Utility Cycling - A heavy duty Xtracycle

Have you seen this?
http://everydayadventurers.com/2011/03/portland-pedal-power-tests-new-heavy-duty-freerad/
Xtracycle is testing this new heavy duty version. I'll bet it sells well and especially to those who carry people on back.

I watched the video and it seems like an improvement over the regular Xtracycle (I can't say for sure since I've never used either one). However, I think once the Sun Atlas Cargo (http://www.sunbicycles.com/product_detail.php?short_code=Atlas+Cargo&cl1=INDUSTRIAL) becomes available, all the lower-priced cargo options, including Xtracycle, heavy duty trailers, and the Mundo, will have their hands full competing. The Sun is projected to be around $600 for a complete build and is said to be built around the Xtracycle platform.

Have you seen this?
http://everydayadventurers.com/2011/03/portland-pedal-power-tests-new-heavy-duty-freerad/
Xtracycle is testing this new heavy duty version. I'll bet it sells well and especially to those who carry people on back.

What the hell took xtracycle so long to go heavy duty? This type of bike screams "load me up" !

I watched the video and it seems like an improvement over the regular Xtracycle (I can't say for sure since I've never used either one). However, I think once the Sun Atlas Cargo (http://www.sunbicycles.com/product_detail.php?short_code=Atlas+Cargo&cl1=INDUSTRIAL) becomes available, all the lower-priced cargo options, including Xtracycle, heavy duty trailers, and the Mundo, will have their hands full competing. The Sun is projected to be around $600 for a complete build and is said to be built around the Xtracycle platform.

I'm curious where the $600 came from. The description sounds like it should be more expensive.

If maximum weight capacity is really important to someone, the Mundo still wins by about 250 lbs. (~450 lbs plus rider.) I wonder if the Xtracycle add-ons have a significant impact on the carry capacity and if that's taken into account; I'm not sure what the functional weight limits of the V and H bars are.

I'm curious where the $600 came from. The description sounds like it should be more expensive.

If maximum weight capacity is really important to someone, the Mundo still wins by about 250 lbs. (~450 lbs plus rider.) I wonder if the Xtracycle add-ons have a significant impact on the carry capacity and if that's taken into account; I'm not sure what the functional weight limits of the V and H bars are.

MSRP was announced at Interbike. You can see for yourself here (http://publicola.com/2010/09/24/interbikes-pragmatic-bike-porn/).

Yes, the Mundo wins. No doubt, the Mundo is a great bike. Too bad the Mundo isn't Xtracycle compatible. And also too bad it's nearly 2x the price as the Sun.

MSRP was announced at Interbike. You can see for yourself here (http://publicola.com/2010/09/24/interbikes-pragmatic-bike-porn/).

Yes, the Mundo wins. No doubt, the Mundo is a great bike. Too bad the Mundo isn't Xtracycle compatible. And also too bad it's nearly 2x the price as the Sun.

Nice. You are right in that if Sun brings can really hit that price point it will be serious competition for other cargo bike makers.

I watched the video and it seems like an improvement over the regular Xtracycle (I can't say for sure since I've never used either one). However, I think once the Sun Atlas Cargo (http://www.sunbicycles.com/product_detail.php?short_code=Atlas+Cargo&cl1=INDUSTRIAL) becomes available, all the lower-priced cargo options, including Xtracycle, heavy duty trailers, and the Mundo, will have their hands full competing. The Sun is projected to be around $600 for a complete build and is said to be built around the Xtracycle platform.


Funny you should mention this--it's exactly what I was thinking. I was just about ready to buy a Mundo, had it in my online cart, when I heard about the Sun thanks to this forum. I emailed my LBS yesterday and told them to let me know when I could get a Sun Atlas Cargo. Xtracycle compatible, cromoly, and $600 = purchase for me. Realizing the Mundo might be better for extreme loads, for me the Sun makes more sense as 99% of the time I wouldn't be hauling 400 pounds of cement. One lost sale (or at least postponed until I find out if the Sun is any good) for Yuba right here in my case.

That being said, the Mundo is a nice ride, and I don't mean to disparage it, but I think your assessment is right on the money. Being able to put a peapod on the back and another 150 pounds of crap plus myself is all I'd ever need the bike to do. A bike that can do this at $600 is a winner. I doubt the average utility bike rider hauls more than 200 pounds on a regular basis, although I'm sure some do.

I'd like to see if it is a bit more 'stiff' than the regular Xtra. I have carried 200lbs of mortar mix on the the regular Xtra which was fine on the flat but going up a steep hill was too much for my legs and balance (couldn't stand up because of flex). If I were hauling something as important as people, especially children, I would feel better with the extra strength version but I am a safe risk taker when possible.

What's next from Surly? a "Bigger Dummy"? :)

Real Big Dummy

Man, 350lbs would require some serious HD engine too :eek: Not sure if my engine could pull that.


What's next from Surly? a "Bigger Dummy"? :)

Big Dummy HD :D It'll also sport higher resolution decals!

What's next from Surly? a "Bigger Dummy"? :)

Actually...... if you notice the Xtracycle HD kit is actually a copy of the rear of the Big Dummy in structure/design.