Adventure Awaits: 29 Cargo Brands for Explorers
This collection looks at over 29 cargo bike brands and builders for adventure enthusiasts. From custom designs to budget-friendly picks, our collection covers bikes suited for bikepacking, ultra-distance racing, and family adventures.
At the intersection of utility and endurance, the use of cargo bikes for adventure and ultra-distance cycling is starting to gain traction. Traditionally associated with short-distance urban commuting or transporting goods, cargo bikes have now found a new niche among cyclists who are pushing the boundaries of distance and endurance. This paradigm shift heralds a new era in cycling, redefining the capabilities and perception of these wheeled workhorses.
Cargo bikes, with their extended frames and robust cargo-carrying capacities, challenge traditional notions of long-distance cycling. Beyond their utilitarian function, what makes cargo bikes truly compelling is their ability to carry more than just gear; they can accommodate the laughter of children or the companionship of pets.
This collection delves into the landscape of cargo bikes designed for short urban-based overnighters to globetrotting mega-adventures. Let’s explore over 30 different cargo bicycles from well-known manufacturers and boutique custom builders that can carry you between everyday chores and anywhere rides—exploring the options for cyclists seeking a reliable and versatile platform for ultra-distance adventures, all while bringing the joy of family and pets along for the ride. Also, don't miss our in-depth guide to getting started with cargo bikes for bikepacking here.
1. Ahearne Cycles 🇺🇸
Joseph Ahearne creates works of art that are quite impressive. His attention to detail and craftsmanship are evident in his work. His philosophy is to first design a bike that works beyond the expectations of its rider while making it beautiful. Many of his custom bicycles are adorned with integrated racks that are in themselves, works of art. His Cycle Truck cargo frame is available in three sizes and can handle medium cargo loads with the responsiveness of the daily commuter that is safe, agile, and fun to ride. The wheelbase is no bigger than a traditional bike which makes it a perfect size when carrying up stairs or storing into your apartment or condo. You can order anything from a bare, unpainted frame or a complete bike. Joseph can also build it using a Pinion gearbox and Gates Carbon Belt Drive for (almost) maintenance-free riding. All frames are made to order, so you can work with Joseph if you need anything special to make this the perfect weekend bikepacking rig.
2. Argo 🇺🇸
The Argo is not a cargo bike, but a kit that can turn just about any ol’ bike into a full-fledged Long John cargo hauler at a fraction of the price. Scott Taylor from Salvagetti Bicycle Workshop in Denver, Colorado watched as shocked customers balked at the $3500-$8000 (USD) price of the typical cargo bike that they would have to wait for. It got him thinking and doodling. A few dozen prototypes and thousands of doodles later, he and his team of six designers and fabricators gave life to the ARGO Cargo kit. Now, while this is designed to attach to regular bikes, it can’t fit every bike because of a few minor limitations. The most important is that your bike must have a standard 68 mm or 73 mm English threaded bottom bracket for the permanent connection to be added to your existing BB. Press-fit BBs will not work. Once the connecting bracket is in place, simply remove your front wheel and attach the fork to the steering mount. After some initial setup to adjust the kit to match your bike's geometry for optimized handling, it can be quickly remounted in under 60 seconds. Front forks can be suspension or rigid, however, full-suspension bike frames are not recommended; nor are long-tails, plus bikes, or fat bikes. The front brake is a mechanical disc that requires a cable quick disconnect on your current cable brake, however, if you have hydraulic brakes, you’ll need to swap or add a cable brake lever for this. I would imagine that if you “swap” your hydraulic brake lever could get zip-tied to your fork, or you could add a top lever like found on cross bikes. If that is the only fiddly thing to overcome, that’s minor considering the price difference between a $1100 (USD) kit, vs any other cargo hauler on the market. Depending on where you live, the Argo ships from either the USA or Austria, this helps reduce shipping and customs charges to keep the kit prices as low as possible.
3. Bicicapace 🇮🇹
Bicicapace offers two models that would be ideal for cyclists wanting to take the kids for a simple overnight getaway or a longer solo trip with some extra gear. The JustLong Sport can accommodate two child seats in the rear and a large basket up front. Built around the Shimano Nexus 8 drivetrain to get you up the hills, Shimano Alfine Dynamo front hub to light the way, and Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brakes for smooth stopping power. The dual 20” wheels can fit up to 2.15” tires. The Pelican Sport is a long Cycle Truck design that could be your answer for solo trips with your dog, or extra gear and is built with the same components as the JustLong. The telescoping cargo platform allows adjustability for different-sized loads and sports a more common wheel setup found on most Cycle Truck frames with a 26” rear and 20” front also able to fit up to 2.15” tires.
