General Cycling Discussion - Xtracycle FreeRadical

http://www.xtracycle.com

Has anyone tried one of these? I'm thinking of getting one so I can haul my bass guitar and my girlfriend's cello (and my girlfriend) by bicycle. I don't want a car, and I figure this will make grocery shopping and trips to the bike shop for hardware easier also. I have some concerns about passenger comfort, and frame stress. If anyone has any personal experiences with the FreeRadical I would love to hear it.

Haven't used one, but have seen them in use here in the Twin Cities. I have thought of making one out of two old frames. Haven't spent a lot of time working on the project, too much time riding. It is a cool idea. Wonder how touring with it would be over say a B.O.B..

I have one, although I haven't done a lot of hauling with it yet. Handles almost as good as the bike without the FreeRadical on it. The longer wheel base does affect slow speed handling but I can still track stand it with lighter loads. I have the footsies for it and have taken friends for rides and they were comfortable.

It's really well built and while I wouldn't put it on a lightweight racing frame I don't think it puts that much extra stress on the bike, just the rear wheel when carrying loads.

One thing, it isn't a quick on and off sort of thing. You have to move the rear brake and derailleur to the FreeRadical so you need to either have an extra bike for it or not mind riding the SUB all the time.

-s

Wonder how touring with it would be over say a B.O.B.. The one disadvantage is that you can't leave it behind at camp for day rides and such like you can with the B.O.B.

-s

One thing, it isn't a quick on and off sort of thing. You have to move the rear brake and derailleur to the FreeRadical so you need to either have an extra bike for it or not mind riding the SUB all the time.


I only have one bike I would feel comfortable riding for any long distance, for now at least. I don't that I would mind having it on all the time because it's easy to remove the racks and bags and just have the frame on the bike still. I'm not all that concerned about the extra weight.

One thing about the footsies, they cost $45 so I'm kind of wondering if they are worth the cost or even necessary. Have you or any of your passengers ever ridden on the snapdeck without them? Is there somewhere to put your feet, or should I just go ahead and get them?

Never tried it, but the opinion I read from those who had is that it is best for a second bike you want to dedicate to large loads. Think of it: would you like to modify your well-beloved XXX (insert your favourite brand here) by lenghtening its rear seatstay a lot?

And while it is possible to remove the Xtrabike extension when you don't need it, it's not a practical or convenient thing to do. Besides, watch your paint job.

OTOH, the idea of handling and locking a single bike as opposed to a bike and trailer is more convenient for some commutes.

Have you or any of your passengers ever ridden on the snapdeck without them? Is there somewhere to put your feet, or should I just go ahead and get them?

Took people for a few short rides without the footsies (around the block). Over any distance I think it would be a pain as they have to hold their feet up.

-s

I am interested in hooking up an xtracycle so I am reviving some threads. Instead of the "footies" one can use pegs, like fer bmx


Took people for a few short rides without the footsies (around the block). Over any distance I think it would be a pain as they have to hold their feet up.

-s