Cargo trikes may be very practical, but unfortunately they can also be pretty slow and dumpy. This is particularly noticeable when taking corners, as they can can't lean into the turn like a regular bicycle. The designers at Denmark's Butchers & Bicycles, however, have decided to change that, with their Mk1 leaning cargo trike.
- Named for its location in Copenhagen's meat-packing district, Butchers & Bicycles is headed up by entrepreneurs Morten Wagener, Morten Mogensen and Jakob Munk.
The base Mk1 incorporates their proprietary Balance Point Tilting system, allowing for not only a more "spirited" ride, but also increased stability in corners. Some of its other features include a powder-coated 7005 T6 aluminum frame, an infinitely-variable NuVinci N360 planetary hub transmission, an ABUS frame lock, Tektro hydraulic disc brakes on all three wheels, and Schwalbe puncture-proof 20- and 26-inch tires.
Its ABS cargo box has a front access door along with mounts for childrens' car seats, and a maximum load capacity of 100 kg (220.5 lb). Additionally, a lockable glove box (with cup holder!) is provided for the rider.
Should all that stuff make unaided pedaling just a little too difficult, there's also an electric-assist model known as the Mk1-e. It has the same specs as the Mk1, but with the addition of a 250-watt center-mounted motor, a 12-Ah lockable lithium-ion battery pack, and a backlit control unit. It has a maximum motor-only speed of 25 km/h (15.5 mph), and a claimed "uphill, headwind and fully loaded with max assist" range of at least 15 km (9 miles) – obviously, its range would be considerably longer under less demanding conditions. Recharging the battery takes three to four hours.
Optional extras include a Gates belt drive, a rainproof cargo box hood, and a two-person seat with 3-point seatbelts.
Both models are available now in the company's Copenhagen showroom, and should be ready to ship to other markets as of this spring (Northern Hemisphere). Prices for the Mk1 start at €3,395 (about US$4,600), with the Mk1-e entering at €4,995 ($6,770).
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