4. Bike Friday 🇺🇸
Bike Friday has long been known for their convenient small-wheeled folding bikes, but in recent years their bikes have been more commonly used for road touring and recently with the introduction of the All-Packa has broken into the bikepacking world. New for 2023 is the Haul-a-Day Elite model which improves on the original model from 2014. Lighter, stronger, and stiffer to improve handling when loaded. But what makes a longtail designed bike stand out is the bikepacking package which includes a Rohloff 14-spd hub, upgraded brakes, cranks, fork, and tubeless compatible rims. The Elite can fit up to 2.4” tires without fenders. Included in this upgrade are two bags and a front rack and plate. Read our full review here. If you wish, you can order the frame only and build with your own desired components.
5. Bilenky Cycle Works 🇺🇸
Since 1983 Stephen Bilenky has been churning out custom bikes from his little red-brick shop tucked almost out of sight in the heart of Philly. He and his wife founded the Philadelphia Bike Expo which is now one of the largest cycling trade shows in the US. All of his bike frames are completely custom to each rider’s size, cargo needs, or drivetrain considerations. His Sherpa cargo bike comes in two wheelbases for different load sizes. A unique aspect of Bilenky Cycle Works is bicycle retrofitting by adding S&S Couplers to any bike, including Titanium. If you’re looking for a cargo bike that can be shipped in a standard bike box Stephen is happy to add couplers to break down your worldly-traveling hauler for transportation.
6. Bombtrack Bicycle Co. 🇩🇪
The name Bombtrack is well-known with the gravel and bikepacking crowd for their no-nonsense, straightforward frame designs that are purpose-built to last a lifetime. Their Beyond & Hook bikes can be found around the world propelling globe-trotting cyclists on their adventures. Enter the Munroe Cargo, redefining the traditional cycle truck featuring a MTB capable 27.5"/650b rear wheel and a 20" front wheel, providing substantial tire clearance for 2.2” rear and 2.5” front rubber. The design excels in everyday hauling tasks and offers the flexibility to venture off-road for dirt and gravel exploration. Constructed from robust hydroformed 6061 aluminum, the Munroe Cargo frame and fork incorporate thoughtful features like fender tabs, a threaded bottom bracket, and a removable rack. The manageable weight and low gearing will take the edge off hill climbs, and it handles nimbly when loaded. Adding some rear panniers and a frame bag could make this an ideal bikepacking rig for you and your dog… or cat.
7. C3Cycles 🇬🇧
Based just south of Edinburgh C3Cycles produces each bike in-house to order. The C3 Cargo was designed to stand up to the rigors of carrying load on multi-surface rides commonly encountered in the UK. From pothole-ridden roads to gravel paths, this cargo bike will handle whatever throw at it. The cargo area is 450mm x 800mm or 600mm depending if you choose the long or short model. Constructed from durable 6082 aluminum, these bikes come with a robust Chromoly fork, and Shimano SLX drivetrain, including generous 203mm rotors to slow you and your load down. To allow you the best tire options, C3Cycles has opted for a 27.5” rear wheel and a 24” front. Since the C3 bikes are made to order, they offer flexibility in tailoring bikes to customers' needs. This includes adjustments like water bottle mount placements and custom additions.
8. Cargo Bike Monkeys 🇩🇪
Cycling should be as fun as a barrel of monkeys, and this is what you will get riding their RADLADER or their slightly smaller, lighter, faster TURBOLADER. In German, radlader is what we would call a front-end loader. In March 2016, three friends got together in Berlin with the idea of building a better cargo bike. One month later, their first three bikes were completed and ready for rigorous testing and then revealed to the public at the Cargo Bike Festival, and currently, Gen3.2 is still refining its design. Bikes are hand-made in Münster for ultimate quality control. You will find many “Monkeys" at the start line of cargo bike races around the world. Cargo bike racing is not just about riding fast but requires bike and material handling skills as you load and unload items quickly all the while zig-zagging through laps of an obstacle course without losing any cargo. From the number of Cargo Bike Monkeys you see on the podium of these races, I would say that they take handling and geometry quite seriously. RAEDLADER & TURBOLADER are based on the common 26”/20” wheel combination their Aluminum 7020 frames have internally routed cable steering and custom Monkey CrMo steel forks, 180mm disc brakes front & rear, 1-⅛” headset, BSA 68mm BB, and 47mm tire of your choice. A complete bike averages only 18 kg depending on components and easily carries 200kg. Choose from a variety of drivetrain and build options. Such as Shimano SLX 1x11 or ST 3x10, Shimano Alfine 8-speed, Rohloff Speedhub 14, Pinion C1.12, or P1.18 gearbox. All of these hubs & gearboxes can be turned by a regular chain or Gates Carbon Belt Drive—your choice. You can even order your Monkey with a Shimano Alfine dynamo or SON 28 dynamo front hubs and different light combinations if you want. As you can see, there’s a whole barrel of Monkeys to choose from.
