Germany’s Hase Bikes has already seen a fair bit of success with its Pino tandem bicycle, in which the front rider is recumbent while the rear rider sits upright – this arrangement allows both riders to have an unobstructed view of their surroundings. This week, however, a new version of the Pino was awarded the Eurobike 2013 Award for Special Purpose Bike. The new bike is known as the Pino Porter, and it can be configured for a variety of cargo-hauling options.
According to Hase, the Pino Porter can carry up to 80 kg (176 lb) of cargo, if properly outfitted.
For starters, users can opt for the waterproof Porter Bag, which mounts on the front seat in a few seconds. It unfolds to reveal an 80-liter storage area, although that can be upped to 120 liters by adding an additional compartment. In either case, it has a maximum weight capacity of 40 kg (88 lb).
If more stuff needs carrying, the Porter Rack can be installed underneath the front seat. It can also manage loads up to 40 kg. Although single large items can just be strapped onto it, the 80-liter Porter Rackbag should be purchased in order to carry a variety of objects on it at once.
The bike’s 7005 aluminum frame apparently has no problem carrying the potential total 80 kg of cargo. A double kickstand keeps it upright while loading and unloading, and its low center of gravity is said to help it stay stable in transit.
Pedaling all that weight around could get tiring for the rider, however, so the Pino Porter can be outfitted with an optional 250-watt Direct Power Heinzmann Hub Motor. Powered by a 400-Wh battery, it reportedly has a range of at least 40 km (25 miles) – and yes, that’s for the fully-loaded bike.
Some of the Porter’s standard features include a Spinner suspension fork, Shimano Deore rear derailleur, Avid Code R hydraulic disc brakes, and hub-dynamo-powered front and rear lights. It weighs 28 kg (62 lb).
If you think you might want one, it’s scheduled for worldwide release early next year, at a price of about €5,000 (US$6,610) – depending on how it’s set up.
Source: Hase Bikes
