Dylan alerted me to an update on a story I covered a while back on Brian Campbell and his bike motorhome. Brian is the man known far and wide for his amazing RV bike.
Jonathan Maus editor of Bike Portland says: Now, not only has Brian rebuilt his own bike-home, he’s also started making them for others. But, Brian’s business is far from being stable. He needs help to keep building them and he’s looking for customers.
Unlike his bike, which is nothing short of a pedal-powered motorhome, the one he has for sale currently is a pull-behind trailer. Brian has perfected the fabrication of an all-weather enclosure that is light, insulated, very stable, and road worthy. This model is 8′ x 4′ and weighs only 80 pounds. It has a spacious interior that fits a sleeping adult (or two?), has many interior shelves, and is priced to sell (he’s asking $1,950 but says he’ll take offers). He can modify the hitch custom for any bicycle.
Please go and read the complete article at Bike Portland.
Photo Credits: Bike Portland
I’m not without empathy, and if what I’m about to post seems harsh that’s unfortunate, it’s not meant to be.
First – that contraption looks way to much like a prototype for it to be taken to market at $1950. The idea has merit but the execution is horrible. He’d be better off selling plans for individual builds than attempting to sell the finished product.
Second – anyone that is helping him with this venture is opening themselves up to tremendous liability. I’m guessing that there is no corporation, LLC, LLP, etc. to protect the people who are investing (even informally) in the project. Since this is a road-use vehicle / trailer the liabilities would be no different than those that Airstream has.
Example: When that “custom” hitch fails and someone gets hurt trying to avoid the too-free “Rolling Freedom” the lawyers are going to be looking for the guy with the most assets – and that’s not going to be Brian.
So, while I’m all for encouraging someone to improve their lot in life, it looks to me like this guy needs better advice, and if he’s getting it and not listening – walk away… remember, empathy doesn’t have to equal stupid.
caveat emptor…
1. I think the idea is good. It sets an example for how much one really needs.
2. At the same time, safety and reliability should be matters of concern – not that it is an aspect even big companies always would take into account. Maybe, the BEDBOX (as I would call it) could work for for stationary settings, until someone who could take the safety issues further, could help out?
3. Congratulations, Brian. The idea is really good, and it is certainly hoped that it does not die.
This is a neat find.
http://seattle.craigslist.org/kit/rvs/1488274850.html
It looks like he just through it together to make a buck.and hoping some body with no common sense would buy it.
I think the concept shows excellent creativity. I agree, execution and refinement will help make Brian’s trailer more attractive to mainstream bikers. I think its concept IS something bikers could want with tweaking. It might be worth Brian’s while to join a supportive builder’s network that could respect his original idea, such as the teardrop and tiny travel forum.
80 lbs.? Once he gets it down to 20 lbs., and doesn’t look like it is being held together with duct tape, he’ll have something that can be fine-tuned for the market.
This is brilliant!
Melanie-fyi 80lbs is actually really lightwieght, especially for something you can sleep in.
It may not be “beautiful,” but it sure looks functional, and that’s what anyone who is seriously looking at an item such at this for year-round is really looking for.
Such an awesome idea – love it