9. CETMA Cargo 🇺🇸
CETMA cargo bikes are meticulously handcrafted every step of the process, from welding to assembly from their cozy workshop in Eugene, Oregon. While you can purchase as frame only, complete CETMA cargo bikes come equipped with essential features, including fenders, an uncoated wooden passenger box, a comfortable bench, and seat belts to safely accommodate two passengers. 203mm TRP Spyke brakes, puncture-resistant Schwalbe Marathon 1.5” tires, and reliable FSA Metropolis components are standard on all models. All frames utilize Co-Motion eccentric bottom brackets to allow for both internally geared hubs or external derailleurs. Their cargo bike fits a wide range of riders, from 5' to 6'5". A unique design of their cargo frame is that it bolts together just behind the steer tube which allows for reduced shipping costs. Customers have the freedom to customize their CETMA cargo bike by choosing frame color, drivetrain option options, and dynamo lighting options. CETMA offers additional modifications for Gates Carbon Belt Drives and rear racks. If you’re looking for a robust Long John design made in the USA, then CETMA might be your answer.
10. D.R.K. Cycles 🇮🇹
From a small quaint shop nestled on the quiet shores of Lago d’Orta in Northern Italy (80km NW of Milan), Dr. Daniel Rayneau-Kirkhope—backed with his PhD in Structural Physics—creates efficient and incredibly beautiful rolling machines. His cargo bike is the ultimate touring bicycle, with room for your dog and gear. Its geometry helps retain the natural handling of a touring bicycle. Unlike manufactured cargo bikes that are “one-size-fits-all”, he crafts each bike to the owner and their cargo needs with thoughtful design that includes cable steering and real thru-axles front & rear. Daniel and his wife, Arianna—also with a PhD in Physics—know a thing or two about ultra-distance cycling. Recently they completed the cycling project: Bicycles Will Change the World, a 7200 km adventure to spread the word about the benefits of embracing a bicycle lifestyle. Their route was purpose-designed to create the largest GPS drawing of a bicycle as they meandered through seven European countries—AND they did this with their dog Zola in Daniel’s cargo bike. If you’re looking for a custom touring cargo bike, built by someone who has real-world experience touring with a cargo bike, then check out d.r.k. cycles.
11. Elian Cycles 🇳🇱
Automotive engineer and bike lover, Elian Veltman knew there had to be a better way to steer classic Dutch cargo bikes which are made to haul heavy loads and generally not the best in terms of handling. Some were better than others but most were hard to keep in a straight line. In 2011 he set out to solve this problem by examining every aspect of frame design with his automotive engineering expertise. He developed a completely new forkless steering system he’s called the Elian Steering Hub. Machined and assembled in the Netherlands it can be found on some of the most innovative cargo bikes around the world. Elian’s small team builds around 40 cargo bikes a year in three different setups: E-Drive, Urban, and Tour. The latter model would be the best suited for longer adventures. A complete touring model is built with a Shimano XT 1x11 drivetrain and a 27.5”/20” wheel combination wrapped with 35mm Schwalbe Kojac tires. However, you can also order as a frame only, which comes with the Elian Steering System and can have either fixed or sliding rear dropouts. Headset design can be either Chris King threadless or quill-type. It is worth mentioning that what you gain in superior handling may be a trade-off when it comes to remote maintenance or if you want a dynamo-equipped bike.
12. Frances Cycles 🇺🇸
Joshua Muir has been a cornerstone of the frame-building community of Santa Cruz with an enthralling portfolio of bikes and is home to The Farfarer, a unique and well-known trailer amongst dog-packers. Frances Cycles offers everything from classic randonneur bikes to remarkable cargo machines. The Mixtehauler, the Smallhaul, and his cycle truck design called the Platypus, one of which would fit your needs. Frames are exquisitely filet-brazed with various tubes from True Temper, Vari-Wall, Columbus, or Tang depending on your needs. All frames are built with standard 1-1/8 in headsets and 68mm ISO bottom brackets, but Joshua can tailor a frame to your specific needs or component build. If you’re looking for a more classic design for weekend adventures or getting around town to grab groceries check out Frances Cycles.
