Utility Cycling - What bike would be good with an Xtracycle

So my hubby nixed the nomad trailer but liked the Xtracycle idea so we're going to do that. However I'm not going to convert my Globe so I need suggestions for a good bike that will work with the Xtracycle. I had thought about just getting a Dummy but its pretty pricey and honestly I dont care for the colour (yea kinda ocd about that)

So if you had 500-600 max to spend on a bike to convert what would you get. I'd rather way away from a MTB if possible and I'm not opposed to a used bike either (that would actually even be better)
With the variety of LBS stock around the city here I'm pretty much accessible to most bike brands too.

I promise to post pictures when I get the bike and get it converted :)

TIA

Use a Mixte! :love: That would be the coolest! Slightly steptrough but strong, retro, super cool! Go for some 650b wheels if you can, or a MTB mixte.

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?p=9441668#post9441668

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=561391

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=227038

http://www.velo-orange.com/vomamifr.html

http://www.rivbike.com/products/list/bicycle_models

http://www.somafab.com/bvista.html

Coolest bikes, and I think just right for a longtail! :D:D

edit: http://www.flickr.com/groups/mixte/pool/ More brainwash.

Use a Mixte! :love: That would be the coolest! Slightly steptrough but strong, retro, super cool! Go for some 650b wheels if you can, or a MTB mixte.

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?p=9441668#post9441668

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=561391

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=227038

http://www.velo-orange.com/vomamifr.html

http://www.rivbike.com/products/list/bicycle_models

http://www.somafab.com/bvista.html

Coolest bikes, and I think just right for a longtail! :D:D

edit: http://www.flickr.com/groups/mixte/pool/ More brainwash.



I'd been looking at either the WSD Giant Sequoias or Cypress intensely though I'm concerned at they are a bit heavier bike, would that be considered a Mixte? Or are they more vintage

I'm not sure I follow here... do you want everything (including the xtracycle parts) included to total $500-600 max? Or is $500-600 simply for the bike, plus another $???? for the xtracycle pieces.

The Xtracycle site is a bit confusing, but it looks like the cost of the xtracycle FreeRadical base plus pieces to make it useable ("Long tail kit") are close to $500. So it sounds like you are talking around $1000 total for your xtracycle.

If I did not already have a "donor" bike to convert, I think a much better option would be to go with an actual longtail bike (there are cheaper options than the big dummy). You could buy an Xtracycle Radish, a Yuba Mondo, or a Kona Ute probably for about the same money or less. Having a "hard" frame as opposed to a bolt-on solution is IMHO a clearly better choice if all else is equal.

I'm not sure I follow here... do you want everything (including the xtracycle parts) included to total $500-600 max? Or is $500-600 simply for the bike, plus another $???? for the xtracycle pieces.

The Xtracycle site is a bit confusing, but it looks like the cost of the xtracycle FreeRadical base plus pieces to make it useable ("Long tail kit") are close to $500. So it sounds like you are talking around $1000 total for your xtracycle.

If I did not already have a "donor" bike to convert, I think a much better option would be to go with an actual longtail bike (there are cheaper options than the big dummy). You could buy an Xtracycle Radish, a Yuba Mondo, or a Kona Ute probably for about the same money or less. Having a "hard" frame as opposed to a bolt-on solution is IMHO a clearly better choice if all else is equal.

500-600 for the bike itself and then I'd get the free radical and Long tail kit. Not sure if I can find the Radish up here. I have seen the Dummy and I know at least one LBS sells the FreeRadical/Longtail.

I will look at the Kona and I've never heard of Yuba so will check that out also

Thank You

I started by converting my existing mountain bike over to an Xtra. eventually, I found a Marin Novato on sale for less than $500 and used that. I preferred it to my mountain bike because it came with a rigid fork and it had disk brakes. With the loads that I carry on my bike I prefer disk brakes.

I would not build up an Xtra on a road bike (700c) wheel frame. I've broken two rear wheels on my xtra so far due to weight issues- once on my original mountain bike and once on the Novato. I, eventually, picked up a much sturdier rear wheel and have had no issues since then. I just can't imagine a 700c wheeled xtra holding up that long.

Any rigid fork mountain, or "urban", bike should work- with a preference put on disk brakes if you can find them.

Jon

I started by converting my existing mountain bike over to an Xtra. eventually, I found a Marin Novato on sale for less than $500 and used that. I preferred it to my mountain bike because it came with a rigid fork and it had disk brakes. With the loads that I carry on my bike I prefer disk brakes.

