URBAN ARROW FAMILY
The modern 'bakfiets'
As the first importer of Dutch city and cargo bikes we've often observed that the Dutch tend to build things really well, and then leave it alone. That's why the traditional 'bakfiets' (bucket-bike) still looks, well, so traditional. Holland's Urban Arrow is the undisputed leader in modern cargo bike design. Their approach is a global re-think of the traditional bakfiets, making it lighter, safer and more durable while maintaining that obsessive Dutch commitment to quality that's hard to find elsewhere. As Canada's first and largest Urban Arrow retailer we are proud to carry Urban Arrow. It betters the breed, but most of all, it betters your life!
PASSES THE SAFETY TEST
At Curbside, our commitment is to import cargo bikes that prioritize safety, and not just storage. The difference between a European cargo bike and a North American cargo bike is impact resistance. The box isn't just meant to be a container for your kids or groceries, it's meant to be a safe container. Like all of our cargo bikes, Urban Arrow is ruthlessly tested in the lab and proven on the streets to keep your kids safe as possible from crashes and falls. Like the family car - or a replacement of your families car! - it is meant to navigate dense urban gridlock with grace and safety. Like all cargo bikes, it's faster than driving or walking, but like a car, it's got a whole lot of trunk space, and it takes safety seriously. Very seriously.
THE URBAN ARROW
FAMILY
Let's see what makes this bike so special!
A HELMET ON WHEELS!
What does a bike helmet have to do with a cargo bike? In turns out, a lot!
Unlike many other cargo bikes that use wood to sustain impacts, the Urban Arrow uses the much lighter (and much safer) EPP foam. The same stuff found in a helmet, and the same stuff engineered to safety sustain impacts and keep your precious cargo safe.
A wood box can weight up to 50lbs. The Urban Arrow box? A mere seven! It's safer, and lighter. That's what we call thinking with your head!
ALUMINUM FRAME
Aluminum is often used in the bike industry because it is very light. This is certainly true for the Urban Arrow - the frame is much lighter than other steel 'bakfiets' cargo bikes. However, the real advantage of aluminum is that it's rust free! That's one reason why you can store an Urban Arrow outside in all weather - just like the Dutch do!
Is Aluminum strong? Depends how you make it! Most aluminum bikes are sporty performance bikes and indeed the tubes are beer-can thin. The Urban Arrow uses thicker tube walls and huge oversized tubes for strength and stiffness.
What does stiffness mean? Good question! It means the frame is less likely to flex, which is important on a two-wheeled cargo bike, as the long frame flexes a lot, especially in corners. The stiffer frame creates a more responsive and intuitive ride.
Strong, rust-resistant, and highly responsive. That's the Urban Arrow!
BOSCH E-ASSIST
Urban Arrow uses Bosch e-assist motors. These are amazing systems that take rider inputs like torque, pedalling cadence and wheel RPM's and convert this into a constantly variable assist. It feels like the bike is reading your mind!
Buying an e=assist means ensuring the motor and battery are high quality, but also serviceable. In other words, making sure that things are well built so nothing goes wrong, and if something does go wrong, you're in good hands. This is why we give two thumbs up to Bosch!
The Bosch motors are available in two models. The Performance Line which has a smaller 400W battery and quite a bit less torque, and the CX which has a massive 500W motor and significantly more torque. How to decide? It depends on hills and cargo load. The steeper the hill or the greater the load (or both!), the more reason to go with the CX.
"STEPLESS GEARS"
Like all good Dutch bikes, the Urban Arrow uses internal gears to keep maintenance low and the possibility for all-season outdoor storage. However, the Urban Arrow ups the ante by using the stunning Nuvinci "stepless" shifter and hub.
"Stepless" means there are no clicks between gears! Yep, that's right. Wherever you turn the shifter, that's the gear you're in! There's even a cute little person on the shifter unit to let you know whether the gear is easier or harder.
And the gear range is impressive, a massive 380%! A standard hybrid is about a 330% range. Not that it matters, you have the motor to help if things are getting steep.
