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

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!

By: elliott

elliott — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 13:28:42 +0000

I think you could go several more years with your son, but keep in mind, he’s going to need to learn to ride at some point. My son is nearly 5 and we’re already looking at putting a tandem attachment on one of our bikes (we’d love another pair of legs pedaling!)

The Madsen is a more secure setup out of the box. I had to build my own handle bars to make the Xrtacycle safe for little kids. I think you’d also be able to carry more stuff in the bucket container. The Xtracycle Free Radical’s advantage is that it’s cheaper if you already own a bike and you can convert most bikes into a cargo bike. That means you can have a more performance oriented (lighter, more gear range, more aggressive seating position, mountain bike for off-road) than a traditional cargo bike. You do trade off some hauling capacity though.

By: Bob

Bob — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 05:33:43 +0000

How well do you think the Madsen would do with somewhat older kids? I have four-and-a-half-year-old son and a two-and-a-half-year-old daughter, and am wondering when my son will physically outgrow the bucket. Would I be better off with an Xtracycle?