http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Topic: Ute-tastic en Mon, 06 Apr 2026 02:08:42 +0000 http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4413&page=2#post-66695 Mon, 23 Apr 2012 16:03:31 +0000 Instography 66695@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I need to get myself a range of boxes and change them to suit the destination. This one would do for Morningside and the New Town. When I head to Dunfermline, I need a mid-range unchallenging table wine and for Rosyth, an old cardboard Buckfast box. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4413&page=2#post-66691 Mon, 23 Apr 2012 15:36:05 +0000 crowriver 66691@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>very aerodynamic.</em></p> <p>I don't think he'll be doing time trials on it. Utility cycling, you know? Hauling stuff about, usually over fairly short distances, speed not particularly relevant. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4413&page=2#post-66684 Mon, 23 Apr 2012 14:37:49 +0000 ruggtomcat 66684@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>very aerodynamic. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4413&page=2#post-66600 Mon, 23 Apr 2012 00:00:26 +0000 kaputnik 66600@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>There's one of the racks above that Crowriver posted an image of at the Bike Station (at least there was last weekend). It's been there some time. I thought it was missing bits, but now realise it's for a canti bike. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4413&page=2#post-66591 Sun, 22 Apr 2012 21:14:58 +0000 crowriver 66591@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Nice. Must get one. Maybe I'll wood stain it to try and darken down a bit though. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4413&page=2#post-66590 Sun, 22 Apr 2012 21:08:28 +0000 Uberuce 66590@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Scoop out the grains at the bottom of a used cafetiere, apply in a circular motion. Rinse and repeat. Ought to smell good, too. </p> <p>Wine box basket = like a Sir. I approve. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4413&page=2#post-66589 Sun, 22 Apr 2012 21:04:47 +0000 Nelly 66589@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@insto Rub a wee bit of mud, squished slugs and chain oil - park on a north facing slope for a year or two, and presto, home made ageing. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4413&page=2#post-66588 Sun, 22 Apr 2012 20:58:40 +0000 Instography 66588@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Fitted my rack and found myself a box, Needs a bit of weathering though.</p> <p><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8167/7103372889_9583128afc.jpg"> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4413&page=2#post-64866 Wed, 11 Apr 2012 16:38:31 +0000 Instography 64866@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I'll have a rake in my brother's man-shed. He had two nice old looking boxes full of old chemists' bottles at the weekend that I should have nabbed (leaving the bottles behind) at the same time as I was taking an old shop hanging sign that's a giant Kodak 120 film carton. God knows what I'm going to do with it but it's mine now.</p> <p>Failing that, I might be forced to buy a box of wine at Costco next time I'm there. I'm sure they sell wine in wooden boxes. When I lived in Comiston Road, the guy in Henderson Wines was very helpful (at least when he was selling me wine and beer).</p> <p>But please, not the shopping basket. All that elegance gone in an instant. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4413&page=2#post-64862 Wed, 11 Apr 2012 16:09:45 +0000 crowriver 64862@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>That's a nice carrier. The Ute doesn't have canti bosses on the fork as it's all disc. </p> <p>I have a plastic crate kicking around, also a wire shopping basket which my partner 'liberated' a while ago. A wine box/crate would be nice: quite difficult to get hold of nowadays, folk sell them as 'vintage' storage for obscene amounts! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4413&page=2#post-64847 Wed, 11 Apr 2012 14:25:46 +0000 wingpig 64847@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Majestic on Causewayside used to be fairly free with their used bottle-delivery crates, but they wouldn't be much good for transporting anything more than a couple of lettuces and a bag of pastries without some strengthening. