maps + ride guides
Music by Dj Ollo, games + prizes
11am-3pm, CARES Centre, Sydney Park
BYO picnic, rugs and rug rats

RIDE
Meet at 11 am at Centennial Park, (Robertson Rd entrance)
Finish at Sydney Park for the picnic
A back-street, bike-lane ride- individual riders must be 12 years and over
Cargo bike carriage available for blankets + food
ALL WELCOME

Dismantle is a great organization based in Fremantle (WA) lead by beautiful people. They create opportunities that empower people to adopt cycling as part of their everyday lives, for the betterment of the individual, the community and the planet:

• We believe in the power of cycling as a catalyst for positive lifestyle change.
• We use hands-on education to destroy perceived barriers to regular cycling.
• We empower people to see opportunity where they once saw waste.
• We reconnect people with themselves and their community.
• We understand that cycling is a simple and powerful way of reducing negative environmental impacts caused by car usage.

Want to see what they do? Have a look here

(episode 10)

Having a picnic with your partner, going by bike, and both cycle in the same pace?

Think again, because Dutch Cargo Bike has the perfect tool for these lazy afternoons!

Have a look at our TANDEM range, the Onderwater Kids Tandem, perfect for 2 children cycling, to help you get up that hill…

Or the AZOR Adult Tandem, beautiful design, old fashion look, but has all the modern components you would look for in a bike! Like 8-speed Shimano internal gearing and double Shimano IM70 roller brakes front and rear.

Order your Dutch Cargo Bike before the 6th of December and get a Miffy (Nijntje) present!

Sinterklaas on a Dutch Cargo Bike?

In mid-November Dutch television broadcasts the official arrival of St. Nicholas and his helper Zwarte Piet live to the nation. Coming by steamer from Spain, each year they dock in the harbor of a different city or village. Wearing traditional bishop’s robes, Sinterklaas rides into town on a white horse to be greeted by the mayor. A motorcade and a brass band begin a great parade which leads Sinterklaas and his Piets through the town.

Nearly every city, town and village has its own Sinterklaas parade. He usually arrives by horseback, but occaisionally he comes by boat, carriage, cargo bike, or helicopter.

In the following weeks before St. Nicholas Day, December 6, Sinterklaas goes about the country to determine if the children have been well-behaved. He and his Zwarte Piet helpers visit children in schools, hospitals, department stores, and even at home. Bakeries are busy making speculaas, molded spice cookies, for the season.

During this time children sing Sinterklaas songs and put their shoes next to the window or door, or, by the fireplace or heater, along with a nice drawing, a wish-list and a carrot or hay, and maybe a saucer of water, for the horse. If St. Nicholas happens by while checking on their behavior, the next morning children may find chocolate coins or initial letter, candy treats, pepernoten, and little gifts in their shoes. Everyone hopes for sweets, not coal or a little bag of salt. In some families he may stop by every night, but usually just once or several times—and not if the children have been naughty that day or forgot to sing their songs!

The Dutch celebrate Sinterklaas on December 5th, St. Nicholas Eve, with festive family parties when gifts and surprises are exchanged. In the Netherlands, unlike other places, adults as well as children join in the fun. As the Dutch like an element of surprise, a small gift may be wrapped in a huge box, or it may be hidden and require following clues to discover where it is.

Want to be here when Sinterklaas arrives in Melbourne on the 4th of December? email to: sint11melbourne@gmail.com

From the 14^th of October 2011 we can be reached on the following address for all business and test-rides:

Dutch Cargo Bike

69 Arkaringa Crescent

Black Rock VIC 3193

Australia

http://www.whereis.com/vic/black-rock/69-arkaringa-cr?id=9F2FCE43841AA

Phone: 03 95335162 / 0458858713

Email: info@dutchcargobike.com.au

Web: www.dutchcargobike.com.au

Hope to see you at the new test center soon!

Jurgen & Emmy Heikamp

Live simple. Every day!

There is no doubt that Australia is amidst a cycling boom. Thousands have start cycling to avoid traffic, to escape rising petrol costs and to lower their carbon footprint. A conventional bicycle can replace a car in many situations, but what happens when you need more storage?

History has shown that in this case most people revert to the car, relegating the bicycle as a secondary form of transport.

Cargo bikes are not a new concept, but broaden the opportunities for cycling through their large storage space. They havn’t had a strong tradition in Australia due to their size, weight and our car-centric culture, but practicality has made them common throughout bicycle-dominated cities in Europe.

