I'm curious about the "extracycle".
 

Does anybody have any information they could give me on that? It looks to be a conversion item rather than a production thing. How do they ride? I'm think'n it was developed for long distance touring and from my perspective might very well be preferable to trailer.

A lot of commuters have them. You might get some good info in the Commuting forum.

XTRACYCLE

Check it out here.

Utility Cycling forum too.

They are very heavy and best for hauling very large loads. Because of modern lightweight camping equipment very few touring cyclists have the need for that kind of rig. Four, two, or zero panniers on a bicycle with low gears is what most opt for. Trailers are used on bikes that can't accommodate racks or by persons who just prefer trailers and/or their ability to easily disconnect from the bicycle.

Reports are they ride better loaded down than empty ..

rear load space big enough to carry your Cello or large body Guitar in it's case.

I have done a test ride and I can tell you that they aren't any fun unless you're carrying a load. They are very lunky.

They are more of a utility thing than touring. I have seen people use them for hauling groceries, hauling younguns and hauling kegs of beer among other things. If you would rather have a production version check out the Surly Big Dummy.

http://media.treehugger.com/assets/i...le2_052605.jpg

I've had an Xtracycle extension on my older Bridgestone mountain bike for several years now. We use it for grocery shopping, mostly. It is a utility cycling thing, will carry six grocery bags of stuff. It is pretty common to see them carrying kids as well. I have ridden it to work sometimes, and taken in on weekend rides a couple times.

The ride is nice, the long wheelbase makes it stable and relaxed. I have Northroad bars and a Brooks saddle on mine, it is set up for a pretty upright riding position. With 100 lbs of groceries onboard, it is a little top heavy but still okay. A mountain bike's low gearing is essential.

I have a Big Dummy which is used primarily for having fun with my grand kids hauling them around two at a time. For touring, it would be a BOB trailer behind a touring bike or recumbent for sure. I have a BOB, and have done some road touring with it.