My wife and I had great time this weekend putting our Xtracycle Free Radical conversion to work hauling our weekly purchase of groceries as well as our kids. Based on the amount of milk we have to buy to make it through the week, this was no small task. We got to try out our lighting system as well when we ended up waiting until it was near dark to set out on this adventure.
I’m pleased to report that not only did we make it there and back in one piece, we had a lot of fun doing it. My kids had a blast woohooing as we went down hills and my son, Miles, tells me this is the “best bike ever.”
I was surprised to find the extra weight of the groceries down low actually increased the stability of the ride with the kiddos. Dismounting was another matter with the front wheel lifting up and the bike falling sideways with all the back weight. I was able to save the rig before it tipped over, but it was a close one. I’m looking forward for the next generation double foot stand, the KickBack, coming out from Xtracycle soon to address this.
I also came across another option for those biking with kids and wanting to use the Xtracycle as a bicycle mini van. I discovered the blog She Knits Shizknits while perusing the Xtracycle Flickr group this weekend. The blog is written by a family using their Xtracycle for child transport, and they have detailed an Xtracycle setup with padded stadium seats. This is a different approach than my PVC handlebars, but looks like a good option for slightly older kids. It’s certainly something to consider.
Another option for those wanting to convert their Xtracycle into a bicycle mini van. Learn more on this setup at shizzyknits.typepad.com.
I am struck by the great DIY mentality of Xtracycle users. The company has adopted several of these adaptations into after market add-ons, however the Xtracyclist does not seem to be limited to these accessories. This was brought to a new height last week when Xtracycle released as open source the specs for building long tail frames. This means those wanting to take it to the next level and build their own unified bicycle frame built to accept the Xtracycle platform can do so without paying for the design.
I believe the market for cargo bikes is growing, and I’m happy to see Xtracycle embrace the innovation of its users to build better products, more accessories, and support cargo biking in general.
Biking for transportation isn’t wacky. It’s the future, and my kids are loving it.
on Oct 7th, 2008 at 3:45 pm
I just took my 20-month-old daughter on her first ride, and she did remarkably well. I couldn’t be happier or more excited. I don’t think she’s going to have any trouble at all getting on board with this “new” mode of transportation. Our first goal is to get comfortable enough that we can pedal to a kids’ fair at a local metropark this Saturday (about 3 or 4 miles each direction). I’m betting we’ll be there with bells on. We’re still a long way from bolting on Xtracycle conversion kits and making for the grocery store with the entire family in tow, but we’ll get there.
on Dec 1st, 2009 at 10:05 pm
Hi, Elliott. I saw on another post the the pvc pipe frame you added to the xtracycle to tote your kids along. I am not that handy and wanted to see if you know of anyone that might make the pvc part and put on my xtracycle, I am happy to by the parts.
Thanks
~kj
on Dec 2nd, 2009 at 1:09 am
kjd.blaboe,
I don’t know about the PVC, but I’ve switched to a welded steel tubing version of this. It’s strong, more durable, and about the same weight. I’m still prototyping, but plan to offer it as an optional add on for Xtracycles in the coming year through my framebuilding business, Violet Crown Cycles. I would offer it as something separate for people who already have Xtracycles as well.