BIKE43
Belgian family bikes, assembled in Anderlecht
Dropping the children off at school, driving on to work and picking up groceries on the way back: that is precisely the daily use for which Bike43 develops its bikes. The Brussels-based brand offers three sizes of cargo bikes with rear loading space, assembled at Travie in Anderlecht.
From Short to Long, with the Mid as an intermediate solution, the choice depends mainly on how much room you need for passengers and how much space you have at home to store the bike. At Supercycles, we help you compare the models and put together your Bike43 configuration.
Everything starts with a family's journeys
At the origin of Bike43 is Étienne Richelle, who was looking for a solution for his own family's journeys. He wanted his wife to be able to take the children to school by bike, without being dependent on the car.
Therefore, he lengthened the back of an existing bicycle. That first prototype became the starting point for the further development of Bike43.
You can still feel its family origins in the bike: the space for the children, the room for their feet, the use of the kickstand and the carrying of school bags or groceries remain central. Meanwhile, the range has expanded further, with multiple sizes for various daily needs.
Bike43 Short: for those who count every centimetre
At 173 cm in length, the Short clearly opts for compactness. It can carry up to two child seats, provided the bodywork is properly configured.
The two 20-inch wheels and the suspension fork make it practical for everyday use. This size is particularly appealing when storage, doorways, or riding without passengers are important factors in your choice.
The Short and the Mid share a convertible base. We look at a transition to a different format together with the workshop, paying attention to the necessary parts and the compatibility of the equipment.
Bike43 Mid: more room at the back
The Mid is 186 cm long and provides more space at the rear for passengers and their belongings. It retains the two 20-inch wheels and the suspension front fork.
This format is especially interesting when you regularly head out with two children. Bike43 also provides options for three small children, but the available space and the limits of each component must always be carefully checked.
At Supercycles, we compare the available configurations together. Then we choose the motor, transmission and accessories based on your journeys and daily use.
Bike43 Long: the historic format for families
The Long retains the Chromoly steel frame that characterises the historic model. It combines a 24-inch front wheel with a 20-inch rear wheel and uses a rigid front fork.
With a length of about two metres, it offers more space to organise family transport, for example with three children in the back when the body style allows it.
You are best off testing this model with the equipment you actually want to use. The length, the passenger space and the access to your storage area are at least as important as the advertised capacity.
Bike43 Short: for those who count every centimetre
At 173 cm in length, the Short clearly opts for compactness. It can carry up to two child seats, provided the bodywork is properly configured.
The two 20-inch wheels and the suspension fork make it practical for everyday use. This size is particularly appealing when storage, doorways, or riding without passengers are important factors in your choice.
The Short and the Mid share a convertible base. We look at a transition to a different format together with the workshop, paying attention to the necessary parts and the compatibility of the equipment.
Bike43 Mid: more room at the back
The Mid is 186 cm long and provides more space at the rear for passengers and their belongings. It retains the two 20-inch wheels and the suspension front fork.
This format is especially interesting when you regularly head out with two children. Bike43 also provides options for three small children, but the available space and the limits of each component must always be carefully checked.
At Supercycles, we compare the available configurations together. Then we choose the motor, transmission and accessories based on your journeys and daily use.
Bike43 Long: the historic format for families
The Long retains the Chromoly steel frame that characterises the historic model. It combines a 24-inch front wheel with a 20-inch rear wheel and uses a rigid front fork.
With a length of about two metres, it offers more space to organise family transport, for example with three children in the back when the body style allows it.
You are best off testing this model with the equipment you actually want to use. The length, the passenger space and the access to your storage area are at least as important as the advertised capacity.
Assembled by Travie in Anderlecht
The assembly of Bike43 takes place in Anderlecht, at Travie. That is a sheltered workplace that gives people with a disability opportunities in the labour market.
TRAVIE’s teams help build the bikes and bring their assembly expertise to the brand. In this way, Bike43’s Brussels roots take on a very concrete form: local production, carried out by people who do this every day with professional skill.
Choosing Bike43 is therefore also choosing an industrial and human project that fits with daily journeys by bike.
Details that matter with children on board
A designated footwell
The Footbox creates a space under the saddle for the feet of the first rear passenger. This allows them to sit closer to the cyclist and makes better use of the available length. It is one of the most recognisable features of Bike43.
A structure tailored to the passengers
Child seats, a bench, grab handles and footrests make it possible to build up the bike according to the children's age. A good build-up also leaves enough space to get on and off and to take things with you. We will look at the complete configuration together with you.
A standard designed for loading
Bike43 develops its own double-leg kickstand to make it easier to load passengers and luggage. Using it is one of those things you are best trying out in the shop. While the children are getting on, the adult stays close to the bike and holds it.
Space for every journey
Panniers, a front basket and rain protection can complement the equipment. The choice depends on what is actually coming with you: school bags, a work bag or groceries. We prepare a logical setup, taking into account the accessories that are already fitted.
Supercycles’ vision
The Brussels origin is a good reason to look at Bike43. To choose the right model, we then start from a very concrete question: who is on the bike every day, and with what gear?
Two children in child seats, two older children on a bench seat or three small passengers do not take up the same amount of space. The journey also counts: setting off again on a slope with children and school bags calls for comparing the support and transmission in that situation.
At Supercycles in Alsemberg, close to Sint-Genesius-Rode and south of Brussels, we guide you through that choice.
Our Bike43 bikes
Take a look at the Bike43 bikes currently on our site, with their price and configuration.
The models, colours and equipment shown correspond to our current range. Please contact us to check which bike is in store or to discuss a different configuration.
Your Bike43 configuration with Supercycles
Together with you, we prepare the choice of model, engine, transmission, battery and passenger bodywork.
The comparison is about the bike as you will actually use it. Child seats, guards, footrests, luggage and any rain gear are therefore part of the conversation from the start.
FAQ?
How many children can you transport?
That depends on the model and the layout. How many passengers can come along is assessed on the basis of their height and weight, the child seats used, the accessories and the permitted payload. We also check how much space is left for their belongings.
Do all Bike43 models have suspension?
The Short and Mid in the current range feature a suspension front fork. The Long uses a rigid front fork. If your routes involve cobbles or uneven road surfaces, compare their comfort during a test ride.
What warranty applies to the frame?
Bike43 offers a seven-year warranty on the aluminium frames of the Short and Mid, and a lifetime warranty on the steel frame of the Long. These commercial warranties are subject to the manufacturer's conditions, which include that the bike was purchased through the official network, that the warranty applies to the first owner, and that it involves normal, non-professional use.
What are the lengths of the different Bike43 models?
The Short is in total 173 cm long, similar to a classic bicycle. The rear carrier nevertheless makes it possible to fit two child seats one behind the other, thanks in part to the Footbox. It can also be equipped with a Bench Kit in the short position.
The Mid is in total 186 cm The pannier rack offers 13 cm of extra space. As a result, the Bench Kit can be positioned in the long position, with room for up to three small children. Installing two child seats comfortably is, of course, also possible.
De Long is in total 197 cm long, about 15 cm longer than a classic bike. It is a more spacious and comfortable longtail, suitable for carrying three children.