New cargo bike on the scene: Madsen

Very likely I’m late to the party on this one one, but it’s new to me. A company called Madsen out of Salt Lake City has released a new cargo bike to enter the fray amongst the Surly Big Dummy, Xtracycle mods and bakfiets. The bike is going by the name “kg271”, a name obviously only a mother/engineer could love, and is specced out with a SRAM 8 speed drivetrain and front disc brake slapped on a custom hi-ten steel frame. MSRP $1099. Not stated but seems like a 26” wheel up front and a 20” out back, interesting. The frame takes a big ol’ tub (sold separately, $1299) that seems nicely utilitarian and even has seat belts for your kids (or very very tiny friends).

The basket/tub reminds me a lot of bakfiets but obviously other way around. But which configuration is superior? My gut tells me the bakfiets front loader as you can keep an eye on your load, especially if that load means your children. It also seems like the extra long chain suffers from poor tension, especially without a mid-way tensioner like some designs. But that’s my opinion, what do you think?

Link: Madsen Cycles

04.Jun.09 Car-free