Dutch ID - Filibus
The Filibus bike is made by Dutch ID - the same company that make the Double Dutch Town bikes that we sell. It uses many of the same superb, high quality components as the Double Dutch, however, the Filibus frame is made from steel - like all good work bikes are!
The large, rectangular, steel front load platform is set very low - thanks to the 20" front wheel. The load platform is great for carrying 'oversize' items for example timber, large boxes or furniture! However a container such as a box, wicker basket or plastic crate can also be easily fitted so that you can carry shopping, produce from the allotment or even hand/power tools. The dimensions of the load rack are 74 cm long by 38 cm wide. It is quite safe to overhang this area - provided it is safe to ride with it in that way!
Also available soon is an attachment that will enable the front carrying area to accommodate TWO Bobike child seats. So the Filibus can be an effective child transportation bike for the school run!
Don't forget that there is also a sturdy rear pannier rack that can not only accommodate standard pannier bags but to which can also attach various types of child seat.
The gears and transmission on the FIlibus are the Shimano Nexus hub gear system. The hub gear and chain are completely sealed from the elements by the fully enclosing chainguard. This means that you will spend less time oiling and servicing the gears and more time enjoying riding your Filibus - with the British weather the way it is - low maintenence is very important!
You will notice that the Filibus has two different sized wheels. There is good reason for this! The front wheel is smaller than the rear which allows the load platform to be placed as low to the ground as possible. This is good becasue the lower the centre of gravity for any load on a bike - the more stable you and your bike are. Small wheels are also stronger for bearing heavy loads. Both wheels have 36 stainless steel plain gaugue spokes.
Brakes are drum/roller brakes - these are standard on many Dutch bikes - they are enclosed within the hub itself so are rarely affected by the wet, are kept clear of mud and dirt so last longer and work better than rim brakes.
There is also a low 'step through' on the Filibus - which makes mounting and dismounting the bike easier - especially important when carrying large loads. Riders of a wide extreme of heights can fit on the Filibus. The Seat tube height is 54cm (centre crank - top of seat tube). Minimum saddle height is 66cm (centre crank to surface of saddle). Maximum saddle height is 90cm (centre crank to surface of saddle).
Schwalbe Marathon PLUS tyres also mean you virtually illiminate the possibility of punctures - this is vital when you are carrying heavy loads or you precious children. As standard the Filibus comes with colour co-ordinated mudguards, twin-leg centrestand, ding-dong bell, front & rear battery lights and height/angle adjustable stem for the most comfortable upright ride position.
We have a Filibus test bike here at the Practical Cycles Cargo Bike Studio - it's always available for test rides - bring the family! Or contact us if you require any further information or if you have any technical questions.
The Lorri
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The Lorri is the little BIG cargo bike!
The Lorri (above) is a neat small-wheeled cargo bike that doesn't look like a Cargo Bike! Don't let the wheel size put you off - small wheels are stronger wheels! The front rack can carry up to 30kg and the rear; 25kg. Available with 3 speed Shimano Nexus hub gear. Please contact us if you'd like to order one of these bikes or if you would like more information.