Utility Cycling - Beating a dead horse!

I've done a search and read everything I can on the net and watched all the videos on youtube. I was just wanting some input from folks who actually ride them. I'm wanting a commuter first. I due daily errands on my bike (anthing uder 10 miles), and I also like to do longer pleasure rides of around 25 miles and some hellish hill rides to punish myself. I need to pick the Young Prince (he is 5 years old) up from day care or school daily. And I need to be able to carry around 50 pounds of groceries in one shot and sometimes with the Young Prince on the back. I know alot of this could be done on any utility bike. Oh, and I might want to tow a trailer as well. My current ride doesn't have racks or bags due to interferring with the tag a long bike I have to ride the YP around. I would like to keep the bike complete for under $1200.

I was thinking about converting my hybrid into an Xtracycle. It fits me already, its paid for itself by savings from gym dues and gas money. But, I would have to fork out around $700 for the kit, footsies, and LBS fees. I personally don't like the two part frame after riding one a couple of weeks ago with around 100 pounds of feed on it. Plus all the neat things you can carry on them calls for yet more money for more parts. I don't see the price justifies them.

I haven't ridden the Mundo yet, but I'm making a trip to around St Louis next weekend to try one out. I know they are like 50 pounds dry, but my Hybrid is at 35 pounds already, so 15 more pounds isn't a deal breaker. The only problem I might run into is the stem might have to be replaced with a taller and longer one to help my reach. But still, its right at $1000, so well within my budget. I like I can make some hard side motorcycle bags work with the right parts from Ace Hardware.

Last is the UTE from Kona. Its seems to be the nimblest of the two "other" long bikes. Like I said, I'm wanting to be able to carry the YP first, carry a few groceries with the YP on back, and carry large alot of stuff last. The Ute just seems to be more "bike" like than the other two. I was able to ride one in Paducah KY in the spring, 2008 model, and it rode great. I would tweak it a little with a different stem and handle bars to make it fit a little better.

A co-worker is wanting my hybrid, so this IS going to be my main ride. I would like the Big Dummy, but I don't have the money and won't due to my foot being broken and I'm going to be laid up from work for a few weeks. I think is/once Surly gets the BD setup as a production bike instead of a semi custom build, the price will drop a little.

Anyways, I think I'm going to choose between the Mundo or Ute. I'll know for sure after my Mundo "date" on Saturday.

What would you suggest?

Jerry

Others with more experience here will chime in, but here are my thoughts. I think that much riding on a traditional hybrid would be less than comfortable, but if it works for you, I'd go that route. You might want to look at swapping out the handle bars for a swept back style for more comfort. Ordering the Free Radical kit and footies directly from Xtracycle is not that much money. Is the LBS installing it for the extra money?

From what I've seen of the Mundo in addition to the extra weight, the components aren't that great. I don't know what hybrid you have, so there may not be a difference. The thing about the Ute is that it is not approved for hauling people. I'm sure you can do it, but they are covering their butts legally here so that would give me a little pause.

That other thing to keep in mind is that I have never purchased a bike where I didn't end up buying more stuff. You'll want fenders and lights, maybe the 4 footer, heavy duty kickstand. This stuff isn't supper expensive, but it adds up. So the conversion kit gives you the money to get the accessories.

Just my 2 cents.

Xtracycle conversion kit + footsies + shipping $595
Brakes for conversion plus LBS fees $100 (low estimate)
Total $695
Not much money left over in my book for a two piece frame, especially if you add the original price of my bike. I know alot of good folks believe in the Xtracycle kits and when you don't like someone's choice, its human nature to feel like you have to defend it. I'm not badmouthing anything, I just don't see it as the holy grail of utility biking. I like a solid one piece frame.


The Mundos components are on par with bike in the same price range, from what I can tell from actual owners that I've e-mailed and they wrote back. It seems that this is a big "thing" to bike junkies. I still say that one or two factories in China are mass producing this stuff and the named stamped on them is the only thing different. This is talking about components made in the same price range. And the Mundo was priced at $946 with shipping, the better kick stand and shipping.

