Archive-URL: http://search.bikelist.org/getmsg.asp?Filename=internet-bob.10907.1023.eml
Date: Sat, 18 Jul 2009 06:59:51 -0700
From: Jan Heine <heine94(AT)earthlink.net>
Subject: Re: [BOB] Production Low Trail Frontloader Cargo Bike!

At 9:48 PM -0700 7/17/09, jim g wrote:
>Check it out -- the new Specialized "Live" has a front rack and 40mm trail!
>
>http://www.globebikes.com/us/en/globe/GlobeBike.jsp?pid=10LIVE3#/geometry/
>
>74 HA, 59mm offset, 700x32 tire -- I actually get 38mm trail on my calculator.

Somebody has been paying attention to the discussions we have here. 
The geometry is straight out of Bicycle Quarterly - we recommended 73 
head angle/40 mm trail for a porteur.

Also note the front fender with generous coverage, and the 
description of the "Porteur" rack.

It's probably a coincidence, but the color scheme is a close match to 
a certain Grand Bois "Urban Bike"

http://www.vintagebicyclepress.com/images/GBwhitetires.jpg

It's exciting, and a nice break from the hybrids that usually are 
used as the basis for city bikes. I'll try to get a test bike for 
Bicycle Quarterly.

However, it does seem like they are hedging their bets. It appears 
that they had two competing design teams for their "urban loaded 
bike." Their "Haul" is more "traditional," but also shows that some 
people still don't understand triangulation of racks - this one is a 
perfect parallelogram with slanted sides. Put a heavy load on it, and 
it'll try to flatten out, going down and toward the back. And since 
it's not supported at the top, it'll tend to swing sideways, too. (A 
compact frame and racks don't go together well.)

http://www.globebikes.com/us/en/globe/GlobeBike.jsp?pid=10HAUL2

I can imagine the discussions at the top-secret Specialized Headquarters:

- "Everybody is doing city bikes. Joe Breeze just sold his company. 
City bikes are hot!"
- "Great! Let's do something different. Front load. Moderate Trail. 
It's supposed to work better."
- "No way. Who'll buy that? The bike shops will baulk at it. Let's do 
what everybody does. Slack angles for stability. Rear rack. Disc 
brakes."
- "Please, please, please, can we do two models. The front-loader 
just as a trial?"
- "It'll require a different fork jig. That costs money."
- "Maybe we can take off the taillight, to make up for it?"
- "Sure, why not. We need to fill the catalogue anyhow. But we won't 
order more than 500 initially of the front-loader."

It'll be interesting to see whether the Bob-ish, front-loading "Live" 
will out-sell the traditional, rear-loading "Haul."

Jan Heine
Editor
Bicycle Quarterly
140 Lakeside Ave #C
Seattle WA 98122
http://www.vintagebicyclepress.com
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