The Dad Bike Dilemma: Haul Everything, or Ride for Yourself?

For many parents, the “Dad Bike” is defined by duty: ferrying kids, groceries, backpacks, and everything in between. Somewhere between school drop-offs, errands and commuting, it is easy for a bike to become just another tool, and the joy of riding quietly slips away.

Stuart knew this feeling well. Between preschool drop-offs, errands and commuting, he had a Yuba cargo bike, a Brompton for solo city runs, and a hybrid bike with a Kids Ride Shotgun child bike seat.

As the conversations evolved, one thing became clear: this bike didn’t need to replace the cargo bike. It didn’t need to carry two kids. It didn’t need to solve every problem.

It just needed to be his.

A bike that felt good on the way to work.
A bike that would not feel out of place on a long, quiet solo ride.
A bike that could carry a laptop, groceries, or a weekend bag without turning into a tank.

Exploring the Perfect Frame

Taking reference from the Rune Cycles Rufus Stone that first caught his attention, we explored a range of options from Velo Orange, Rivendell, and Brother Cycles. What consistently drew Stuart in were classic, utilitarian frames, steel bikes with a timeless proportions.

Among the options, the Brother Cycles Mr Wooden stood out. Its quirky, versatility and understated steel charm felt right at home with the kind of build Stuart had in mind. In particular, the Green Metallic finish captured his imagination, perfect for pulling together a palette of chrome and silver components, leather details.

Unfortunately, availability had other plans. In his size, the Green Metallic was already gone, leaving only the Lilac Metallic option on the table. Rather than forcing a compromise on colour, we took a step back and revisited what mattered most: the ride feel, the geometry and the overall character of the bike.

That’s when the Bassi Le Montréal V3 entered the picture.

Why the Le Montréal V3

Like the Mr Wooden, it offered the same timeless aesthetic Stuart was after. The Montreal isn’t flashy. It doesn’t shout. Instead, it quietly checks a lot of boxes for our project with Stuart. It’s a bike built to take racks and fenders without fuss, and it still feels lively and responsive when ridden empty.

Most importantly, it captured the essence of what Stuart wanted: a classic, timeless ride that works for everyday life but rewards you with joy every time you pedal.

Classic Parts, Modern Purpose

With the frame chosen, the next step was crafting a build that reflected Stuart’s personality and priorities. Components were selected for their combination of functionality, aesthetics, and riding experience.

Some decisions had been brewing even before the final frame was locked in. The Velo Orange Grand Cru Drillium Crankset, for instance, had already earned its place early on. A nod to timeless design, mechanical simplicity, and the quiet satisfaction of riding something beautifully made. 

When paired with the Montréal, it felt right at home.

Even the racks were considered thoughtfully. Rather than mixing styles, the build leans into Velo Orange for both the crankset and the rack setup to create a consistent visual language. All while delivering the practicality needed for a pannier in future to carry groceries, or a laptop for daily commute.

The Takeaway

Sometimes, the best dad bike isn’t the one that carries everything. It’s the one that carries you.

For Stuart, that meant a bike that blends comfort, capability and classic steel charm into a ride he truly looks forward to. Because at the end of the day, a bike should never be just a tool, it should be a companion, a joy, and a reminder of why we ride in the first place.

Follow Stuart's rides and adventures at @kopiandcoast.

If you’re navigating a similar crossroads,
between responsibility and the love of the ride,
we’d love to help you build something that fits your life just as well.