The Ute isn't suppose to carry passengers, but I don't consider anyone >8 a "real" passenger. Haven't you ever piggybacked someone on your handlebars when you was a kid? The Ute I rode one had a canoe seat fitted on its rack/deck for the owner's 6 year old. And others have carried the same and maybe more pounds of children.

What does me liking my hybrid and riding one and you not liking them have to do with what I was asking? I thought this is why they made Fords, Dodge, and Chevies. No, I'm not use to high end products. I don't buy an item just because its got someone's name on it or someone is using it. I also will need a justification on why an item should cost this amount. If a $25 piece will last me for years, then why should I buy a $75 piece just because someone else has one.

Jerry

The Ute is the sexiest thing ever. And it has more gears, and 700c wheels. Speedy *and* rugged. (Can you tell I have a crush?)

But besides that, the Mundo brags that it has a "low stance." It looks to me like this might mean the Mundo has a seat that's positioned farther behind the pedals, and that means you're using weird muscles to pedal. Based on my experience riding a "crank-forward" bike for a few years, I'd say you might want to investigate that aspect before you choose the Mundo.

Here they are, so you can compare angles.

http://www.yubaride.com/Images/transport-bicycle.jpg
http://www.konaworld.com/bikes/2k8/images/625/2K8_UTE.jpg

The Ute is the sexiest thing ever. And it has more gears, and 700c wheels. Speedy *and* rugged. (Can you tell I have a crush?)

But besides that, the Mundo brags that it has a "low stance." It looks to me like this might mean the Mundo has a seat that's positioned farther behind the pedals, and that means you're using weird muscles to pedal. Based on my experience riding a "crank-forward" bike for a few years, I'd say you might want to investigate that aspect before you choose the Mundo.

Here they are, so you can compare angles.

http://www.yubaride.com/Images/transport-bicycle.jpg
http://www.konaworld.com/bikes/2k8/images/625/2K8_UTE.jpg

Damn, that is sexy!

The one thing about a pedal forward design, that I have noticed, is that it allows me to sit lower and still allows me to have a full leg motion while pedaling. I also have a better ability to stop and balance myself with my leg since I'm not so far up and have to jump off the seat. But I'm not jumping to conclusions just yet between the two. I am kind of excited about trying the Mundo out this week though. But I still think the Ute is ahead of the Mundo due to its nimbleness and sex appeal!

Jerry

If you *like* pedal forward, it can be really kinda wonderful. It was a life-saver for me for a long time. But I'm very happy to have graduated to something faster. :)

The Mundo also brags about a very adjustable design that adapts to let the hubby, wifey, and teenage kid all take turns taking it to the grocery store or whatever. That's pretty cool. (My crank-forward Sole Ride is adjustable too, and it really does fit a wide range of people.)

Its not something I would want to enter a race with, but a pedal forward design doesn't hamper my riding. Its something I can live with or without. But being 6' 1" and a long torso, it allows me to get into my "stance" of a slight bent forward cant easier.

I have a feeling the stem and seat post on either the Mundo or Ute is the first thing to get replaced with something longer/taller.

Having the whole family ride the same bike, like the Mundo isn't a real deals etter for me. The wife and Youngest Princess are both pettie and 5'ish. Young Prince, Oldest Princess, and I are all going to be, are, will be soon over 6'. Besides, the wife has done said she isn't going to ride the Mundo if I get it, but the Ute is all hers! So, I don't even know why I'm trying to choose. I'm going to be getting both it seems.

Jerry

Looking at both bikes from an engineer's stand point the Ute is a much
better balance of weight and frame strength triangulation.

The Mundo is tail heavy and weak at critical frame junctures.

just my .02

I'm heading into this thing WAY too fast!