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4413&page=2#post-64846 Wed, 11 Apr 2012 14:12:05 +0000 Instography 64846@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Mine is <a href="http://www.dutchbikebits.com/index.php?route=product/product&amp;path=38&amp;product_id=208">this one</a> bought from that very boutique at the same time as I was getting <a href="http://www.dutchbikebits.com/index.php?route=product/product&amp;path=76&amp;product_id=261">these</a> funky hand-warmers for wee Ellen's tagalong. Longer bolts for the brakes (which I have) and a bodged strut to connect the mudguard bit to the brake booster on the fork (which is at the back of the suspension fork, rather than the front, where you want it) should do it.</p> <p>If I had your rack I'd try to get a wooden box from an off-licence with a nice French vineyard scene on it. In a couple of months it would be beautifully distressed. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4413&page=2#post-64828 Wed, 11 Apr 2012 12:34:23 +0000 crowriver 64828@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>The one on the hybrid looks like this: is that what you mean, or do you have something fancier by VO or Nitto?</p> <p><img src="http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/Njc5WDg0MA==/$(KGrHqV,!p0E8WVtCs3ZBPVIb35+QQ~~60_12.JPG"> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4413&page=2#post-64757 Tue, 10 Apr 2012 21:39:08 +0000 crowriver 64757@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I have a carrier like that on the Globe hybrid, attached to brake bosses and mudguard/light/caliper brake bolt hole in the fork. I don't put much weight on it, but it can handle a bag of shopping, six pack of beer, etc.</p> <p>The carrier on the Ute is a bit sturdier, all steel instead of alloy. You can't quite make out in the murky pics that it attaches at two points:<br /> - struts bolt on to the axles (Ute has a solid front axle rather than QR skewer)<br /> - two sturdy steel hooks go over the handle bars<br /> The latter is where I had to add the aluminium profile to get the carrier to fit.</p> <p>See an earlier post in this thread for a pic of the carrier. In fact if they had kept the design as it is shown in that stock pic, I would not have had to add anything to make it fit...</p> <p>I'm thinking a nice wooden crate would look good on the front. Failing that a plastic one will do, or even a wicker basket. It's nice and versatile anyhow. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4413&page=2#post-64755 Tue, 10 Apr 2012 21:27:01 +0000 Instography 64755@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I got one of those carriers for my old MTB that I use for trailer and tagalong hauling. It's supposed to attach to the brake bosses and mudguard bolt hole (to fit with the front shocks) but I discovered too late that I don't have a mudguard bolt hole and the brake fitting just makes the brakes bind. Haven't got round to bodging it but they look good for perching a child on or bringing a crate of beer back from the shops. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4413&page=2#post-64754 Tue, 10 Apr 2012 21:19:09 +0000 crowriver 64754@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>The Ute has 'gone Dutch': I finally got around to fitting the Basil front carrier. Just added a couple of lengths of aluminium profile, cut to size and drilled, to make the carrier fit on the MTB-style stem, much lower than the high stems Dutch bikes have.</p> <p>The new carrier will allow a bit of stuff to be carried up front, helping to improve the steering when the bike is fully loaded at the back.</p> <p>Pics are a bit dark and rainy, taken at 8pm this evening...</p> <p><a href="http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/51/dsc00579tm.jpg/"><img src="http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/5568/dsc00579tm.th.jpg"></a><br /> <a href="http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/69/dsc00578vf.jpg/"><img src="http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/5341/dsc00578vf.th.jpg"></a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4413&page=2#post-64481 Sun, 08 Apr 2012 02:44:37 +0000 Instography 64481@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I think I'd like one of those bikes please. Ta. Whoever's listening. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4413&page=2#post-64471 Sat, 07 Apr 2012 21:32:40 +0000 Uberuce 64471@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I didn't realise it had such elegant lines, which I concede is hardly the point. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4413&page=2#post-64470 Sat, 07 Apr 2012 21:26:00 +0000 crowriver 64470@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Did a child carrying setup test today with an Avenir/Polisport child seat on the Ute deck, various fixings removed and replaced with bit of MDF cut to shape, which I'll bolt to the seat. Just need to sort out a clamp arrangement to hold to the deck...