Found an alternative to whatchamacollars
 

$42 for 2 modified seatpost clamps is INSANE! I hate how xtracycle gouges us. $4.50 for one shark fin snap piece? Anyway, I found this:

http://www.ebikestop.com/primo_vikin...ver-ST0656.php

Just thought I'd pass it along. Not bad for $4.20 each. They don't fit perfectly (too loose) but I made them work with a little bit of gaffer's tape. I think an old tube as a gasket would work better but I didn't have any on hand. I ordered another 2 to round out my attempt at 4 pt security attachments. Now I can lift the tail of the Big Dummy with the massive Nuvinci back there from the snap deck and not have it pop off.

Yes, I hear ya! Since I have gotten my Dummy, I have had my rear xtracycle assembly pop off carrying a load when I have to curb-hop. I cut some pieces of an old tube and put them over the four contact points and it helps somewhat, but would love to have something else. Don't think I wanna spend close to a hundred bucks for four whatchamacollars, though! I may give this a try. Seems like a bit of xtra tubage would work. Thanks!

I agree that they are expensive but I doubt Xtracycle is 'gouging'. It is very expensive to have custom pieces made in small batches. It isn't like they are selling 10,000 of these a month. Good idea on the collars.

i also agree, way too much $

as to SnapDeck, V-rack situation.
I've simply used some nylon strap and have tied it super strong between the left and right V-racks, fore and aft of the SnapDeck, to apply pressure, so that the deck does not pop off.

its also enough tension to pick up the bike by any part of the rear assembly.
I've also thought about simply using some stainless steel band clamp (aka: radiator hose clamp), albeit it would have to be a very large band clamp.

Interesting. Doesn't the freeloader already hold the V-rack down or maybe you guys are using the adventure rack? I have the 2007 version so it may be different.

These are a small step towards providing some more security for your racks. One other thing the whatchamacollars do is keep water from running into the freeloader/adventure rack mounting holes and causing rust. The rust was my main concern (since I don't leave my XtraCycle unattended very long) so I just cut up an old inner tube from my road bike and slid it up the posts on the freeloader then rolled it up a bit from the bottom, put the freeloaders back on and rolled the tube back over the mounting holder. Since I used pretty small diameter tubes it is tight enough that n water can get past there at all...

Yes the Freeloaders hold the v-racks down. I lift the back end of my Dummy by the V-racks and snap deck [strapped down] all the time with no issues. I use some road bike inner tubes to prevent water from getting into the sub-frame.

Although you could steal my v-racks and freeloaders - it would be a pain and isn't high on the priority list of bike thieves in my neck of the woods.

Guys: Google up

unicycle double seat post clamp

http://images.google.com/images?q=un...N&hl=en&tab=wi

http://www.google.com/search?q=unicy...ient=firefox-a

If you want things cheaper then popularize and get the word out to all you friends (cycling, non-cyling, newbees, etc.) to buy BD and Xtra kits. Why? The more that are out there, the more demand for these accessories and then economies of scale would kick in.. :D:thumb:

Once there's competition the prices will drop. As it stands there is nothing out there like the Xtracycle. The market just isn't big enough to draw pretenders.

Thought I would post another self-portrait. This is the latest set up of my Dunelt wanting only the full chaincase installed.

http://webpages.charter.net/graywolf...-20090607d.jpg

You can see the lights, saddlebag, grips, bell, and pedals that have been added since I last posted a photo of it. Below is a more scenic view without the ogre.

http://webpages.charter.net/graywolf...-20090607i.jpg

I do call this a utility bicycle. It is also getting along towards being an antigue...

Not sure what the connection is with the thread, but I do like your bike.
I'm sure bike makers could still sell those 65 degree seat tube bikes if they would only just build them.
I like that kind of geometry.

I see on the googled site that some double bolt seat collars cost $20 each (the colored aluminum ones). So Xtracycle's prices aren't too horrible for small run accessories. I think the OP had the right idea for an inexpensive replacement.

They're $6.99 each for black ones at unicycle.com. $9.99 for fancy colors.

What's the right size clamp 27.2?

I have a 25.4 and it's definitely too big. 22.8 probably. You might have to do the coin trick on the bottom to get it large enough to fit dummy tube.

The small sized ones are 22.2. I just called those guys and I'll call back tomorrow to find out for sure. The big ones, 25.4 have an OD of about 26.2 on the outer tube side. They don't clamp down very well on the Big Dummy.

I can easily get the 25.4 to work however with shims.

PS: Anyone with a pair of calipers care to give us the two relevant measurements? Big Dummy tubing size and V-rack/Adventure Rack tubing in millimeters?

PPS: Do not get the smaller ones. You cannot do the coin trick on these because they are only threaded on one side.

I got my 25.4 to work with aluminum can shims but it's a PITA.