I got off the phone with the LBS in C'dale. I can order the UTE (2009) for $775 otd! That's cheaper than the Mundo and in the same price range as the Xtracycle kit. And I have a buyer for my Nomad that wants the bike ASAP. Since I'm laid up with a broken foot, I'm going to go ahead and sell the Nomad and order the UTE this Friday. I should have enough to put down on an used Raleigh Passage 4.0 I found at other LBS as well (and it WILL take a rack and bags!).

Jerry

I find it cheaper just to convert a bike into xtra with the rear of a suspention bike, since theres lots of makes/ kinds of suspention bikes you can get neat rear ends from them, some would look nice being put into a Xtra, plus it's cheap, I made mine from garbage lol and it works very well just two racks on back, and I suggest a banana board, but skateboards work to, but if the bike you install on is worth alot, like my neat police one then I'm not sure i'd wanna do this to it, i'd buy the kit lol,, but I like mine, for foot pegs use bmx pegs, and so on for other stuff, just my opinion anyway lol

The Ute isn't suppose to carry passengers, but I don't consider anyone >8 a "real" passenger. Haven't you ever piggybacked someone on your handlebars when you was a kid? The Ute I rode one had a canoe seat fitted on its rack/deck for the owner's 6 year old. And others have carried the same and maybe more pounds of children.

What does me liking my hybrid and riding one and you not liking them have to do with what I was asking? I thought this is why they made Fords, Dodge, and Chevies. No, I'm not use to high end products. I don't buy an item just because its got someone's name on it or someone is using it. I also will need a justification on why an item should cost this amount. If a $25 piece will last me for years, then why should I buy a $75 piece just because someone else has one.

Jerry

After re-visiting your post I had some thought's to share that might fit better with your belief's
and needs.

Inspite of what others think ,IMO, it's almost impossible to beat the combo of a sturdy well loved
bike and a stout trailer. No single bike ,xtracycle included, will ever give as much pure unadulterated
versatility as a trailer/bike combo.

This combo allows one to pick and choose the "tool" needed for the day unlike any single arrangement
could ever do. Remember like anything else if your try to make one tool do the job of several you wind
up with a "jack of all trades and master of none".

There's my 02 so think it over........

I transport my two daughters on a Ute; one up front, one on the back. I also take their stuff to school, and do the shopping. I really like the design. It seems well thought out, geared nicely, and a beauty to ride, even when loaded with two kids and their school stuff, and my stuff.
I added footboards for my 6 year old on the back, though, to give her some stability. I'd highly recommend it, as the child's weight is on their feet, and they can't slide around. I've also added a little clipped safety harness - in the event of someone bumping me, I don;t want her being thrown into the traffic.

Check out my two threads on the UTE.

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=464091
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=464091

And this one started by Aldone
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=393661

BTW, I read that the mundo weights 60lbs, not 50.
Personally, I like the setup with the two smaller bags, as this gives room for stuff, and my daughter on the back, but the 09 model has longer bags, which look better for carrying groceries.

Gotte

I've followed your threads and I really enjoyed them. I think the 08 UTEs have the better setup, like you said, for carrying some groceries and your child.

I might take a different view on the Xtracycle. I sold off my Hybrid and bough acouple of Hardrocks from the early 90s. I'm thinking one is a prefect project bike for the Free Radical kit, even though its not my first choice. But the Hardrock was only $75, and LBS checked, and its a better utility bike than my hybrid was. So the money to convert is now down to less than $600, somewhere like $580 shipped.

I did get to ride the MUNDO this weekend. It was the red SS one. I must say I have pedaled worste bikes. After a slow, labored start, with one five year old, it did smoothe out and was actually a fun bike to ride. I was able to mash it out on the hills and coast to the bottom. I did feel a little cramped, do to my long torso, but nothing a stretched out stem, seat set back, and bar ends couldn't fix. If it was about $200 less, I would consider it hard. But at around $800 shipped, that's too much for a bike I wouldn't be riding everyday.

