Yuba Mundo cargo bike donor

[baov]

Hi,
I'm thinking of making a conversion of the Yuba Mundo http://yubabikes.com/cargobikestore/cargobikes/69-mundo-cargo-bike-frame-set-v40.html

The top tube is particularly beefy and i was wondering if there would be any problem with the seat mount.

Recumbent cargo bike for loaded touring has me dreaming
Also rear bottom bracket could be pedaled by passenger on the rear rack. All wheel drive tandem!

 

[jimbo3b]

Top tube is too high

I really like the looks of the Yuba Mundo, and the philosophy of building a bike to take the large loads typical in the third world.

For a conversion, the rider would have to be very large. I don't think the diameter of the top tube is an issue, as the adapter plate for the kit, well, adapts just fine. However, if you look at side-on photos of the bike, and draw a line joining the top of the wheels (showing the desired seat location), you'll see that the seat would have to be very high and/or placed almost all the way back at the seatpost location.

A minor quibble would be that the disk brake tabs on the fork would have to be ground down or cut off to fit the kit, although it is possible the shop you buy from might swap it out for you.

If you go ahead with the project we'd like to see pics!

 

[Charles.Plager]

What Jim said. Looking at a

What Jim said. Looking at a picture of the bike, the rider is going to need to be, well, not short.

One possible option might be to use a 20" fork and front wheel.

Regardless, as Jim said, if you build it, we wanna see it.

 

[baov]

Hum. I'm having second

Hum. I'm having second thoughts. I'm not a very tall guy, quite short actually.
With a 20" front wheel and fork, the bottom bracket might be really close the the ground. With the really long wheelbase, chances are it's gonna hit something.
Oh well!

 

[seemark]

Better choice in cargo bike?

wouldn't the lower frame height in this model be a better choice for a conversion?
This is the Boda Boda ST model: http://yubabikes.com/cargobikestore/cargobikes/99-boda-boda-step-through.html

 

[Eric Winn]

Forward and aft seat base fit

Forward and aft seat base fit will be restricted. Seat base may now be too far back for good fit despite the telescoping front tube or if you manage to mount the seat base securely forward the rise may put you back to the too high problem.

Might work for the right body morphology but you would also want to check the seat back doesn't interfere with the cargo options.

Personally, I'd prefer to go with Nanda's solution if you want a Cruzbike cargo bike: http://cruzbike.com/cruzbike-sofrider-xtracycle-concept

-Eric

 

[baov]

The Boda Boda looks like it'd

The Boda Boda looks like it'd have me folded in half and backed up against the seat tube.

I did see Nanda's xtracycle, it really got me interested but when he reported lateral flex under heavy load had second thoughts. Wouldn't want my bike to snap in half in the middle of a tour.

 

[jimbo3b]

ANY CRUZBIKE WILL MAKE A GREAT TOUR BIKE

I, personally, would not tour with a cargo bike. The cargo bike is designed for folks who need to haul a couple hundred pounds. With full camping kit and food for a couple days you should not be over 30 lbs. A basic primer for light tour packing can be found at:

https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/?o=1&doc_id=9738&v=EY

Pete Staehling describes how he got lighter and lighter, which leads to needing less bags, less racks, and then (the big one) less bike. It turns out you could bungee cord a couple of stuff sacks under a Vendetta and have a fabulous tour if you wanted to go that route.

When I rode across Missouri (on my previous non-Cruzbike recumbent) I found that a light rack, a couple of bucket panniers and a backpack hung on the seat worked well for me. My nephew hauled my sleeping stuff, but I could have tied it on top. I had the tools, spare parts, and a CPAP machine in my gear!

https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/?o=1&doc_id=11409&v=Es

Take fewer clothes, and hand wash daily. Plan meals around a small simple set of cooking tools. You'll be happier with a lighter, smaller bike.

 

[Charles.Plager]

I agree with Jim that there

I agree with Jim that there are easier ways to tour than with a cargo bike. Here's a picture of how David Byrne setup his wife's Quest (he did similar things with his bike; more details in his blog). With the relatively easy ability to store things both on a rear rack and under the seat on a regular conversion, I would think this should be plenty of space (not to mention on the rack as well).