Yuba Mundo Cargo Bike

January 07, 2010

By STEVE HITCHCOCK

The trend toward environmentally-friendly and healthy modes of transportation has been slowly ramping up. And what better a way into this trend than on a bike that can haul it all? The Yuba Mundo, a 21-speed cargo bike, is an odd and bulky beast with two wheels. It is 6 feet 9 inches long. Its stock weight is a staggering 55 pounds!

But all the bulk gets you a bike that can seriously haul. Indeed, its marketed capacity for hauling is 440 pounds. A large cargo support area on back was designed to “carry tools, music instruments, sport equipment, two kids on the back,” and more, according to the company.

It costs $1,099. But the big bike just might replace your reliance on a car — or small truck — for transportation and errands around a town.

Yuba Mundo Cargo Bike Photo.jpg

Yuba Mundo Cargo Bike

I received my Mundo via FedEx. I was pleased to find that there was minimal work to assembling the bike. All in all, I simply had to put the seat on, attach the handlebars, pedals, front fender and the rear cargo support. Total time commitment: 45 minutes.

Yuba Bicycles LLC (http://yubaride.com) touts its Mundo as the strongest long wheel-base cargo bike on the market. I have no doubt. But out of the box, my main concern was with the viability of this bike as a daily mode of transport.

After a few pedal strokes, my concern started to melt away. It rode like a Cadillac, including easy maneuverability and — believe it or not — an almost weightless feeling of gliding on something of big mass.

continued on next page. . .

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Commenting on post : Yuba Mundo Cargo Bike
Posted by Steven Vance - 01/09/2010 11:44 AM

I can’t wait for the full review.

Posted by Mark Griffith - 01/10/2010 10:25 AM

Have you reviewed the Xtracycle? A flickr friend has documented his experience here

Posted by MadScott - 01/10/2010 04:53 PM

Not impressed although the extended frame is ingenious. The Montague Paratrooper is rated to 500# capacity, folds and lists at $799.

Posted by Steve Hitchcock - 01/11/2010 07:58 PM

Mark- never tried the Xtracycle but I am curious about it.

MadScott- yeah I think the extended frame allows a ton of loading options/configurations. My worries on other load carrying bikes is that any joint is a point of potential structural weakness. The fully welded Yuba Mundo took that into consideration.

Posted by Steve Hitchcock - 01/11/2010 08:05 PM

Just checked the stats on the Montague Paratrooper, according to the web site it’s recommended load capacity is 75 lbs + rider weight.

Posted by Rick Penley - 01/12/2010 01:38 PM

Anyone know of an electric motor that will fit the Mundo Cargo Bike?
I have been looking at the goldenmotor website. A 500/750/1000 watt Magic Pie looks like it MIGHT fit. An ideas/comments appreciated.

Posted by Kai Jokela - 01/24/2010 10:29 PM

I have had my Yuba Mundo over a year now. It’s a blue 1st generation model with 6 gears. I have liked it a lot, and I ride it daily even without cargo (it is heavy only at uphills) The heaviest load I have carried were two book shelves at the same time, but one double size bed was allmost impossible to ride, I had to walk.
I’m going to install a electric hub motor to it next month. Rick P. remember that rear wheel axle is 14 mm, not the usual 10 mm, so fitting a hub motor requires a special adapter or a modification to axle drop outs.

Posted by Mark - 02/01/2010 07:23 AM

Consider a motor mounted in front of the bottom bracket. “Elation” and “Cyclone” make these. I’m in the middle of building up a Yuba and fitting an Elation electric kit My Yuba Mundo Build

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