The Workcycles Kr8 (pronounced “crate”) is a bakfiets (Dutch for "box bike"), a front-loaded cargo bike. Interestingly, Workcycles was formed in 2003 by an American ex-pat named Henry Cutler. Cutler's philosophy has been to thoughtfully design and build quality, practical bikes without regard to industry trends or snazzy graphics. His efforts have led to the design of the Kr8, a human-powered mini-van if there ever was one. Its universal frame size is purposefully designed to fit riders from approximately 5’2” to 6’6”, making it easy for two or more adults to share (a necessity when it comes to family use). Furthermore, its geometry combines a low center of gravity with a comfortable, upright posture to give the rider a distinctly stable ride.

The Kr8's most common use (in our experience) is for families carrying kids. The standard box configuration has a fold-down bench with two Y-belts for a pair of small passengers. It's possible to install a second bench in the front of the box to increase the passenger capacity to four. For the passengers in the cargo box, a rain canopy with clear vinyl windows is available in several colors. It can accept several add-ons, such as the same long rear rack as its smaller sibling the Fr8. The rear rack allows for the use of panniers for even more cargo, or for the truly ambitious, a seat or seats for up to two additional child passengers. The box itself is available in brown or black and the frame color comes in gloss black or matte grey.

Apart from the obvious large box and corresponding design differences, the bike resembles most of our other Dutch bikes. A Shimano Nexus 8 speed internal gear hub, Shimano roller brakes, dynamo hub and LED front and rear lights, front and rear fenders, sturdy rear carrier rack, a fully enclosed chaincase, an integrated rear wheel lock, and Schwalbe Marathon puncture-resistant tires round out the Kr8's great features.