13. GinkGo 🇸🇪
When two passionate cycling friends—who happen to be engineers—were expecting their first children, they began looking for cargo bikes that would protect their new bundles of joy but still offer exceptional handling and performance for extended adventures. However, they soon realized nothing existed. After a year of prototyping frame designs and testing different materials, the GinkGo bike was born. Sculpted from T6061-T6 aluminum it offers the right amount of stiffness to flex compared to Titanium or Steel in a lightweight package. At only 15kg it is the lightest cargo bike in its category and is designed with performance and modern component compatibility in mind. Carbon fork (15x100) up front and 142x12 rear allows you to run either 700c or 650b wheels allowing max tire sizes from 47mm to 2.1” for each respective wheel size. All aspects of frame design have been considered. BSA 73mm BB, tapered 1-1/8” head tube, 30.9mm seatpost, and ability to run up to 180mm rotors for cool stopping power. Available as a complete bike kitted out with full Shimano XT 1x11 group or a frameset for you to build. I think this bike is probably one of the coolest cargo bike designs on the market and a winner at Svajerløbet the annual world championship cargo bike race held in Copenhagen, Denmark
14. Hase Bikes 🇩🇪
HASE Spezialräder, now known as HASE Bike, was founded in 1994 by Marec Hase in the garage behind his parent's house. As an award-winning young engineer, he focused on recumbent and adaptive bikes. The company’s innovative bike designs have led to rapid growth and accolades around the world. New for 2023 is Gravit Dust, a cargo bike built with some gravel DNA mixed in. Compact and nimble, it easily fits on any car rack thanks to its adjustable wheelbase (68”-86”) and removable cargo area for complete versatility. Made from 6061 Aluminum and kitted out with drop bars, Shimano Deore 11 derailleur, Sunrace 11-50 cassette, Microshift shifters, mechanical brakes, Schwalbe Billy Bonkers 26/20 - 2.1” rubber. Perfect for anyone who wants a cargo bike that can be easily transported. 📸: tilkittler.com
15. Larry vs. Harry 🇩🇰
Don’t let an unusual name fool you. Larry vs Harry is one of the most trusted names in cargo bikes with a colorful history, to say the least. Lars Malmborg and Hans Foghto navigated the economic landscape during the financial crisis of 2008 armed with a stubborn determination to bring a workhorse cargo bike to market based solely on uncompromised quality. Nothing more, nothing less. When the Original Bullitt was released it instantly set a new standard in cargo bikes. At only 22 kg fully built, it can carry almost 180kg, it instantly became a favorite of heavy-haul bike messengers around the world including DHL & FedEx fleets. On July 5th, 2020 Ramus Quaade set the Cargo Bike Speed Record when he hauled 50kg (him and 26 kg of energy drinks) down a 2km airstrip twice to an average of 42.3 km/h record speed. The Bullitt’s frame geometry has been optimized for unsurpassed handling when loaded thanks to the low center of gravity, short chainstays, and narrow profile keeping the Original Bullitt nimble when riding in traffic or on twisting bike paths. Available in two different cargo bed sizes, you can opt between three different drivetrains; internal, external, or even single-speed. The 26/20” wheel combo can fit up to 2” tires and bullet-proof stopping power from TPR 4-piston brakes grabbing 180mm rear rotor and a 203mm up front. Finer details of frame design have not been overlooked to futureproof the Bullitt. English threaded 68mm bottom bracket, 31.6mm seatpost, and standard tapered 1-1/8th headset including multiple dropout options. As the majority of cargo bikes hail from Europe obtaining them can be difficult, however, Larry vs Harry dealers can be found in over 50 countries. The robust, yet lightweight Bullitt may very well be one of the most available and capable, no-compromise cargo bikes worthy of carrying anything you want on a long adventure. Camping without limits.
16. Maniac & Sane 🇩🇪
There is always somebody who wants to build the craziest, lightest, down-right coolest bike on the planet and Martin Fleischhauer is just one of those guys. A fanatical cyclist and specialist in the composite industry, he set out to build the fastest, lightest cargo bike that felt like a top-shelf pro road bike. Why a cargo bike? Simply because he didn’t own one. The brand is named directly from the bike models he constructs by hand. The Maniac & Sane. The Sane normally is built with electric assist but can be ordered 'bio-powered' as Martin puts it. Designed with a larger 820x475mm cargo platform to hold a standard “euro pallet” up to 100kg just on the deck or 200kg in total. All cables and the steer-by-wire systems are internally routed providing an overall sleek look. To keep things running smooth and safe, it has a Spinner 300 suspension fork and Busch & Müler lighting up front. Built on 26”/20” wheel sizing with a full complement of Shimano XT parts, Neodrive’s Z20 850W powered hub, and Gates Carbon Belt Drive. Complete with the battery, this e-cargo bike weighs in at a scant 22.8kg. Do you think that’s light? Make way for The Maniac! It features a standard 400x600mm cargo platform that can carry the same weight and is built with Maniac’s custom carbon fork. Fitted up with the same Shimano XT parts, Syntace bars/stem/seatpost and Rohloff Speedhub turned by a Gates Carbon Belt drive the complete package is only 14.8kg! Martin says that with the right choice of components, it’s possible to get his 3.5kg frame under 13kg for the entire bike. As a complete bike, it’s far less than the cost of a Bianchi Oltra or Pinarello Dogma at your local bike shop. I’m sure someone in town already owns one of 'those' bikes, but if you showed up on a stealthy Maniac for a Sunday training ride with your dog onboard—that would be friggin’ priceless.
