“Hi Lane. (We went) to see the CETMA this weekend. We had a really good
chat (with) L about the bike and he did a few laps on the Bullitt as
well. It was really good to compare them side by side”.
“We were both really impressed with the bike. It was great to get J’s
feedback being a cargo bike messenger as it’s where I’d like to see more
CETMA’s over here. The softness of the steel frame was a welcome change
and its so comfortable to ride. Roads here are fairly potholed and we
have a lot of cobbled streets, the Bullitt being very stiff hates it and
feels like it wants to chuck you off sometimes”.
“There’s so much to love about the CETMA, the width of the cargo area
and all the hooks for strapping down cargo. It was very easy to ride
compared to the Bullitt and far better for the less experienced rider.
Later in the afternoon I had a couple come and test ride the Bullitt. If
Bullitt UK hadn’t sent them I would have sold them a CETMA, its was a
far better solution for what they wanted”.
“Awesome bike Lane. -D.”
From Bethany in Berkeley (partially edited for length):
Hi Lane,
We've been too busy enjoying our Cetma to have a formal photosession, which I
feel would be appropriate, since it has become such a fun part of our family
life.
Our 5-year old loves climbing onto the bike. Somehow I convinced my mom to go
for a ride. She loved it. Great workout even in a pencil skirt. I made my own
harness using a green scarf and a cushion for the bench that I sewed myself.
But our kids seem to be handling themselves well on the bench or the floor of
the box reclining on the front of the box.
Thanks for making it all possible.
--bethany
Hey Lane,
"I just wanted to let you know that I finally managed to put Margo together and
she is Awesome!
I was able to bring home around 150 pounds of groceries including a 50 pound bag
of flour, 4 gallons of milk,
and water melon and Margo didn't complain at all. The frame is real tight and
handles great in NYC traffic".
"My daughter loves her new ride as well. Thanks for the impeccable
craftsmanship and great service".
-Jared (Manhattan, NY)
Hey Lane.
"The bike is awesome. We load it up with groceries and our daughter and run
errands all over town. The thing handles amazingly well. We've added an Axa Defender wheel lock.
We also just added this mailbox-like box that sits on the rear rack which is pretty cool. We
couldn't have gone car-free without the CETMA. It's a beautiful guilt-free
vehicle that handles like a bike half it's size".
-Joel (Springfield, OR)
"I'm really pleased with the bike. The color came out great and it's a
big hit with everyone who sees it. The build quality and color on the frame is top notch. I have to answer tons of
questions about it, and you incidentally. I am glad I made the purchase."
-Vincent (Seattle, WA)
"Here are my thoughts on the CETMA
cargo bike so far:
-linkage steering is different, but easy to get used to
-bike handles as well loaded as empty…maybe even better loaded
-long frame offers a nice suspension effect when loaded and going over bumps
-Schwalbe Supreme/Big Apple tires were a good choice
-Rohloff is working well – excellent gear range for this bike and love being
able to shift at a stop
-climbs well [for a heavy cargo bike!]
-front brake is very mushy due to long full run cable housing [not sure it's
worth the $$ to fix....
may just wait until next year and put a hydraulic disc -up front]
-shorter run rear brake is fine
-very easy to use since cargo box is ready to accept stuff without strapping it
in or doing anything at all
-center stand is awesome…very easy to deploy and retract…very stable when
deployed
-definitely a truck made for serious hauling
-length and width take some consideration when riding in narrow or crowded
areas."
Well, it's only taken me 5 months or so but I've finally finished the (boxbike).
With the new baby taking most of my time it definitely took longer than I thought, but I'm really happy with the
results. The components went onto the frame really easily, even the trick adjustable bottom bracket that I'm using.
My two year old digs sitting in her seat while her 5 month old sister rides in
her car seat which straps into the two eye bolts on the front floor.
So, thanks again. Many of my cycling friends have commented on how nicely the
frameset was built
and I couldn't be happier."
Best regards,
-Greg (Los Gatos, CA)
"My wife and I went to Clever (Cycles) a couple of weekends ago
to ride this rascal. Let me tell you, it is sweet. The handling takes about 1
minute to figure out, then,
bang you are carrying 100+ pounds by bike....The center of gravity is low, and
we both got it down right away.
HIGHLY recommended." -Reader's comment
"The
cost of the bike is comparable to those of the Dutch Bakfiets, but it
has advantages in that the components can be better modified for hillier
terrain...there’s no better time to sell the car and replace it with a
stout cargo bike. So it’s great to see that CETMA is another option
among the slowly growing list of cargo bike builders." -Russ Roca
"...the CETMA is a welcome sign that the cargo bike revolution is alive and well.
Kagay has created a smooth-riding (even at low speeds), versatile hauler that is
sure to make going carfree
or car-lite an even more viable option." -Jonathan Maus
"...it’s a wonder there aren’t more purpose-built cargo bikes around.
The Cetma cargo bike, produced by a small, one-man operation in the US state of
Oregon, is one
that is out there ... delivering." - Tim LeFevre
Hey Lane,
