But our big, big box arrived yesterday, and we couldn't be more excited!
That's right--it's a sweet new bicycle-built-for-four (five, really!), by Madsen Cycles. Basically, it's a longtail cargo bike with a big bucket on the back for hauling things. Or as many as four small people.
We weren't sure if Fiona would require some other sort of seat, besides the bench seats with seatbelts, so we ordered a front-mount infant/toddler seat just for her. But we rode about 7-or-so miles yesterday with her in the bucket with the big kids (Joel rode behind me on his bike so he could keep an eye on her) and she did really great, so I think we're actually going to send the seat back.
We deliberated over this purchase for quite some time. In fact, about 18 months ago, we had purchased a different bike (well, actually it was a conversion kit for one of our bikes), but we sent it back when it didn't fit my bike as nicely as I had hoped. We also considered a couple other bikes and had, for some time, settled on this bike (which I still rather love). But, in the end, we decided to sacrifice a little convenience and a bit of style (because, let's be honest: behind this lovely blue paint job is a plastic bucket attached to the back of a cruiser) for what amounted to a rather large savings (not only was the Madsen cheaper in the first place, we bought a "scratched" model for a $300 discount, and it shipped for free--fully assembled and ready-to-ride. Which we did).
So I couldn't be happier. (Well, I could, but...see above.) I have a few modifications to make (the saddle, for example, must go--I can barely walk today), but I'm giddy with excitement as I anticipate all the miles we'll travel while the car stays home.
So give me a couple weeks to ride, and I'll report back with a more thorough review. In the meantime, though, this is me:
that is so awesome!! Are there sidewalks by your house or do you ride in the street?
ReplyDeleteThere are sidewalks by my house, but I ride in the street--with the exception of the main road, where the street is busy (and not-quite-wide-enough for the 4 lanes of traffic it already supports, if you ask me) and the sidewalks are particularly wide and smooth (and eventually turn into an asphalt bike path).
ReplyDeletelove it! looks like sam does too :)
ReplyDeleteSusan, do you think you could fit four children in the basket? I actually have a special Madsen saving account set up, because I have been pining for this bike. But I've always wondered if four kids could sit comfortably. My kids are 4, 2, 1 and Rowan. Could you put in infant in the special seat you got for Fiona?
ReplyDeleteUm, congratulations!