Will this take up a lot of space on the road?

Not really, most bike lanes are 1.5 – 2 meters wide and the Babboe is only 110cm wide, leaving plenty of room for other transport users to pass.

Two-wheeled or three-wheeled?

It really comes down to how much of a learning curve you’re OK with. Trikes like the Nihola and Babboe Carve have the lowest learning curve since they are remarkably stable and feature highly intuitive independent steering. Bikes like the Curve are equally stable but require some learning curve in the steering, since the whole box steers and not just the wheels. Two-wheeled bikes don’t have the stability of the third wheel so they build stability through a long wheelbase (Bullitt bikes are the exception here). This requires a bit of a learning curve, especially when riding at slow speeds since the bike can feel a bit wobbly. But, the advantage of a two-wheeled is that it’s terrific for longer rides (less drag) and it feels the most like a regular bike (if that matters).

Should I consider an e-assist cargo bike?

It’s a lot more money but it can be worth it. If you carry a lot of weight up in the box an e-assist really helps. Another reason may be that you commute longer distances or have to deal with hills. When buying a cargo bike we recommend not always thinking about the short-distance errands that constitute most urban life, but also its use for all-day weekend adventures.

How does this compare to other trikes?

Like other brands (Christiana, Winther, Wike) the Babboe Curve steers by swinging the whole box left or right. The Babboe features a much safer box (more coverage) than brands like Winther, a much more weather resistant frame and box than brands like Wike, and a much lighter and better feeling ride than brands like Christiana. And, because Babboe is the largest cargo bike maker in the world, the price is quite reasonable.  

How does this bike compare to the Babboe Curve?

In Holland, people generally use two-wheeled bikes for kids and three-wheeled bikes for business or bulk cargo. The Big is a business bike design that’s been adapted to kid carrying whereas the Curve is a more thoughtful approach to kid-carrying. The curved wood of the Curve means there are no sharp edges as kids jump in and out. The pivot on the Curve is placed a little closer to the rider, lending a bit of a zippier feel than the Big. And finally, the Curve uses Shimano Roller brakes instead of Sturmey Archer drum brakes, basically a touch more power and more long-term serviceability.

Can I use this bike for a business?
The Big shares the same chassis as the Transporter and the Dog and yes, this bike is fantastic for business since the various boxes are highly modifiable or easily replaced with a custom box. Typically, the business using the Big is what we call a “mobile kiosk,” a bike designed to engage with customers as it moves from place to place. Email eric@curbsidecycle.com if you’re interested in discussing a business solution. 

Can I store it outside?

You bet! All Babboe bikes are built for perpetual outdoor storage. The steel frames are coated with an anti-rust undercoat and the frame features a super-tough and chip-resistant powder-coat. The box is made of marine-grade plywood sourced from Finland. And, all the mechanical parts are sealed inside the hubs. That means drum brakes (just like a car) and internal gear hubs.  

What is the maintenance like?
Very low! Because the Babboe uses internal gears and internal drum brakes the intervals between tune-ups are few and far between. We recommend oil on the chain and air in the tires every three weeks. We also recommend re-varnishing the wood box every 4-5 years.

Can I put a car seat inside?

Nope. Only on the Curve and the City. However, the Babboe Baby Seat fits perfectly and is great for kids from 2-8 months (and takes up far less space than a car seat anyways). As you move from either of these options we recommend the Babboe Toddler seat which usually covers ages 8 to 18 months.

What ’s the rear wheel lock good for?

The rear-wheel lock is a clever design built for short in-and-out errands where finding a locking-pole may take longer than the errand. The rear-wheel lock lets you momentarily lock the bike to itself. It’s great if you need to quickly dash in and out to grab a coffee or at the park having a picnic.  

This is expensive! Will it get stolen?

Estimates are that over 90% of bicycle theft is tied to cash-for-drugs and this (unfortunately) makes every bike a target. Make sure you buy a good U-lock or a chain and your bike will be safe. You can read more about bike theft here.

What’s the warranty?