Replacing my car with a semi-recumbent bike

[BLSTIC]

Ok so I've decided to do an experiment in the name of fitness. Replace my car (an 08 Suzuki Swift, 1.5 Auto) with a bicycle for as many trips as possible. If I commute on the bike and do small shopping loads on it on the way back from work (a supermarket is conveniently located on the flat road that goes between me and my workplace), I should be able to eliminate all but my across town trips, or foul weather.

So my car use will go down, the average trip length for it will rise considerably, and the cute hippy girls will sing my praises for losing weight, saving money, and killing less nature.

So in the interests of saving money, I spent 380nzd on a giant revive



That's not me, that's my favourite editor, he got one long before I did. And has a turbocharged insight, turbo prius, various recumbent trikes, and no end of cool stuff on his website. Shameless free plug AutoSpeed - Technology, Efficiency, Performance

So now that I have the bike, I'm thinking about luggage options. The seat back precludes me from wearing a backpack, and a milk crate strapped to the back looks ugly, although technically perfect for my use.

I need a lightweight, lockable container for the back for wet weather gear, tools, etc.

Any ideas?

[MetroMPG]

Very neat bike.

Most of my local transport is on a semi-recumbent too. Not as fancy though. Still riding this old, slightly-too-small-for-me CCM Evox



http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...t-ccm-121.html

I just put a rear rack on it this weekend.

[Sven7]

Interesting bike. Doesn't look like a standard rack will fit it, either. Maybe you could modify a rear rack to fit where the stock one is in the picture. Maybe panniers back there. I'm not familiar with this semi-recumbent thing so I don't know what kind of attachment points there might be.

Don't discount trailers, either. You can pick up a kiddie trailer for the price of a nice dinner, and it will haul all the groceries you care to take home.

Was AutoSpeed the one that covered the lime green composite tadpole electric car?

Anyway, ride alert, ride safe and save some money!

[BLSTIC]

Yes autospeed is the site.

Incidentally I attached an old plastic box to my bike for prototyping purposes. After a test ride yesterday it only needs 3 changes. A quick-release attachment point, better bracing where I cut the seat hole, and a modified stand thanks to the change in cog when loaded. And silver paint.



Anyway now that you've seen the monstrosity it's time for me to ride it to work.

Catch you later.

[MetroMPG]

Nice! Now I need one for my new rear rack. Enjoy your ride!

[darcane]

Originally Posted by BLSTIC

...has a turbocharged insight, turbo prius...

Very interesting...

(not gonna get much work done today...)

[Grant-53]

A large plastic tool box mounted vertically would be lockable and weather resistant. A curved front windscreen attached to the frame would help keep you dry.

[Sven7]

Modified kickstand is a great idea. I've been battling the ole tipover myself for months. I've been contemplating one of these; if you feel like spending $30 it seems like a good deal. Civia makes solid stuff, and UC has great customer service.

Universal Cycles -- Civia Two Leg Kickstand w/Top Plate

Anyway good luck, and personally I wouldn't paint the box- it looks like a racing number. Get a teardrop helmet and rock it!

[Fat Charlie]

I'd go with more of a tote than a toolbox- bulky space is better for groceries and whatnot. Like a smaller one of these:

[BLSTIC]

Fat Charlie, there is no picture or link in your message. Ok so now there is, after I quote you and manually copy-paste the pic that was in bbcode...