Utility Cycling - Has anyone gone Xtracycle and *not* liked it?

I've been riding road/touring bikes, and haven't had any mountain bike experience. I've used an old Burley trailer as a load hauler with my RB-T, either with the sides up for little stuff or folded down and straps for big loads. (Heaviest has been three wet mulch bags; figure 90-120 pounds.) The triple crank comes in handy.

My daughter has an old, inexpensive GT mtn bike she doesn't use anymore. It is way too small, but I've been having fun riding it around town. I don't have to worry about potholes, gravel, etc. So I've been looking at getting an older steel ridid mountain bike my size.

But I've also considered an Xtracycle. I wouldn't need to haul the trailer. I'd have stowage space, even when I hadn't anticipated needing it, and all the reasons other folks have justified getting a kit. But then I'd loose the new-found mountain bikeness of my new mountain bike. I know the bare kit only adds 5 pounds to the bike, and the bags/rails another 7 pounds. But doesn't this change the whole dynamic of the bike?

What I really need is two bikes; a donor for an Xtracycle and a mountain bike, but I doubt I can convince myself of that. So, has anyone done a conversion and found that it changed the experience so much it wasn't the same anymore? Or regretted it for some reason? I sure don't see many used kits on eBay or CL.

Thoughts?

Thanks,
Steve

Well, I still use mine on trails but it isn't a mtn bike. Can't leap logs anymore. On the street I haven't really noticed much difference other than slightly wider turns but you would expect that. I used it when I took an adult bike safety class and I turn or maneuver as well as short bikes but not by much.

The beauty of the X is that it really does not change the riding experience that much. It is different but not that different.

Well no-more curb hopping for one. Other than that I haven't noticed much difference. My homebrew xtra is as comfy as a steel mtb frame normally is. I run panaracer high road v's though so its a bit faster than some other MTB's in my stable.

Thanks,

I'm not planning on using it in the woods. Just street, some gravel and dirt roads, and the occasional well packed trail or towpath. I'd have smoothish tires on it rather than off-road.

I keep watching for old Specialized steel Rockhoppers and Trek 930/950/970/990s, but haven't found anything in my price range or pukked the trigger fast enough. I hesitated, and missed out on a brand spanking new, never used '96 Trek 990 today. :(

Well, I just got back from picking up a mountain bike that i think will work as a donor for an Xtracycle. I got tired of waiting for a steel rigid frame to come along on CL or eBay, or when one did, I'd miss out or it would be to high priced. I figure I can ride this like it is, and if I decide I don't like it with the suspension for, I'll swap in a rigid.

Here's a Photo Gallery (http://smorris.smugmug.com/The-Garage/Leaning-Against-the-Wall/1997-KHS-Summit-X/9462226_wXNXZ) of it just a few minutes ago as I brought it home. I'm not positive of the model, so next stop is a thread in the mountain bike forum for help identifying it. Needs a good cleaning and maybe eventually a more upright bar and get rid of those GripShifters. I have a new Nitto Albatross bar in the garage that might work out just right.

http://smorris.smugmug.com/photos/634829836_ykJfp-XL.jpg

Steve

Well, I just ordered an Xtracycle kit for the above bike. I hope y'all are right as to how little it will change the fun factor of the mountain bike. I'm having second thoughts already. Should be here by the weekend.

Well, I just ordered an Xtracycle kit for the above bike. I hope y'all are right as to how little it will change the fun factor of the mountain bike. I'm having second thoughts already. Should be here by the weekend.

You'd be surprised how little it changes the riding experience. I have a Big Dummy, which is admittedly a little different, but I often take it out for a ride just for the fun of it. Unless you look back, you don't even notice it's there...

Andrew

Well, I just ordered an Xtracycle kit for the above bike. I hope y'all are right as to how little it will change the fun factor of the mountain bike. I'm having second thoughts already. Should be here by the weekend.

ONe thing I would do sooner rather than later is '86 that suspension fork for a surely suspension corrected fork. From what I understand a xtracycle and a suspension fork aren't a happy mix.

^ Agree concerning the suspension fork. It can and has been done but isn't ideal, whenever you add a load you will be changing your geometry towards "more twitchy"... no fun with extra weight.

I've had my Xtracycle in continuous use for about a year and a half and while it isn't as much fun to ride as my brakeless fixed gear, it's by far and away my most useful bike. You won't be disappointed IMHO, you'll be amazed at how much more useful a bicycle has suddenly become.

I have had my X about 15 months, I love it. I own three other bikes which haven't been ridden since I got the X.

Thanks. After the third email exchange with Surly, we've determined that their fork is almost an exact swap for mine. 44 vs 45mm rake, and 413 vs 406mm axle to crow, which would result in less than 1/3 degree head tube angle change. One just got added to my birthday list for the kids to give me in a couple of weeks. :D

I'll be adding photos as I go to my smugmug gallery linked in my sig. Big Apples should be here Friday, and they were busy at biketrailer.com, so my Xtracycle order only went out yesterday and will be here Tuesday. I have a set of Nitto Albatross bars I may try on there, too.

I should move this to a better named thread since I already decided to go ahead. Look for "Smorris' Xtracycle blog, build, and questions" thread.