Caribbean Cargo Bikes – St Thomas Bicycles

Rasta Big Dummy
an electric cargo bike for use on
St Thomas in the US Virgin Islands.

Here’s a new bicycle build for 2021 to replace a small truck on St Thomas Island.
It has full time lighting and cell-phone charging station, a 1000Watt electric motor
capable of climbing the highest island hills with ease and a comfy passenger seat. The
drive-train is a Sram 11 speed using an 11-42t cassette modified to an 11-50t. With the
small front narrow/wide 30t chainring, this bike has massive torque for hill climbing even
with a substantial load. Getting the frame on island was tricky and expensive. I finally
went with a container shipping outfit that charged $410 to get the bare frame here from Philly.
All the other bits & pieces were brought in Priority Mail from the four corners of the earth.
Because of shipping delays the build time on this bike ended up being over five weeks. Shipping
time & cost is the biggest drawback in regards to island living but it is a small price to pay
for paradise. This bike will get a lot of use all 12 months of the year. I’m a firm believer in
using bicycles as replacements for motor vehicles. Not only are they more healthy to ride, they
are also economical & fun. On an island that’s only 14 miles long, having a gas guzzling, high
maintenance, stuffy metal box to ride in seems foolish. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.
I am available to build custom bikes for any riding style and use. Give me a call to discuss
your needs and budget. St Thomas Bikesmith – Luce Robnett.