I am wanting to do a lot more biking and less driving. I'd like to carry groceries and possibly kids (smaller kids - currently 8.5, 7, 5 and 1) at various times.

There is a used Gary Fisher Tassajara at a used sporting goods store - they are asking $130 (everything is functional just a bit of chipped paint). It is a relatively tall frame, but shorter than the tandem, so I'm pretty sure I can handle the height even loaded. It's Cro-Mo, made in Taiwan and green (aka I have no idea what year).

Will this work for an xtracycle conversion? Anything I should know? (FYI, I have no chance of affording a pre-built longbike - even this set-up would be a real stretch.)

If I get the xtracycle kit, would the FreeRadical LiteLoader work for my needs?

Thanks!

If the bike fits you well and rides nicely without the Xtracycle kit, it will fit and ride well WITH the kit. The Tassajara would make a great donor bike, but if it doesn't fit, don't bother. The Liteloader setup will work for groceries, but not kids. There isn't a "deck" to use the top part for cargo. The old style Freeloader bags are on closeout now for $99 (only $25 more than the Hoodie than the Liteloader kit comes with), then just get the Flightdeck ($59) and you'd have everything you'd want, at only $83 more than the Liteloader setup. Well worth the extra cost up front.

I don't think it will fit because the chain stays on the Tassajara are too short to match up to the xtracycle kit.

It may depend upon what model year the Tassajara is, but when I tried to put together the same system a few years ago the bike shop had to give me my money back on the Tassajara I bought from them and just build the xtracycle up with the mountain bike I already owned because of the chain stay issue.

Jon

I wanted to update this thread - I did put the free radical on the Gary Fisher and it fits nicely. I bought the v-racks, but am still waiting for the money to purchase the free loaders. I've adapted some old newspaper carrier bags in the meantime. Thank you both for your help!