For the really heavy work . . .
Cool bikes December 27th, 2008
They use super heavy-duty cargo bikes here to transport water. I have seen as many as fifteen five-gallon jugs full of water in one of these bikes (that´s 600 lbs!). They use motorcycle wheels in the front. 
These things make the cargo bikes that Lauren, Leif and I have brought to Tucson look flimsy.
–Erik Ryberg
December 27th, 2008 at 9:17 pm
Erik-
I’ve been pondering what sort of human-powered land craft would permit me to move a heavy rear-tine rototiller and other tiny-farm implements around a somewhat hilly city. If you see candidate for this, I’m keenly interested in hearing about it from you on your return. What do you think the handling is like on this heavy-duty basket bike? Maybe I can offer you a couple pitchers at a brewpub near Barrio Metallico . . .
December 28th, 2008 at 3:16 pm
Hi Archer,
Well, I suspect this thing would carry anything smaller than an actual tractor, but pedaling it might be another matter. Most of the people I see with these things totally loaded are pushing them, not pedaling them.
And the thing about the hills is you have to be able to stop the thing. These have no brakes on the front wheels.
Then there’s the handling. Loaded, they handle okay, but I nearly flip my Mercurio every time I ride it empty.
You could probably buy the frame and outfit it with drum brakes and super-low gears. I´ll try to price the frames next time I pass one. They are remarkably inexpensive.
-EBR
February 17th, 2009 at 10:57 am
Hi Erik – When you were on your ice-bike quest, did you happen to find out where you can purchase a cargo bike similar to the water bottle delivery bikes pictured? We would like to buy the grandparents a similar style bike for their house in Mexico. They live in Playa Del Carmen, but any leads in Mexico City would be helpful.
Thanks! (What a great way to combine your passion for bikes and your profession!) Sophie