Battle of the Cargo Haulers: Yuba Spicy Curry or Urban Arrow Family

With cargo electric bikes growing in popularity there are two styles that are coming to the forefront of the industry. They are distinguished by where they put the storage zone, as it is either a bucket in front of the rider, or an extended rear end behind the rider. With these two different styles it's hard to know which one would be perfect for you, so we are hoping this guide will help make that choice easier. 

For the sake of simplicity, we'll compare the Yuba Spicy Curry and the Urban Arrow Family Cargo bikes. These are some of the premier e-cargo bikes available, and will help you know which style would be better for you.

YUBA SPICY CURRY

First let's discuss the Yuba Spicy Curry which might be the first Cargo Electric Bike. This bike has an extended rear end, with a twenty-inch wheel to give the bike the cargo storage that is necessary for a cargo bike. The Spicy Curry is ready to be outfitted with many different aftermarket parts to make the bike function in several capacities. With these aftermarket additions you are able to carry much more than you would have thought possible on a bike. 

The advantage of the Spicy Curry as opposed to a front-loader E-bike is the handling. This style of E-cargo will handle much more like a normal bike, rather than a true "bucket" bike. This bike is for those wanting to haul but not be impeded by the more-carlike feel of a frontloader. If you are looking for a kid hauler, this is best for non-toddler kids and those who are more accustomed to being on a bike. With smaller children, you just will need a secure seat, like the Thule Yepp Maxi. 

The versatility of the Yuba Spicy Curry is one of its main selling points. The easily adaptable rack allows for installation of a wide platform to hold gear, monkey bars for your kids to sit in between, and even to mount surfboard and ski racks onto your bike. The versatility allows the bike to be configured for every situation and scenario you may encounter. When it comes down to it, the bike can fit two kids on the back (maybe three if they want to squeeze) or a load of groceries or a mix of both.

URBAN ARROW FAMILY 

The Urban Arrow Family is the best bike for transporting smaller kids. The big bucket has a bench with two shoulder seat belts to make sure that the kiddos will stay secure and in place throughout the journey. There is an additional third front bench that can be added with a waist belt. Don’t worry if you don’t have any kids, the bucket is suited to take large loads of cargo to and from anywhere you may be going (we have even transported corgis in the bucket before). The solid polypropylene box is suited to protect your contents from damage in the event of a crash or accident.

One of the downsides of the Urban Arrow is its handling. The bike handles less like a normal bike and more like a car, as it is unable to lean in the corners and the front wheel is far in front of where the rider sits. One nice upgrade we have found is to add a rear view mirror to the handle bar. 

The Urban Arrow excels for day trips around your town because of its capabilities to carry whatever you need, whether it's just a trip to the grocery store or to the swimming pool with a couple kids. This is a Cargo bike that can completely replace your need to use a car in day-to-day life. 

WHICH ONE?

So now you may be wondering which bike would be better for you. We'd recommend the Yuba Spicy Curry for people who want to preserve the natural bike feel while still having the capacity to haul stuff around. It’s great for elementary-aged kids to be on the back of, although since they are behind you you can't keep an eye on them as you ride. Make sure they aren't drastically leaning from side to side and keep a firm grip on the handlebars.

We'd recommend the Urban Arrow as a cargo bike to completely replace the car. With the large amount of storage space, and the secure seats for kids, the bike is ready to tackle anything the city can throw at it. The extra storage offered makes it a good option for transporting goods; there are simply not a lot of bike options that can easily transport larger packages. 

CONCLUSION

Both bike styles have their strengths and provide options for both hauling kids and gear around. We are happy to help you find whatever accessories you need and get the bikes kitted out for your needs. Both bikes are in stock alongside a deeper selection from the Yuba family of cargo bikes so stop by and check them out.

If you have any questions please call or email us and we will be happy to help you out. Come by for a test ride, and bring your kids if you want to see if they fit. If you are stopping by the Park City store, call us and give us a heads up so we can make sure we have both bikes for you to check out as space is limited in the barn.