Have at'er. Its always a hard call on road tires. Thin tires means less friction and better distance. Fat tires means it takes more abuse and can carry far heavier loads than the bike designer intended. The main problem with north American bikes is that they were designed with sports in mind, not cargo or daily commuting. Its totally different in Europe. Holland specifically. They are all set up for cargo as standard. You sit upright for more comfort and ergonomics. Most don't have a top bar so we would call them girls bikes. It makes them way easier to get on. That's pretty important...since the roads were filled with old people on bike, well into their 80s. Its not a class issue like here.
I have a Tactical Harness and I have a Tool Belt. The Tool Belt is more Useful.
A present day cargo bike for alternative transport appeals to me , we need more of this . I'd like to see your idea of an ideal stably balanced bike for cargo for seniors , say that could haul two 20 kg bags of animal feed and two bags of groceries an hour say on slightly rolling terrain ? Is a tricycle idea better in that scenario than a two wheel bike and trailer? What is the advantage of having a single wheel up front followed by tandem wheels in the back as opposed to that of the opposite composition?
A present day cargo bike for alternative transport appeals to me , we need more of this . I'd like to see your idea of an ideal stably balanced bike for cargo for seniors , say that could haul two 20 kg bags of animal feed and two bags of groceries an hour say on slightly rolling terrain ? Is a tricycle idea better in that scenario than a two wheel bike and trailer? What is the advantage of having a single wheel up front followed by tandem wheels in the back as opposed to that of the opposite composition?
I'd start with something like this http://www.commuterbikestore.com/biria-easy-boarding-easy7.html
Then I would add this stuff to personal specifications https://www.biketrailershop.com/xtracycle-cargo-kits-c-145.html (PS, My Xtracycle could carry that load, no problem)
Then I would top it off with one of these to help with getting old and rolling hills part http://ridebionx.com/
I have a Tactical Harness and I have a Tool Belt. The Tool Belt is more Useful.
I am sure hub motors work fine, one other to consider would be a kepler drive, a friction drive that I followed the build on with a sceptical eye but with others building their own version's and good data coming back, while unconventional it's something I am looking to try myself, just google "kepler drive" a interesting read for those who like building things.
Also a interesting read as to how a idea goes through the stages of develepment to become a finished product.
I found this link to his build but its not the one I remembered, I was sure it was 70 or so pages long, it might be on a different forum http://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=16550 http://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=20491
Just found this one..sort of a copy but mounts down low http://gboost.bike/index.php/en/
Give a man a gun, and he can rob a bank. Give a man a bank, and he can rob the world.
I am definitely interested in the extended cycle concept and happen to have alot of chromealloy aircraft tubing to build such things. I was going to attempt some custom bicycles but think the extracycle concept will move to the front.
Seems I'd best put on my best clothes for a trip to the town dump some parts shopping.... wonder if there will be any sales on??? Might bring a can of bear spray as the bears are fattening up for the winter and I don't know if any have "ol' biker" on their menu... 😆