I would not build up an Xtra on a road bike (700c) wheel frame. I've broken two rear wheels on my xtra so far due to weight issues- once on my original mountain bike and once on the Novato. I, eventually, picked up a much sturdier rear wheel and have had no issues since then. I just can't imagine a 700c wheeled xtra holding up that long.

Any rigid fork mountain, or "urban", bike should work- with a preference put on disk brakes if you can find them.

Jon

So what wheel size would you recommend, 26"? I will have to see if the two Giant Models I was interested in could take a different size wheel. So much of what I've seen is the 700c wheel

Anything with a 26" wheel would be my recommendation.

Anything with a 26" wheel would be my recommendation.


Thanks!! I will look around

I'd been looking at either the WSD Giant Sequoias or Cypress intensely though I'm concerned at they are a bit heavier bike, would that be considered a Mixte? Or are they more vintage

Found only the Cypress, that is not a mixte. Mixtes (acording to Sheldon) is a septrough frame with the extra set of seatstays in the back. The "real" (classic) mixte has got two slim, paralell toptubes going from the headtube, one on each side of the seattube, and continuing to the dropouts (see pix). It would be lighter ans a bit more sporty than the oneyou asked about, depending on stem, bars and setup.

If I were going to build up an Xtracycle (and was going to start with a new bike), I'd probably go with something like a Jamis Boss Cruiser 7 or Motobecane Cafe Express 8. Simple, sturdy bikes with a wide enough range of gears to running errands.

Found only the Cypress, that is not a mixte. Mixtes (acording to Sheldon) is a septrough frame with the extra set of seatstays in the back. The "real" (classic) mixte has got two slim, paralell toptubes going from the headtube, one on each side of the seattube, and continuing to the dropouts (see pix). It would be lighter ans a bit more sporty than the oneyou asked about, depending on stem, bars and setup.

Thanks for the clarification. They may be hard for me to find around here though:(

If I were going to build up an Xtracycle (and was going to start with a new bike), I'd probably go with something like a Jamis Boss Cruiser 7 or Motobecane Cafe Express 8. Simple, sturdy bikes with a wide enough range of gears to running errands.


I found the Jamis one and luckily the closest LBS store to me sells them but I couldnt find the Cafe Express 8 on the Motobecane site. Is it a new model or older one?

Would both take the 26c recommend wheels do you think?

My two cents: As an X owner of over a year now,I would have to agree with freediver for the most part, 26" wheels, disc brakes, wide/low gear range.
I thought about the Yuba, and or the Kona Ute. The Yuba was only available in a one speed or a six speed version when I was checking them out. Now I believe they have an 18 speed. The Yuba is supposed to be rated for more weight.
I also thought about the Ute, But I felt that the Xtracycle was more versatile due to the freeloaders,wide loaders and long loders.
I have been happy with my decision.
Also, e-assist rocks especially with hills/loads. The e-assist isn't necessary but it is very nice.
Blessings,
John

My two cents: As an X owner of over a year now,I would have to agree with freediver for the most part, 26" wheels, disc brakes, wide/low gear range.
I thought about the Yuba, and or the Kona Ute. The Yuba was only available in a one speed or a six speed version when I was checking them out. Now I believe they have an 18 speed. The Yuba is supposed to be rated for more weight.
I also thought about the Ute, But I felt that the Xtracycle was more versatile due to the freeloaders,wide loaders and long loders.
I have been happy with my decision.
Also, e-assist rocks especially with hills/loads. The e-assist isn't necessary but it is very nice.
Blessings,
John

Thanks:) I think in the end I'm going to use the Free Radical and retrofit either a new or used bike. I really like the look of the Jamis but I cant get any clear information on the wheel size. I'm getting quite excited now about doing this

I started by converting my existing mountain bike over to an Xtra. eventually, I found a Marin Novato on sale for less than $500 and used that. I preferred it to my mountain bike because it came with a rigid fork and it had disk brakes. With the loads that I carry on my bike I prefer disk brakes.



Jon

Oh that Marin Novato looks great!!! I may have to see if I can find on here

I have to agree with xtrajack on the gearing. With the amount of weight that I put on my bike I couldn't get by with just a 6-speed. I like having super low gears to drag two kids and all of their stuff up some of the steeper hills around town. I also like the higher gears for when I'm just running to the store, or around town, by myself.

I looked at the Kona Ute, but the 700cc wheels and the higher rack put me off for carrying kids. The local bike store guy told me it wasn't really recommended to carry people, like the xtra is, and that was one of the main reasons I wanted the bike.

Whichever bike you get, make sure you put some sort of smooth tires on it for around town and get a rigid fork if you can- it makes a big difference when it comes to speed. If you are going to use it for off road camping you may want those featurs, but for around town the slicks and rigid fork make a huge difference for me.

