Utility Cycling - Integrated rack on Xtracycle donor

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OlShrimpEyes
10-07-08, 12:26 AM
I'm thinking about converting a Kona Africabike but the new 09 model comes with an integrated rack. (AFAIK this is the first time this bike has been available in oz so I can't just get this years and take off the rack.)

http://www.konaworld.com/09bikes/small/T2K9_AFRICABIKEONE.jpg

Is it going to get in the way? You reckon if it does I can chop it off?

Thoughts? Ideas?

Cheers guys.

oldfolksmashers
10-07-08, 11:21 AM
Should fit fine, if not, chop that sucker off.
OlShrimpEyes
10-07-08, 03:26 PM
Thanks for the reply. Chopping it off won't weaken the frame any? I'm going into this totally blind, seeing as I haven't even seen an Xtracycle out in the real world. And I bet the shop I end up ordering it from won't have heard about them either.

tdister
10-09-08, 12:20 PM
Even if it won't interfere, and it looks like the wooden platform area might, are there no similar bikes that come without the integrated rack?

Maybe something that is a handlebar swap away from being what you want?
OlShrimpEyes
10-09-08, 12:45 PM
Even if it won't interfere, and it looks like the wooden platform area might, are there no similar bikes that come without the integrated rack?

Maybe something that is a handlebar swap away from being what you want?

Yeah, that's what I was asking about - the deck of the xtracycle clashing with the rack. I might be able to get away with hacking off just the rear end of the rack.

I really wish there were! My requirements are basically: steel, 26" wheels and step through frame with dutch bike geometery (and not look too girly :p.) The Africabike scores on all fronts. Kronan are available here but I've heard some bad things about them. Also, although the pricing on the 09 Kona's isn't finalised here (the $ just crashed,) it looks like the Africabike will be cheaper than the Kronan.

My dream build is probably this:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3027/2563267233_a023168cb2.jpg?v=0

It does sail a bit close to the wind on the girly front but has the added bonus of being crank forward. But alas the Balloon Amsterdams aren't available here.