Building a Cargo Bike Dream

Cargo bikes can carry an impressive amount of stuff and serve as a car replacement for many people around the world. Although there are more and more models each year from bike manufacturers, the siren song of a custom build led [Phil Vandelay] to build the cargo bike of his own dreams.

The latest in a series of experiments with hand-built cargo bike frames, this electrified front loader is an impressive machine. With dual suspension and cargo space built into the frame, this bike can haul in style and comfort. It uses a steer-by-wire system to circumvent the boat-like handling of long arm-steering bikes and includes a number of nice touches like (mainly) internal cable routing.

The video below mainly covers welding the frame with [Vandelay's] drool-worthy frame jig, so be sure to watch the second part of the video to see how he outfits the bike, including internal cable routing and turning of certain parts. for the steering-by-wire system on the lathe. If you fancy building your own cargo bike after following along, he offers plans of this and some of his other cargo bike models. [Vandelay] says this particular bike is not intended for beginners, unlike his previous version built with square tubes.

Looking for other DIY cargo bikes? Discover this Frankenbike, another front loader or this Russian tricycle.