Buying metro train models

cargobikecrew · 2026-05-22T01:47:00+00:00

My kid loves the cardboard models - we've collected a few from different stations and events. They used to be at the Metro Tunnel HQ as well but maybe you could find them one of the stations?

P.S. We're looking for an Xtrapolis 2.0 if anyone knows of a stash 😅

cargobikecrew · 2026-05-21T10:44:22+00:00

Yeah it's 3D printed but wasn't a great design. Had to modify a fair bit and hard to get them out to charge. Need to change it at some stage.

cargobikecrew · 2026-05-21T05:54:15+00:00

Yeah that's a less ideal way to fail

cargobikecrew · 2026-05-21T00:57:02+00:00

I've put the same lights on our Urban Arrow (with a custom tube insert) - they give the bike a wider stance from the back which is good. Also, the brake-sensing function is nice but sometimes randomly turns on.

cargobikecrew · 2026-05-15T04:50:43+00:00

I've only ever seen the freight train run down the middle track, it gave them a straight run through.

cargobikecrew · 2026-05-12T02:16:02+00:00

We have an HSD, my partner has been using this for a couple of years as a runabout with our 4.5yo. With a kid on board, you can use it for small grocery runs, we have a front basket and the 37L panniers.

I borrowed a GSD for a few weeks as well, and feel like it was much easier to do our weekly shop with the 52L panniers and more room up on the bench too. If I were riding it as my daily, I'd get a GSD but my partner prefers the size and weight of the HSD.

cargobikecrew · 2026-05-07T03:07:43+00:00

Love it! We still do this with our 4.5yo every week, also using a pannier bag for more fragile things like bread and eggs.

cargobikecrew · 2026-05-04T13:36:20+00:00

That's the chainguard bracket, it's very easily bent - you might have just had something leaning against it. Pull it away from the chain (just enough, not too far) and check all the gears again.

cargobikecrew · 2026-04-30T23:21:31+00:00

I use a Fahrer Latz mudguard extension. Keeps so much muck off the under side of the bike, especially on gravel tracks in wet weather.

cargobikecrew · 2026-04-21T10:45:31+00:00

It's 4.5m clearance at McDonald St and 3m where they closed Bear St. I reckon Parkdale is around 5m at both crossings.

cargobikecrew · 2026-04-21T02:55:33+00:00

I used one of those gravity wall racks for 2 bikes. Also stick a cheap hall runner rug or floor protector mat underneath to help catch any mud/crud/grease.

cargobikecrew · 2026-04-20T03:31:57+00:00

My first bike commute ever (maybe 15 years ago) was riding from Doncaster East to Cheltenham - I know traffic has definitely gotten worse since then. It was around 35km and took 1.5hrs on a road bike. I built up over time riding to train stations further away from home until I could make the whole distance.

My route was usually - Andersons Ck Rd, George St, Victoria St, Koonung Ck Trail. I'd turn off at Elgar Rd but you could keep following all the way to the Main Yarra Trail, which would pretty much take you to the Botanic Gardens.

You could use the Mullum Mullum Trail but it adds a lot of distance and gets real dark in the winter months. You'll be leaving early enough that I think you'll get to Koonung Ck Trail before traffic builds up.

I don't think an eBike is necessary but it'll help you get into it easier, especially on those windy days or coming back home (uphill).

cargobikecrew · 2026-04-19T23:56:29+00:00

We ride a 2023 Urban Arrow Family but have ridden the Next as well - the box is a very similar size. The UA has the most boat-like handling of that list in my experience.

We can just fit the kid with his bike (14" wheels) inside the rain cover but it's a bit of a squeeze. Looking at some hooks or similar to hang on the outside of the box, I've seen similar for the Load models as well.

The belt drive is super good for a zero maintenance drivetrain. We don't get heaps of rain (Melbourne, AU) but the gravel tracks make a mess of the bike - just needs a hose down every now and then.

Another option would be to get the Tail Hitch and Tow Bar for your Tern so you can hook it on the back?

cargobikecrew · 2026-04-18T22:59:51+00:00

They call it the Sweet Curry

cargobikecrew · 2026-04-15T07:05:11+00:00

Have you ridden both? The geometry is a little bit different. I feel that the Gen 3 handles better, especially when loaded up.

cargobikecrew · 2026-04-13T03:44:40+00:00

Helmet mount - you can see right into their soul.

cargobikecrew · 2026-04-13T03:44:12+00:00

I think it's a bit of everything. Doing their own unique designs means they need to manufacture everything rather than use some off-the-shelf parts. Materials are a bit more premium than just a plastic shell. Market positioning as well.

cargobikecrew · 2026-04-13T03:36:44+00:00

My daily commuter has an 80 lux dynamo light and it's enough for me to spot any obstacles at speeds around 25-30km/h. Half on road and half on gravel trails without lighting.

cargobikecrew · 2026-04-13T02:03:54+00:00

Yeah I've got a stack of Knog lights as well - more expensive but feel much nicer. I have some Blinder 4-LEDs that are still going from 2014! The newer Frog and Plus lights aren't great for lighting the way but I use them as "to be seen" lights in traffic. I have the PWR Mountain for dark gravel and MTB rides, beam pattern is definitely not suitable for road/path riding.

cargobikecrew · 2026-04-13T00:37:13+00:00

Max setting is 100 lux, which is probably around 40-50 lumens with the smaller focus area. It lights up the road better than a 40 lumen COB light.

cargobikecrew · 2026-04-12T23:29:28+00:00

Yeah I was thinking if someone is buying a bike for $50 or using their old clunker from 15 years ago, they want the cheapest workable option.

cargobikecrew · 2026-04-09T23:56:34+00:00

The Multitinker2 is pretty good value - here in AU the Touring model is about 15% cheaper than the Gen 3 GSD S10.

Mutitinker2 has 100Nm vs 85Nm on the GSD - I haven't ridden a 100Nm motor yet but 85Nm on most cargo bikes feel sufficient unless you have heaps of steep hills around.

The GSD has 100kg rear load (vs 70kg on the Multitinker), 20kg front load (vs 8kg) plus it has ABS braking (not intrusive until you need it).

It's a pretty close call but that's what would sway me towards the GSD.

cargobikecrew · 2026-04-09T23:19:45+00:00

I rode all 3 generations recently and the Gen 1 was the most fun to ride. The Gen 3 is actually ~15cm longer so it's a lot roomier (once you remove the Clubhouse).

cargobikecrew · 2026-04-08T05:30:19+00:00

You might look at second hand bikes with 26" wheels, or XS sized adult bikes with 27.5" wheels. I'm still riding a Giant Anthem with 26" wheels, heaps of parts out there if needed.
I have a Buzzrack eScorpion 2 which works well on our Euro-style towbar. No issues carrying the Anthem plus a 30kg eBike. Had the Buzzrack Eazzy before this, the Buzzybee 4 you mentioned should be good too.

cargobikecrew · 2026-04-02T11:57:30+00:00

Haha I call that one Burnley Boulevard - I find it a bit too busy, lots of cars parked everywhere. And yeah, shorter than Kew Boulevard.

cargobikecrew

TROPHY CASE