17. Mongoose Bicycles 🇺🇸
For those who have been around a while, we remember Mongoose as a BMX brand from the 80s and quickly expanded into the MTB market but kept squarely focused on BMX racing. However, they are very well known for building capable and robust dirt-jumping bikes. Recently they released two gravel drop bar bikes and a long-tail cargo bike. The Envoy is a budget-minded 26er long tail with ample room to use for dog packing. A mix of Shimano & Sunrace entry-level 3x8 gearing will give you plenty of options when climbing hills. Mongoose mechanical 160/180mm disc brakes and room for 2.35” tires to keep things in control when the going gets rough. It comes with two massive saddle bags adventure. Unfortunately, one drawback is the lack of a thru-axle design and relies on the classic 9mm QR.
18. Muli Cycles 🇩🇪
Muli offers something a little unique to the Long John design of cargo bikes. The Muskel: a compact, convertible, fast wee bike perfect for the urban jungle and forest for bikepacking adventures. It could very well be the solution for an apartment-dweller who needs a bike to get to work, to get groceries, or to get away for the weekend with their pet. Built on a 20/16” wheeled platform it can be ordered with a Shimano Alfine 8 or 11 spd, using chain, or Gates Carbon Belt drive. Direct from the factory, you can get it built with a SON or Shimano dyno hub and Busch & Müler lights. What sets this bike apart from others is the unique folding basket. With one hand you release the sides to let it unfold into a large 100-litre, 550mm wide sturdy metal-sided cargo pod or close to a narrow 267mm profile providing a lockable clamshell and small footprint ideal to store in small places. To round out the package the Muskel rolls on Schwalbe Big Apple tires equipped with 160/180mm disc brakes and fenders. Add a rear rack for panniers and you’re all set for an overnight trek. Accessories include child seats and a full enclosure to protect them from the elements.
19. OMNIUM 🇩🇰
There is one name in the circle of cargo bikes that leads the way, touted as the fastest and most durable bike in the cycle truck class: OMNIUM Cargo. Well-proven by brazen couriers and vagabonds pedaling themselves and pets around the world, the OMNIUM Cargo bike can be found getting groceries, delivering packages, or finishing the brutal Silk Road Mountain Race. As the story goes, bike messenger, Jimmi Bargisen set out to build his dream courier bike in 2012 and the OMNIUM Cargo was born, more importantly—everyone wanted one. OMNIUM offers three different design sizes depending on your cargo needs, the Mini, Mini-Max, or the original Cargo, and is available in five sizes (XS-XL) depending on rider size. Rolling on the pretty standard wheel combination of 700C/29er rear and 20” front wheels you can stuff in 55mm tires including fenders on their Wifi (WideFit) frames—that leaves a lot of room to size up if you don’t run fenders. Frames are built from double-butted chromoly steel and sport a typical 1-1/8th headset, BSA 68 Bottom Bracket, and 31.6mm seatpost. Unlike many other brands, you’ll find 12x142 / 15x100 thru-axles to handle whatever you throw at it. The rear-end utilizes different adjustable rocker dropouts allowing for various drivetrain configurations on the same frame. OMNIUM frames come spec’d with SRAM Apex 1x11 or Shimano Alfine 8 w/Gates Carbon Belt, with SRAM Level TL 160mm brakes and Schwalbe Big Ben Plus 55mm tires or you can just order the frame. But what makes the OMNIUM bikes even more outstanding? Titanium! Yes, you can order your bike in delicious titanium!
20. Schön Studio 🇨🇦
Danielle Schön is not your typical frame builder. Backed by her racing background and frame-building skills gained from legendary teachers Paul Brodie and Koichi Yamahuchi, Danielle began fabricating anything that involved metal, from architectural features to custom bike frames for clients. In 2018, Paul asked her to become his teaching assistant. Shortly after moving to Squamish in 2019, she was one of only four people to receive the Philly Bike Expo x SRAM Inclusivity Scholarship for Framebuilders. Today, Danielle divides her time between teaching her (often sold-out) classes and creating custom awe-inspiring two-wheeled masterpieces. Her commitment to sustainable practices and advocating for women frame builders has set her apart as an industry trailblazer. She was recently commissioned to build a cargo bike for local photographer Dylan Davies of Latency Labs to fit his 6'2" tall body, and 5'1" wife, including room for 2.25" tires and low standover. The bike was featured at the MADE 2023 show in Portland, bringing in more cargo bike orders. Danielle is excited about designing more cargo bikes in the future. If you're looking for a custom Canadian-built cargo bike to fit your every desire—from grocery getting to bikepack racing—Danielle Schön can bring it to life. 📸: @shredordead
