CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Questions/Support/Help

Getting a mamachari or similar bike in the UK

(9 posts)
  • Started 7 years ago by chrispaton
  • Latest reply from kaputnik
  • This topic is not resolved

  1. chrispaton
    Member

    Hi folks,

    I'm looking for a bike to carry a little one (7 months old and counting), and perhaps one day a second little one too. As @LaidBack and @Kim may recall, I had a shot on the lovely EdFOC Urban Arrow a few months back and while it is a fantastic machine it's just a little too big for me, particularly given that I'd ideally keep it in my (small) front garden or inside.

    I was in Japan recently and saw loads of people riding a city bike that looks ideal for my needs: integrated stand, designed for front and rear kids seats, low down centre of gravity, and these days often electric. Apparently this bike is a uniquely Japanese style of bike called the mamachari: https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=mamachari+kids&tbm=isch.

    As far as I can tell though they don't seem to be exported in any numbers, in part I think because they are considered to be cheap and disposable. And so much as I'd like to get one it doesn't seem to be possible -- though please shout if you know otherwise.

    Assuming I can't get one, I'm wondering if anyone has suggestions for similar style bikes. The closest I could find myself was the Gazelle Bloom: https://bellsbicycles.co.uk/products/gazelle-bloom-c7. This looks good though I couldn't see an electric option, and I think for trips to Granny and Grandad in the north of the city electric really would be good for coming back up Dundas Street and the Mound!

    Suggestions welcome...

    Thanks!
    Chris

    Posted 7 years ago #

  2. Roibeard
    Member

    I know folk that have used an Xtracycle, based on a donor bike, however this felt somewhat odd, particularly when loaded due to the flex in the extension.

    Surly do the same thing with a frame (rather than an extension to an ordinary bike). Both the Xtracycle and Surly Big Dummy are "longtails".

    However, you don't need to go to Japan to get a mamchari, they are also used in Europe...

    For bigger children a family tandem could be used like the Onderwater , however this is likely too big based on your description.

    I see you've spotted the Gazelle version but Workcycles also have the Fr8.

    I think the European bikes are generally utility/cargo bikes fitted out for child carrying duties, which might make them less "disposable" but also means they should have longevity and a purpose (carrying groceries, or general cargo) that will outlive the child carrying duties.

    As for electric assist, they can usually be added as an option to cargo bikes, and even added as an after market addition, although being designed in is probably better. Adds a fair whack to the price though, and these bikes can be expensive (possibly unlike the Japanese mamachari)!

    Robert

    Posted 7 years ago #

  3. SRD
    Moderator

    I've seen familybikes of this sort in Edinburgh, and on sale second hand occasionally. Try posting on the 'family cycling' FB page https://www.facebook.com/groups/641173915998956/ and see if anyone's selling one? also eBay?

    BUt if I were you, I'd get a Helios, which will last you 10 years or more. You could use the 'pilot, childseat, panniers' configuration for now, and transition to stoker seat + Panniers or childseat in a couple of years.

    Posted 7 years ago #

  4. kaputnik
    Moderator

    Get an elephant bike and (if you want to carry 2 nippers on it) replace the 3-speed hub for a 7 or 8.

    For just the 1 nipper the 3 speed is fine if you put on a 23 or 24t sprocket to drop the gearing. The long rack at the back can accommodate a child seat plus regular panniers and you've still got the huge front tray/basket.

    It's a fairly compact bike due to the upright seating position and small front wheel tucked under the basket, and for the price of ~£270-290 it really can't be beat. Just accept you'll be going very slowly up hills as it's heavy, but with a kid on the back you'd be going slowly anyway.

    Posted 7 years ago #

  5. Harts Cyclery
    Member

    I'll make it easy for you. Got these available right here:

    https://www.gazellebikes.co.uk/bikes/bloom-c7/

    This is Gazelle's bike specifically designed from front and rear bairns (slacker angles, more length), but most of their bikes will happily take front and rear seats if something else takes your fancy.

    Posted 7 years ago #

  6. Harts Cyclery
    Member

    Oops, you mentioned the Bloom. Soz. Yes, doesn't come as an electric, but you could get an E Orange C7 or C8, or an electric Heavy Duty NL or similar. Come with Bosch or Panasonic to suit different budgets. Give me a holler if you want to discuss - 334 1441.

    Posted 7 years ago #

  7. LaidBack
    Member

    @chrispaton - you can get a Helios with Steps e-assist. Useful as a cargo/family with big rack and stand. Not that long or heavy.
    Think you were aware of the UA Shorty which could carry a childseat on back with one older seated front.
    Check Gazelle options too of course!
    Elephant Bike - Bike Spark could retro-fit assist but on hub, not on bottom bracket like Steps / Bosch.

    Posted 7 years ago #

  8. Harts Cyclery
    Member

    Chris, further to my last, I have an Orange C7+ HFP (Panasonic) demo bike available and I have an Orange C8 HMB (Bosch) due in next week, also a demo machine, if you fancy a go of something.

    Posted 7 years ago #

  9. kaputnik
    Moderator

    Oh yeah, didn't read the bit about e-assist and doing Dundas Street and the Mound. I've done the Mound on the elephant bike and it's OK if the lane is clear as you can crawl up at your own pace, I wouldn't fancy trying Dundas Street with the boy (or 2 boys) on the back.

    Posted 7 years ago #

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