</p> <p><a href="http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/140/dsc00577oi.jpg/"><img src="http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/7820/dsc00577oi.th.jpg"></a><br /> <a href="http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/269/dsc00576ca.jpg/"><img src="http://img269.imageshack.us/img269/2520/dsc00576ca.th.jpg"></a><br /> <a href="http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/839/dsc00575sm.jpg/"><img src="http://img839.imageshack.us/img839/2793/dsc00575sm.th.jpg"></a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4413&page=2#post-48535 Tue, 29 Nov 2011 15:43:54 +0000 crowriver 48535@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I have used them with a Hamax seat, and with a Bobike Junior too, both on a compact framed Globe hybrid. Hamax reduces the capacity of panniers a smidgen, Bobike hardly at all. Still possible to stick some shopping in them even with the Hamax. Handy for waterproofs, tool kit, snacks, etc. too.</p> <p>These are the smallest panniers Basil make, which is good because the child seat effectively shortens the rear rack substantially. Therefore the panniers are not compromised to the same extent larger ones would be. My first set also tore on one side (I think I was overloading them), but the replacements have been fine so far, and carried some heavy stuff too.</p> <p>Now that I'm using the tagalong a lot, have invested in <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Basil-Unisex-Adult-BASE7108-Double/dp/B001E5Q3PQ/">some larger 35 litre panniers</a> and moved the smaller ones to another bike. Can now ferry two bags of shopping plus No.1 son using the hybrid. Haven't tried them with Hamax seat on top but I doubt they'd fit satisfactorily. Might just fit with Bobike Junior though... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4413&page=2#post-48532 Tue, 29 Nov 2011 15:16:20 +0000 SRD 48532@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>That should work with hamax. might get some for mr srd* but not on helios, which takes copilot/blackburn rack. </p> <p>*although review on amazon suggests that might not be good idea, as we tend to load a lot of groceries into ours. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4413&page=2#post-48529 Tue, 29 Nov 2011 15:07:39 +0000 crowriver 48529@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>If you pick up some <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Basil-Unisex-Adult-BASE7022-Double/dp/B002KMK2AE">Basil Dutch panniers</a> you can have child seat and panniers and stoker*. Today!</p> <p>* Front of the panniers fits under child seat leg protector due to being soft foldable fabric. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4413#post-48521 Tue, 29 Nov 2011 14:49:36 +0000 SRD 48521@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Yup. Planning to get one for when K. is keener on cycling on her own bike than being a stoker. Then I can carry the copilot seat and the panniers. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4413#post-48518 Tue, 29 Nov 2011 14:46:30 +0000 crowriver 48518@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@SRD, did you ever consider<a href="http://www.circecycles.com/Models/Brut.php"> the cargo-carrying rack for the Helios</a>? That would make for a very versatile machine! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4413#post-48500 Tue, 29 Nov 2011 13:45:14 +0000 crowriver 48500@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>How is it going in and out of the (inevitable) nursery and school gates which require to be closed behind one?</em></p> <p>Only tried the local primary school so far, which has two entrances: the back gate is accessible from the road and is a big iron railing type thing. No.1 son just jumps off and opens the gate. I wheel the Ute through, prop it on the bipod stand, then close after us. </p> <p>If I have to manoeuvre in a tighter space (eg. turning the bike at bottom of a stairwell) I just lift up the front end so it does an 'extreme wheelie' (not while seated on the bike mind), then turn the bike. Clearance from the ground for big rear rack seems fine.</p> <p>Haven't rigged up No.2 daughter carrying seat as yet. That's the next project! Definitely need a front carrier on before that goes into operation though. