Since discovering OMNIUM, I find myself frequently searching for articles about cargo bikes.
Bicycles were already a part of my daily life, but information on "cargo bikes" remains quite limited domestically. However, looking at the world stage, I’ve come across many fascinating examples.
For instance, in Europe, it’s not unusual for families to share a cargo bike. It seems to be a seamless part of urban life: one parent drops off the children and the other takes the bike to head to work or run errands.
There are even cases where local governments or daycare centers provide shared cargo bikes, illustrating a shift in the bicycle from being a "personal possession" to "mobility for the family and the community."
Seeing these examples abroad, the thought gradually began to stir in me: "What if we could use one cargo bike for our own family?"
And now, through our OMNIUM cargo bike, our own version of a "shared cargo" lifestyle is beginning to take shape.
Is there a right answer for choosing a size?
When purchasing the OMNIUM Mini-Max, my first dilemma was choosing the frame size.
Of course, if you are using it individually, there is a mathematically correct size based on your body.
In fact, at 183cm tall, the Large size was an option for me.
However, since I also anticipated that it might be "easy to use as a demo bike" and "would be great if the family could ride it too," I chose the Medium, one size smaller.
Having competed in cyclocross for many years, I was quite particular about my riding position, but there were almost no issues adjusting the position on the Medium frame. In fact, this choice ended up opening the door to our shared family bike.
Size Chart
| Height | Recommended Frame Size |
| ~160cm | X-Small |
| 160 ~ 175cm | Small |
| 175 ~ 185cm | Medium |
| 185 ~ 195cm | Large |
| 195cm ~ | X-Large |
My wife can ride it too: The reality of shared cargo
When I tried lowering the saddle to the bottom, my wife was able to ride it without any trouble.
Of course, since the top tube (stand-over height) is higher than the ideal, it takes a bit of practice to get on and off, but she told me, "Once you get used to it, it feels just like a regular bike."
This is largely due to the Mini-Max frame design; its low center of gravity makes it easy to balance, and the superb wheelbase provides a natural sense of security, making it "less intimidating than I expected."
And finally, my wife successfully took our son for a ride.
Her impression, having been skeptical about introducing a cargo bike, changed completely at that moment.
Her first reaction after riding it was, "It's so much easier to ride than I thought. I think I can actually use this."
The biggest difference was that our son’s excitement was clearly different from when he rides with me. He was smiling the whole time they were on the cargo bike together. ...Mother is strong, after all.
That was the moment the cargo bike brought more smiles to our family.
Bakery and Cargo Bike
My wife runs a bakery.
Previously, she used the car to go buy ingredients, but she started thinking, "It might be convenient and fun to go by cargo bike," and now she uses it for trips to the nearby market.
While you need to choose between the bike and the car depending on the amount of cargo and the distance, new possibilities for it as a tool for work are slowly emerging.
It’s more relaxed than a car, and you can move while feeling the atmosphere of the city. That bit of "breathing room" that makes you want to take a detour is one of the best things about a bicycle.
For those who want to incorporate cycling into their daily work, a cargo bike is a thoroughly realistic option.
Becoming a "Family Bicycle"
And so, the OMNIUM cargo bike that has joined our home is becoming less of "my own bike" and more of a common tool for the whole family.
On holidays, we’ve gone out as a family of three using two bikes, my wife uses it for shopping on her own, and I use it to transport work equipment.
The sensation of a single bicycle being connected to each family member's life is very fresh.
In future urban life, if the idea of sharing one bicycle among family members—beyond just having cars—spreads further, I feel we could live more freely and lightly.
You can see past entries in the "Life with a Cargo Bike" series below.
Also, we are currently accepting pre-orders for the OMNIUM titanium frame lineup, so please check it out if you are considering one.