21. Soma Fabrication 🇺🇸
Soma Fabrications was the brain-child of Bradley Woehl, owner of American Cyclery when he approached Jim Porter, the president of The Marry Sales Co., a local bicycle parts wholesaler, about creating bikes that were practical, durable, but more importantly affordable for the “everyday cyclist.” Staying true to this philosophy, Soma Fabrications launched in 2001 and quickly became established in the industry. Did you know they were one of the early producers of flared drop bar handlebars we now see on almost every gravel bike? True to their word, they have something for every rider, including for carrying cargo. Their Tradesman frame is a straight-forward 26”/20” designed cycle truck made with Tang Infinity steel, 1-1/8th straight steer tube, 27.2mm seatpost, BSA threaded 68mm Bottom Bracket, rack/fender mounts, and road spacing 100/135mm QR dropouts. This combo allows for ample parts availability for the simplest of budget builds or upgrading to more performance parts. If I were to have one complaint it would be the old-school dropouts. If you’re looking for a cargo bike you could build on a budget to take on fun extended trips that would handle rough trails and roads with your dog in a basket with room for panniers & bags, this solidly built frame could be the perfect solution. 📸:Iiro Koskenniemi
22. Surly Bikes 🇺🇸
There are few bike manufacturers in the world of cycling globe-trotters with such an iconic status as Surly. If you ride any long distances, I’m sure you’ve heard of the Surly Long Haul Trucker—now the updated Disc Trucker. Or if you’re a hardcore bikepacker thrashing out the miles on a rough singletrack you’ve heard of the Krampus or Karate Monkey. It’s no wonder that Surly also offers a long-tail frame design worthy of similar worldly adventures. The Big Dummy has been available since 2008 and is considered the mini-van of bikes for hauling kids and groceries, however, it can be the ultimate platform for a worldly beast capable of carrying just about anything you want. Backed with the burly reputation of Surly, the Big Dummy has a 180kg capacity and rolls on 26” wheels with room for 2.5” rubber with fenders or a whopping 3” if you ditch the fenders. Round that package out with a MicroSHIFT 1x9 drivetrain, RaceFace Crank & BB (BSA 73mm), 1-1/8th straight Cane Creek 40 headset, Avid mechanical brakes with 180/200mm SRAM Centreline rotors, Novatec hubs and Surly’s own ExtraTerrestrial 2.5” tubeless tires and you’re ready for any adventure. If you don’t need such off-road capabilities you can easily 650b or 700c wheels with narrower tires. As a frame or complete bike, The Big Dummy comes standard with bags to haul your stuff around.
23. Sven Cycles 🇬🇧
I couldn’t resist including this gem in our list of cargo bikes. Nestled in the Southern UK seaside town of Weymouth, Darron Sven Copping and his small team have been sculpting works of art since 2012. Renowned for their Rohloff-equipped touring bikes and acclaimed Pathfinder gavel bike. Each bike is hand-made with love, hard graft, and artisan skill—imbued with British soul. Their Forager cargo bike is truly a unique “package” to say the least. Designed in collaboration with food writer Hugh Hearnley-Whittingstall and his Executive Group Chef, Gill Miller, the Forager was inspired by their shared love of foraging and inspired by the classic Series 1 Land Rover. It may sound a bit of a classic sporting a B67 sprung leather Brooks saddle and custom waxed canvas bags made by Restrap, however, it then adds subtle modern touches like mechanical disc brakes and the convenience of a dynamo hub complete with LED lighting and, USB charger. Front suspension is handled by the unusual and innovative UK-made LoopWheels suspension wheel, which uses three carbon elliptical “loops” rather than spokes to allow the hub to float within the rim. This bike wouldn’t be complete without things you’ll need to traverse the forest, foraging in fine British style. You’ll find a locally made wicker basket up front that contains a fire-pit BBQ, up-cycled cooking pots & pans, 100% recyclable plates, and utensils made from pine tree fibers. Stainless steel water bottles, thermos, flask, chopping board, Opinel knives, a mushroom knife, sharpening stone, flint, foraging hood, and yes—even a folding shepherd’s crook.
