Elephant Cargo Fork

The Elephant Cargo Fork (ECF) was developed in my bachelor thesis at the Bauhaus University Weimar. It is the result of the theory that conventional cargo bikes are hardly suitable for densely populated urban areas. The space conditions in urban areas are often limited, space is simply not available or expensive, especially when you think of old buildings or multi-apartment buildings. Their basements are narrow, gardens or backyards also have only limited capacity. Carrying the large cargo bike into one's own apartment is also hardly possible because of the weight and size.

The ECF is the perfect problem solver. Mounted on a normal, 1 1/8 inch bicycle, it requires hardly any more space and also saves the purchase of an additional bicycle. Thus, the physical space and the theoretical additional load. Since the previous bike can be used in many ways, it also saves the financial burden.

The ECF does not stop you at the question of which bicycle covers today's uses. It combines the everyday commuter bike with the transportation bike.

Very often, the available space is the point at which the purchase of a cargo bike fails. Too big, too expensive - where can it go? The ECF solves exactly that. It creates the incentive to try it out. You don't have to buy an additional ECF, but you also don't have to get rid of a bike to have the space for it. Not bigger, not really heavier, not more expensive.

The ECF also rides like a normal bicycle. It doesn't need more space in traffic. And just the point parking is just as uncomplicated. For the same reason: the compact size.

A traffic turnaround for transportation by bike is happening, but slowly. Larger cargo bikes need a modified infrastructure. Urban planning needs to adapt to cargo bikes, especially in terms of parking. The ECF does not rely on these adaptations. It is part of the solution approach, is available now, and is also ready for the city of tomorrow.

If you are a bike enthusiast, a fan, maybe even a courier or interested in the whole topic of cargo bikes, have already thought about buying one but just don't have the space in your old apartment in the middle of the city - then the Elephant Cargo Fork is exactly what you need! If you assemble it yourself, you definitely need to have manual skills. Or you are so active in the scene that you know a good mechanic or have a very good local bike store that can mount the ECF to your desired bike.

Technical Details:

As a basis, a 1 1/8 inch bike is required! In addition, a 20 inch front wheel with disc brake! The down tube must be only slightly oval and not thicker than 40mm in diameter!

• 600x330mm foldable platform (fits 600x400mm Eurobox)
• Holder for two smaller panniers (Ortli** City)
• 1 1/8 inch mount (steel frame!)
• 460mm axle to crown
• 74° head tube/platform angle
• 20 inch wheel (not included!), up to 54mm width
• 100mm quick-release axle
• IS disc brake mount
• maximum 40mm downtube diameter!
• individual downtube TPU bushing included.

for more: www.aprikobikes.com

This fundraising is about the first 30 pieces. Basically the duplication of the prototype I already built for my bachelor thesis.

The first 30 copies are expensive That is (sadly) obvious. It is mainly due to the small quantity. But in addition, the ECF is handmade. This includes the individual parts, the externally supplied fork, but also the assembly - this is where a frame-building duo from Leipzig is helping out; Dlouhy Cycles. On top, the powder coating is also handcrafted in Leipzig.

If the first 30 are well received by you, there may be a larger production. That depends entirely on the feedback. It is very likely that a larger series will be much cheaper. Eventually, a mass production could also be more lightweight. But that would also mean that production would be more machine-based and automated. So it wouldn't be a handmade one-off and not one of the first 30 pieces.

Your purchase of an Elephant Cargo Fork would therefore help me a lot in my dream of an independent production.

If the funding is successful, the production of the mini-series will be started. In principle, the fundraising works like a pre-order. In addition, you can also support my idea with a small contribution through karma or a t-shirt.

The surplus income of this fundraising furthermore supports my idea of Apriko Bikes as an independent project.