Cargo Bike Central: Two Bargains on Austin Craigslist

I've been sneaking in some little bike rides lately. And it feels good to be back on the bike. Good enough that it keeps the dream alive to go car-free (or at least much more car-lite.) But giving up the hauling capacity of the pickup would be tough. Giving up the gas station, however, would be downright joyful. So I keep my eyes out for cargo bikes.

This week, I've found two big bargains, and one is even in my price range, both are too far away, though. So, hopefully one or two of you will be closer and in the market to begin your cargo bike adventure.

Big Bargain on a BIG Bike

There are actually two stories here. We'll talk about the bike first. This big ol' workhorse was built by Metrofiets in Portland. Check out the website to learn more. This one has the 8-speed internally geared rear hub. Oh so cool! And it is indeed a $4000 bike (before shipping) if you buy a new one. Be sure to check out the Metrofiets logo - it's not every day you see a winged elephant. At $1200, you will have a hard time finding a better deal, especially out here in Texas.

A whole lot of bike for only $1200!

The second story here is how this bike has spent its life. It's been a carbon neutral carbon-negative company truck for Compost Pedallers in the state capital. If you don't know Austin, it's a place that doesn't really fit the Texas mold. They have a slogan - Keep Austin weird! This is a place that actually embraces a company that uses cargo bikes to collect household scraps to make compost. How cool is that?!! Carbon-neutral transportation used to collect and create a carbon-negative product. If we had a lot more of that, we would not be in the mess we are in. 

Bravo, Compost Pedallers!

(Loving that Surly Big Dummy! The bike - not the young lady)

The Other Great Deal

For those of you who aren't sure you want such a big beast or you're not ready to shell out four figures on a bike, check this next deal out. This one is like a BOGO deal. The bike is an Electra 18-speed cruiser -  a desirable thing in its own right. The cargo extension is an Xtracycle FreeRadical. And it's not unheard of to spend that much money on a used version of either. Yep, $175 is a great deal even if you factor in that this thing is pretty weathered.

The Stuff Mesquite Hugger dreams are made of!

This one has actually been featured on Mesquite Hugger before, and it cost $100 more then, but it was probably in better shape then.

May you and I both find the right tools to go carbon-free and may the Compost Pedallers and bike makers of the world thrive and help us get there.