24. Ten:07 🇳🇱
Just west of Amsterdam Ten:07 has designed what they have called The Unicorn of cargo bikes—literally. This award-winning frame is a capable cargo hauler but designed with a quick-release cargo deck allowing it to be parked in in a narrow hallway of an apartment or business. Keeping the handling characteristics of a normal bike, it also has ample capacity for groceries, kids, or pets. Produced completely in Europe, the Unicorn is available in three rider sizes (S/M/L) and rides like any normal bike but with a deck that can support up to 80kg. Built of double-butted 25CrMo4 tubing based on a 700c rear and 20” front wheel combination, it is designed with proper thru-axles on adjustable dropouts, a 27.2 mm seatpost, 1-1/8th headset, and BSA 68mm threaded bottom bracket, It can be ordered as a frame only, or built with a mix of Shimano 1x components and SON Dynamo options if desires. The Unicorn can fit up to 55mm tires with fenders attached. 📸: @adamgassonphoto
25. TrioBike 🇩🇰
TrioBike offers both Long John and Bakfiets-styled frames incorporating all the modern advancements of production technology we’ve gained over the past few decades. They live the cargo bike lifestyle. They put their minds and souls into designing the lightest, safest cargo bikes to provide the most fun to each bike owner. Of their two designs, only the Long John two-wheel design is practical to use for bigger adventures. While very similar to the Larry vs Harry Bullitt the TrioBike Cargo’s shape is a blend of smooth lines created by hydroforming aluminum tubes, fully internal cable routing, and interchangeable dropouts. The shifting is just as smooth courtesy of the Enviolo CA gearless CV hub and Gates Carbon Belt drive providing a 380% gear range. What is astounding about the TrioBike Cargo is the max load capacity of 230kg! Now I don’t think anyone in their right mind would carry that much on a bicycle trip, it is nice to know you can take this bike to the hardware store and toss on a few bags of concrete mix without any worries. Never satisfied, TrioBike is always pushing ways to innovate the cargo bike industry and this is what drives their passion forward. To accomplish this, they have created TrioLab: a unique space for them to dream without boundaries and experiment. A recent project that rolled out of TrioLab was the Cargo TT, a 100% carbon frame ready to ride (or race) at only 13.382kg. But other more practical things come out of the lab, like a special-sized Cargo frame for Cycloon, a Dutch bicycle courier company. Want to build a TrioBike Cargo to your specs? Raw frames are available with FSA Headset, 15mm front thru-axle, interchange rear dropouts, one-piece steering rod, and more.
26. Velo Lab 🇩🇪
All cycling genres love to prattle on about performance, speed, and such. In the category of cargo bikes, one would think it’s all about how much payload can carry while still being able to pedal up the hill to deliver the goods. However, some manufacturers still seek to find that balance between payload, speed, agility, and predictable handling. Velo Lab out of northern Germany may have just done that with their Gravel Kàro cargo frame. Reduced to the bare essentials, it’s fast and extremely agile, ready for your biggest adventures. If your dog wants his gums flapping in the wind, this might just be the bike for the two of you. Patented semi-integrated cable steering provides precise, low-maintenance steering protected from things that go bang. The standard built kit is a mix of 2x Shimano DEORE/GRX components and Schwalbe G-ONE rubber tipping the scales at a scant 16.5kg. That’s pretty darn light for Long John cargo bike. It’s available in Med or XL for riders above or below 185 cm in height. Velo Lab also offers two other models called Commuter and Family, which are slightly different variations of cargo space with minor weight penalties.
27. WorkCycles 🇳🇱
WorkCycles' growing range of bikes is designed in-house and produced in cooperation with small, quality-oriented manufacturing partners in the Netherlands. Their philosophy is that the bicycle is a perfect example of the beautiful minimalism the world should adopt to continue forward and promote everyday cycling amongst individuals, families, and businesses by supplying the most practical, affordable bicycles possible. Their classic Long John dubbed KR8 comes in three different configurations, one being non-powered and designed to carry everything you can think of. Based on a standard 26”/20” wheel platform the KR8 has a few tricks in its box. The frame splits in half for a more compact method of shipping to customers around the world, an integrated rear wheel lock to prevent theft, and the “Escape Hatch” enables you to fix a flat without removing the rear wheel. This may seem odd to the everyday cyclist, but when was the last time you changed a tire on a bike fully laden with two kegs of beer? The bike also comes complete with a full chain guard and fenders made from powder-coated stainless steel for ultimate durability from the elements. All KR8 frames come with front dynamo and B&M front LED light & rear red LED. The maximum overall load is the industry standard of about 200 kg with a one-size-fits-all design. Components worthy of adventure would be the Shimano Nexus 8 hub paired with Magura 4-piston 180mm disc brakes, Brookes saddle, and a full-sized rear rack. The KR8 may not be the fastest Long John out there, but it is surely the most classic-looking one on the market.
28. Yoonit 🇩🇪
While Yoonit (pronounced “Unit”) is relatively new to the cargo scene, they offer an extremely well-designed Mini Cargo Bike with big-bike features for maximum flexibility. Built on an 18”/16” wheeled platform, this little hauler is only 177.5cm long and only 60cm wide smaller than a regular bike for easy storage, but can carry up to 80 kg of cargo alone! That’s pretty impressive for this pint-sized design. The Yoonit Classic comes with powerful Magura 180mm brakes, adjustable steering dampener, Shimano Alfine 8 rear hub with Gates Carbon Belt Drive, Busch & Müller lights (front/rear), and fenders. What makes Yoonit even more different? Thanks to three quick releases you can switch out different load carriers without tools. They offer a variety of different carriers, from the basic flat Job Carrier to a Dog Seat Carrier, but check out their unique Smart Carrier which flips from a flat loader to a basket shape for maximum flexibility. Looking for power? Yes, you could get a fully electric bike, but you have to check out the Yoonit Race with its larger, faster wheels, upgraded 4-piston Magura brakes, and lightweight cargo basket. Looking for a petite cargo bike that can fit perfectly into your life and your apartment? Look at Yoonit.
