freerad wide load 2

Here is a rear view of the Frankenbike loaded with its wide, bulky cargo. I was taking this carton (which no longer contained a microwave oven at this point) to the Post Office. The contents weighed about 15 or 20 lbs -- not very heavy -- but the carton was bulky and awkward to carry. It would not have fitted comfortably in my Winthers Donkey trailer, and it's a bit of a chore to get out the flatbed. I found it was easy to transport with the Frankenbike, and I'm now confident I can haul other large odd-shaped things.

The load is obviously way off centre, and it took a few yards to adjust to the lopsided handling; the "jello effect" was more noticeable than with a balanced load. The bike was still quite handle-able once I got used to the off-centre balance. Passing cars gave me a wide respectful berth :-) Perhaps the violent orange colour of the cargo helped to get their attention. I was nervous for the first couple of blocks, but the load stayed snug and secure and after a half mile or so I was almost unaware of it (well, I confess it's downhill to the post office).