Trek Fetch+ 4 - Riding with Cargo

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Safety Quick start Riding Maintenance Resources
Riding with cargo
Changes in handling
A combination of factors – including the
structural rigidity of the frame, individual
component strength, steering behavior,
and weight distribution – affect the
bike’s handling. Riding with a heavy load,
requires more effort to balance and more
time to brake.
There is a strong relationship between the
weight of the rider and the amount of car-
go the rider can comfortably balance and
ride with. In general, cargo weight should
be no more than 80% of the rider’s weight.
Get familiar with riding a loaded cargo
bike in a safe area before riding on public
roads.
Cargo positioning
Position cargo so the center of gravity is
as close to the centerline of the bike as
possible.
Place cargo as low as possible in the cargo
box, panniers, and racks.
Balance the load. Have an equal amount
of weight on either side of the bike center-
line and also fore/aft. Lopsided loads can
pull the bike to one side.
Make sure the cargo does not block the
reectors or lights.
Securing cargo
Make sure your cargo is secured. If using
straps, make sure they are rated for the
weight of your cargo, with all loose ends
secured.
Checking for interference
• Make sure you have enough space to
sit properly, pedal, and steer the bike
without any interference.
• Cargo should not interfere with normal
operations of the brakes and shifter.
• Long or large objects should be posi-
tioned far enough from the pedals to
avoid foot strikes.
• Tall or large objects in the front of the
bike should not block your vision.
• If you cannot position cargo to fulll ALL
the above requirements, do not attempt
to ride with cargo.