HYDRO POWER
Carrying kids in a cargo bike means you need the most intuitive and powerful brakes possible. The Urban Arrow uses big 203mm hydraulic disc brakes, the same kind used on high performance downhill mountain biking. That may sound intense, but what it really means is lots of power, and near-perfect control.
Why disc brakes in the first place? Good question!
Unlike rim brakes, disc brakes aren't nearly as effected by rain or puddles. On a rainy day, a rim brake is half rim wiper and half brake. A disc brake sits far above the ground keeping your braking safe and above all, consistent.
Now, add some hydraulic fluid to the disc brakes and we're talking serious power. Unlike cable activated brakes, which require more maintenance, there is no cable to stretch and the fluid never freezes on cold winter days.
UPRIGHT CITIZEN
Dutch bikes are famous for being upright and comfortable, and this is certainly true for the Urban Arrow bikes. Not only do you sit high above traffic - so you can look out for danger - you're also in a relaxed position with your shoulders squared and your back upright.
And, with the super low step-through frame it's easy to hop off safely.
The clever thing about the Urban Arrow frame geometry is its relaxed seat tube angle. This is the essence of Urban Arrow's one-size-fits-all geometry. As the seat goes higher for longer riders, the length of the cockpit (handlebar to seat) also 'grows' or increases.
EXTRAS! EXTRAS!
Take a deeper look and you'll see the Urban Arrow comes with lots of extras.
- Super bright front and rear lights powered by the battery
- Puncture resistant Schwalbe tires
- Front and rear fenders
- Super comfortable grips and saddle
- Fully enclosed chain-case for clean laundry!
That's why it's such a great bike!
WHAT IS AN E-ASSIST BIKE?
An e-bike is a pedal-assist bicycle, or a "pedelec." There is no throttle. Instead, there is a sophisticated computer system that reads your inputs and outputs a real-time variable assist that tunes itself to your needs right now. To ride one is sensational! It feels like the bike is reading your mind!
TELL ME MORE!
WHAT IS AN E-BIKE?
An e-bike is a pedal-assist bicycle, or a "pedelec.". There is no throttle. Instead of a throttle there is a sophisticated computer system that reads your pedalling torque + wheel RPM's + pedal RPM's a thousand times a minute. This data turns into a variable assist that constantly tunes itself to your needs in real-time. To ride one is sensational! It feels like the bike is reading your mind!
CAN I CRANK UP THE POWER?
Yes!! While the computer is constantly tuning itself to your real-time needs, you can also crank this variable assist anywhere from 30% assist to 300%+
There's a console on your handlebar that tells you how much mileage you have on the battery, how fast you're going, and your total trip distance and time. It's amazing!
IS IT DANGEROUS?
Absolutely not! A bike with a throttle is dangerous. With a throttle you can stop pedalling or hit the brakes and you can still lurch forward. On a pedelec, the motor cuts out the second you stop pedalling or hit the brakes. And, according to government regulation, the motor also cuts out above 32km/hr.
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THOSE E-SCOOTERS I SEE?
Oh my goodness, where do we start? They shouldn't even be mentioned in the same breath!
E-scooters are a throttle based system and are illegal (or classified as motor vehicles) across Europe because they are dangerous. There are grounds to believe they will be illegal here soon too.
Currently, these bikes are sold through a legal loophole here in Canada.. In Europe, regulation says a motor can only operates while pedalling. In North America, regulation states the bike must have pedals, but never states these pedals need to be used..
E-scooters have pedals, but they rarely work. They are legal ornamentation and they aren't fooling anyone, and that includes lawmakers.
Plus, if it's between a computer that automatically senses the power you need or pushing down a thumb throttle, what would you prefer? Unless you like having a sore thumb?
WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR?
One word: Service.
Service is key. For a long time e-bikes have been the wild-west until Bosch, Yamaha and Shimano came around. We speak from experience when we say that when you buy an e-bike that somewhere down the line, will go wrong. A good e-bike means we can run diagnostics with no guessing-games that take time and patience. A good e-bike means there is global technical support just a phone call away. .
