Welcome to WorkCycles!

Description

The WorkCycles Kr8 City

A number of features make the WorkCycles Kr8 City a fantastic combination of capacity, stability, convenience and pleasant riding. Most importantly it’s a 2-wheeler. It might look difficult to carry so much on two wheels, but actually the opposite is true; Bicycles (2-wheelers, that is) simply ride much more naturally and easily. This is why almost everybody begins riding a 2-wheeler as young as possible and never goes back to the tricycle. Tricycles are strange to ride and always remain so. Because they don’t lean through corners the handling is unnatural and tipping is common. For up to 80kg of cargo the Kr8 is simply better for most people than any tricycle. After a couple of moments adjustment to the steering characteristics you can’t understand why it ever seemed strange. The Kr8 carries its load very low, which actually makes it feel much lighter and easier to handle with cargo aboard than a standard format bicycle which has a much higher center of gravity. You’re far less likely to fall over with your cargo, and even in the unlikely event that you do they’ll be low to the ground and surrounded by a tough wood and steel box. The steering geometry has been ingeniously developed to provide easy, neutral handling both empty and loaded. This is not the case with all load carrying bicycles so, if possible, definitely test any bike you’re considering, loaded and unloaded. You’ll find enormous differences.

Large cargo box

The big advantage of a Bakfiets style bicycle is the large cargo box. The Kr8 carries its load very low, which actually makes it feel much lighter and easier to handle with cargo aboard than a standard format bicycle which has a much higher center of gravity. Measuring roughly 60 x 80cm this box can handle a bountiful load with ease.

The 'One Arm Bandit'

Our newest accessory, with such a large cargo box there’s almost no need for a rear carrier. The One Arm Bandit is a frame mounted handle that lets you easily lift up the rear end of the bike when parking it, walking it backwards or maneuvering it into a tight spot. The Kr8 frame has integrated fittings so a rear carrier can always be mounted later.

The four point parking stand

A subtle but key feature of the Kr8 is its super stable and easy to operate parking stand. The bike stands so stably that It will not fall over. Safely load up your Kr8 while parked; bags, equipment, fishing gear, your dog and whatever else in the box, roll off the stand and ride. Compare that to the balancing act of getting several heavy grocery bags on and off a regular bicycle. In any case the Kr8 enables you to carry loads you never could with a traditional bicycle. The parking stand is spring loaded for easy, automatic operation. Just push it down with your foot and roll the bike back a little to put it on the stand. Roll the bike forwards and the stand flips back up to ride. Demonstration video

Hub dynamo powered lights

Kr8 bikes are equipped with bright, reliable and silent running lighting systems that require no batteries. The front hub dynamo (generator) runs silently without noticeable drag. The B&M headlamp has a powerful LED with a clean beam pattern. The tail-lamps have LEDs with a 100,000 hour life-span and remains on for a few minutes while stopped (called “standlight”). Double wiring is routed though the fork, frame and rear mudguard where it’s invisible and out of harm’s way. An even more powerful headlamp with standlight function is optional.

A bike to share

Like it's sisters, the cult favorites Fr8 and Gr8, the Kr8 has a sitting position that is comfortably upright and shares WorkCycles’ special 'Adaptive Seat Tube’ geometry or AST. The handlebar reach and reactionship to the pedals actually vary accordingly with the height of the saddle. To state it simply; the Kr8 one-size-fis-all frame reliably fits riders from about 155cm to 200cm. Simply by adjusting the quick-release seat post. Share your Kr8 with your partner, colleagues or customers.

Built to live outside

The Kr8 is built for an outside life and ready for action. The steel frame is painted in a tough powdercoat over a corrosion resistant zinc–based primer. The box is made from water-resistant, hard-finished, marine plywood panels called ‘betonplex’. The panels can be individually replaced when necessary.

Packman

The Kr8’s ingenious design makes it possible to split the frame in half and disassemble the cargo box to pack them compactly. This is a handy feature if you want to take the bike with you on holiday. It also decreases the shipping volume by 50%, reducing the cost of shipping considerably. Less volume also means less pollution. All in all very important factors considering that WorkCycles exports some 75% of its bicycles.

Sealed hub gears & brakes

Kr8’s have sealed internal hub gears with either a rear coaster (backpedal) brake or roller (hand) brake. They offer foolproof shifting even while stopped, require minimal maintenance and are out of harm’s way. The majority of Kr8s in use are equipped with Shimano roller brakes front and rear, a low maintenance type of drum brake which is unaffected by weather. Some riders prefer to have a coaster brake as their rear brake instead of a hand brake. For those in hillier areas powerful Magura hydraulic disc brakes are also an option.

Chain-case & fenders

The sealed chain-case means no dirty trousers and almost no chain maintenance. The mudguards are tough, powder coated stainless steel to take a beating and never rust. There is no need to wear special clothes to ride the Kr8.

Heavy-duty 20” & 26” wheels

The Fr8 rolls on super durable wheels with box-section, aluminium rims, 2.3mm stainless spokes and smooth riding, highly puncture resistant wide balloon tires.

Rear wheel lock

The integrated lock immobilizes the rear wheel. This won’t prevent the bike from being carried away but when combined with a chain lock it’s a very complete locking system. For those fortunate enough to live in a low-theft area the ring lock is adequate on its own.

