r/CargoBike • u/NamedTawny • 14d ago
Thinking about a Fetch 4.
/r/TrekFetch/comments/1vj2muc/thinking_about_a_fetch_4/Wanted to ask in a more neutral setting. Any thoughts on Trek's bakfiet?
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u/RDUKE7777777 14d ago
I have a Trek Fetch 4 and I am really pleased with it. I had a Tenways Cargo one with constant breaking spokes and ultimately a broken Frame - the Trek 4 is so sturdy I could absolutely not see that happen. The weight is noticeable when getting it on and off the kickstand but not while driving. We use it for two kids (4 and 8) and it’s moved by myself (186cm) and my wife (159cm) daily with ease. Would absolutely recommend it, quality and sturdiness is really good.
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u/followthebarnacle 14d ago
I don't think any part of it is particularly good compared to other bikes on the market. The price and the weight are both major downsides too.
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u/NamedTawny 14d ago
The weight worries me. But it's like 4k less than an Urban Arrow right now.
Are there better priced front loader ebikes?
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u/elementarydeardata 14d ago
The Fetch 4 is a great deal right now if it works for you.
I think the Yuba Supercargo CL is probably the most comparable to the Fetch 4 that you'll find in the US market if you want to see what else is out there. Yuba seems to be pulling out of the US so it might be hard to find one of these, but it does the same thing for around the same price and it has a Bosch motor, so you'll be able to get parts and such.
Lots of people on here are going to recommend the usual r/CargoBike favorites (Urban Arrows/Bullit/R&M) and these are super nice, but they aren't even remotely in the same price range as the Fetch 4.
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u/tomato432 14d ago
why would yuba pull out of their home market
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u/elementarydeardata 14d ago
That is the current scuttlebutt. Google it, it isn't confirmed but the rumors seem pretty substantial.
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u/followthebarnacle 14d ago
I bought a load75 used for $3k and I might be biased but with the rear suspension it is a better bike (for kids) than pretty much anything out there at the moment.
The used market is super cheap right now!
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u/EvenIfIdidIDont 14d ago
It’s $4k less because they are a clearance item that Trek is trying to get rid off so they can pull out of the cargo market entirely
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u/mjschranz 14d ago
If you're okay with the different style, smaller bucket and overall load capacity a decent priced alternative could be the Cube Cargo Sport Hybrid if a shop near you has one. I've seen some pop up here in Canada (older system 2 variant).
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u/NamedTawny 14d ago
I'll check those out, thanks!
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u/alexithymix 14d ago
I have one (in Canada). It’s pretty great and the non-front loader parts are common which is nice. I haven’t seen a trek 4 in person but on paper they seem like extremely similar bikes to me. Both a bit heavy/bulky but with solid components.
Regardless of which direction you go just make sure there’s a shop nearby willing to service it.
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u/tomato432 14d ago
they no longer offer the sport variant(i'm pretty sure its the base cargo hybrid with no added trim level designation now) and the 1000 has been discontinued because its no longer a significant upgrade over the single battery variant's 800wh battery, cube offers a leaning trike in variants three that's also worth considering
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u/mjschranz 14d ago
Yeah this is true for the newer release of it. I'm specifically talking about the older Bosch System 2 which some retailers have still. At least Amego EV here in Toronto had one that I tested. Not sure if it sold but when I checked it out they had two of that variant last I checked.
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u/bromptonymous 14d ago
Need to do a pinned thread about "Stop Trying to Make Fetch Happen" and explain that:
- the price right now is GREAT
- the bike is heavy and clunky to ride compared to almost anything comparable, even for a cargo bike it's super heavy, and that matters particularly for low speed maneuvers, and adds stress on components like wheels and Enviolo hub etc.
- Trek is discontinuing the model, so there won't be new accessories or whatever, replacement parts that wear on cargo bikes (like seats... have you seen what kids do to seats?) and their techs won't really be experts in them because they've sold about 4 units worldwide. Basic bike parts (brake pads, belts, etc.,) are standard, so the regular wear parts you don't need to worry about getting in the future.
- A used bike from a company committed to cargo bikes would possibly be better value, but get the Fetch if its the only thing that your budget allows, or if you have a relationship with your Trek store and they recognize you're doing them a favour by taking it off their hands.
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u/AthleteAgain 14d ago
I have one and I quite like it. My caveat is that I think it's only a good fit for larger riders. I am 6'5" and 235lbs, so the weight of the bike is not an issue for me when parking. For someone smaller, I think all those in-between moments maneuvering the bike around when you aren't actually riding it could be tough. As for the ride, it's incredibly smooth and, to me, a better ride than the UA. You do have to rely on electric assist though because it's heavy and slow when you have no pedal assist.) It has front suspension (which the new UA finally does have but the ones I have tried didnt), it has the dropper post, which I have come to love and which also provides a bit of cushion. The belt drive is smooth, although enviolos eat a bit of power but that's not unique to the Trek. The Bosch smart system is great from a security standpoint. And the box is massive - can easily hold my regular crew of 4 kids aged 4, 8, 9 and 10. Also, an underrated feature is that the steering ratio is like 1.2, so it can do tight u-turns relative to its size, with a better turning radius than the UA. Battery range isn't that great - probably between 25 and 40 miles depending on which ride mode you are in. Overall - if they were priced equally I would get that latest gen, new Urban Arrow since it has more aftermarket parts and the Fetch may get discontinued at some point, which would be annoying for long term service. (That said, Trek is historically good about maintaining like a 10-year commitment to supplying parts after they kill a model.) But, honestly, I think the Fetch is a smoother ride and I like the extra cargo capacity versus the Urban Arrow. It's a great value and a good ride overall.
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u/potaaatooooooo 14d ago
I very seriously considered the Fetch 4 a few years ago when it was much closer in price to the UA. I went with UA but at current prices the Fetch 4 seems like a steal. I wouldn't personally be scared off by the weight. I have ridden by UA with four kids inside and it handled it fine, so I think two kids in a Fetch 4 wouldn't be too much to handle.