Hey this is a cool forum. I built this xtracyle + Kona Unit about a year ago. Not quite 100% carfree but close. Right now, this is my only bike but I'm seriously considering getting a road bike again. This thing is a BOAT! Great for hauling stuff but it SLOW and it doesn't motivate me to sprint at all. I was seriously considering waiting for the Big Dummy but looking at how they routed the rear brake cables, I'm glad I didn't. That gap above the chain stay is prime real estate. That's where I mount my U-lock and the folks at riding the spine mount there huge water bladders there.
Speedhub I got a great deal on ($800 brand new w/ warranty). It's actually the coolest thing on this bike. The perfect compliment with the xtracyle. Everything you hear about it is true. Heavy yes, but takes finding the right gear to a whole new level of convenience.
vik
04-01-08, 11:53 PM
Nice pics - thanks for posting...:) BTW - $800 is wholesale cost for a Rohloff so congrats on a wicked deal. They are hard to get at much below retail.
Not sure what you mean about how they routed the rear brake cable??? If you are using a rear disc brake the cable is tucked in under the left seat stay and shouldn't get in the way of anything you want to mount on the rear of your BD. Even if you want to use v-brakes on a BD I don't see how the rear brake cable routing causes any issues??
BAH
04-02-08, 12:12 AM
Nice ride! - wait the bike is slow or you are?? :D
EricJ
04-02-08, 10:46 AM
Looks great. The best thing I did after adding the Xtracycle to my Hardrock was to remove the cycle computer. Not knowing soon becomes not caring. I ride my Xtracycle the way I used to commute by car in So Cal traffic. Leave in plenty of time, sit back, enjoy the ride and get there when I get there.
Eric
fit24hrs
04-02-08, 09:49 PM
Nice pics - thanks for posting...:) BTW - $800 is wholesale cost for a Rohloff so congrats on a wicked deal. They are hard to get at much below retail.
Not sure what you mean about how they routed the rear brake cable??? If you are using a rear disc brake the cable is tucked in under the left seat stay and shouldn't get in the way of anything you want to mount on the rear of your BD. Even if you want to use v-brakes on a BD I don't see how the rear brake cable routing causes any issues??
I used a 20% coupon at Cambria bike when they were $999. With the BD, I noticed that the rear brake is routed in a way that the cable runs down the center if you go with canti's. I could be wrong though. Of course, if you used disks, then everything is in housing and won't matter.
And yes, I am slow as well. I timed my commute of a little over 2.5 miles. With car + parking and walking from the lot, it's just about 18 minutes. With the xtracycle and good traffic, it's about 30. With my road bike, it was between that, sometimes even faster if you know, I made exceptions with traffic lights. I know I would consistently beat my neighbor when I was on my road bike when he'd drive. Any further and I really have to consider transit times. Tough when you're like me and enjoy sleeping as long as possible.
The thing about the xtracyle is that you have to really get used to staying centered and not torque your bike any when you stand to climb or sprint. The free loaders and all have a tendency to swing back and forth if you let them. Also, it's pretty noodlely. Those who say otherwise, I'm suspicious that they've never really sprinted in a good CF or aluminum road bike. But like I said, for hauling and generally reducing your carbon foot print, the X can't be beat.