It gets a bit crazy in Bike Land around this time of year, when the North American Handmade Bicycle Show prepares to open its doors and reveal the glittering efforts of builders and manufacturers. In 2013, Rob English won the Best In Show award with his inspired Time Trial Mk2. His 2014 exhibit is no less astounding — possibly the most advanced and efficient cat transport vehicle in the world.
Rob and his partner Misha have been living car-free for over four years now and have only really felt the need for a motor when one their cats needed to be taken to the vet. A super cargo bike began to formulate in Rob’s mind, when he was approached by Gates Carbon Drive™ to build a bike that utilised their Gen 2 Bosch motor, their Carbon belt drive and a Nuvinci hub.
The combination of those elements and Rob’s ingenuity resulted in this 24″-wheeled carrier with front-and-rear-racks, integrated lighting and a pivoting titanium ‘flexmast’ seatpost, which offers a small relief from the incredibly stiff frame. Misha and Rob have the same inseam, which is handy, but different reach, so an adjustable stem was designed to cater for both.
Once again, Rob has dedicated an astounding amount of thought and engineering into his creation, with extraordinary results. For the full story, head to the English Cycles website or drop by Gates’ Custom eBike Showcase — Booth #300 — at the 2014 NAHBS. Special thanks to Tina Buescher for the photography. BTW, that NuVinci hub is a whole ‘nother story.
