I got to try the Trek Transport, Transport + in Vegas and I've now owned the Transport for about a week. Here's some key observations.

$1300 - That is a great value. It comes complete with all the racks and one bag.



Specs - Weight is about 45 lbs. Wheelbase is 49 inches for the medium. Sizing is 17 and 20 inches.

All Aluminum frame - This is key as this bike is relatively light and it seems structurally sound and laterally stiff.

200 lb cargo capacity - 100 lbs on the rear tray and 50 lbs each on the side trays. Maybe another 25 in the front rack.

2x8 speed - gearing is perfect with 28/38 up front. Having a big third chainring in the front like a 44t is not necessary for most.

Disc brake in the front, Vbrake in the rear - Disc/Disc would have been nice but it is upgradeable in the rear and it has not been an issue yet.

Low BB and short cranks - BB is low at 11.4 inches. That's about 1 to 2 inches lower than most mountain bikes. To avoid hitting the cranks on the ground, they've been shortened to 165mm.

Mary-style handlebar and ergo grips - These are cool touches as the cockpit is very comfortable.

BB and rear triangle are extremely stiff. Because of the beefy aluminum construction to support all the rear cargo, the BB area has been reinforced quite a bit. The result is acceleration and responsiveness that is really surprising!! Handling is awesome too.

My research on other Cargo Bikes in the market:
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This is the golden age of cargo bikes. As health, energy and environment issues arise, people are looking to bike more. The cargo bike is one solution to many of life's errands and To do list trips. It is a possible car replacement solution.

But all is not well. The cargo bike solutions are very immature and the current setups and pricing are just a hint of what they need to be. Here are some of the things I looked into:

Surly Big Dummy - about $2500 for a bike and $800 for a frame msrp. Xtracycle compatible and it seems that this is not usually a complete bike but a building block for an enthusiast or build kit ready system depending on the store you purchase from. Cargo capability is about 200 lbs assuming a 200lb rider.
Sizes: s, m, l, xl
frame weight: 12.6 lbs
wheelbase: 57.4 inches for medium


Xtracycle Radish - $1200, 45 lb complete chromoly bike. Load ability seems light at <100 lbs. Available in 2011. Pre-order only. Seems built for city and short trips.
wheelbase: around 54 inches
sizes: one available

Xtracycle Freeradical BigStoker - around $630 add on kits are available for normal mountain bikes. This connects to any old mountain bike and has a rear tray and two side bags. Many other configurations are available

Kona Ute - Built with an aluminum frame and 29er wheels. $1050 with bags. Wheelbase is a little shorter. Big tire options are limited for pavement
Wheelbase: 50 inches
sizes: M, L


Yuba Mundo - $1250 complete bike without bags. This is an extremely heavy bike with 400 lb cargo capacity. This bike is suited for flat city riding as a minivan replacement
wheelbase: 59.5 inches
sizes: one available

So that's the landscape as I understood it. Please comment and give me feedback as I'm starting to write an article on cargo bikes.

My experience with the Trek Transport:
Here's some of my photos. They will show what a blast I'm having with the Trek Transport. My biggest revelation is how fun it is to ride and how easy it is to pedal.

The bottom bracket is extemely stiff and low at 11.4 inches. So it's easy to get on and power really transfers to the ground. It takes a bit to get it going but it keeps its speed well.

Handling is truly incredible. Because it's laterally stiff and low to the ground, it feels like a stretch limo sports car. It's very predictable on corners and really easy to maneuver. Surprisingly, despite an aluminium frame and small tires, it is very, very comfortable. The long wheelbase seems to smooth everything out.

Weaknesses:
- there's a lot of rattling in the back from the folding side trays and locking pin
- the stem is way too short because of the mary style bars
- the bag needs better compartments and the straps can use some improvement.

Bottom Line:

This bike is ground breaking! For $1300, it offers a really useful package in one of the most exciting arenas of cycling today. It is well conceived, well built and it simplifies the process of purchasing and riding a transport bike. It is surprisingly fun and easy to ride it can put a dent in all those car errands and convert them to bike errands.

Value Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars



Overall Rating:

4.75 out of 5 Stars