On test- The Madsen Urban Utility Bicycle-13
My friend Joe gives it a try over some bumpy ground.
2 comments
plunoak wrote...
Ethan - Bear in mind the batch of Madsen bikes Bike Gallery just received are the *first* production run for this new brand. Many accessories are in the latter stages of development and will be available soon. Including: A rain cover for passengers, a lockable lid for the bucket and a large basket that will mount to the frame near the head tube. There is also a second version of the bike that has a rack instead of the bucket - Numerous braze-on rivets will allow people to mount a platform seat, or whatever tickles your fancy...
In short, this is just the beginning.
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It is interesting that both the Madsen and the Metrofiets have come onto the market without a finished (available) rain solution. A Metrofiets could presumably make use of a Bakfiets canopy, not so the Madsen. Given where we live (and the time of year) this absence is notable. I'd hazard that a Xtracycle is a better kid transporter in the rain than a Madsen with no canopy. The shorter length of the tub (compared to a long wheelbase bakfiets) also seems to make it have less capacity for misc cargo that often goes with kids (or shopping). This may cause people to mount front racks of a basket. Being less than half the price and lighter certainly makes up for some of those things though . . . I suspect Jay will sell a lot of these.