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4413#post-48490 Tue, 29 Nov 2011 13:34:39 +0000 SRD 48490@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>How is it going in and out of the (inevitable) nursery and school gates which require to be closed behind one? </p> <p>This is my main frustration with the helios, as one has to push the bike forward through gate, then either put stand up (difficult if baby etc still in seat), or try to hold it steady while closing gate behind.</p> <p>Those familiar with this tricky manoeuvre on a normal bike will appreciate the difficulty that extra length brings. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4413#post-48489 Tue, 29 Nov 2011 13:31:16 +0000 crowriver 48489@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Thanks for the tip. I reckon I'll try my home made effort first, if it doesn't work Sean sounds like a handy fellow.</p> <p>Did my first supermarket run with the Ute yesterday, late afternoon. The panniers coped comfortably with four large bags of shopping (large fabric bags for life, quite heavy: filled a 'half-size' trolley). Heavier stuff near the front: wine, milk, oil, tins, etc. Obviously load balancing very important at these weights, and the bipod kickstand very handy meaning that the bike doesn't have to be propped against a wall. Do need to keep a hand on the saddle/deck to steady it while loading/fastening panniers mind. I was grateful of the waterproofness of the panniers as a downpour erupted on emerging from the supermarket.</p> <p>No problem to ride the bike loaded up like that, amazingly nimble in fact. The steering was very light though, rather skittish. Definitely need a front carrier to dampen that down a bit.</p> <p>Later on carried a disassembled bedside cabinet/chest of drawers in one pannier, and a big bit of hardboard strapped to the other side. I was expecting the sail effect to be a problem in the winds, but surprisingly not really noticeable.</p> <p>The Ute is definitely a good car replacement for those shortish utility journeys for picking up bulky stuff. Once the weather improves I'd like to test it over a longer distance, with camping gear... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4413#post-48225 Sun, 27 Nov 2011 23:31:13 +0000 kaputnik 48225@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@crowriver drop Tam Noon at Sean's Bike Shop in Portobello a line. He can probably re-work the mountings or custom make some appropriate bits of metal to allow you to fit the rack to your bike.</p> <p>He replaced the threaded portion of my fork for me and machined some sleeves to allow a standard sized fork crown race to fit comfortably and safely on a non-standard steerer tube.</p> <p>12/15 Bath St Lane / 0131 669 3688 (m-f 9.30-5) / <a href="mailto:seans-bike-shop@hotmail.co.uk">seans-bike-shop@hotmail.co.uk</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4413#post-48223 Sun, 27 Nov 2011 23:20:30 +0000 crowriver 48223@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I ordered one of these for my Ute, it arrived last week and I had a go at fitting it today:</p> <p><img src="http://www.rutlandcycling.com/ProductImages/fullsize/basilmemoriesfrontmountyellow.jpg"></p> <p>Problem is, it doesn't fit. They have changed the design from the one in the photo. Here's my rough sketch of the changed handlebar fitment:</p> <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/16542007@N00/6414176241/"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7172/6414176241_d2b8a70b2d.jpg"></a><br /> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/16542007@N00/6414176241/">Basil front carrier sketch</a> </p> <p>(Camera phones do weird things to hand drawings...)</p> <p>Anyway, the handlebar mounts won't go low enough to fit the rack on my bike comfortably. Simply drilling holes lower in the steel strips on the carrier won't take them low enough either. I suppose it might be possible to drill holes in a strip of steel/alloy profile, then bolt this to the mounting points to enable the bar mounts to go lower (and the carrier, relatively speaking, higher) so it can fit. </p> <p>Pity though to spoil the simplicity of the design. However I need this carrier on the front of the Ute one way or another.</p> <p>Anyone have any other ideas? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4413#post-46984 Thu, 17 Nov 2011 14:05:02 +0000 crowriver 46984@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Haven't carried anything extraordinarily heavy yet: though yesterday I managed a box of books on one side, tools and bag of tiling grout on the other. Steering was a bit lighter but otherwise fine. To be honest, I hardly felt the weight in the back at all. </p> <p>It's much better than trying to carry heavier loads on a normal bike! Next I'll have to see how it copes with a supermarket run... </p>