Xtra-cycle
No, I didn't make it.*
It’s an Xtra-cycle; No, I didn’t make it*.
In 1999, I bought myself a new Bianchi Milano 7 speed internal geared Nexus hub with Nexus roller brake for commuting. I had seen it at B and L and after a couple test rides a week apart, I bought it. After I’d had it a short time, I changed the drive train and left the bike pretty much alone for 5, 6, 7 years. When the Nexus hub wore out, I converted to a cassette style hub with a single cog that allowed me to continued to use the roller brake. However, the biggest and best change I ever made to the bike was the installation of an Xtra-cycle rear end in 2008.
As with the original bike purchase, I saw the Xtra-cycle conversion hanging at B and L. Must have been fate or something because it was the last one they hadan d it was for a 26” wheel, the size the Milano used. Only problems were it was not designed for the Nexus roller brake and it was designed for a derailer, which I had never had on this bike. Nevertheless, I though I could make it work and I have. It’s probably the best bike experiment I’ve ever tried. And even though there are many Xtra-cycles in town, it seems like every day someone admires it and asks questions.
This article is an attempt to describe the Xtra-cycle and perhaps, just perhaps, convince YOU to convert an old bike you have in the garage. If you need more info, the folks at Xtra-cycle have been very responsive to my email inquiries. www.xtracycle.com
- Bianchi with Xtra-cycle.
First picture, the Bianchi as it normally appears, Xtracycle conversion on the back. The conversion has several parts, which I will show pictures of and name. Before you have an Xtracycle, the web site can be a little confusing. The Xtracycle (XC from now on)conversion is a steel frame that bolts to the original rear dropout and to the chain stays where a kick stand would normally be located.
- Photo 2, the Xtra-cycle deck
On the top of the XC is a piece of wood that looks like a skateboard, seen in picture 2. When I bought mine, I don’t think there were very many options. Now, you can buy different ones, with names like Utedeck, MagicCarpet, TecDeck and Firehouse Deck. The finish on mine began crack and cloud over, so I sanded it down, stained it and put several coats of marine varnish or polyurethane on it.
- Photo 3, Xtra-cycle frame
Picture 3 shows the left hand side frame. I have removed the V frame and to which the Freeloader bag is attached. Picture 4 shows how the 2 side frames and bags fit on either side of the rear wheel, plus the fender to keep dirt and water somewhat contained.
- Photo 4A
Picture 4A and B show the WideLoader both by itself and installed into the FreeRadical base frame.
- Photo 4B, wide-loader installed
- Photo 5, bags installed.
Picture 5 shows the WideLoader and the FreeLoader bags installed. It also shows the nylon flap of the FreeLoader bag. This flap covers a somewhat secret pocket where small things can be placed. For example, when I pick up membership applications form B and L, I slide them into the pocket so they don’t fall out on the way home.
I think the bike still rides very well and it’s always ready to carry stuff, that’s the best thing, it’s always there. I do almost all of my grocery shopping by bike, carrying cold things together on the right side of the side (the shady side when I ride home). I’ve taken rather large boxes downtown to FedEx for shipping, just loosen the nylon straps and stick the box inside the practically undone FreeLoader bag. The heaviest thing I’ve carried is 10 gallons of water, a 5 gallon bottle per side. But I often carry groceries and smaller bottles of water. I once carried a Honda rear deck wing home for a friend. Very light, but long and awkward.
For some pictures of pretty impressive things carried on a Big Dummy (the Surly designed and sold dedicated XtraCycle), go here:
http://www.flickr.com/groups/688473@N21/pool/65167088@N00/
*most common question I get asked.
