Category — Gear

Alright folks this is it. Recently I received a brand spanking new Yuba Mundo 21-speed cargo bike for review. Boasting an amazing 440lb cargo capacity and Cadillac like handling I was pretty stoked to give this thing a go.

The trend towards more environmentally friendly and healthy modes of transportation has been slowly ramping up and what better way than on a bike that can haul it all?! After several phone chats and emails with Ben Sarrazin, Yuba’s founder and over all bike nut, I was blow away by his passion and dedication to expanding the possibilities of zero emission travel as well as his commitment to building a cost effective mode of transportation for one and all. The result of his time and energy is the 6′9″ 55lb welded steel behemoth the Yuba Mundo.

So here is the deal. We all grow tired of reviews of items that are hasty and off the shelf quick looks, and well for some things that is alright, however this is an investment, both in money MSRP $1099 and in lifestyle, so we are really going to run it through the ringer over an extended period of time.

This is the introduction to this lengthy process.

Upon receiving the Mundo via Fed Ex I was pleased to find that there was minimal work to fully 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.

Now my first thought about the bike was holy crap this thing is a beast!!! I was definitely concerned about the viability of this as a daily mode of transport, but all of my concerns melted away as soon as I took the first pedal stroke. All I can say is wow! Cushy luxury would be an understatement, this baby was a joy to ride super easy to maneuver and believe it on not seemingly weightless. As I mentioned this is a lengthy review and I will have multiple updates on this bike as I use it for commuting (both in the city and in my small mountain town) I will load it up for a play day with kayaks, grills, beer, friends and who knows what else! I am also working to get this out to the people of my community to see what they think so keep checking back for a chance to give it your own test ride!

5'0" 75 y.o. woman pedaling with ease!

Here is a bit of beta taken from the main Yuba site which should really give you a feel for what this movement is all about!

Based in Sausalito, California, Yuba was founded in 2006 by Benjamin Sarrazin, a lifelong bicyclist who saw the need for a new type of bike while traveling around the world as a professional kayaker in the 1990s. In South America, Africa and other parts of the developing world, Sarrazin saw people carrying goods to market on rickety bikes not built to handle the weight of big payloads. He returned to the States in 2000 and helped start Xtracycle, which builds a platform that can be welded to bikes. Sarrazin worked at Xtracycle for several years and helped popularize long wheel-base bikes in the United States. But Sarrazin felt that the add-on design was not sturdy or durable enough for the long haul, so he left and founded Yuba, enlisting the help of top frame builders and designers to create the Mundo, the strongest long wheel-base cargo bike on the market.

In an era of climate change, rising fuel prices and growing discontent with our automobile-centric society, the Mundo is a clean, healthy, affordable and fun alternative to fossil fuel powered vehicles. In a few short years, Yuba has built a devoted following of customers who use their Mundos for everything from carrying groceries to delivering products. “Yuba’s goal is to create a better world by giving people a practical, comfortable option for running errands and getting work done,” says Sarrazin, who can frequently be seen pedaling his Mundo around Sausalito with his young daughter and wife on the back.

As I am writing this I notice that there is a bit of snow falling, so get ready for a review of this beast sporting studded tires and going on a 8 mile round trip grocery run!!

After reading a post on Mud, Sweat, and Beers I really dug the idea that Mike is recapping the things he used as opposed to the classic gear to get for your Christmas adventurer. So I figured I would follow suit with items that I used the most or got the most enjoyment out of. All of these items are old and beat up but that should be seen as a testament of their usefulness and overall badassitude.

1. 1997 Stumpjumper converted into a single speed- This was my first true mountain bike. Originally I built it full XTR as my fun XC/race rig. Then I purchased a Blur XC and the stumpy was relegated to a life of bar hopping. This all ended when I decided I wanted a single speed and although the vertical dropouts made it interesting I was able to build it as a 32×16 ss without a tensioner!! Now the Blur just sits around and pouts as now I ALWAYS ride my beloved stumpy!

2. Sleeping Platform- I built a great sleeping platform in my rig and have never looked back. Designed to have two side sleeping platforms with a removable center. Underneath I can neatly store all of my gear and I can sleep out fo the weather in the comfort of my truck no matter where I may end up.

3. SmallPropane Grill- I can’t tell you how many times I have used this small collapsible grill. From the trail head after a long MTB ride to the snow covered lots at the local ski resort. Having this grill allows a good time to be had after enjoying the great outdoors, more often then not Brats and Beers are on the menu after a great day of play!

4. Leatherman Wave-  This is by no means a light multitool but I has everything I could ever want and nothing I don’t. I’ve built hasty shelters fixed my bike and truck, cut wood opened beers and everything in between. Always having this on me is a definite plus.

