Cargo Bike Review - Babboe City

Find it at babboecargobike.com

In US stores; Canadian stores see onthefourth.com for complete dealer listings

The two-wheel version of the Dutch “Bakfiets” comes with a sturdy galvanized steel frame, a high-quality German birch wood bucket including bench seats for two children and lots of room for groceries or gear. The low-maintenance internal gears, enclosed chain case and internal-hub brakes are built to last. This carry-all cargo bike, with a maximum load capacity of 100 kilograms (or 220 pounds) steers easily and is a real eye-catcher. Made in Holland. Optional cover and rain tent are available.

Tell Your Friends

The Babboe is easy to steer and ride, even fully loaded with two children and all our gear. Changing gears is so smooth and easy and can even be done while stopped, thanks to the internal gears. You’ll never forget your keys because they’re attached to the bike on the traditional Dutch wheel lock.

Wish List

The only thing that’s tricky about the Babboe City is backing up when you’re parked. As long as you give yourself room to do a three-point turn, or bike forward and then turn, you’re fine.

Ideal Rider

Anyone who carries lots of stuff – kids, gear, kegs, fresh veggies – would love this bike. Moving from owning a car to being car-free would be a much easier transition for someone with the Babboe City because you truly can carry anything in the big, beautiful front basket.

Overall

What a great ride! The Babboe City handles very smoothly and can easily accommodate large and heavy loads without affecting the steering at all. Because it’s sturdy, the Babboe City would be heavy and awkward to carry up stairs, but would be a great addition to a household with a garage or covered outside bike storage.

The internal brakes, gears and covered chain reduce maintenance needs. An elegant ride with a generous leather seat and cushy leather handlebar grips that professional cyclists would feel comfortable riding everywhere - although I wouldn’t recommend leaving such a sweet and valuable ride locked up in theft prone areas.

The full step through makes the bike easier to ride, more comfortable to stop and start and generally more functional for large loads. The shorter distance between the seat and the handlebars allow riders to sit up tall in traffic.

For a bike with such extraordinary load-carrying capability, the Babboe City is very nimble and easy to steer. The balance, shifting, braking and steering are all smooth and natural. A strong and sturdy cargo bike that unites elegance with functionality.

This bike was generously put together by Tall Tree Cycles in Ottawa.

Kathleen Wilker and kids (Anna Sierra, aged 8 and Jasper, aged 5) reviewed the Babboe City in Ottawa’s most walkable, bikeable neighbourhood, Hintonburg. After the first ride by the Ottawa River at sunset, the kids wanted to take the Babboe everywhere, always.