Handy Tricks 7: Bike Mods and Projects

Step 17 Brazillian Delivery Bikes

The bikes in Brazil are all very rugged, and can carry huge loads. I saw one bicycle trucking around 40 gallons of water. They are very popular for delivery in the cities. Everything you could imagine was delivered with bicycles.

Most of them have front baskets supported by automobile springs. The small front wheel underneath the front basket helps with road friction and stability.

I'm a huge fan of their motorcycle-style kickstands.

Each one appeared to be custom-made. They use very thick, strong tubing. The rear racks were especially well supported. The front axle must also be very strong, as the kickstand and the front load are all mounted entirely on the axle.

Bikes with two front wheels and pushcart-style steering tended to have really neat rod brakes using a foot pedal to brake, just like a car.

Comments

[paulocr]

The ones with small front wheel are factory made. This model go back to the fifties and perhaps even before that. They are slowly disappearing and motorcycles are taking over.

[juanoporras]

believe it or not back where I come from some people do some similar stuff to motorcicles so they can carry even heavier loads. for instance, back in my town some people rent laundry machines, the company delivers them by motorcicle with racks on it just like in the picture.

[g.petinati]

This is the site of the first bike's maker:
http://www.houston.com.br/en/produtos/bike/hybrid/super_forte_carga