yishir

Hi,first I am a new comer to this forum so please pardon me if I use the wrong terms ...
We live in Israel and interested to order a haul-a- day(24 speed) to carry 2 kids age 10 and 8, from bike Friday.the questions are:
1.my home town have very hilled, shabby,full of holes roads-
what is your opinion about using the HAD with 24 speed(carrying 2 kids=about 60 kilo ) -
imagine I stand in a red traffic light up hill and need to accelerate from zero with the heavy load on the cargo...
2.there is no Bike Friday dealer here. is it problematic?(taking in account a part should be replaced.
3.is it possible to find used HAD?
thanks Yishir

fietsbob

1) Bike Friday really is not a big company. with a contract manufacturer outside of Oregon Theyre made in Eugene.

They can equip it with a large variety of components , [pretty much all standard parts]

Myself I'd consider an IGH, or a hybrid rear hub, an internal 3 speed, like Sturmey makes with a cassette driver..
because you can ride up to the stop in a higher range, say 3rd in the 3 speed, then while waiting pop it into 1st to start out..

their 406 20" wheels with a 36 hole hub rim and spokes will be quite strong ..

and because of its low step over easy to get on/off ..
and seat and handlebar masts are easily adjustable to dial in the fit..

Walter, their guy answering the Emails will help you sort out the different options
they ship around the globe from their small facility , up river from here , in Eugene Oregon..

they have happy customers around the world..

there is an Airport in Eugene with connecting flights from Seattle's international airport ,
if you want to make a personal shop visit..

3) there is a 'Pre Loved' resale of a few bikes owned by others.. but it's a very fleeting inventory.




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yishir

thank for the respond

1.could you please explain for a beginner what is for what propose ps:
"Myself I'd consider an IGH, or a hybrid rear hub, an internal 3 speed, like Sturmey makes with a cassette driver..
because you can ride up to the stop in a higher range, say 3rd in the 3 speed, then while waiting pop it into 1st to start out.."

2.considering Israel money, HAD worth about 2-3 salaries, that is why I try to find out if suit my porpuse

Dan Burkhart 

I've built a few Haul a Day bikes out of the box for a local shop, and I'm quite impressed. They are very light weight considering the design, and the extendable frame makes them adaptable to any rider size.
The best thing I can compare them to is my Surly Big Dummy, which is a beast, and very heavy in comparison.
I've only test ridden them without cargo or passengers, so not sure how it would stack up to the Big Dummy in that department.

fietsbob

Larger companies Extracycle, QBP Big Dummy and the Bullitt, Designed in Denmark...
uses very large Taiwan contract manufacturing..

Bike Friday is a meer shed on a parcel by a creek , by comparison ,
making product as the orders come to the front of the queue.


consider a tandem and a trail-a-bike , and they all pedal.

Ironfish653

IGH = Internally Geared Hub. Typically 3- or 8-speeds. There are some members who prefer these over derailleur equipped bikes.Simpler and cleaner operation, but limited gear selection.

As far as stopping and starting on hills, you will have become more astute with using your gears, and get used to shifting in to the low gears before you come to a stop.
Depending on how heavy the load is, and your strength as a rider, you may find yourself creeping along in the low gears on the really hilly parts.

I use a Trail-a-bike style tag-along for my 7-year-old who rides with me. It adapts on to pretty much any regular bicycle, and has it's own pedals, so she can help on starts and hills.

yishir

thanks for the info. I will consider the IGH idea.
I have visited twice the US (LA and NY) and comparing the city roads to my home town(Jerusalem, Israel)
it is hard to explain the challenges a rider go throw when riding between angry drivers, holes in the very narrow roads (and up hill half the time)
I think, from experiance the most challenging point will be the stopping and starting with the load(1-2 kids =130lb ?),
and going on and off sidewalks (which is necessary) will be almost impossible.
are there any haul-a-day riders who can share their experience?

fietsbob

Did you try some additional forums yet ?

BF fans have a FB group too..

blakcloud

I don't own one but read this review. My guess is the bike will not be the best choice considering the age and weight of your children.

yishir

I will try to find out on the more experienced BF riders. although this forum is a productive info bank
I wish I could take a test ride and write my own impression to the public...