The Yuba Mundo (four generations)

This post is for all the Mundo riders out there (and other velophiles who are interested in cargo bikes). First I have to ask a silly question...what's a good word for us; people who ride Mundo cargo bikes? Bicyclists is not specific enough. Mundonians? Yubonians? Yubites? Mundoners? Any, all, or none, I suppose. Sometimes my mind goes off on tangents. Anyhow, next is what I really wanted to post about.

As many of you know the new v4 Mundo is out. I have to say that it is a bit exciting to me (to see the new model) but also a little saddening (because the one I own is no "longer top of the line").  I was in NYC this passed weekend and stopped into Hudson Urban Bicycles (click here and here) to check out their cargo and Dutch bikes. As I walked in one of the first bikes I see is a brand new v4 Mundo leaning against the wall. I have to say it looks pretty nice. It was a matte black color--like the one I own--so it was easy to see the differences that may look slight at first but really are significant.

It seems with each version they lighten up the frame a bit. You can see by the images above the slight differences (v1 on the top descending to v4). Click the image for a much larger view. I was not able to test ride it (it was pouring rain) but I did notice that it felt much lighter than mine when I lifted it. The mechanic who was working on a bike nearby didn't know how much it weighed either but said it rode really nice (that's didn't surprise me--the nice ride--I told responded).

I originally owned a v1 (click here to see it). And while I loved the bike I also thought it drove like a big cushy tank. When I skipped a generation and purchased the v3--that I currently own--I was, and still am, amazed at how nice it rides...just like an ordinary bike. Anyhow, the new v4 has a new sleek look...the rear frame is rearranged a bit, a couple bars are removed, and the entire rear area seems a bit thinner, more refined.

I have no plans of selling my current one to purchase the new version but I'd be stretching the truth if I didn't admit that I was ogling over it when I saw it in the shop (I am, though, in the very early stages of considering another "everyday bike," possibly something Dutch, though I'm not sure...this is what drew me to a few bike shops in NYC).

Anyhow, it still makes me proud to be a Mundo owner. I'm glad to see the good people at Mundo progressing and refining the bike. I'd be interested in hearing from other Mundo riders or longtailers to see what you thought of the new version, and also what are some of the versions/bikes you ride. Is anyone considering this new one?