Birota, out of the Netherlands, is testing the waters in the U.S. by showing some bikes at Interbike. Given the widespread use of bicycles for daily transportation there, it’s no wonder the collection is a mix of utilitarian and stylish commuters.
The Dillon, above, has a massive wood cargo box on the front that holds four fold up seats for hauling yours and the neighbors’ kids to school or the park, or whatever you feel like loading it down with. The only limit is probably what your legs are capable of pushing.
The steel frame is hinged directly under the rear of the box, and it comes with front disc brakes on both wheels and a rear coaster brake (a disc brake is optional). It uses a NuVinci internally geared planetary hub to make the hills and false flats a little more bearable under load. Other nice touches are Kenda tires and VP Components pedals.
Check out the other four bikes after the break…
The Smooth de Luxe is a very upright commuter with a 6061 frame hand painted to resemble wood and comes with bamboo fenders.
The Hammer is a sharp looking fixed gear that’s available in this great all white color combo or five other color combos direct from the manufacturer that mixes up rim, tire, frame and component colors.
The Ultimate is a great looking little utility/commuter bike with an integrated front and rear rack, fully enclosed chaincase and swoopy alloy frame. The front basket is connected to the frame, not the fork, so it stays straight ahead even when you turn.
The Taylor is a much smaller people mover/cargo bike than the Dillon, but still uses a nice Birch wood cargo box/passenger compartment on the front. Besides the smaller box, the key difference is that the front wheel steers without turning the carbon box. It’s also equipped with disc brakes and a NuVinci rear hub.
Both the Taylor and Dillon include covers for the cargo boxes and use PVC seat and box covers that are free of harmful chemicals.
Check them out at Birotabikes.com (fair warning, it takes forever to load a page).
