Sep 21 2008
Xtracycle Project
On my project bike I was going to buy the Free Radical Xtracycle Kit, install it, and ride. But now that I have started to think about this, I decided I want to take my time and do more.
The base Trek I am starting with is a good bike, but it has a few scratches and could use a couple of component upgrades. So having the frame painted or powder coated for a custom/trick look would be very nice. I also want upgrade the brakes to disk brakes. My Giant OCR Touring has disc brakes and I love them in wet and dry weather, so my project should have them too. To do the brake upgrade I need to upgrade the wheels too, which is not a bad idea to have a stronger wheel set to haul heavier loads with.
This project is starting to take shape. I don’t plan to have it completed until spring, so time is not a factor. Anticipation could be a factor in completing it early, but I have decided I want this project to be fun and the completed bike to be a killer ride.
I think I need to start shopping for parts.
I’ve always wondered how those affect the handling of the bike. I think if I were going to haul some stuff I’d prefer one of those bob trailers.
I have seen some huge loads on xtracycles and I wonder how they handle with such large loads. When loads are really heavy what happens on the front end?
I was thinking of getting one but ended up with a BOB. I use it for shopping and such. When it comes to touring I think I still prefer my panniers.
I thought about a BOB and may end up with one eventually. But I like the idea of being able to carry four bags of groceries along with other stuff without pulling a trailer. I am looking to come across a willing Xtracycle owner who will let me take it for a spin and preferably it will loaded.
Why not just create your own “Big Rig” bike? An xtracycle with a BOB. Woohoo!
A “BIG RIG” bike would be a bummer going uphill and loaded, but it would be fun going down!
I’ve ridden my Xtracycle with some huge loads, and generally it works very well. Combined with a front rack and pulling a trailer, you can really shift a lot of stuff:
http://www.hembrow.eu/personal/xtracycle.html#withtrailer
Because the rear wheel is moved back, you’d have to load it in a very odd way to make the front wheel light.
I also have a BOB trailer, which is excellent for touring, and good with lighter loads, but it has a tendency to try to steer the bike if you really load it up with heavy stuff.