… and then two bikes arrived at the rack and stood in the opening by the coffee shop. They were placed side-by-side beside the staple, and even in the light one was larger than the other. Both contained street wheels and handlebars with lights. Both were useful, purposeful bikes and both propelled their owners happily down the road. The first bike was small and quick, foldable frame, with slick detailing and precise, selected design. Every part of it was intentional: small, strong wheels, reduced frame, a classic and British design. Along side sat its opposite, a large bike, extended in design, with a large, front palled, with strong, reinforced frame; and it sat quietly, showing its strength a lot, the way a mule carries its cargo. It frame was not built for compactness, but for cargo.

While folding and cargo bikes may seem like they are on opposite ends of a spectrum, they are actually quite useful in conjunction. Perhaps, the spectrum is more like a circle, with the extreme ends touching. In this way, folding and cargo bikes are actually neighbors in design.

I have found that I do not need what is labeld a typical bike. I enjoy, and use greatly, my cargo bikes. However, there have been several times when I would like to have another bike, a folding bike: Amtrak, Trimet, for getting home after I drop off my cargo bike for a tune up, and short trips.

A folding bike on a cargo bike can lead to nearly limitless possibilities.

Throw in a trailer and I have my trifecta!

Steinbeck, John. Of Mice and Men. NY: Penguin Group, 1993.