5. La Sportiva Imogene trail runners- I have never had a pair of shoes I absolutely love until now. I score this pair almost a year ago and wear them daily whether it is running errands or running the Pikes Peak Ascent I love the simple light design and ample support as well as the super knobby grippy sole.

6. Petzl Tikka Plus- While not the best or the brightest this headlamp has served me well with great battery life and brightness enough to illuminate the deepest darkest depths of the Colorado wilds. Always hanging by my front door I can grab it on the go and know I will be illuminated.

7. Chacos- Simple sandals that make me happy. They are heavy with beefy Vibram soles and are built to last and are tall enough to be able to walk in small puddles or in snow with out freezing out your feet. Originally designed as a river rat’s best friend these little babies have served me well and I don’t care what you think I have no problem sporting socks while wearing them.

8. Olympus Stylus- By far the best outdoor camera EVER. I got the early version called the 790sw. Waterproof to 10 feet (yes you can take pics and video underwater) withstand lows temps (14F) and can handle a drop from 5 feet. Now I really ran my through the ringer and dropped it down a waterfall took a picture inside a pint of beer and best of all it has never even had a hiccup. I really really dig this camera and when it fails I will purchase a new one, which is now under the Olympus “Tough” line.

9. TNF Paramount Convertable Pants- Comfortable and durable, these pants dry quickly when wet and can take the licks while hiking in deep brush or bumping rocks these versetile pants are by far my heros. Although I need more than one pair, becasue I wear them constantly!

This is the Ktrak bike and as I am certain you have deduced this rig is for ripping on the snow! And although this would be a great fun time for me I doubt I will ever actually have one to demo. However coming soon I will have my 1st weeks impressions of an absolutely kick-ass rig.

The Yuba Mundo cargo bike!

The great folks at Yuba sent me out a demo rig in Carrot orange and I have been blasting around town, running errands and carrying crazy loads on this 440lbs capacity 21 speed cadillac of the cargo-cycling world!

One of the hardest parts of every trip is getting out the door. Well, it shouldn’t be. Many times I find myself in a rush and forget to pack something, or pack things I don’t really need. The best advice, besides trial and error for this is a checklist. Taking the time to put a quick kit together containing the “10 essentials” is also highly recommended. That way when it’s time to grab your gear and go, you have the basics covered. This is something that people just take for granted I think, or put off until the last minute (me). Then again some people just don’t have a clue.

I laugh to myself as I think of a certain trip not to long ago, in a wilderness not to far away, where a certain individual decided that a pound of bacon, a sixer of Mountain Dew, and a personal Coleman cooler would be awesome items to have for a two night backpacking trip. The worst part of it is he relied on others to help him carry his beloved items in his cooler on the trail (while he weezed and puffed his cigarettes down!). I wouldn’t have packed it, but I sure would have drank one of those MD’s. Ungrateful son of a…

These are things that can be avoided, but they sure do make for good stories. I went on overnight with my friend Loc, and Yeti last weekend. I waited until the last minute to pack for myself and my two dogs. In my amazement the only item I really forgot to grab was my Light My Fire Spork , which was easily fixed by stopping at Taco Bell and grabbing a couple of spoons. Trust me, build yourself a checklist or steal one that is already created. Know your 10 essentials and make sure they are part of every trip you are on, no matter how big or how small. I constantly joke about being the person saying “I was just”. I was just going to the store, just going for a run, just going for a quick ride, just going for a small hike…Be prepared!

Tripping through the interwebs this morning I came across Mountain Khakis’ “Built for the mountain life” blog and was most pleasantly surprised. Now I have been a psuedo fan of their pants for a few years but never really looked into the company. I say psuedo fan because after shelling out almost $70 for a pair I blew through them in a few months and me being the cheap bastard that I am I have stuck to Goodwill clothes, where I can get 25 pairs of pants for the same cost!

Now admittedly most of the Goodwill clothes are not fancy and not nearly as durable or as cool, but I figured since I had such a bad run with my $70 pair I was alright with it. However, now I am rethinking my decision. Sure I can get tons of pants for cheap but where does my money go? With Goodwill industries it goes to a good cause but what about the manufacturer of the pants, do they support what I know and love? NO WAY! Unless I love sweat shop kids and abuses of earth and human rights.

So I will give the MK’s a chance again…when I can afford it. Because I love what they stand for and I love their support of the mountain lifestyle. This is a company that you can be proud to support. In fact if you are wondering about Mountain Khakis please check them out and if you have any questions ask away.

Our pals over at Spadout are joining forces with Timmy O’Neill who is undeniably one of the best climbers around! Even if you’re not a rock junkie this guy is FN hilarious and will be sure to entertain so stay posted and we will bring you the shiz.

Here is where it will all happen Timmy Tuesdays.

Oh yeah and here is an older video of Timmy so well er you get to know the host!

Be sure and check back often and if unfamiliar with what Spadout is all about check our previous write up.