It would be too much to say that freighters are running the streets, but they are gaining ground, nibbling away at public space. The cargo bike is to the racing bike what the utility bike is to the sports car. And above all, it is the healthiest alternative to many uses of the car: we use it for shopping, to drop off our children at (primary) school, to deliver or transport his working tools. in version long tail (on two wheels), it weaves its way through traffic and, in town, many craftsmen have adopted it.
During his studies, and before working in Russia as a journalist and translator, Thomas Gras had fallen in love with this mode of travel and had promised himself to get back to it on his return to France. Of which act, or almost. Four years ago, he returned to Toulouse and set out to find his dream vehicle, but came up against reality: not only was the average budget for a freighter high, but availability was low.
From discovery to encounter
He knows nothing about bicycle mechanics, and less than anything about welding or metalworking. But, curious, he explores this new terra incognita called the Internet, and begins his education. Moreover, sensitive to the idea of recycling, he launches out for the first time: “ I took – others had – an old adult bike and a child’s bike. I motivated a friend, we made a cargo. The following weekend we did another, then a third… »
Then begins what he calls a ” spiritual quest “. In fact, he learns and thinks not only about how to manufacture beyond DIY, but also about the cycle market and its players. trying to “ to acculturate, to catch up “, he discovers “ the price of parts, fashions, standards, very calculated technical incompatibilities » and understands, while already looking for a way to do otherwise, that a manufacturer of cycles « depends on a handful of suppliers “.
“Our primary goal is to recycle material that was going to the trash”
He goes from discovery to encounter. This is how he met Jean Lagard, a boilermaker by trade and a welding trainer, who became his partner. This is also how he realizes that his idea and his ethics are already implemented by a small Italian company with which he makes contact and contracts. He will take care of the rear part while the front “cage” of the cargo ships will be subcontracted to Officine Recycle, based in Modena (even if the project is now to relocate all production).
Recycling, a time-consuming process
Today, the Botch workshop – “botch” means “crazy” in Occitan – is based in Toulouse. More than a product, Botch cargo ships are a philosophy. Indeed, their co-founders strongly believe in the public utility of the cargo bike as an alternative to the city car or the utility van – and that is why they focus on a market segment and an affordable offer. ” What we offersays Thomas Gras, it’s a Kangoo or a Doblo. Nothing prevents those who can from switching to Audi or Mercedes. Some want very sharp things, they absolutely want an exceptional setting. But our primary goal is to recycle material that was going to the trash. »
In France alone, it is estimated that 1.5 million bicycles are thrown away a year and that more than 10 million rot in cellars and garages. These old frames therefore provide the raw material. ” Old steel mountain bikes from the 80s or 90s are the least desired bikes these days, continues the founder of the brand. Mountain bikers no longer want 26 inch skates! However, they are often of excellent manufacture and make an ideal starting point. » These old-fashioned frames, brought to the workshop by the customer or supplied by a collection association involved in the circular economy, are dismantled, freed, stripped, realigned and adapted on a case-by-case basis (elimination of any brake blocks useless, transition to standard 135 mm, etc.), before being cut out there and coupled to the front part.
” The process is very time-consuming, points out Thomas Gras again. Seized parts take forever. Basically, it’s more complicated than making a new bike. But it all makes sense. To balance this cost in time, we weld with TIG, so as not to have too many hours of polishing. To contain costs, we are looking for alternatives to the major brands of components and, above all, we are careful not to over-equip the bikes. “ Most bikes ride very little in town: only between home, school and the supermarket. You don’t need a crazy drivetrain or 180mm discs for that! We remain modest, pragmatic. “At the exit, a personalized freighter, designed without ostentation and tailored to the exact needs of the customer.