Jon

I have to agree with xtrajack on the gearing. With the amount of weight that I put on my bike I couldn't get by with just a 6-speed. I like having super low gears to drag two kids and all of their stuff up some of the steeper hills around town. I also like the higher gears for when I'm just running to the store, or around town, by myself.

I looked at the Kona Ute, but the 700cc wheels and the higher rack put me off for carrying kids. The local bike store guy told me it wasn't really recommended to carry people, like the xtra is, and that was one of the main reasons I wanted the bike.

Whichever bike you get, make sure you put some sort of smooth tires on it for around town and get a rigid fork if you can- it makes a big difference when it comes to speed. If you are going to use it for off road camping you may want those featurs, but for around town the slicks and rigid fork make a huge difference for me.

Jon


No hauling kids for us..Just groceries, costco trips and maybe some touring. I've narrowed it down to two bikes. The Marin Novato and the Jamis mentioned in an earlier post. Hopefully I will get to test ride them sometime soon

Use a Mixte! :love: That would be the coolest! Slightly steptrough but strong, retro, super cool! Go for some 650b wheels if you can, or a MTB mixte.

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?p=9441668#post9441668

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=561391

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=227038

http://www.velo-orange.com/vomamifr.html

http://www.rivbike.com/products/list/bicycle_models

http://www.somafab.com/bvista.html

Coolest bikes, and I think just right for a longtail! :D:D

edit: http://www.flickr.com/groups/mixte/pool/ More brainwash.

Badmother~ I think I'm pretty sold on those Mixtes if I can find one around here. I have someone from BF that is in Edmonton that is going to keep his eye out for me:) He also said you have a pretty good ride that you take your dog out on rides in..Could I get a photo please :D:D:D

One more hooked :D:D

This is the link to Dogbike2. I should post some more pix, there has been som modifications. We go FAST on this one, and far. He can sit there for 15 kilomerers (to the nearest town) and then run most of the way home.

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=540919

One more hooked :D:D

This is the link to Dogbike2. I should post some more pix, there has been som modifications. We go FAST on this one, and far. He can sit there for 15 kilomerers (to the nearest town) and then run most of the way home.

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=540919


I love your bike and your dog:D So cute. I found a Batavas Mixte on eBay but I cant tell if if the bike would be too big for me plus I have to convince the seller to ship to canada...Its a good price though if its a good bike

I love your bike and your dog:D So cute. I found a Batavas Mixte on eBay but I cant tell if if the bike would be too big for me plus I have to convince the seller to ship to canada...Its a good price though if its a good bike

Thank you, thank you. The next dogbike will be a 20" :D

Thought about using a mixte when I made this one, mixtes are great. Around here you can pull them out of dumpsters for free, to bad they are going to waste.

Keep us updated on your mixte!

Thank you, thank you. The next dogbike will be a 20" :D

Thought about using a mixte when I made this one, mixtes are great. Around here you can pull them out of dumpsters for free, to bad they are going to waste.

Keep us updated on your mixte!

Will for sure keep everyone posted:) I've got my email open on my computer hoping the seller agrees to let me bid:) Its just too cute and I'm pretty excited.

Good luck on your bid!

I see that you have the Electra Townie listed as a future bike. I had my Xtracycle on an Electra Townie for a while, and it was a pretty decent pairing. The Townie needs a little bit of reinforcement at the chainstay bridge, but it makes a pretty enjoyable Xtracycle for light - medium duty use.

I would suggest thinking about how you are really going to use the bike, too. Are you a heavier rider, a more aggressive rider, or wanting to carry very large loads? Many people, myself included, have extremely strong and overbuilt Xtracycles, based around steel mountain bikes with heavy duty wheels but the Xtracycle is also a good pairing for someone just looking for a casual urban hauler, and most decently built and reliable bicycles out there will handle it as such.

Good luck on your bid!

I see that you have the Electra Townie listed as a future bike. I had my Xtracycle on an Electra Townie for a while, and it was a pretty decent pairing. The Townie needs a little bit of reinforcement at the chainstay bridge, but it makes a pretty enjoyable Xtracycle for light - medium duty use.

I would suggest thinking about how you are really going to use the bike, too. Are you a heavier rider, a more aggressive rider, or wanting to carry very large loads? Many people, myself included, have extremely strong and overbuilt Xtracycles, based around steel mountain bikes with heavy duty wheels but the Xtracycle is also a good pairing for someone just looking for a casual urban hauler, and most decently built and reliable bicycles out there will handle it as such.

