The Shopahaulic, Handmade in Portland

New for 2010 is Joe Bike’s second handmade-in-Portland longjohn, the Shopahaulic. Featuring two 20″ wheels for extraordinary stability and climbing ability under heavy loads, the Shopahaulic features a double-decker front rack system that, combined with the extra-long rear rack, provides more cargo-loading surface area than any two-wheeled bike we know of. And yet its wheelbase is shorter than that of most bikes of its kind. The top rack is installed or removed in seconds by quick-release skewers. You can also replace the top rack with a Joe Bike kids+cargo attachment that will stably carry three kids. Made of American and German aircraft-grade 4130 chromoly steel, this is probably the single most versatile cargo bike on the market. Both chain-drive and Gates carbon belt-drive are available. Coating options include ceramic and powder. Prices start at $3585 for a chain-drive model with a Nexus premium 8-speed hub and disc brakes. Framesets are also available. With its low profile, this bike is very accessible to people of shorter stature, those who might be intimated by bigger cargo bikes, and those who have a lot of hills to climb. It’s also a hoot to ride.