hey Jonathan and all,

out here in the Fort, we use two of these ( primarily, we also have a flatbed trailer )

The advantages with these pedal Pick ups are:

No need to balance / distribute your load weight or to bungee chord the hell out of everything. Load up,close the gate and roll !

No need to Hook / unhook from bike.

A lot more stable taking sharp turns at speed, you can load it really high no problem. Can haul really large objects if you're creative...

Virtually indestructible ! We've hauled up to 1500 pounds ! (dirt for a community garden )

Easy to cover with a tarp due to it's simple,symmetric box shape so your gear gets there dry during winter / rainy months.

Sometimes we even pull the smallest size flat bed for a pick up truck with it, ( with Bike valet racks ) which, out here does not require a license or permit unless pulled by a motor vehicle.

Less prone to accidents ( like hitting a parked car or handrail while turning) due to folks forgetting how wide and long the rig is !
in this case you can see the cargo box out of the corner of your eye.
We only let experienced cyclists ride these things.

This last one is part myth/theory: I think people are afraid to hit you since it looks and is, so heavy. So you're safer ! We never see people give that much clearance!

Downsides:

Way slower than a typical bike and trailer combo, however, if you mount a hitch for a fork in the back, you also have a pusher working with the puller and you can go fast as a Tandem ! ( it takes a few times for new "pushers" to get used to being unable to stir.)

When it's time for servicing it, it will require more serious work as it has a complex drive train complete with a differential (it's great to have dual traction in the snow) and hydro's in the back. It comes with a traditional square taper BB/crank BTW; (wonder why they don't go ISIS or other style interface ?)

They ain't cheap but hey, shake the right bush and you may get them donated by a community member like we did ! :O)

For most events,we use some of these with integrated drawers, two fit nicely with plenty room left for folding table,chairs,tent,etc. you can fit your stands,floor pumps and other supplies in the lower tray.

Anyhows, we use this set up for anything from workshops at the local college or recycling to Bike Valets, bike to work day tech support or servicing the fleet of New Belgium cruisers @ the brewery.

hassle-free transport. The things is: ideally ( for many scenarios), find funds to buy separate tools,pumps,etc. to keep aside only for mobile workshops and such if you do it often as it'd save lots of valuable time packing and unpacking not to mention leaving your shop short if you also have open shop on the same day.

Hope this info helps,

cheers from the Rocky Mtns. Front range.
-Fort Collins Bike Co-op


On Fri, Jul 16, 2010 at 10:09 AM, Jonathan Morrison <jonathan@slcbikecollective.org> wrote:
Does anyone have a proven working (not conceptual) mobile shop
operation?  We are going to be partnering with a local college, and
while we have done this in the past, I was looking for some creative
ideas on others have made it work.

Sincerely,

Jonathan Morrison
Executive Director
Salt Lake City Bicycle Collective
2312 S. West Temple
Salt Lake City, UT 84115
w: 801-328-2453
c: 801-688-0183
f: 801-466-3856
www.slcbikecollective.org

The mission of the Salt Lake City Bicycle Collective is to promote
cycling as an effective and sustainable form of transportation and as
a cornerstone of a cleaner, healthier, and safer society. The Bicycle
Collective provides refurbished bicycles and educational programs to
the community, focusing on children and lower income households.
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Rafael Cletero
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Fort Collins Bicycle Co-op
ph (970) 484 38 04
www.fcbikecoop.org