Although the designer has named this creation as an homage to the Tesla Cybertruck, I’m not really seeing any comparison other than the boxy shape and the gadgetry. Don’t get me wrong: this is a very nice build. But it seems to me that it’d be more impressive to portray this as the latest evolution of bikecamping trailers, because of its features beyond aesthetic.
For example, the powered third trailer wheel to reduce tongue weight on the bike. A powered roof vent. A solar panel*.
I posit to you that the substance of this custom build is on the same order as Xyla Foxlin’s custom, hand-built camper done to her specifications for how she envisioned her adventures. Here, the designer has done exactly the same, and may even commercialize the design to allow others to achieve the same joy. The Cybertruck aesthetics are just scratching the surface, and I think the article’s headline is selling it a bit short.
- As an aside, having a flat roof to accommodate a solar panel should be a standard feature for bikecamping trailers. Adopting a teardrop shape to match automobile campers is unnecessary because the lower speeds on a bike do not implicate aerodynamics heavily.
Comparing something to the Cybertruck seems like more of an insult than an homage haha
I’d like to start by saying that I’m not trying to be a hater. Anything that gets people on a bike instead of in a car is a positive in my book.
That said, is no one concerned with the width of some of these things that are being designed? Yes, I understand that cyclists should take the road lane when there is not a bike lane etc. but I just don’t see how the sheer size of these things is appropriate, especially in the US. People would run this shit off the road so fast because carbrain. Also, if your goal is bikepacking, how is this conducive to getting to a desirable location to set up camp? You’re not getting anywhere remote or isolated with this thing in tow.
Genuinely curious to hear how others feel about these big bulky things getting in bike lanes and on shoulders. The delivery truck replacement bikes are another example of something I have lots of questions about when it comes to the safety of other road users (other cyclists).
This thing seems a bit more gimmicky than practical and we probably wont see too many on the streets, but I’d definitely feel extra nervous about huge cargo bikes that are loaded down with thousands of pounds just Iike I am about trucks (especially from cheap shitty companies with garbage bin parts).
After watching a few videos of this thing in action, I can probably estimate that the cons outweigh the pros by at least 10 to 1.
At some point, you’re just re-inventing the car but with worse crash handling.
