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UtilityCycling.org is our newest blog dedicated to exploring, discussing and promoting all the ways cyclists can use thier bikes.
Bike Trailer Blog is our blog for discussing all things bike trailer plus related topics such as bicycle commuting, advocacy and anything to do with getting you and your stuff there by bike.
Bike News from Spoke And Word is our new bike blog community website where you can "Submit and Vote for your Favorite Bike-Related Blog Posts".
Womens Bike Talk is our blog by and for women cyclists, focusing on women specific cycling issues.
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Product Reviews |
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Michael Scarani - 09/09/2008 
Just completed my Xtracycle 2 days ago. I was one of the lucky ones to obtain one from the August shipment. Built up a bike specifically to accept the Free-radical kit. Used a Specialized Rockhopper frame wiht Manitou Black Elite fork with lockout. Bontrager disc wheels and Bontrager Comfort 1.9 hardcase tires (nice!).
I love this thing. The ride is very stable and yet still nimble enough to wind through a crowded flea market (virgin ride). So far I've also ridden my son to the ball field, picked up 5 foot tubing lengths from Home Depot, new tires from the bike shop, groceries, etc. The guys at my local bike shop went wild over too, since only one of them had see the Free-Radical kit before (others had seen the Surly Big Dummy).
Bought a stem to fit my seatpost so I can make a handlebar for my son. Next comes the foot pegs. I'm getting some 7/8" aluminum tubing so I can make the pegs and some custom attachments.
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd52/mscarani/Project%20Xtracycle/IMG_4653.jpg |
Justin Crawford - 05/21/2007
The FreeRadical is pretty cool. I hooked it up to a GT Avalanche (took about 2 hrs.) and have been commuting on it ever since. I just took it on a garage sale expedition and bought all sorts of random things, heavy, long, and unwieldy; and the Xtracycle carried it all home admirably. I've taken passengers all around town, even up and down steep, windy hills, with no trouble.
It's worth noting that there is some additional flex in the rear of the bike (like a tail wag), especially when standing on the pedals. This can be a little unsettling, but once you get used to it, the thing rides very well. Also noteworthy: The varnish on the wooden bits is a bit thin; after just a month in the sun and occasional rain, the wood is starting to show damage. I'm going to put a thicker coat of varnish on it.
One cool trick I saw online (and copied): Cut a flat handlebar short and attach it with a stem to your seatpost, facing backwards. That way any passengers have a comfortable, safe place to hold on.
Overall, the Xtracycle performs exactly as advertised: Rides like a bike, hauls like a trailer. |
Morgan Giddings - 04/25/2007
Background: I commute to and from work by bike as often as I can, about 7 miles each way, part of which is on a busy highway, part of which is rural, and part of which is in town. A big limitation to my commutes was my ability to carry gear and my 3 year old daughter (or, lack of ability). I had to drive at least 2-3 times per week because of those things.
I am someone who likes to try new bikes and bike products - I have 6 bikes presently, from a folding bike to mountain to road bike. But rarely does something come along that revolutionizes the way I use my bike.
But, the Freeradical did just that. It is one of the most revolutionary bike products I've tried in years.
Details: I bought the Freeradical kit (frame) along with the freeloaders, a wide loader, and the PeaPod kid's seat. I had a Gary Fisher Tassajara for my commuting bike, and the Freeradical installed to that frame with no problems at all. It took me about 3 hours (I'm reasonably experienced at bike mechanics). It added 4-5 pounds, which is no big deal on the scale of things. I also had a Currie electric bike kit for this bike, and installed that with the FreeRadical. This is a great addition for helping haul big loads up the hills around here.
Thoughts & Uses: My daily usage pattern is to ride to work, then after work stop by daycare, pick up my daughter, then stop at the grocery store or farmer's market to pick up food for the night's meal, along with any other necessary errands. The best thing about the Freeradical is that I can do these things without ever wondering "Can I fit it on the bike" when I'm buying stuff. My biggest load carried so far was about 100 lbs, consisting of an office chair (in its box) and an 8'x10' carpet on the wide/long loader. I rode this stuff into work, 7 miles, on a very windy day, and it worked flawlessly. I've also carried my daughter and her bike on recreational trail rides, then we will stop so she can ride for a little while until she gets tired, then we just load her and her bike back up and off we go.
People often seem intrigued by this, but there is a usual question "is it heavy?". Well, by road racing bike standards, yes. Especially with the Currie electric kit (which adds far more pounds than the freeradical). However, my answer is that I use it every day, and in only a month or so of ownership, have replaced at least 20 car rides. At $2 each, that's $40 saved in gas alone (on top of parking, CO2 and everything else).
I love it. For anyone serious about having a bike that can go anywhere and carry anything, this is the ticket.
I sat here for a few minutes and tried to think of any negatives, and was hard pressed (which is unusual for me). I suppose one small negative is that with the freeloaders block access to adjust the V-brakes/chain, but they can be moved out of the way quite quickly. Another small one is that for carrying large loads a strong wheel is needed, but I already had a strong wheel due to the Currie kit on the bike. I cannot think of any major drawbacks. |
Joya Hutchinson - 02/22/2007 
I really love my Xtracycle. When I first got it, I figured I would take it on and off quite a bit- using it like I would use a trailer - primarily for hauling and trips. But once I started using it, I found that I want it attached to my bike all the time! I commute to work on my bike, and find the extra space very convenient for taking my laptop, a change of clothes, and files to & from work. It also makes running unexpected errands a lot easier knowing I have the extra space to pick up a whatever I may need on my way home.
The little bit of extra length has not changed the maneuverability of my bike at all. It's light and the design is great for someone who might be hesitant about hauling a traditional trailer.
My boyfriend also has an Xtracycle and we have taken our bikes camping - we are able to pack everything we need on the bikes (including a little hibachi grill), and the Xtracycle really performs well on trails.
The Xtracycle is a great innovation! |
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