There are quite a few cool kid- and cargo-hauling utility bikes at this year鈥檚 show. But there are a bunch of reasons why new Edgerunner is our favorite. One, it鈥檚 really versatile. The rear cargo/seating area鈥攚hat they call the hooptie鈥攈as three different width settings: one that fits two Yepp-brand bike seats, one designed to precisely fit two plastic milk crates, and a third setting that allows you to fit up to three kids not in bike seats.
Two, the smaller, 20-inch rear wheel, which lowers the bike鈥檚 center of gravity and makes the loaded bike feel less unwieldy and top-heavy. Long cargo bikes like this can feel cumbersome and clunky, especially to women riders, and the smaller, easier-to-spin rear wheel lends the bike a sportier, more nimble feel, which makes for a quicker-accelerating and more confidence-inspiring ride.
Three, it鈥檚 extremely well made and designed, with a 100 percent cromoly step-thru frame and sturdy, two-pronged kickstand. The Oakland-based company has been making cargo bikes for over 15 years now, and they鈥檝e definitely learned a thing or two along the way.
Four, it it鈥檚 available in a regular version for $1,599 or an electrified version with an aftermarket motor from BioniX for $3,599. And, lastly, we love it because bikes like make it easier than ever to ditch the car and use a bike to run errands, cart kids around, and schlep just about anything, from a surfboard to a keg of beer, across town.