Michael's "Porteur" bike

Today bike couriers, or messengers do most of the light deliveries in our busy city centres. Long before the modern bike couriers light deliveries in Paris France were done by "porteurs" on specially constructed bikes with large carriers fitted to the front forks. These carriers were initially designed to carry newspapers but were found to be useful for carrying any load.

Discovery Channel team member Michael Barry asked us to build a bike that he could use for all his errands around his winter hometown of Boulder Colorado. We decided that a "porteur" style bike might be ideal. The large front carrier comfortably handles a loaded gym bag and rear panniers filled with groceries can be fitted to the rear carrier. A generator lighting system helps to ensure safety at night.

Michael Barry's Mariposa 'Porteur' Bike

Mariposa frame and fork with "porteur" front carrier

Mariposa decals, matching pump.		Top eyes, seat lug, box lining.

Decals and box lining.

Mariposa no.1 rear carrier.

Mariposa sloping crown with brazed-on fender mounts.

Mounting of front carrier

Front light mounted to front carrier.

Mariposa rear light fitted to no. 1 carrier