The Copenhagen brand Larry Vs Harry released the Bullitt, declaring it to be “The worlds lightest, fastest cargo bike” and this popular cargo bike is now available in Australia. At 245cm long and 47cm wide the Bullitt is a far more manageable shape for urban environments than the traditional three wheeled christiania cargo bike, and at 24kg it is significantly lighter than its competitors.

The design is a modern interpretation of the traditional Danish “long john” cargo bike, placing its cargo area low down between the rider and front wheel. Larry Vs Harry have brought the Bullitt into the 21st Century by employing a lightweight and stiff alloy frame, quality modern parts and an ultra chic design.

The test bike was the ‘Clockwork’ model and there are no points for guessing the colour. This model came fitted with a floorboard and side/rear panels, which provides a generous storage space for the optional child seat. The spacious area will cater for a growing child over many years, the safety belt, low seating position and high sides protect the valuable cargo.

The Bullitt’s capacity for transporting inanimate items is also impressive, with the front storage section able to carry 100kg without concern. This provides infinite possibilities, the company co-founder Harry used a long john as his primary transport while working in construction for example. While few Australian tradesmen are likely to trade their ute in for a bicycle, the Bullitt has potential as a functional or ultility vehicle for business. Environmentally focussed businesses in particular have been quick to take notice, but Australian distributor Dutch Cargo Bikes are hoping that individuals will follow suit.

The Bullitt is available with a variety of build kits, with a choice of a seven or eight speed internally geared hub or a nine speed derailleur system. The test bike came fitted with the Shimano Alfine groupset, which included the internal gear hub, hydraulic disk brakes and cranks.

First impressions were that the Bullitt was nicely put together with quality parts, though it was slightly daunting given its length and dramatic geometry contrasts from a conventional bike.

The first ride saw some initial wobbles, but the length and steering soon began to feel natural. Within 5kms the gentrified shopping strips of Melbourne’s inner south were proving no challenge, and it was clear that the Bullitt was drawing more favourable looks than a Sunday morning, lycra-clad road racer can muster.

Although it took only a few minutes to adjust to the handling, the weight and size demanded ongoing care. Uphill starts from traffic lights were the greatest challenge with patience required to get away from standstill cleanly. When unloaded the steering initially felt twitchy, but this feeling passed after the first decent ride and the discovery that keeping some load on the driveline aided stability. The internal gear hub was particularly valuable as it allowed smooth, fast shifts – even if stationary or freewheeling while trying to squeeze into gaps in traffic.

The ride itself was impressive in many ways. Most surprising was that a long, relatively heavy and upright bike could require so little effort to pedal. The Continental puncture-resistant tyres roll fast, while the long wheelbase gave stability and engaging cornering. While not a contender for the commuter cup, it cruises along steadily and the lively handling and effective brakes ensure that even fast downhills never feel out of control. A bunch of team-kitted roadies returning from their morning Beach Road ride were given a surprise as they were overtaken by the Bullitt. Not only did was this immensly satisfying it also confirmed the bike’s performance credentials. It also explains why the Bullit is a favorite amoung European bike messengers who specialise in bulky deliveries.

While the popularity with couriers is not surprising, there is clearly a wider market. As congestion worsens, petrol prices rise and people begin to question their dependence on cars the Bullitt can be a fantastic lifestyle investment.

Pricing varies according to the many options and specification levels, the Sram 7 speed internal gear hub model retails for $3400. The orange ‘Clockwork’ model which I tested starts at $3750, and includes the side panels, floor and child seat optional accessories.

For more information see dutchcargobike.com.au or email info@dutchcargobike.com.au to arrange an appointment to inspect the Bullitt.

http://www.bicycles.net.au/Urban-Cycling-News-and-Articles

Do you know the feeling…even with your Dutch Cargo Bike Long, Trike or Bullitt, you still haven’t got enough space for all your things? Children in the box busy opening your purse and going through your shopping (and in the meantime eating all the strawberries). Or cycling on your FR8 or Opa/Oma Bike, dressed to impress and a BACKPACK!

Mixmama’s is here to capture the Australian imagination! Mixmama’s is a Dutch company which specializes in products that are smartly designed, sturdy and trendy. You can be sure that every item in their collection is unique and fun!

We have the panniers, saddle caps and foldable crates from Mixmama‘s in stock now. You can pimp-up your bike with these fabulous panniers, crates and colorful saddle protectors (no wet bottoms anymore!)

Contact us now for more information, come and have a look/feel or to order 1 of these funky accessories!