The 'Escape Hatch'

On other bicycles changing rear tires and inner tubes is a time consuming job requiring an experienced mechanic. The Fr8’s proprietary Escape Hatch enables the rear tire to be changed quickly, without touching the enclosed drivetrain. Instructions on how to use the Escape Hatch can be found here.

DV or AV

DV are Dunlop valves on the inner tubes of your tires and AV are auto or 'Schrader' valves. Most cyclists in Europe will want DV valves and the majority of North Amercian cyclists will find it handier to have AV valves. Both valve types work equally well.

Stainless steel parts & hardware

The handlebar, stem, brake/gear cables, spokes and almost all of the nuts, bolts and washers are made of stainless steel so they won’t rust even when stored outdoors for years.

Handlebar bend

The standard Kr8 handlebar is called the “Moon Cruiser” bend and most riders prefer it for its leverage and comfortable wrist position.

Choose your WorkCycles Kr8 City options

Box Cover

The cargo cover is a must, it's made from a waterproof material called Bisonyl by Clarijs, our friends in Zeeland. It protects the wooden box, prevents people from tossing their trash in the box, and provides some protection for the little things and groceries you want to leave behind while doing errands. The cover has snap closures on the sides, like in an old open sports car. There are 18 different colors to choose from.

Saddle cable

The Fr8 universal frame comes with a quick release seat tube clamp. This means you can adjust the saddle height on the fly, handy if you are sharing the bike with someone or you want to lend it out. The saddle cable is a coated steel cable that loops through the saddle rail and part of the bicycle frame. It’s a security measure to prevent theft of your saddle and seatpost.

Laser cut nameplate

We can even weld custom nameplates into the Kr8 frame. This is handy to identify fleet bikes or fun to personalize your own bike. Maybe it’s a theft deterrent or will at least help you recover your bike if it’s stolen. Maybe that’s wishful thinking. Maximum six characters.

Cockpit options

Standard

Comes with Widek synthetic handlebar grips, a unisex Selle Royal Ondina saddle and nylon Grind pedals. Made by Widek, these are our most sold grips, comfortable and highly durable. The Ondina is a traditional sprung saddle with cushioned vinyl covering on top. This waterproof saddle is great for absorbing the shocks of bumpy roads and a good choice for a bike that lives outdoors. Grind pedals are constructed from one piece of nylon, bearings and a steel axle. This type of pedal is common on mountain, touring and bmx bicycles but is also highly suited to transport bikes and around town riding in sneakers or other comfortable shoes. It’s a nice feeling to have a wide, grippy pedal under your foot.

Modern

Comes with Brooks Cambium rubber handlebar grips, a unisex Selle Royal Lookin 3D saddle and aluminum Grind pedals. Brooks Cambium grips are made from thermoplastic rubber with organic cotton for shock absorption and a natural look and feel. The Lookin saddle is a WorkCycles' favorite, the gel padding is super comfortable while also providing a significant level of support. It’s waterproof and the sides of the saddle have a double layer of protection. The pedals are a wider version of the regular grind pedals and are made from aluminum instead of nylon. This type of pedal is common on mountain, touring and bmx bicycles but is also highly suited to transport bikes and around town riding in sneakers or other comfortable shoes. It’s a nice feeling to have a wide, grippy pedal under your foot.

Lady's Classic

Comes with Brooks Plump handlebar grips, a women’s Brooks B67s saddle and Union 828 pedals. Plump Leather Grips are made of vegetable tanned natural leather rings cut from the remainders of their saddle production. These comfortable chunky grips compliment a leather Brooks saddle nicely. The B67s is shorter and wider than the men’s B67. When you first receive a Brooks leather saddle it feels hard for around the first three months, after this ‘breaking-in’ period it will feel quite comfortable. The leather slowly softens and forms to the shape of your sit bones. Brooks saddles are not for the heavier rider though, we recommend a rider weight of around 80 kg max. You need to care for them as well, treat the topside with Proofide every 6-12 months and keep the underside dry. Use a waterproof saddle cover when the bike is parked outside in bad weather and remove the saddle cover when you ride the bike. Tension the leather when necessary, if the leather is touching the saddle rail it needs to be tightened (we also sell a complete saddle care kit). The 828 city pedals comprise of a steel axle, aluminum body and a flat, yet grippy nylon surface.

Gentleman's Classic

Comes with Brooks Plump handlebar grips, a men’s Brooks B67 saddle and Union 828 pedals. Plump Leather Grips are made of vegetable tanned natural leather rings cut from the remainders of their saddle production. These comfortable chunky grips compliment a leather Brooks saddle nicely. The B67 is longer and not as wide as the women’s B67s. When you first receive a Brooks leather saddle it feels hard for around the first three months, after this ‘breaking-in’ period it will feel quite comfortable. The leather slowly softens and forms to the shape of your sit bones. Brooks saddles are not for the heavier rider though, we recommend a rider weight of around 80 kg max. You need to care for them as well, treat the topside with Proofide every 6-12 months and keep the underside dry. Use a waterproof saddle cover when the bike is parked outside in bad weather and remove the saddle cover when you ride the bike. Tension the leather when necessary, if the leather is touching the saddle rail it needs to be tightened (we also sell a complete saddle care kit). The 828 city pedals comprise of a steel axle, aluminum body and a flat, yet grippy nylon surface.

Have more questions? Find answers here!