Cargo Bike Project.

Picked this up last night after winning it on Ebay over the weekend (photo’s from the Ad)









I knew it would be a project before bidding – was really just looking for a chassis to get me started I guess.

That said, it definitely needs more work than my current knowledge and skills cover, but maybe I can learn a bit, and make it work.

Initial Plan is to strip it back to the frame, and strengthen it up a bit. Underneath the box, the frame splits into 2 (the box section is cut, and a bracket has been welded on, with bolts securing the 2 halves together). I’d prefer this to be welded solid. Also, I suspect that it will want a cross-bar making, to reduce flex.

Once I’m happy with the frame, I’ll probably re-paint it (nothing fancy) and build it up with some nicer MTB parts that I have at the ready.

Future plans include altering the steering set-up (lots of questions - that’s for another post), building a bigger box (I have some big Perspex offcuts at work, or maybe Aluminium, or maybe a shopping trolley…..) and fitting a proper stand (possibly make one).

Let me know your thought's, I'm probably going to need plenty input on this one.

Joe

You're right about more bracing between the 2 halves

Those wheels are as cheap as you can buy, possibly off a kids bike.
The pressed up steel hubs fail in hard use and the spokes will break.

The rims might even be painted steel?

The rear brake is inadequate, and looks like its got the wrong lever attached. I doubt it does much.

Sadly doesn't look like the rear frame has fittings for anything decent.
Your best option might be a shimano Rollerbrake, which you can get for alfine or hg cassette, or SA drum brake, available for single, 3speed and freewheel.

Personally I'd recommend hydraulic discs like mt200s.
You need new wheels anyway, and are welding on the frame, so it's not that much more trouble or cost.

It's hard to keep costs low on an unusual project though, good luck
Tom

Glad you mention the back brake. It DOES have the lugs for canti-mounts (good news!) but missing the pivot bolts themselves.....and they appear to be M5 fitment? (I wound an M5 bolt in this morning). Can't see any for sale on the interwebs.

bikeworkshop said:

Those wheels are as cheap as you can buy, possibly off a kids bike.
The pressed up steel hubs fail in hard use and the spokes will break.

The rims might even be painted steel?

Click to expand...

Wheel rims are modern aluminium, but just barely used, so the black paint has only just started to rub off the braking surface. But they are absolutely crap, for sure.

Luckily, I have some much better surplus wheels in stock including a better front wheel off my old BMX.

Joe

Joe_Rides said:

Glad you mention the back brake. It DOES have the lugs for canti-mounts (good news!) but missing the pivot bolts themselves.....and they appear to be M5 fitment? (I wound an M5 bolt in this morning). Can't see any for sale on the interwebs.

View attachment 981477

Click to expand...

M5 is rare, m6&m8 more common.
We have a little drawer of them
If you still have a real lbs, they ought to be able to help you.

Think it was M5 sadly. Same size bolt as used on a pannier rack braze-on / bottle cage etc. Will double check later on.

piccys of the underside please.

looks like there a few places where a stiffening gusset could be applied to help limit twist and provide some bending moment protection to the ends of the beam.

assuming it's 2" thick wall box section it should be fairly robust but the welds will be the weak point.

I'd prefer a twin spar arrangement up front, but a single beam isn't uncommon.

I agree - There's going to be a lack of stiffness in that design.
You can add gussets, but it will never be as strong as a frame like this, with a top tube - Maybe that could be engineered?

basketcase said:

I agree - There's going to be a lack of stiffness in that design.
You can add gussets, but it will never be as strong as a frame like this, with a top tube - Maybe that could be engineered?
View attachment 981512

Click to expand...

I was thinking more this design (although I suspect this one is somewhat overbuilt)

That one certainly looks massive enough