So, where am I at? I guess I'm going to take the cheapest way out and build up the Free Radical kit. The owner of the LBS that was going to order me the UTE made a mistake and quoted me the price of a 08 instead of the 09. I need the 20" 09 for a more comfortable ride, but its not were the $950 price tag IMHO, when I can build up from a Free Radical for less than $600.

As for trailers....I do think its a great combo. And I don't see me not using one when I plan to go for a large grocery run. I do see one in my near future. I have the tools and the ability to build up a nice one, just not the time. I guess I might have a spring project waiting for me.

Jerry

It's great you've made your decision. Sounds like a great way of doing it. Those old Hardrocks are great bikes - tough as anything, practical, really easilly adaptable, and best of all, cheap :)
Hope all goes well on your build.
Oh, I agree with your thoughts on trailers. I used to do a family grocery haul with one, and the resistance from the wheels and the constant bouncing from the spring connection made for a very uncomfortable ride. I lost about half a stone that way, though :)

All the best and show us some pics when it's done.

Thanks, I will post the pics when I get the build done.

I haven't given up on the UTE. I like it and its styling, but I think I actually have the wife on board for a Big Dummy. So I'm going for a Duece and Half over the Minivan! I can't get it this year, but the Xtracycle will hold me over. But if they ever come out with an Economy Stimilus Check II!

Jerry

Can't wait to see pics....... only one addition. I think when people on the forums focus on the "quality" or model of parts, it is primarily practical.....in general better parts install, adjust, and work better than lower end parts, or thats my experience anyway. And if you use your bike a lot that is important. A

Of course there is a serious level of diminishing returns of cost increase vs "better" increase once you get to a certain level of part, generall models down from the top end seems to be a sweet spot. And in some cases very simple basic will work, i.e I got new shimano long reach dual pivots when I rebuilt my utility, but use a $10 falcon friction thumb shifter, so i put a little money into a critical area and got what worked (course the selection of new thumbshiftes is not vast :) ) for another area.

have fun with your build

On the virtues of the Xtracycle, esp. vs. a trailer:

http://bottleworld.net/?p=169

Not that there is really anything wrong with trailers; they certainly have their place.

Brakes for conversion plus LBS fees $100 (low estimate)
That price is outrageous! If you can install the brake yourself, do it (esp. if you're using the same rear brake); all you need is tandem-length cable and some housing.

In terms of components, I, at least, can feel the difference between Shimano and cheaper brands. I'd say go at least Deore level: trouble-free, and many in the touring section recommend this level for reliability.

+1 on quality level of components. I find the best value is usually one or two notches down from top-of-the-line. The top dollar stuff is often, in fact, inferior from a utility standpoint. Mostly it saves a little weight, often at the expense of strength or utility. Sometimes it uses expensive titanium to save a few grams, when heavier steel is stronger. If you want to win a race, or impress the roadies, spend the $$$ on SuperRecord or DuraAce, but know that you can spend a lot less on stuff that will work just as well, and last just as long...and hurt a lot less when it gets stolen or busted in a crash.

+1 on quality level of components. I find the best value is usually one or two notches down from top-of-the-line. The top dollar stuff is often, in fact, inferior from a utility standpoint. Mostly it saves a little weight, often at the expense of strength or utility. Sometimes it uses expensive titanium to save a few grams, when heavier steel is stronger. If you want to win a race, or impress the roadies, spend the $$$ on SuperRecord or DuraAce, but know that you can spend a lot less on stuff that will work just as well, and last just as long...and hurt a lot less when it gets stolen or busted in a crash.

I agree up to a point. You should probably look at the highest level components you can afford that are still using aluminum and steel. While the entry level stuff is fine for general transportation use, usually the higher level, non-carbon components are built to last longer. Shimano has resisted the push for carbon, and I think a solid standard Ultregra groupo would hold up better over time than Sora aside from shifting performance. So I would not discount durability. In utility cycling, I would definitely stay away from anything titanium or carbon or anything labeled SL.