Yes, that part is quite apparent, thanks.

I wasn't talking about weight applied to the wheels, rather the fact that an Xtracycle has a fat butt, weight wise. Packing on 9lbs of Freeradical, 15lbs of Crystalyte, and 10lbs of battery is a gain of 34lbs on the rear end, already. Not counting gear I want to carry on the 'X.

The front wheel configuration will take advantage of what is normally one of the front wheels weaknesses, not enough weight for traction over some surfaces. At the same time, it'll let me use a tandem grade wheel for the rear. A rear wheel would work quite well as well, but the front wheel is actually a stronger competitor on an Xtracycle than it is on a normal bicycle. I'll pack the 15lbs of Crystalyte onto the front, 10lbs of battery in the middle, and the X, with the standard gear of lock/tire maintenance and so on, will nearly perfectly balance the load throughout the vehicle.

Of course, then comes along the 150lbs of junk i'll pack onto the 'X