My Worksman Low Gravity, aka "Cycle Truck",
This wasn't the easiest decision to make. I almost sold it during the Cross-Con Tour, when an acquaintance needed a cargo bike and I needed the money. But after being jerked around by said acquaintance for several months, I took the Worksman back. At that point, I was happy to get it back, because I thought I was going to do more with it.
But six months since our return to Portland, the Cycle Truck has languished way more than it has been used. I've only ridden it a handful of times: to Bike Craft Faire and to pick up a couple large loads of stuff.
To be honest: most of the things I need on a day-to-day basis can be transported by either the Long Haul Trucker or the Raleigh. I rarely need that much cargo space. This wouldn't matter as much if the bike was more nimble, lighter, etc. It ain't. It can be an effort getting the bike to certain parts of town, especially if it's uphill.
I did have plans to do more things with it: get a drum brake for the front (it only has a rear coaster brake), figure out a lighting system, etc. I even had some ambitions of using it as a delivery vehicle, maybe for pizza delivery. Or maybe start a Cycle Truck Delivery Service! Then the reality of these ideas hit me: starting a delivery business would mean a lot of hustle. Hustle on a bike that I didn't feel like riding that much.
Don't get me wrong. I still think this is a cool bike. But I don't have the room for it anymore, and I could honestly spend the money on other bike related things, like drivetrain replacement on the Long Haul Trucker. And I've come to the realization that I'm not necessarily in love with this particular bike, but the idea of the bike. I like Cycle Trucks. But I want a more modern, more nimble version, not this tried-and-true American classic. It's been cool to own a piece of American history for a year and a half. But it's time to let go and move on.
UPDATE 4 APRIL 2012, 12:45 PDT: The Worksman has just been SOLD! Josh, hope you have some fun with the bike!
If I lived just a tad closer I'd walk over, hand you some cash and ride it home...
ReplyDeletealas...
Yeah, I can see why you'd want this bike! And I think it would be a great bike for a city like Saskatoon, in its general flatness. Hub gears and brake good for winter, too.
DeleteI just got one the other day (Portland: $40 bucks!!) Mine is Sans basket. I haven't seen one besides mine up close so I was hoping you couldn answer a question. Is there some kind of hook or spring latch that catches the 'stand' when it is parked? Mine is supper sensitive. the slighted bump and I am picking it up off it's side. Thanks for any help!
ReplyDeleteDan
CLR, I don't remember a hook when it was in "parked" position, just the hook when it wasn't. Mine always seemed to stay up, but the stand is a bit sensitive. I would try writing to Worksman, they were always good at responding!
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