WHERE SHOULD THE MOTOR BE?
As a rule the motor should be a mid-mount and made by a company you can trust. Names like Yamaha, Bosch, and Shimano are key. Other players like Bafang are reliable, but if you haven't heard of the company, be extra careful
. Front motors are dangerous. And no rear mount motor compares to the performance quality of a reliable mid-mount.
DESCRIBE THE DIFFERENT MOTORS PLEASE!
Each brand brings its own experience to motor production. The important thing is to focus on brand-name quality. That said, Shimano is known for mileage and a more intuitive feeling motor and is often seen on higher performance bikes.. Bosch is known for power and is often seen on cargo bikes. Yamaha is famous for torque and is often seen on commercial grade cargo bike. All bikes take about 3.5 hours to charge and use recyclable Lithium Ion Batteries that take 1000+ full charges (about five years of use).
SHIMANO
Found on Devinci and Bullitt cargo bikes, these are highly tuned long-range motors with balanced power and torque
E6100 Motor
250W Nominal Power
418W battery
Up to 185km/Charge
60nm Torque
BOSCH
Found on Urban Arrow and Benno Bikes, these are powerful motors for heavy duty cargo carrying
Performance Line Motor
350W Nominal Power
400W battery
Up to 100km/Charge
50-65nm Torque
CX Motor
350 Nominal Power
500W battery
Up to 100km/Charge
75nm Torque
YAMAHA
Found on Babboe family and commercial grade cargo bikes. These are high torque motors with tons of power.
PW Motor
350W Nominal Power
400/500W battery
Up to 100km/Charge
80nm Torque
CHOOSE YOUR POWER!
400W Battery, 350W Motor and 65nm of torque. Perfect for flatter cities or lighter cargo loads.
500W Battery, 350W Motor and 75nm of torque. Perfect for hilly cities or heavy cargo.
HOW DOES IT COMPARE?
URBAN ARROW VS YUBA SUPER MARCHE
YUBA SUPERMARCHE
HOW ARE THEY DIFFERENT?
Tongue-in-groove wood construction that easily splinters on impact
Cable activated steering feels great but is downright unsafe
Carries up to two kids
Small 20" wheels that increase agility but compromise stability
330lb capacity (rider + cargo)
Half chaincase
78lbs weight
Made in Taiwan/China
The Yuba Supermarche is a great first attempt for a North American company building cargo bikes (in China) but it pales compared to an EU cargo bike, from safety to quality. The box isn't remotely impact resistant and the thin cable steering is frightful. Whearas the Urban Arrow uses a strong 1/4" steering rod, the Supermarche uses a thin brake cable that, if snapped (and cables snap) is downright scary if riding down a hill with kids. In short, this is a severely untested design.
HOW ARE THEY SIMILAR?
Aluminum frame
Carry up to four kids!
Powerful Bosch Motors
Low step frame with upright position
Low maintenance Nuvinci internal gear hub
Powerful hydraulic disc brakes
Front and rear lights powered by battery
Puncture resistant tires
Comfy saddle and grips
URBAN ARROW
HOW ARE THEY DIFFERENT?
Lighter EPP foam box for the highest level of impact resistance
1/4" steering rod is strong and guarantees rider and cargo safety
Carries up to four kids
26" wheel and 20" front wheel balances both stability and agility
440lb capacity (rider + cargo)
Full chaincase
104lbs weight
Made in Holland
URBAN ARROW VS BABBOE CITY
BABBOE CITY MTN
HOW ARE THEY DIFFERENT?
Heavier wood box for impact resistance
Heavy and strong galvanized and powdercoated steel frame for a lifetime of use
Powerful Yamaha motor with 80nm of torque
150lbs weight
While Babboe is to be thanked for kick-starting mass-produced cargo bike production, they still reproduce the traditional bakfiets design. It looks great (and we love the Yamaha motor), but if you want a modern approach to materials and design, the Urban Arrow is it.
HOW ARE THEY SIMILAR?
Impact resistant box to protect precious cargo
Carry up to four kids!