Argh:( I didnt bid on the Mixte because of the shipping price so I'll eventually use the Townie (which I hope to get for Xmas:)

I'm not a real aggressive rider plus I have my hybrid for that. Mostly for hauling groceries, trips to Home depot for paint,plants etc and then picnics and such. No kayaks,kids, or stuff like that. though hauling a kayak would be way cool:D So basically like you said: Urban Hauler( I love the sound of that)

For the chainstay reinforcement is that hard to do or something i could get a LBS to do?

TIA:)

Argh:( I didnt bid on the Mixte because of the shipping price so I'll eventually use the Townie (which I hope to get for Xmas:)

I'm not a real aggressive rider plus I have my hybrid for that. Mostly for hauling groceries, trips to Home depot for paint,plants etc and then picnics and such. No kayaks,kids, or stuff like that. though hauling a kayak would be way cool:D So basically like you said: Urban Hauler( I love the sound of that)

For the chainstay reinforcement is that hard to do or something i could get a LBS to do?

TIA:)

With your Xtracycle, you get a little plate to attach to the bottom of your chainstay bridge. I purchased a small 1/8" aluminum plate, cut it to a slightly larger size to fit over the top of the chainstay bridge, and rested the xtracycle's tongue on it instead of directly on the bridge of the Townie ltself. The included plate is too thin, so you just need to make a wider + thicker one.

Easy stuff. I did mine up in a couple of minutes with a small metal saw, a file and a drill.

Some people just take the fender tab off the Townie's chainstay bridge and direct mount to it. I would imagine that works fine as long as you aren't an abusive user too, the Townie's bridge isn't bad.

With your Xtracycle, you get a little plate to attach to the bottom of your chainstay bridge. I purchased a small 1/8" aluminum plate, cut it to a slightly larger size to fit over the top of the chainstay bridge, and rested the xtracycle's tongue on it instead of directly on the bridge of the Townie ltself. The included plate is too thin, so you just need to make a wider + thicker one.

Easy stuff. I did mine up in a couple of minutes with a small metal saw, a file and a drill.

Some people just take the fender tab off the Townie's chainstay bridge and direct mount to it. I would imagine that works fine as long as you aren't an abusive user too, the Townie's bridge isn't bad.


I'm going to save this information somewhere as I fear I'll have to have someone do that for me. I'm sure I can convince someone either at Bikeworks or somewhere to help. I'm pretty handy but I dont trust myself with a saw:D

I found the Jamis one and luckily the closest LBS store to me sells them but I couldnt find the Cafe Express 8 on the Motobecane site. Is it a new model or older one?

Would both take the 26c recommend wheels do you think?

Sorry, I should have revisited this thread sooner. The Motobecane can be found here (http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/cafe_express8.htm) The wheels are 700c, but they are 36 spoke and seem to have a fairly beefy double wall rim, since you don't seem to be hauling people or loads of bricks, they should be strong enough.

The Jamis has 26" wheels.

Sorry, I should have revisited this thread sooner. The Motobecane can be found here (http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/cafe_express8.htm) The wheels are 700c, but they are 36 spoke and seem to have a fairly beefy double wall rim, since you don't seem to be hauling people or loads of bricks, they should be strong enough.

The Jamis has 26" wheels.

Thanks:)

I've actually decided to use a Townie after seeing some on the Xtracycle Gallery though I'm still going to get out and take a look at that Jamis

When I tried it, I thought the Townie rode a lot like a turtle (I have ridden everything from recumbents to downhill bikes and the Townie was the slowest *** that I ever sat on). Have you looked at the kona africabike? Or the Masi Soulville Mixte (really nice but might be too pricey) or the Trek Allant WSD or other similar bikes? Or maybe the Townie isn't so awful for you as for me.

When I tried it, I thought the Townie rode a lot like a turtle (I have ridden everything from recumbents to downhill bikes and the Townie was the slowest *** that I ever sat on). Have you looked at the kona africabike? Or the Masi Soulville Mixte (really nice but might be too pricey) or the Trek Allant WSD or other similar bikes? Or maybe the Townie isn't so awful for you as for me.


I actually haven't test rode the Townie yet but I'm really hoping I'm not disappointed. I did check out the Afrikabike and like the looks so maybe I'll fit in a test ride for that too if they stock them here. I think that Masi I can only get from the States??

My only real disappointment with the Townie is that I found I didn't have the desired level of control while plowing through rutted snow and ice at 35kph. I preferred doing that on my Rocky Mountain Hammer, which is the ultimate reason that the Xtracycle came off the Townie in the end.

As for the bike being a turtle, somewhat, yeah. It's the same story you'll get with most other comfort bikes: The riding position isn't designed around aerodynamics. That didn't bother me so much, since I also found the bike to be a blast to ride, exceptionally comfortable, really relaxed, and good looking.

