Utility Cycling - A retro-fitting product, similar to the xtracycle
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Perhaps some of you have seen this before: http://www.cargocycle.com/
It's pretty cool. It's much longer than an xtracycle, allowing for a box to fit infront of the back wheel.
It has got me thinking about building an extra-long DIY long-tail bike...
http://www.cargocycle.com/images/bikebest_bw_small.jpg
http://www.cargocycle.com/images/Histor_13.jpg
Tourister
07-20-09, 08:14 PM
Great idea... I think though comparing this to an X is like comparing apples and oranges... This one looks like it would be more of a strictly utility bike.. The X covers several areas... It;s size is such that I can use it for club rides every Sat morning and still haul a respectable amount of cargo... That one looks like it might haul more cargo (maybe not) but would be hard to manuver in traffic, bike or car..
badmother
07-21-09, 01:42 AM
Guess it is good for shopping and stuff but I miss the ability to take long cargo like wood, extra bike, ladder, surfboard.. I guess it could easely be added but I think something is missing on the present setup. Personally I like the soft bags + wide loaders since you can carry almost anu shape. On this une you need to take with you a heavy plastic box also when you do not need it.
Indeed - they're quite different products, functionally. having no real limit to the length of the load on an xtracycle is a bonus. On the other hand, there's no inherent water-proofing or security for items carryied on an xtracycle*, whereas a lockable box can offer that and so would be much more suitable for courier/delivery user (customers don't want to see their packages being strapped on the open back of a bike).
* unless you make one like this:
http://www.freeindex.co.uk/media/profilepics/116230/Back2BasicsXtracycle002freeindex.jpg
http://www.freeindex.co.uk/media/profilepics/116230/Back2BasicsXtracycle001freeindex.jpg
The X covers several areas... It;s size is such that I can use it for club rides every Sat morning
You must ride with a sloooow club.
Tourister
07-27-09, 03:37 PM
You must ride with a sloooow club.
I guress, it's all relative.. It a club for everyone... Men. women, old, young.. we tour the city mostly by bike path.. More for enjoyment then speed... Although I am sure some of the people must have road bikes at home the ride group uses all mountain bikes, hybrids etc... On any given ride there are only about 20 or so show up so it is a small fun group..