Being a family man, Salon.com writer Mark Benjamin can do a lot with his sport utility bicycle. He can haul groceries, take his kids shopping, and even “haul a barbecue grill and make a margarita” with a blender attachment. Certainly, the blinder attachment, which is powered by human energy, is very cool. How often the average American who purchases such a product will use it is another story.

If you have a family and want to get fit or reduce your carbon footprint then these specially outfitted bikes are a practical alternative to driving a car. Additionally, sport utility bicycles are probably most attractive for Americans living in the suburbs or cities.

Regular bikes are probably more practical if you don’t have a family, and you may or may not be surprised with what you can carry in a large backpack on a regular mountain bike sans back problems of course. Saddlebags are a smart addition to avoid back problems, and I am sure saddlebags have evolved to carry all sorts of things. Read or watch more about Mark Benjamin’s experiences with his specially outfitted sport utility bike here.