I recall you saying that you're looking to use the bike for touring, which is one thing I might not consider doing on an Electra Townie. A cruiser is a fun thing to ride around town for 10-15km, but another to ride 80+km days on consecutively.

RE: Masi Soulville

This also happens to be a great bike, but the versions with a decent drivetrain for use as a cargo hauler / tourer are fairly out of the posters listed budget desires.

Kona's bikes:

I do like the Africabike as a basic bike, but I personally believe you'll find it lacking. It has got a very limited drivetrain, and regarding cargo use, it includes wheels made with Rigida Cyber 10 rims - these are single walled rims, and not particularily stellar ones at that. I don't think the wheels are suited for heavier use, such as on an Xtracycle.

Kona makes 2 other bikes with a similar philosophy to the Africabike, the Worldbike and the Smoke. All 3 are very basic and functional, and pretty well balanced - but they all share the same Rigida Cyber 10's.

If you are looking for a bicycle to use primarily for groceries, Costco trips and touring, I would give the Ute another glance. It's got enough durability and design to handle what you want a cargo bike for, and I personally find that its a very good value out of the cargo bikes out there - plus, it comes with good bags this year.

Just to hijack/piggyback on the thread; Would a non-suspension Rockhopper make a good starting platform? Particularly the older steel ones? Wheels up to snuff? I know I'd have to swap brakes to linear-pull.

Thanks,
Steve

Just to hijack/piggyback on the thread; Would a non-suspension Rockhopper make a good starting platform? Particularly the older steel ones? Wheels up to snuff? I know I'd have to swap brakes to linear-pull.

Thanks,
Steve

Yes, that's a good choice.

As far as the wheels are concerned, there are some durability requirements, sure, but they're not intense unless you're a heavy duty / heavy abuse user.

Avoid lightweight low spoke count wheels, single walled rims, wheels that use freewheel instead of freehub, old steel wheels, so on and so forth.

Finding some basic but decent MTB wheels is perfectly acceptable for most users. Unless you're hopping heavy loads down brutal roads and trails, decent basic MTB wheels are just fine for city use. I know a farmer who uses 700c XC (29") wheels hauling small farm equipment with his Xtracycle and flatbed trailer, and has no trouble.

700c wheels may be somewhat weaker in a general sense, but there are certainly wheels out there that will handle cargo work in that size.

As for swapping the brakes out to linear pull, the back ones at least. If they're good, well adjusted canti's, having them on the front is fine, but the Xtracycle doesn't have mounting facilities for cantilevers itself.

Went ahead and test rode the Townie today and I LOVE it...Its nothing like my Specialized but will be good for tooling around for fun plus then we have a bike I can ride and a guest can ride my other one. I'm putting the bike on layaway next Friday and getting it in October and then doing the Xtracycle next Spring as I will have to order it from the States

Yes, that's a good choice.
Thanks Abneycat. Sorry for the sidetracked thread, Fiona.

Thanks Abneycat. Sorry for the sidetracked thread, Fiona.


No Worrys:) helps me get other ideas too. not that my hubby likes that. haha...every time I get a idea from BF cost him $$ he says;)

Anyone using an aluminum framed donor bike for the conversion?

Finally saw an xtra today when I was working the bike corral. Weight didn't seem bad and helped draw me a little closer to the idea.

Anyone using an aluminum framed donor bike for the conversion?

Finally saw an xtra today when I was working the bike corral. Weight didn't seem bad and helped draw me a little closer to the idea.

I used a older Everest alu frame for Dogbike1. Works fine. Personally, if I was buying a bike for a conversion I would not buy alu, but to useone I`v got is no problem. Others may not agree.

I used a older Everest alu frame for Dogbike1. Works fine. Personally, if I was buying a bike for a conversion I would not buy alu, but to useone I`v got is no problem. Others may not agree.

Thanks. I just picked up a "new" mountain bike for my daily commute and lately I have started wondering about the possibility.

For what it's worth, I purchased a full "kit" two years ago direct from Xtrabike. At the time they were pairing the longtail with Electras, so mine is on the back of an Electra Townie 21. I ride it almost everyday to work (15mi RT) and do my grocery shopping, etc, on it. I think it's awesome.

I just changed out the seat for a slightly narrower model and I'm probably going to replace the handlebar with one that has less rise. And I never use the front chain ring, but then Buffalo is very flat.

I love my Xtra. I got the wideloaders and the little doohickey that pushes the load out a few weeks ago and picked up some lumber. Works great. I'll be testing it with my kayak real soon.