29er Xtracycle, what frame, etc.??

[Old_Fart]

It seems that I've caught Xtracycle fever. (OK, I also need another project.)

Even though I like the the Big Dummy, I have this idea in my brain that I need a 29er instead of a 26er. Also, at ~$820 for the frame, the Big Dummy is more expensive to build up than something like a Long Haul Trucker or Karate Monkey with the Free Radical add-on.

So, as an excercise in building up your dream Xtracycle; how would you build one and why?

Things I want are a rigid fork and ability to run reasonably fat tires (40 or so should be good).

Also thinking about a Nexus 8 hub, maybe with a compact double crank for high/low range. Or the new SRAM 9sp hub to get the disc brake option.

I know it would be much cheaper to just get a used MTB, and I may actually end up doing that, but that would take the fun out of this excercise, wouldn't it?

Anyway, What's your dream build for an Xtracycle?

[BAH]

When it hits, Xtracyle fever hits hard haha.
I have one "dream build" but its more for getting attention than utility:D

http://www.bikerubbish.com/xtracycle2/xtracycle/images/gallery/wedding3.jpg

I'm wanting to replace my old schwinn xtracycle. Its old,aluminum has an ancient non working(scary) fork and I push it pretty hard. I'm starting with a Karate Monkey frame and fork. CK headset. That's all I can afford at the moment :D
I'd like to get a stokemonkey on it eventually as well, but that's not something I need where I live by any means and since it would just be a cool thing to have instead of a necessity, I have a hard time justifying it.
I know that I would like disc brakes, but don't know enough yet to know which kind. I'd like 2 sets of wheels with big fat slicks on one, big fat knobbys on the other for on/off road days :)

I'm interested in the responses to this thread as it will probably influence my buying(I'm not real parts knowledgeable)

[Old_Fart]

OK, that does look pretty cool on the Electra cruiser.

I can see that the feet-forward thing might be a good thing for ease of getting the feet down when you stop with an awkward load. And I do like the feel of cruising with big, fat slicks. Problems around here would be the lack of real brakes. I have never ridden a coaster brake bike with sufficient brakes for riding in traffic, let alone the lack of a front brake.

And, of course, the lack of a chain might make it tough to get very far...

[BAH]

OK, that does look pretty cool on the Electra cruiser.

I can see that the feet-forward thing might be a good thing for ease of getting the feet down when you stop with an awkward load. And I do like the feel of cruising with big, fat slicks. Problems around here would be the lack of real brakes. I have never ridden a coaster brake bike with sufficient brakes for riding in traffic, let alone the lack of a front brake.

And, of course, the lack of a chain might make it tough to get very far...

Yeah, you gotta live in the right location for a setup like the electra. Town is just a few minutes away for me with flat bike lanes and paved trails galore, so it's perfect here.
This is the bike I want to replace with the karate monkey

http://www.bikerubbish.com/xtracycle/xtracycle/images/gallery/wedding32.jpg

[littlefoot]

I've seen an xtracycle done on a karate monkey that looked pretty slick....I want to eventually put one on my Bridgestone XO2...(after a powdercoat)

[Blue Order]

I have this idea in my brain that I need a 29er instead of a 26er.I think you've just given me an idea what to do with that extra 29er frame I've got. :D

[Old_Fart]

I think you've just given me an idea what to do with that extra 29er frame I've got. :D

What, give it to me for my project??;)

[cranky]

Nice build here...

http://bikehugger.com/2006/09/the_bettie_download.htm

[Thor29]

Warning - unless they've changed it, the 700c version of the Xtracycle won't fit full-size 29er tires. As much as I love my Karate Monkey commuter bike (I have a Niner S.I.R. mountain bike as well) I think 26" wheels might make more sense. Then again, a Monkey with 2.3 Big Apple tires and an Xtracycle would be pretty sweet...

[pmseattle]

It seems that I've caught Xtracycle fever. (OK, I also need another project.)

Even though I like the the Big Dummy, I have this idea in my brain that I need a 29er instead of a 26er. Also, at ~$820 for the frame, the Big Dummy is more expensive to build up than something like a Long Haul Trucker or Karate Monkey with the Free Radical add-on.



The 700c versions I have seen would barely fit road tires, much less fat tires. I don't think the 700c version is very practical as a load hauler. The 26" version on the other hand works with whatever 26" tire you want.

If you live in or near West Seattle which I am guessing from your sig, go to Aaron's Bicycle Repair - he's an expert on putting Xtracycles together.

[Old_Fart]

The 700c versions I have seen would barely fit road tires, much less fat tires. I don't think the 700c version is very practical as a load hauler. The 26" version on the other hand works with whatever 26" tire you want.

If you live in or near West Seattle which I am guessing from your sig, go to Aaron's Bicycle Repair - he's an expert on putting Xtracycles together.


Yup, I'm seeing that the 700c version is not going to fit my needs, or desires anyway. My Cross check has 700x35s on it and, while they are good for banging around on rough streets and moderate loads, I want something more substantial for a heavy hauler.

I live off Alki and I know Aaron very well. I've bought my last two Surly frames from him and he is one of the few people I trust to build a wheel for me or put a wrench to anything I own. When the time comes the Xtracycle will come from him, unless one shows up on Craigslist for cheap.