Comments on: Review: A first look at the Madsen Bucket cargo bike

By: austinon2wheels (Austin On Two Wheels)

austinon2wheels (Austin On Two Wheels) — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 23:17:32 +0000

@zakschwank I reviewed 1st gen Madsen few yrs ago http://bit.ly/ZZY63 Looks like they’ve addresses a lot of probs in new version.

By: Digital Capacitor :

Digital Capacitor : — Sun, 31 Oct 2010 07:49:21 +0000

yeah there are lot of cheap stuffs that you can buy on e-bay these days including those made in china stuffs “

By: Matt in Tacoma

Matt in Tacoma — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 21:21:57 +0000

Thanks for the review. I ordered a Madsen this morning (they have a deal going on a few scratch & dent bikes) and I may also hack your PVC handle-bar idea. Loved the detailed instructions. Many thanks!

http://tacomabikeranch.blogspot.com/2009/04/another-cargo-bike-option-madsen-cycles.html

By: February update : bakfiets.co.uk

February update : bakfiets.co.uk — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 20:55:38 +0000

[...] Austin On Two Wheels has a review of the Madsen. Incidently, Practical Cycles may be getting some in to the UK soon. [...]

By: elliott

elliott — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 14:08:49 +0000

I think as long a the child can hold their head up and sit upright unaided, they should be fine. There are seat belts on each bench seat.

By: Tara

Tara — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 05:51:50 +0000

How old is Freya? Would a strong 14 month old be secure in the seatbelt?
Thanks for the review!

By: Leigh

Leigh — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 13:10:32 +0000

Thanks for the write-up! I’m looking to get a child-toting bike this spring and your review is really helpful. I’ve been wondering about the Madsen, but its so hard to tell what is like without seeing one in person.

By: jared madsen

jared madsen — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 00:00:03 +0000

Thanks for the clarification. I know the exact bars you are referring to, in fact I have similar bars on one of my bikes. At one point we were even considering moustache bars. I am sure you can imagine all we have to juggle while deciding on bike set up, keep the suggestions coming. Every one’s suggestions weigh heavily on the next generation of MADSEN bikes.

By: elliott

elliott — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 18:45:58 +0000

Jared,

Thanks for the clarifications. My issue with the handlebars is not a hortizontal/vertical adjustment issue. It’s the non-ergonomic hand position mountain bike style bars put your hands in. Most swept back bars have your hands in a very natural, non-stressing position. Mountain bars make you change your hand position to fit the bar. This may be better for handling off road, but it is unnecessary for urban road riding especially when the swept back does it better. The other advantage to swept back it that it naturally makes you more upright.

I know Sun Tour makes a very economical swept back bar if you are looking for something inexpensive to spec with the bike. I can’t remember what Sun Tour calls it, but Velo Orange sells the same bar under the name Tourist.

By: jared madsen

jared madsen — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 16:38:29 +0000

Great write-up! So glad to hear that Courtney is using her MADSEN, and glad you liked it as well. Loved the unbiased points made by an xtracycle owner, great reporting. A quick clarification: our frame is not powder-coated, we specify a high quality under coat paint and clear coat, so it is often mistaken for powder coating. Also a quick note on the handle bars: The MADSEN comes with a adjustable stem and can be set in its up right position which will place the bars closer to the rider and in a higher position creating a upright riding position similar to sweptback bars. We will change saddles in the future — thanks for the input!