Sizing a Bullitt bike starts with understanding the company’s ethos. Originally used for freight in Copenhagen, Bullitt bikes had to be both incredibly strong and lightweight. This durability is crucial, especially when compared to other cargo bikes, like Babboe, which recently recalled their bikes due to cracking under their own weight. A Bullitt is built to last, offering a strong yet lightweight feel. What makes Bullitt bikes unique is their adaptability. Want the smooth ride of an Urban Arrow at half the weight? A Bullitt can do that. Prefer the feel of a race car? A Bullitt can do that too. Read on to discover more about the versatile riding positions a Bullitt offers.
Position 1: “Sit-up-and-Beg”
The “sit-up-and-beg” position, popularized by Dutch bikes, features a very upright riding stance. This position is achieved through a short cockpit, which reduces the distance between the handlebars and saddle, providing a relaxed bend in the elbows. This design puts most of the rider’s weight on the seat, with minimal pressure on the arms and hands. While Dutch cargo bikes like Urban Arrow default to this position, they are often heavy and wide. A Bullitt, however, can achieve the same comfortable, upright position without the extra bulk, making it easier to lift over curbs and navigate narrow bike lanes. With adjustable handlebars, a Bullitt offers the best of both worlds: the comfort of a Dutch bike with the agility of a lighter, more compact design.
Position 2: English Roadster
Dutch geometry isn’t for everyone, especially when efficiency is a priority. The English Roadster position offers a slight forward lean, pivoting more body weight onto the handlebars. This posture improves pedaling power and steering control, making it more suitable for longer distances, especially in sprawling North American cities. A Bullitt easily adjusts to this position, providing a balanced mix of comfort and performance. Its lightweight design enhances the ride, making acceleration and turning feel effortless.
Position 3: Hybrid Bike
The hybrid bike position is familiar to many North American riders. It balances performance and comfort, making it ideal for longer recreational rides. On a Bullitt, this position turns the bike into a fun, efficient machine for exploring city paths or countryside roads. The hybrid setup uses a flat handlebar, pivoting the rider’s body slightly forward for more power and better steering control. This position is perfect for those who want to enjoy a day out with the kids while still experiencing the thrill of a responsive, lightweight cargo bike.
Position 3: Race Bike
Bullitt bikes are rooted in their history as freight carriers, designed for speed, strength, and durability. Unlike other cargo bike brands that cater to family cyclists, Bullitt offers a racing bike body position that appeals to both delivery cyclists and performance cyclists. This position sacrifices some comfort for maximum speed and maneuverability, ideal for those who need to navigate urban environments quickly. Whether you’re a city cyclist or a long-distance tourer, a Bullitt’s chameleon-like adaptability ensures it meets your needs, from an upright city bike to a speedy delivery machine.
Addendum: The Damper
Bullitt bikes offer multiple riding positions, each enhanced by their lightweight design. But there’s more – Bullitt also provides a damper kit, adding another layer of adjustability. This kit allows you to customize the steering feel, whether you prefer the heavy steering of an Urban Arrow or the light, responsive handling of a race bike. Adjusting the damper not only changes the bike’s handling but also enhances safety, giving you complete control over your ride. Sometimes it’s not bad to put a damper on things!
