Utility Cycling - Xtracycle Centre Stand

The new Xtracycle Catalogue (http://viksbigdummy.blogspot.com/2008/09/2009-xtracycle-catalogue.html) is out and they are showing the new centre stand on pg 12/13. If you pick one of these stands up post your impressions. I'll be keen to read about their performance.

It looks like several of the new items in the catalogue are not currently available online so you may be waiting a little bit before someone has feedback. I'm happy to see they are taking other people's innovations and suggested improvements to create more options and accessories.

I'm not in a rush - my $10 kickstand is still going strong and I won't be using my Big Dummy as much over the winter. I was hoping to get some feedback by springtime.

$139? Ack. :(

$139? Ack. :(
Better than $400, assuming this one is as good.

But true to Xtracycle form, it doesn't look like this bad boy will be available until 2009 sometime. Sheesh. :rolleyes:

$139? Ack. :(

Just curious what you think a reasonable price for an accessory like this is?

Better than $400, assuming this one is as good.

But true to Xtracycle form, it doesn't look like this bad boy will be available until 2009 sometime. Sheesh. :rolleyes:

Yeah just noticed the release info. I guess it's a good thing my $10 kickstand is still doing the job as it could be a while before the Xtracycle stand is available for sale. Plus I'd like to give the stand a couple of months on the street before I buy one to see if there are any issues with the MK1 version.

Oh, Cr@p.

I'd like to look at the details, but after fighting the stupid, stupid, STUPID!!!!! flash page for 5 minutes. I gave up.

Xtracycle, are you listening??!!:notamused:

Just curious what you think a reasonable price for an accessory like this is?

Considering Hebie Bipods run, what, around $50-75, I figured a little more than that would be reasonable for a wider variant that may be more appropriate for holding an Xtra steady. Or I had figured (when I first heard about it) that it'd be a beefed up axle stand (or a heavier version of the ZOOM), which run, like half that.

But double? :(

Hmmm. I remember hearing some time ago that Xtracycle was designing a kickstand with an pneumatic assist. A two point kickstand with an air assist to help you make a huge load more tolerable. For a hundred and some dollars it seems like the cost would justify being able to put 400 lbs. up in the air. But it's hard to tell in that crappy catalog if that's it or not....
-Dylan

oh, cr@p.

I'd like to look at the details, but after fighting the stupid, stupid, stupid!!!!! flash page for 5 minutes. I gave up.

Xtracycle, are you listening??!!:notamused:

vv

I can't even look at the catalogue because it just keeps flapping around and lagging up my computer. However, the centre stand looks nice and unlike the last one I recall, seems like its wideloader compatible.

I wonder how these attach. Do you need the wideloaders? It looks like they fit over something coming out of the Xtra frame.

After having to fix a rear flat on the road a few weeks ago, with a bunch of sweet corn and other produce loaded in the rear bags, I think this may be worth $139 to replace my 9 dollar kickstand. I figure if I put away 50 cents a day, I will have enough to pay for it by the time it actually becomes available! ;)

I wonder how these attach. Do you need the wideloaders? It looks like they fit over something coming out of the Xtra frame.

I had the same question - I couldn't make it out clearly on the flash site. Hopefully they'll put the catalogue out as a PDF at some point so we can zoom in on areas of interest.

It looks like it attaches to the FreeRad frame itself, so I doubt you'd need wideloaders. Furthermore, the stand looks to be as wide as the FreeRad. But this brings up another issue: will it be stable if you do have wideloaders and are carrying heavy loads?

I was hoping for a retractable Rock Steady stand myself.

Val, where art thou?

:twitchy:

Just noticed this thread - looks nice, I must say. I'll be very interested to see one in person; there are a number of design aspects that cannot be assessed by looking at pictures. So far, while this looks like an excellent product at a very reasonable price, I think I still like mine better, and I'm seriously working on getting it out sooner. I think it wil be excellent to have a variety of stands available for longbike riders - it's been far too long that the sidestand was the only option. As the X boys say, stay tuned.

