(Photos © J. Maus/BikePortland)
Say hello to the “Hydrofiets,” the latest creation from Portland-based builder Tom LaBonty. The bike was commissioned by Woodlawn neighborhood resident Ethan Jewett for use by his company Stickeen Brand Services.
The idea behind the bike is simple: To provide clean filtered tap water at events. Currently Jewett is putting the bike to use for one of his clients, Klean Kanteen. The bike fits with their mission to discourage the purchase of single-use water bottles.
The bike is outfitted with high-quality plumbing components and hoses that attach directly to any water spigot. From there, the water runs through two filtering tanks and up and out of four nozzles on the large, wooden countertop. To keep customers cool, the Hydrofiets has a large umbrella that cranks up from a sturdy stand just in front of the handlebars. The bike features tons of classy and custom touches throughout. From the wave-pattern and wood on the countertop and main triangle, to the custom chain-steering system LaBonty created just for this bike.
Get a closer look in the photos below…
In classic LaBonty style, he used one of Jewett’s old MTB frames to create the main chassis. Jewett says LaBonty executed his ideas perfectly. “When I met with Tom, I told him the vision and aesthetic we were going for… an art bike, like something that would belong on New Belgium’s Tour de Fat.”
LaBonty has gained a national following since his “hillbilly” cargo bikes first hit the Internet just over three years ago. This is LaBonty’s 59th bike. Next month, LaBonty will fly to Dallas, Texas, to give a Cargo Bike Build Workshop as part of the month long Cyclesomatic 2012 event.
The Hydrofiets is just the latest in a long line of locally made cargo bikes that blend form, function and everyday use into an effective business marketing tool. With beer, coffee, and now water, we’ve got all three essential liquids covered.
(Nice work Ethan and Tom! It’s beautiful!)
— Jewett says he’ll be looking to set up the Hydrofiets at big street parties along the Sunday Parkways route this weekend. If you miss it out there, it will be stored at Velo Cult Bike Shop on NE 42nd in Hollywood.