New guy Q: If the basket of the Katu is no larger than a 139, what’s the real benefit of this over a basket bike (that all of you almost certainly own)? Easier handling with weight? I’m considering wading into cargolyfe and trying to figure out what path to head down. Clydesdales are on presale now, but I don’t have a bike to go with it, and finding an XL 90s mtb to match it with is a tall order (get it). I’ll see myself out.
- it was on sale for $200
- significantly more stable and pleasurable to ride than a wald basket conversion, basket is mounted directly to the frame.
- it looks silly
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Damn I wish I had ordered one now. 
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Yeah the idea here is that the steering isn’t rly affected by the load since it’s attached directly to the frame instead of to the fork/front steering axis. This is the general design behind say the tradesman or Raleigh Lorry or other cycletruck type bikes.
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If it’s any consolation, those $200 models will end up around current MSRP once appropriately nerded out.
There was no $200 deal in Euroland so I actually bought the Katu 40* for $550. Dyno-disc version is $725.
Didn’t want disc brakes attracting thieves since it’ll be locked up outside; spent another $90 generatoring it.
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After owning the $200 I would recommend it for $500 if you desire a bike to fuck around on. It is great to ride to the bar or to work or whatever. Anything that doesn’t really warrant turning Strava on on my watch.
Kinda lousy weather lately means I’m not sure when I get to ride mine more than just around the block. Need to get some fenders on mine post haste!
i love my clydesdale, just whatever you do GET THE 1” VERSION. way more cool bikes available readily in 1” and you can always run a reduced on a 9/8” frame. i got the 9/8” edition and it seriously limits the amount of cheap or free frames to put it on.
would i rather have a proper cycle truck? probably. did i spend more than a katu on it? sure. is it a lot of fun and doesn’t permanently mod any frame? yeahhhh
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This is the answer I was hoping for and thanks for the steerway tip. Looks like they’re only pre-ordering for the 9/8" atm.
I love my clydes but 100% agree get the 1inch. I even had a 9/8 frame lined up but the geo was funky so I ended up getting an old Stumpjumper instead. Very glad I ordered the 1inch.
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I am waiting with bated breath to see if Fred got a katu and if they charged him for it.
The ILE porteur bag might be a pretty good fit for the basket. It has a footprint of 14" x 10.5", about the same as the Polaris and not rigid.
#overthinkingit
The base is pretty rigid though, might not play well with the large radius curves at the bottom of the basket.
That make sense. Too big anyway.
as said before… a backpack or even a tote bag works well with that basket
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The basket is large messbag sized, isn’t it? That’s your answer.
quit rubbing it in
I got it today and rode it 15 miles
there’s some chance that orbea corporate will refund me, the voicemail they left me about it being out of stock was 48h before it arrived at the shop
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Rode mine to work today. Still enjoyable.
The basket is large enough, only my mind that is small.
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