Thanks for the pic Spambait, I had managed to get the website to co-operate, it still doesn't give a very high quality result. It looks like a reasonable deal, IF, it is stable under heavy loads, and doesn't get in the way of wideloaders.

Thanks for the pic Spambait, I had managed to get the website to co-operate, it still doesn't give a very high quality result. It looks like a reasonable deal, IF, it is stable under heavy loads, and doesn't get in the way of wideloaders.

Just curious did you get an Xtracycle?....:)

Just curious did you get an Xtracycle?....:)

Not yet, want one sooooo bad. My bank statement is a frightening sight. :(

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vUEhS0lU3eU/SNU-1w6X1MI/AAAAAAAAGFI/bnELzmAli7k/s400/BD+T2.JPG

My poor little kickstand took a beating as I loaded up a recumbent I needed to ship from the UPS Store. I'm surprised it didn't break. A centre stand would be nice for awkward loads like this.

Heh, Vik, I just recently shipped off my own recumbent in a manner just like that. The stand can take it, I just get tired of the bike tipping over when carrying large objects. Wideloaders work well in that case until we can get a kickstand like this.

Oh, Cr@p.

I'd like to look at the details, but after fighting the stupid, stupid, STUPID!!!!! flash page for 5 minutes. I gave up.

Xtracycle, are you listening??!!:notamused:

Yeah, what's up with that? I'd athought they knew better.

Would this work? http://www.velo-orange.com/pldoki.html

Better pic of X's new stand:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/xtracycle/2883823215/sizes/l/

Looks good.....I wonder how the spring mechanism works

$139? Ack. :(

The moment my xtracycle toppled over and dinged my car, the $139 stand suddenly became worth it. :cry:

Would this work? http://www.velo-orange.com/pldoki.html

Not on a Big Dummy as the mounting plate for a kickstand is off to the left side of the bike. I don't know if you'd get it on a bike with an Xtracycle as they might interfere with each other. If you could it wouldn't be as stable as a centre stand close to the load.

Those doubled legged stands do work well on single bikes though.

From this pic it looks like a new bar is needed so that the wideloaders can be mounted with the new kickstand. It effectively makes the wideloaders wider.
http://flickr.com/photos/2kings/2885239025/in/set-72157607476413781/

I'm not too sure how this will work with the footsies as it may make the stance too wide for kids.

I'll definitely get one and will figure out a way to make it all work, but I am curious about that extra bar and if it is included in the price of the kickstand or if it's another expense.

Yet a still better pic. Comments say available mid-October... Yeah right.

http://flickr.com/photos/2kings/2885239731/in/set-72157607476413781/

Yet a still better pic. Comments say available mid-October... Yeah right.

http://flickr.com/photos/2kings/2885239731/in/set-72157607476413781/

I got a good look at it at Interbike last week. Those plugs in the middle are bars that go in and have that push button thing on the inside to snap into the hole that is on the front of the wide loader hole. When you want to put the wide loaders on, you take that plug out and the wide loader slides through it. It looked very strong and sturdy and will more than likely end up on mine when it comes out!

Thanks for the info, Bigfo. Just a couple other questions:

- How is the stand mounted? (I have an old school Free Rad with no holes; hopefully the stand does not rely on the holes for mounting.)

- Do you know when this stand will actually be available?

TIA.

Thanks for the info, Bigfo. Just a couple other questions:

- How is the stand mounted? (I have an old school Free Rad with no holes; hopefully the stand does not rely on the holes for mounting.)

- Do you know when this stand will actually be available?

TIA.

It's on the xtracycle.com website store now. It should not be too long a wait - maybe 1-2 wks.

Hurry up and buy one - then let me know what you think...;):thumb:

My " buy it now" finger is itchin......

Thanks for the info, Bigfo. Just a couple other questions:

- How is the stand mounted? (I have an old school Free Rad with no holes; hopefully the stand does not rely on the holes for mounting.)

