"Mule" setup?
03-23-11, 07:52 PM
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"Mule" setup?
Hey, I'm new here and have learned a ton since joining the forum. Right now I am riding a Diamondback Outlook I found on craigslist, and am in the process of sanding down an older Trek 930 frame for a rebuild. I have been debating on where to go with this 930--racks, longtail (no welding skills, I know bolting isn't as good). I know I want to be able to carry a lot of stuff either on errands or commuting at some point. But then I ran across the idea of a "Mule" online:
https://www.rat-patrol.org/packrat/redass01.jpg
Has anyone had an experience with this? It makes sense to me as far as loading. Letting my imagination run you could do a lot of things with this sort of design. Can anyone see drawbacks? Thanks
https://www.rat-patrol.org/packrat/redass01.jpg
Has anyone had an experience with this? It makes sense to me as far as loading. Letting my imagination run you could do a lot of things with this sort of design. Can anyone see drawbacks? Thanks
03-23-11, 08:32 PM
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Drawbacks? Excessive weight due to all that piping. 
__________________
My preferred bicycle brand is.......WORKSMAN CYCLES
I dislike clipless pedals on any city bike since I feel they are unsafe.
Originally Posted by krazygluon
Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred, which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?
My preferred bicycle brand is.......WORKSMAN CYCLES
I dislike clipless pedals on any city bike since I feel they are unsafe.
Originally Posted by krazygluon
Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred, which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?
03-23-11, 09:49 PM
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It looks like the weight would ride rather high (when translated to a bike with full-sized wheels). That will affect the stability of the ride, especially when heavily loaded.
When possible, you typically want weight to ride low on the bike. That lowers the center of gravity and maintains the stability of the bike.
When possible, you typically want weight to ride low on the bike. That lowers the center of gravity and maintains the stability of the bike.
03-24-11, 07:46 AM
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You could put light bulky stuff in those baskets and ride fine. If you load up a real mule with weight, you don't ride it you walk alongside.
04-09-11, 06:33 AM
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The thought that goes through my mind is why? Especially if done with full size tires. I think the CG would be rather high, especially with a load.
04-14-11, 05:36 PM
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If I were to want to carry heavy loads, I believe I'd have to go with a trailer. CG remains low, the cargo weight is supported on another one or two wheels (depending on the trailer design), and if you don't really need the capacity for the errand that you are currently on, you can leave the trailer at home and not have to lug around the extra weight.
Plus there are lot's of trailers out there designed to haul kids around that can be picked up for yard-sale prices and easily converted to cargo duty.
Plus there are lot's of trailers out there designed to haul kids around that can be picked up for yard-sale prices and easily converted to cargo duty.
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