I don't think I could pop a wheelie with my longbike... thankfully... it rolls over and through most things like they aren't there.

http://www.ravingbikefiend.com/bikep...e09winter2.JPG

I've joined your ranks. :D

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y21...r/longbike.jpg



Still have to work out some handling issues - I can't drive it with the SO on the back, but if I'm on the back, there are no problems. I think it's due to our differing centres of gravity - we're the same mass. Hope to upgrade to butterfly bars eventually, and some disc brakes.

Got the entire setup from the LBS for $350 (CAD). Donor bike $150 off Kijiji. Radical, bags, deck, etc. all used. New fork, cassette. Tourney derailleur, but the mechanics have it shifting like a pro. Our LBS owner used it as his mobile bike fixin' unit for two years, but he hasn't had a chance to use it for a couple of years so he sold it to us cheap and put it together for us free. Really fun to ride, and Mr Coffeecake and I fight over who gets to pilot it. We both got new touring bikes earlier this summer, but we were way more excited to get this. Of course, my friends and family think we're insane.

Awesome! Just to note the rear half of the Xtracycle is rated for 60lbs so depending on the weight of the second rider I'm not sure how good it will hold up.

60 pounds ?

I have carried so much more than that on mine without issues and know how much other folks have abused their e-cycles without problems.

You do have to have some nice wheels under a cargo hauling bike.

:thumb:

Excellent !

Very nice. If I get a second bike next year, it will be a cargo bike. Unless I move to a warmer and flatter area next spring, I'll probably put electric power assist on a it, too. My knees don't handle the hills in the mountains here without complaining. Your friends and family won't think you're insane if speculators in the commodities market keep pushing the price of crude up. You'll be able to handle any errand run, large or small without shelling out a fortune at the pump.

Oh, we only use the car in the summer here about 4 or 5 times per month. I'm sure my friends are all tired of me bragging how little we spend on gas. Which is still too much for my liking :D. You can put 200lbs on the deck as long as it's between the axles; 50 lbs behind the rear wheel only. It's fun to ride on, but I don't think I'd want to do it for very long or in heavy traffic.

I've seen some of the electric assist in action and I'll definitely get one if/when (probably when) my knees go. (hopefully not for another 30 years or so.)

The thing I like best about it is that you can just carry your regular bags around - no bulky panniers to haul around the store.

When carrying my two kids at ~100 lbs each, the back half of the Xtracycle broke and that's when they told me about the 60lbs limit. Since then carrying the kids so they are both on the front half has not been a problem. IMHO a lot depends on not only where the load is but also how bumpy the ride and we have some nasty bumps around here.

This is awesome! Nice work on that mount!

We recently got back from vacation in Argentina and Uruguay where they had a lot of utility bikes at work. Most were similar to Cycletrucks, but there are some tricycles here as well. My favorite is the one with the giant wicker basket full of bread.

http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/a.../IMG_38991.jpg

http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/a.../IMG_39001.jpg

http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/a.../IMG_39191.jpg

http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/a.../IMG_39461.jpg

http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/a.../IMG_39481.jpg

http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/a.../IMG_39491.jpg

http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/a.../IMG_45451.jpg

http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/a.../IMG_45921.jpg

Here are the trikes.


http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/a.../IMG_44541.jpg

http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/a.../IMG_45501.jpg

http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/a.../IMG_52271.jpg

http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/a.../IMG_52571.jpg

That beast could seriously intimidate cars.

Mine
 

She didn't start out as a utility bike (a rigid SS mtn bike),but this iteration,at least,has her filling that role. 2002 Redline Monocog,Truvativ drivetrain,Deore V-brakes,32x18 gearing (until I remember where I stashed that 34t ring and 16t cog),used mainly for lite errands,and Post Office runs (since I live so far out in the sticks,nothing's close...). Matter of fact,I'll be layering up and heading to the PO in a few minutes on her to ship another package,and check my mail...and run by the (not-so) convenience store for a 12 pack or two of Mtn Dew :thumb:

http://i722.photobucket.com/albums/w...onocog/002.jpg
http://i722.photobucket.com/albums/w...onocog/003.jpg

That is one awesome bike. I really like it.

Thank you very much! :) Me too :thumb:

Yes, nice Monocog! I ride a Redline too, a 925. I'm thinking of trying a lower gear ratio. It is 42/17 SS right now.

Here is my newest build. Started out as a mid 80's Bianchi. Created the porteur rack from aluminum flatstock, stainless hardware, and oak. I made the down brackets long to accommodate low mounted headlights. 3ttt Serotta stem, VO handlebars, DiaCompe TT brake levers, Dura Ace DT shifters, Brooks green leather saddle with hammered copper rivets. What do you think?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...I/_DSC0191.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...I/_DSC0193.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...I/_DSC0194.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...I/_DSC0197.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...I/_DSC0198.jpg

We need more detailed pics of how you made that front rack!

LOVE it. Especially those bars.

I like that porter rack. Gives me some ideas.

Very cool ride! How do the reverse brake levers feel? I may do the same.

I will work on posting a thread about the porteur rack construction. The reverse levers feel great, and look nicer then the alternative, I think. I had seen it done on some bikes of a similar style and thought I would give it a shot, will not go back.

Man, seeing these pictures makes me want to stretch out my road bike and put a front rack on it as well! If I could find another bike exactly like mine I would totally consider it as my friend can weld. The only problem with this is my bike would need a lot more strength to handle my groceries. Funny story, I bought $180.00 worth of groceries (from WalMart) so that would give you an idea about weight (canned food, cat food, litter, and just normal groceries). I had this all loaded up my my skinny road bike with its skinny road bike tires. Essentially a cross of the panniers and crate (not shown) on my mountain bike (pic 1) and the bike in pic 2;

http://img40.imageshack.us/img40/9331/dsci00596.jpg

http://img691.imageshack.us/img691/8272/dsci0033f.jpg

I swear I could feel the frame flex, the weight was all in the back including myself. The back tire just blew after I got a little distance, never again! I think a trailer would work really well for me as I can use it on my road bike and mountain bike so it is useable however the weather is. And when I don't want the weight I don't have to have it.

My CAAD1 Cannondale H300 with big Jandd Expedition racks can carry a load.
http://i478.photobucket.com/albums/r...G_3065_2-1.jpg

Thanks :-D. I pulled those 1.5" tires back off this morning tho...probably just a dusting,but theyr're already calling for snow as early as this weekend,so's I reinstalled some tires she used to wear,1/2 worn Continental Vapor 2.1"ers for a lilttle more bite. :)

That would be a steep ratio,especially around here where my regular road rte has sustained 18-32% grades. I always liked the looks of the 9-2-5...was thinking of buying a Metro 9 tax time...but the mtn bug bit hard and now I'm thinking about that new Monocog 29er I meant to by last tax time,LOL! I may look into one later in the year if the $ presents itself. (it's as likely as not...instead of just "not likely this year" for once,LOL)