Experience Cycling like Never Before

Complexity: Simple. 

Tools needed: Wood-saw, hacksaw, hand-drill, drill bit for wood, drill bit for metal, spade bit or hole-saw, adjustable wrench, chain tool.

Purchased or salvaged components: Bottom-bracket tube, crankset/bearings, cranks/pedals, chain, tires/tubes or rubber tread, metal tube or bolt for pivot-pin, bike seat (or make), fasteners (bolts, screws or nails).

Materials: 2 sizes of dimension lumber (two-by-four and one-by-six)

For whom is the Chica designed? This small-sized utility bicycle is designed for petite adults or middle-school children who commute to school or work, and for those frequently running errands, who need enough cargo capacity to carry work supplies, a small toolbox or a few groceries. 

Who should not get the Chica? It would be difficult for a small person to carry the Chica up a flight of stairs.

Whom does it fit? Seat and handlebar positions are highly adjustable; it best fits petite and large adults from 4' 6" ( cm) to 5’4” ( cm). 

What is its cargo capacity? The Chica will carry two medium 18” wide panniers alongside the rear rack. One small child or an infant seat can be carried on top of the rear rack, when provided with a cushion and with the child containment and handhold installed. A pair of small panniers can be carried on either side of the front wheel. The seat-post can be pivoted forward, or removed entirely, leaving an open 42” long cargo rail for those persons who wish to pile as much cargo as possible on the bike and then push it. The optional front Rhino Rack requires some extra work to fabricate, but creates 13” of valuable cargo space above the front wheel, where the rack does not move with steering motions and is therefore easy to balance, as well as its load being directly observable – making it a good place to carry small pets.

What is its outstanding capability? The Chica is a good, sturdy every-day general-purpose bike for small adults and students. With its 20” wheels and medium or fat (not skinny) tires, it will handle dirt, moderate gravel and paved surfaces.

What options will the Chica accommodate? The cargo deck can accept almost any bolt-on fasteners or proprietary quick-release attachment rails for infant seats. A front basket can be attached to the handlebar or a heavier capacity ‘Rhino Rack’ can be installed. Will accommodate almost any after-market electric assist kit – hub motor or mid-drive.

What are the Chica’s limitations? For heavy riders 3” tires may be needed for rough terrain, as they provide significant pneumatic suspension. It may not fit some car bike-racks.

What components will the Chica accept? 20” wheels with 2” to 3” tires. Wire-spoked wheels, wooden-spoked wheels or plank wheels. The wooden Simple wheel can have its rim built not to hold a pneumatic tire (if pneumatic tires are not available or affordable) but rather to be covered by recycled car or truck tire rubber; this is less-smooth-riding in rough conditions but is absolutely a flat-proof ‘tire’. You can outfit your Chica as a single-speed with coaster brake, as a fixed-gear, as a 1X multi-gear, or with a 3 x 8 (or 2 x 5, 2 x 6, 3 x 8, etc.) front-and-rear derailleur transmission. The Chica can accept an internal-gear rear hub on a wire-spoked wheel. It will fit a one or two-legged kickstand. 

How big is the Chica? Overall length 64” ( cm). Weight varies a great deal with choice of wood species, wheelset type, and amount of cargo boxing; the Chica may weigh between 28 and 38 pounds ( kg). It takes up little floor space (approximately 20” x 26”) when standing on its rear end, a position which also gives good access for adjusting or removing the rear wheel, rear brake or derailleur.