29. Yuba Bicycles 🇩🇪
Yuba is a well-known brand in cargo circles. Advances and demand for electric assist bikes have taken over almost all of their product line… all but one. The original Kombi longtail is still available at a budget price and easily found at most cargo bike shops worldwide. Its 24” wheels may seem oddly small in this age of 29r bikes, but it provides a lower stepover height for smaller riders. The robust frame offers a full 60cm length rack and the optional cycle-truck style rigid front rack provides ample room to carry extra bags or turn this into a great dogpacking bike that can carry 200 kg. Max tire size is 2.5” will offer a wide option of choices for your adventure needs. The 1x9 spd gearing could easily be swapped to full MTB gearing. Stopping power is from mechanical disc brakes. It may be one of the better ways to get a new cargo bike for minimal investment.
Honorable Mentions ✊
30. Salsa Cycles 🇺🇸
I couldn’t end this list without mentioning the biggest name in bikepacking—Salsa Cycles. They have led the way for many bikepackers and adventure racers over the years, earning them well-deserved praise. Most will immediately think of the Tour Divide-inspired Cutthroat released in 2015, or the Fargo released in 2008, but I remember reading about Ross Shafer’s Salsa Ala Cart drop bar mountain bike in some 90s magazine—probably Mountain Bike Action. However, I have one BIG question to ask Salsa if they are listening. “WHY DID YOU DITCH THE THE BLACKBARROW in 2020?” This mid-tail fat bike was THE heavy-haul bikepacking rig to own. Why did it ever disappear and will it ever come back? This fat bike could hold four panniers on its sturdy rear rack, room for a dog crate on top, AND extra space for another frame bag between the seat tube and tire along with all the standard bikepacking bags. Capable of supporting a whopping 200 kg on anything from fat 26” x 4.3” to 29” x 3.0” rubber, it was the ideal machine for dogpacking and packrafting. You can watch the Blackbarrow in action here, as Mike Riemer and Hansi Johnson embark on a bike fishing trip in rural Minnesota. The Blackbarrow could haul easily you and your $#!T like Hayes logging truck anywhere! If you find one used, don’t hesitate to snap it up, or it will be gone before you can say, “Salty Beard!” 📸: @daryltobedifferent
The Future of Cargo Innovation?
Before I wrap up this collection of bikes, I wanted to direct your attention to a small bicycle maker from Denmark who is developing material innovations that could change how the cycling industry thinks about sustainability and bicycle manufacturing as a whole. Yes, they make an amazing cargo bike, but you also have to take the time to look at their urban, gravel, and folding bikes. Their design is on the leading edge of innovations. Their hearts are true to their motto: Bicycles For Life.
31. Coh & Co 🇩🇰
Founders Pau Harder Cohen and Mette Walsted Kristiansen push Coh & Co into the future with engineering and product design backgrounds. Their proprietary material technology, StoneWeave, is a blend of carbon & basalt fibers that create light, strong, durable frames and are 100% recyclable. Yes, you read that correctly. This leads us to Recapture, their circular ownership eco-system for all their bikes. Simply ride your bike for 10 years and they will buy it back, where they will refurbish and resell it or completely recycle the frame, returning all the raw material into new frames. Their cargo bikes, dubbed as Anna, come in three models, the VeloSled, Courier, and Electric. This futuristic-looking cargo bike is inspired by the Inuit Qamutik dog sleds of Greenland. The bed is designed with a stainless steel rack to create a safe, comfy spot for an adult or two children to sit and is designed to protect your human or animal cargo. It includes a collapsible caleche for protection from the elements. The non-electric frames come built using Shimano Alfine 8 or 11 spd hubs with Gates Carbon Belt Drive. Their product development and business model could be a new way of looking at how we own, use, and reuse bicycles for the next 100 years.
Now Load ’Em Up!
This varied collection of cargo bicycles demonstrates how these once-simple bikes have become eco-friendly vehicles for riders to explore the world. Going beyond their original purpose, these are now platforms for creating lasting memories, whether on solo adventures, with children, or alongside pets. I’m sure we are at the dawn of seeing cargo bikes carrying their riders and passengers on jointly shared expeditions, where each pedal brings collective excitement and the promise of enduring memories.
There is no simple choice of which one is the best as many will stand out on their own merits depending on the cargo and the journey you choose to embark on. However, I envision cargo bikes as a way to immerse myself deeper into the journey. It’s not about going fast and knocking off big days. Whether I bring some extra gear to go fishing, photography, and feasting or bring along a pet, such a bike will automatically alter my expectations of the adventure. For me, it’s a tossup between something like an Omnium for extra off-road capabilities and extra load capabilities, or a Larry vs Harry Bullitt for slower multi-day adventures with my dog. Such a bike would redefine my cycling experience, offering not just everyday practicality but a pathway to a whole new level of experience while on my adventures.
