Why a Cartwheel bike box?

Transportation. Recreation. Inspiration. Health and well-being. Adventure.

From urban streets to country roads, bike culture is here to stay. Cartwheel is part of that culture. It’s about freedom. Providing a product that makes choosing a bike over other modes of transportation easier. Whether it's local shopping, trips to the beach, yoga class, picnics in the park, or commuting, the Cartwheel bike box offers the sturdy, hand-crafted option to transport a variety of shapes and sizes on your bike. Easily. Securely.

What are the unique features of a Cartwheel Bike Box?

Mounting Blocks - Cartwheel bike boxes include 2-way adjustable mounting blocks which accommodate most rear bike racks.

Lock Slot - Rear slot fits most U-Locks and includes vibration dampening bumpers and securing straps.

Light Mount - The back of the box features a mount above the lock slot to attach a rear light or reflector.

Straps - Exterior cargo straps securely transport a variety of items including a yoga mat, picnic blanket, or beach towel.

Interior cargo straps can accommodate cargo up to 16” (40.65cm) in height.

Easy Attachment - Each bike box is simple to attach or remove from your bike’s rear rack and with no tools required. (Option to add the included lock nuts for additional security will require a common wrench.)

How does it attach to the rear rack of my bicycle?

The Cartwheel Bike Box attaches to the rails of most commercially available rear bike racks with widths ranging between 3.5” - 6.5” (9 - 16.5 cm) and constructed of tubing with diameters of 3/8” - 3/4” (9.5 - 19 mm).

For rail diameters of 3/8” or less, please request available adapters at checkout, included for no additional charge.

Cartwheel Bike Boxes can be easily attached and/or removed without the use of tools. The mounting blocks are compatible with most rear bike racks, including those with parallel and tapered designs.

The included and optional Security HW may be added for additional protection and theft deterrence. (This option will require an adjustable wrench, socket, or similar tool to install and remove your bike box.)

View the mounting instructions here: Download PDF or watch our Video Tutorial

What are the dimensions, weight and load limits?

Exterior dimensions - 18 1/2” (47cm) length, 12 3/4” (25cm) width, 5 3/4” (32cm) height

Interior dimensions - 14 3/4” (38cm) length, 12” (31cm) width, 5 1/8” (13cm) height

Weight - The Cartwheel bike box weighs approximately 8 pounds US (3.6 Kg)

Load Limit - The load limits of the Cartwheel Bike Box is dependent on two factors 1) the weight limits of a bicycle’s rear rack and 2) the rider’s personal comfort level to safely transporting cargo. The box itself is engineered to exceed the weight limits of almost any manufactured rear rack. When in doubt, check with the manufacturer of your bicycle’s rear rack to verify the weight limits of safely transporting cargo in your Cartwheel bike box.

Will it the affect the quality of my ride and maneuverability?

This is subjective and is dependent on your comfort level, bike handling skills and the weight and size of what is being transported. In general, rear loads have less of an impact than front loads on steering and handling. The Cartwheel Bike Box offers securing straps to prevent the weight of your load from shifting during transport, adding a sense of stability that other options lack.

When installed as intended, the Cartwheel Bike Box is positioned in line with your bike and the rider and does not increase the moving footprint of your bike (think narrow bike lanes between parked cars and moving traffic). Please be mindful that your moving footprint will increase slightly if you attach a yoga mat or similar to the exterior cargo straps.

What materials is it made of?

White Oak - Handcrafted in Wisconsin, Cartwheel bike boxes are made of locally sourced white oak chosen for its natural beauty and superior durability in outdoor applications.

Hardware - To accommodate the design concept, all screws, bolts, washers, and nuts are 18-8 stainless steel and are plated with a black coating to enhance corrosion resistance.

Mounting Blocks - The mounting blocks are made from “re-grind” recycled plastic.

Straps - Suited for exterior applications and anticipated weight loads, straps are made of polyester and polypropylene webbing with hook and loop sewn on the exterior straps.

Paint / Finish - To provide the most vibrant color and and durable protection, we use exterior grade eco-friendly paint and a UV-inhibiting marine grade Spar oil.

Is it durable?

Cartwheel bike boxes are “over-engineered”. Properly installed, they are totally secure. If you don’t believe us, ask Anna, who crash-tested her Cartwheel bike box twice in one day. Without coming loose, the bike box withstood the unintended test(s) and faired better than she did!

All materials, hardware, and finishes are resistant to the elements - subject to climate, exposure, use, and care.

We chose the best and most durable products to protect the Cartwheel bike box from the elements as well as enhance the natural beauty of the white oak. The box is finished with exterior grade eco-friendly paint and hand rubbed with a deep penetrating UV-inhibiting marine grade Spar oil that does not flake, peel or chip over time. It can also be reapplied, without stripping or sanding, as you see fit.

A note on wood, weather and finishes:

Finishes have a life! Durability depends upon a few key factors, including wear and tear and weather exposure. Sunlight, rain, snow, dew and humidity all have an impact on wood and finishes. Minimize overexposure and keep free from leaves and other debris to further extend the life of your of your Cartwheel bike box. To keep your bike box looking great, occasionally wipe the box clean with a damp rag.

What prevents it from being stolen?

We understand that theft is a concern, which is why we provide included security hardware that can be added for deterrence. If you choose this option, it will require an adjustable wrench, socket, or similar tool to attach and remove your bike box. Adding the security hardware deters the most likely scenario - a crime of opportunity.

Risk factors depend on your intended use, bike storage situation, and where your ride takes you. If you feel that the provided security hardware does not sufficiently meet your needs, reach out, we can direct you to compatible options that provide semi-permanent attachment and will require a specialized tool to install and remove.

What is the estimated delivery time?

During the initial market launch, Spring 2022, Cartwheel bike boxes are now available. You can expect your bike box to be shipped within approximately one week and dependent on the shipping priority that you select.

What is your return policy?

If for some reason you wish to return the Cartwheel bike box, provided it is unused and sent back carefully in the original packaging with all of the parts included, we will issue a full refund. The customer will be responsible for return shipping costs and a restock fee.