Riv Cargo Build - Please vote

[J Imler]

Hi all, 

Got a cargo Riv build with Xtracycle Free Radical brewing. Which do you prefer?

Chev-wagon

or

Clem longtail

Josh

[DavidP]

Chev-wagon.

But if you could swing it... Platy-wagon seems too good to pass up.

-Dave

[Eric Daume]

Clem, because good brakes and standover.

Eric

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[Joe Bernard]

Chev. I've owned both and the Cheviot is notably stiffer, I expect a Clem L that stretched could get a bit noodly. 

[Josh C]

I agree with Joe, the Clem is likely to be a noodle. 

[J Imler]

Thank you. I also agree the Chev-wagon would be a stiffer ride. I'll move forward with that plan. The second question I'm seeking input on is using a 26" rear (Xtracycle Free Radicals recommended wheel size) or trying my hand at a 24" Shimano IGH with a roller brake. I've not ridden on the Shimano IGH wheel so if you have any experience please share.

Thanks!

[Julian Westerhout]

Neat project -- I hope that you post photos here once you have it all together! 

Depending upon your crank length a 24" rear wheel is likely to make your pedals pretty low -- not sure that you'd be pedaling through corners or not on this rig, but perhaps something to consider. Also wondering what a 24" wheel would do to the front end geometry -- granted, with a Xtracycle the rear wheel is pretty far away, but still...) 

The Shimano IGH hubs come in several levels of quality -- I had a 7 speed Nexus on my commuter/town bike for about 5 years - -worked fine, but did wear out in that time period -- probably aided by that bike seeing all sorts of weather and exposure even without having what I would consider to be a lot of miles -- and although hypothetically it was rebuildable parts were absolutely impossible to obtain, so....   I've heard good things about the Alfine level hubs, and personally would go that route, but not expect a lifetime of use. As always, YMMV. 

Julian Westerhout

Bloomington, IL 

[Bill Lindsay]

Double agree here.  The Clem L pretty much has to be a noodle in that application.  

1. I believe Joe, who has ridden lots of step throughs

2. Joe's qualitative observation is backed up by Rivendell's string top-tube video.  

3. Two fundamental concepts of beam theory explain why it has to be that way.  The math is super clear, but the punchline is that the low step through part of a Clem L makes the whole frame flexy right there.  The long chainstays act like a cheater bar to make it super flexy.  A cargo extension is just a longer cheater bar that has to make it even more flexy.  That's true even if you NEVER CARRY ANY CARGO on that cargo extension.  If you actually carry cargo, then even more flex.  

The Wikipedia pages on Beam Theory and the simplified but super common-sense Shear and moment diagrams really help illustrate what's going on.  

Bill Lindsay

El Cerrito, CA

On Saturday, November 9, 2024 at 3:30:44 PM UTC-8 Josh C wrote:

[J Imler]

I'd not seen or heard of the string top-tube video. I've linked it below. Thanks.

2. Joe's qualitative observation is backed up by Rivendell's string top-tube video.  

[Arthur Mayfield]

A cargo-capable mini-velo with rim brakes (unlike the VO Neutrino, which is disc-only) would work better for me, and I suspect better for lots of people without garages to secure such a long bike. Certainly better for those who live in city apartments and have to negotiate stairs and/or elevators.