Capturing My Commuting Imagination: Trek's Gary Fisher Collection Transport+

Capturing My Commuting Imagination: Trek’s Gary Fisher Collection Transport+

Posted April 17, 2011 by Will Boyd

I'm a gadget and tech and guy. In fact, I love gear of all sorts. From phones to computers to backpacks and boots to, yes, bicycles, gear and technology grabs my attention in a way that little else does. I love the way that new pieces of technology spark my imagination and connect with me. I love the way that great gear has the ability to provoke me to imagine myself and my world in new and better ways.

One of the most influential pieces of technology I have encountered, along with a LOT of other people, has been Apple's iPhone. Regardless of whether or not Apple's platform should be open or if it should have Flash capabilities or if AT&T is turrible, the possibilities that this new piece of technology opened up really changed the way I thought and, more importantly, felt about how connectivity could change my life. Whle I had previously had a mobile phone as well as a portable internet device, the ease and complete-packageness of the iPhone flipped a switch in me. It was incredible the way that great, simple design could take the same basic features available in other products and make them new and revolutionary. While things like Blackberries and Palms brought mobile connectivity to the people, the iPhone brought mobile connectivity to the masses.

It was about two years between the time the iPhone was announced and I was finally able to get one. I spent that two years dreaming about what I would be able to do with the iPhone, how much easier my life would be with the iPhone, and how I would be better looking and more likeable with an iPhone. When I finally got my iPhone, I was already sold on every feature and committed to the "iPhone lifestyle" (if such a thing exists).

I'm experiencing that feeling again.

The other day, thanks to a post on Bike Hugger's twitter feed, I first learned about Trek's Gary Fisher Collection Trasnport+.

At first, I was merely intrigued. The photo that Byron shared initially just looked like another long tail cargo bike. I like long tailed cargo bikes, so I wanted to learn more. So, I ventured over to Trek's website for some more info.

When I began to read about the Transport+, I began to have on of those iPhone moments again. My imagination went straight to how this new piece of technology and design could make the world better. Combining the long tail cargo features with electric assist technology with, maybe most importantly, thoughtful and simple design, this bike hit me as having the possibity of being a game-changer when it comes to widespread bicycle commuting.

Bike commuting is certainly a growing trend. And, with gas prices continuing to rise, it is becoming a more attractive transportation choice to more and more people every day. However, a lot of people are still a bit hesitant to give up the family truckster because they don't want to lose the ability to get the groceries or they are afraid they aren't in good enough shape to ride the bike the 5 miles to and from work. While cargo bikes and electric assist are not exactly new, the conversion kits and specialty stores can be a bit intimidating to the average new bike commuter.

That's why I think Trek's Transport+ could be so powerful.

I believe that Trek's position and market-share as a well-known bicycle manufacturer, the simplicity of an well-integrated, complete solution, and simple design elements such as the near-step-through top tube and integrated lights and side decks means that the Transport+ is poised to be a more attractive and less intimidating solution for someone interested in bike commuting, but nervous about taking the leap. While there are other great options out there, the way this bike can grab an average, non-commuter's imagination and invite them to explore the possibilities of bike commuting before they ever put their hiney to the saddle really excites me.

I really hope that we see an explosion in electric assist cargo bikes in the mainstream bicycle market. Not only do I hope to see more of these machines, but I want to see more and more innovation and more and more accessibility. It is machines like these that, when in the hands of the people that need them, can truly make the world a better place.