- Do you know when this stand will actually be available?

TIA.
It mounts into the wide loader holes. It has plugs you can use if you don't use the wide loaders, or you put the wide loaders though it. Pretty nice design actually, I can't wait to get one!

I see that there is a mounting clamp that is meant to to hold onto lower rear horizontal tube. From this pic it looks like it's meant to hold a circular tube but if I remember correctly the Big Dummy's is ovalized and fairly wide and flat. I'll send them a note to see if this is Big Dummy compatible and report back.

http://store.xtracycle.com/zoom_img/_1222948138.jpg

[quote=santiago;7595892]I see that there is a mounting clamp that is meant to to hold onto lower rear horizontal tube. From this pic it looks like it's meant to hold a circular tube but if I remember correctly the Big Dummy's is ovalized and fairly wide and flat. I'll send them a note to see if this is Big Dummy compatible and report back.

That's a great question and thanks in advance for asking the X' gang. I've been 100% on Val's 'stand, but with some new Goat goodies on the near horizon, I've gotta pay some mind to my $$. So, ideally, I'd love to see a side by side comparison b/tween Val's and Xtracycle's.

I see that there is a mounting clamp that is meant to to hold onto lower rear horizontal tube. From this pic it looks like it's meant to hold a circular tube but if I remember correctly the Big Dummy's is ovalized and fairly wide and flat. I'll send them a note to see if this is Big Dummy compatible and report back.



Here is the info on the Big Dummy installation from the Xtracycle website. Pretty vague and DIY


Big Dummy Usage

Remove the two bolts on the plastic bumper to remove. Be sure to add some padding in between so your oval tube doesn't get all dinged up!

Here is the info on the Big Dummy installation from the Xtracycle website. Pretty vague and DIY


Big Dummy Usage

Remove the two bolts on the plastic bumper to remove. Be sure to add some padding in between so your oval tube doesn't get all dinged up!


I'd like to be sure the centrestand I'm putting on my BD doesn't damage the frame. Given the oval tube without a shaped bracket that cups the tube won't the bottom part of the tube get all the pressure from the weight of the bike pushing down onto the flat surface of the stand? I can't see a bit of padding changing that...if the "cup" that fits the Freeradical tube shape bolts on perhaps Xtracycle or someone else can make one that matches the tube shape of the BD?

Is this concern unfounded? Would a piece of padding - say some closed cell foam like from a camping mat alleviate any concerns?

I see your dilemma. With some padding, I don't see any structural harm happening to your BD. It would not be difficult to cut a custom block from PTFE teflon(like cutting board). Most machine shops can sell you the raw material or you could have them custom make the stop block. I had a custom plug made for a water tank that cost about $50.00

It mounts into the wide loader holes. It has plugs you can use if you don't use the wide loaders, or you put the wide loaders though it. Pretty nice design actually, I can't wait to get one!
Sorry - I meant to say my Free Rad does not have any pushbutton holes. Are the pushbuttons the only things keeping the centerstand from coming out of the wide loader holes?

With the less-than-ideal fit for a Big Dummy, I'm not convinced that this is a better deal than Val's stand.

Point: Val.

Which begs the next question: ¿Donde esta el stando de Val?

Sorry - I meant to say my Free Rad does not have any pushbutton holes. Are the pushbuttons the only things keeping the centerstand from coming out of the wide loader holes?

My old Xtracycle (2001, pre-disc compatible) also doesn't have the holes for the pushbuttons. And my H-Racks (approx. same vintage) don't have the little push-button doodads or the holes for them. When I ordered the Big Dummy frameset from Xtracycle in April, Laughter told me I could drill the H-Racks for the push-button doodads, and she would send them to me.

If I were planning to keep my Xtracycle (i.e. not sell it since its redundant with the BD in da house) I would probably drill the FreeRadical to accept the pushbuttons in the H-Bars.

If you're careful, you can probably drill your old FreeRadical to accept the pushbuttons in the Center Stand plugs.

