How to Build a Longtail Cargo Bike

We just made a longtail cargo bicycle from a second-hand Ukrainian mountain bike. It was made in Haiti with a minimum amount of tools and measuring, but it rides well. This bike has carried three adults (400 pounds total) without catastrophic failure. It is currently being tested/abused by the teenager pictured. Check out more of our projects at www.annbekan.blogspot.com

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Step 1: Find a bike

Find a bicycle for as cheap as possible then cut the seat-stays about here, and the chain-stays just behind the bottom bracket.

MountainMommaC says: Jul 16, 2012. 8:14 AM

Hey, thanks for the design!

I want to pick your brain a little bit--I pretty much need this bike, plus platforms and a heavy-duty kickstand so it won't be exactly the same...

First, do you have any concept of how much extra weight this put on the bike? i.e. are we talking five pounds or fifteen?

Second, have you tried making a sturdy kickstand for it? and if you have, what are the chances of you putting THOSE plans up too?

Thanks again :-)

depp.ben (author) in reply to MountainMommaCAug 9, 2012. 11:10 AM

Hi, I didn't add a kickstand. I don't have this bike anymore so I can't weigh the bike but I'm guessing this modification added 10 pounds to the bike. Goodluck.

harknirf says: Dec 31, 2009. 6:01 PM

just built a bike like this based on this instructable, even used the same welding machine. turned out great! Thanks for the write-up/inspiration.

depp.ben (author) in reply to harknirfMay 7, 2010. 4:21 PM

That's awesome, I'm happy to hear it.

laughingcoyote says: Mar 18, 2010. 1:05 PM

Don't let that 'chicken' into my coop! The cox comb doesn't fool me: the beak and head belong to a raptor. A great bike!

milly0345 says: Dec 20, 2009. 2:44 PM

cover those legs and arms not only against the sparks.I have the scars to prove that but the UV light and use a mask

stephenniall in reply to milly0345Feb 15, 2010. 5:30 PM

i was reading about a guy who was restoring his car and used a welder for prolonged periods (a few minutes at a time within like a few hours) he ended with a tan with tan lines the size of his goggles!