200kg combined rider/cargo capacity
Low step frame with upright position
Low maintenance Nuvinci internal gear hub
Powerful hydraulic disc brakes
Front and rear lights powered by battery
Full chaincase
Puncture resistant tires
Comfy saddle and grips
Made in Holland
URBAN ARROW
HOW ARE THEY DIFFERENT?
Lighter EPP foam box for impact resistance
Strong and lightweight rust-resistant aluminum frame for a lifetime of use
Bosch motor with 50nm or 75nm of torque
104lbs weight
PERFORMANCE LINE VS CX
PERFORMANCE LINE
HOW ARE THEY DIFFERENT?
400W Battery
250W Motor
50nm Torque
Max range: 80km
Mid Range Shimano Deore hydraulic brakes
Spanninga Kendo Front Light (30 LUX)
The Performance Line and CX are close but different. The Performance Line has less torque and battery juice, as well as some lower spec parts. It's great for flatter areas. The CX has tons of hill-climbing torque and way more battery life. Plus, it has upgraded brakes, lighting, and other bits. Perfect for hilly areas or heavier cargo loads.
HOW ARE THEY SIMILAR?
Impact resistant box to protect precious cargo
Carry up to four kids!
200kg combined rider/cargo capacity
Low step frame with upright position
Low maintenance Nuvinci 380 internal gear hub
Full chaincase
Puncture resistant tires
Comfy saddle and grips
Made in Holland
CX
HOW ARE THEY DIFFERENT?
500W Battery
250W Motor
75nm Torque
Max range: 100km
Top of the line Shimano Zee hydraulic brakes
Lezyne E80 STVZO Front light (80LUX)
ACCESSORIES WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND
Your Urban Arrow is ready to hit the streets but before you go out make sure you have the worlds best lock, an Abus chain! Storing outside overnight? The Parka is strongly suggested. A rear rack helps organize more stuff and the poncho attaches to the rain tent, so both rider and cargo are dry! Have more than two kids? Grab an extra bench and you can turn the Urban Arrow Family into your two wheeled SUV!
| ABUS GRANIT CHAIN 1060 | BIKE PARKA | REAR RACK | PONCHO | RAIN TENT | EXTRA BENCH |
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IN SUMMARY:
Why do we love the Urban Arrow? Because it's a proven design leader
- It's proven in Holland and driven by mature design principles
- The Bosch motors are quality, powerful and reliable - and easy to find after sales support for
- The EPP foam box is lightweight, very smart, and may be the safest box on the market
- The aluminum frame is stiff and strong and will never rust
- The upright position fits all riders and is safe and barrier-free
- The puncture resistant tires are a welcome touch
- The full chain case means less laundry so you can look sharp
- It's better than a car!
From Our Buyer...
@testimonial
"Back in 2006 we were the first company to import cargo bikes into North America. At this time our only option was boutique frame builders, no one was building cargo bikes at scale. To watch brands like Urban Arrow emerge is to witness a renaissance of Dutch design and production. These are bikes designed with experienced knowledge of first principles and a stubborn commitment to quality. If the cargo bike is going to replace the car one day, Urban Arrow will be leading the charge."
LEARN MORE
ABOUT URBAN ARROW
Urban Arrow is out to change the world. That's not easy to do, but it always helps when you're a bike company based in Holland. In Holland, the first principles of cargo bike design have long been hammered out. It's a mature design ecosystem, and a mature production ecosystem too - most bikes are still made on Dutch soil..
If there's a challenge, it's to create export-ready bikes that work for the world outside of Holland. Where sprawl, hills and weather are more consistent realities. With their lightweight frames and powerful Bosch motors, Urban Arrow makes bikes that truly export Dutch quality and experience to the larger world.
And, being based in Holland, they are in the perfect ecosystem to innovate. Today, Urban Arrow makes courier bikes for UPS and refrigerated freight bikes for major grocery chains. They are pushing what a bike can do and what a bike looks like. And, they are exporting these ideas here, on North American soil, giving us radically new tools to transport ourselves practically.
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We're available in-store, by phone, or even video conference!