Joel

My old Xtracycle (2001, pre-disc compatible) also doesn't have the holes for the pushbuttons. And my H-Racks (approx. same vintage) don't have the little push-button doodads or the holes for them. When I ordered the Big Dummy frameset from Xtracycle in April, Laughter told me I could drill the H-Racks for the push-button doodads, and she would send them to me.

If I were planning to keep my Xtracycle (i.e. not sell it since its redundant with the BD in da house) I would probably drill the FreeRadical to accept the pushbuttons in the H-Bars.

If you're careful, you can probably drill your old FreeRadical to accept the pushbuttons in the Center Stand plugs.

Joel
Thanks for this note, Joel.

Peter Kinne just replied and said he has the same vintage Free Rad frame (i.e. no pushbutton holes) and will be installing a Kickback on it once he gets one. He seems to think it should work fine, and has promised to let me know if something goes awry.

I see your dilemma. With some padding, I don't see any structural harm happening to your BD. It would not be difficult to cut a custom block from PTFE teflon(like cutting board). Most machine shops can sell you the raw material or you could have them custom make the stop block. I had a custom plug made for a water tank that cost about $50.00

I'm a DIY-challenged individual and not likely to be effective at getting a machine shop to fab me something up. If anyone goes to the bother of doing this so we have a cradle that conforms to the Big Dummy's tube shape and distributes the load from the centre stand evenly - I'd be happy to contribute some $$$ to cover the costs and time involved if I could get in on the action.


With the less-than-ideal fit for a Big Dummy, I'm not convinced that this is a better deal than Val's stand.

Point: Val.

I agree that the way the Xtracycle centrestand will support the weight on the BD still concerns me. I just can't see any soft paddling distributing the pressure evenly on the BD's oval tube and I suspect the bottom of the tube will end up damaged if we don't go out of our way to resolve this issue. The solution seems quite straightforward so perhaps Xtracycle will provide an alternate cradle that fits the BD for their centretstand?

Val's stand looks awesome, but I'm just not ready to pony up $400 for it yet. I had wrapped my mind around the $140 for the Xtracycle stand - that's not cheap, but the gain in functionality seems pretty significant, however, until I am satisfied I'm not going to damaged my BD using it the Xtracycle stand isn't a solution I'll pull the trigger on.

Perhaps my concerns about the Xtracycle stand and the BD are unfounded so I'll be watching with interest the reports of fellow BD owners who try the stand to see what their experiences are.

Not to knock Val's stand, as I see it as a great product. But his stand has nothing special in that same area. It looks to be just flat aluminum resting on the BD's center bottom bar. This is where his stand is clamped instead of just being a resting spot. Looks like the same forces would affect this area when the stand is in the down position.

http://www.rideyourbike.com/images/xtracycle/rollingjackass/rollingjackasscenterstandbigdummy.jpg

Not to knock Val's stand, as I see it as a great product. But his stand has nothing special in that same area. It looks to be just flat aluminum resting on the BD's center bottom bar. This is where his stand is clamped instead of just being a resting spot. Looks like the same forces would affect this area when the stand is in the down position.

http://www.rideyourbike.com/images/xtracycle/rollingjackass/rollingjackasscenterstandbigdummy.jpg

Just judging by the photos Val's stand supports the load over a much bigger area than the Xtracycle stand. I'd still like to see a mount that fit the BD's tubes on Val's stand, but I suspect the larger surface area removes the concern about damaging the frame.

http://store.xtracycle.com/zoom_img/_1222948138.jpg

When I take a third glance at the Xtracycle version, I'm really surprised that they don't (yet) offer a machined bolt-on bracket to fit the Dummy frame. 'Cause, if I'm seeing that correctly, it appears that the middle bracket is currently a bolt-on part.

:deadhorse: ??

And now thinking back to the earlier post about DIY'ing such a bracket...maybe that brother was the brighter bulb among us...

OK, back to my regularly scheduled chaos.