What's an Xtracycle?
Xtracycle is the name given to a regular bicycle that has been converted with a FreeRadical Kit made by Xtracycle (sometimes referred to as being FreeRadicalised). The generic term for this sort of bike is a Longbike or Longtail. The Xtracycle FreeRadical kit is unique and allows the majority of regular bikes to be converted to an Xtracycle. The Xtracycle FreeRadical Kit effectively increases the length of your current bike (hence longbike) and allows for a large cargo carrying capacity. You can use rim or disk brakes. For some the capacity and versatility of the Xtracycle is enough to convince them to sell their car - out with the SUV and in with the SUB - Sport Utility Bicycle - the Xtracycle as well as being Practical is fun too - it can even carry child and adult passengers.
The picture below shows an Xtraycle fitted with two GMG Yepp rear seats. These fit to the Xtracycle V racks using the Xtraycle Flight Deck. The Flight Deck is a secure and specific deck made for fitting either one or two GMG Yepp Seats. Fitting is simple and requires the use of a small spanner and allen key. Once fitted the seats can be removed in seconds and even lock to the bike. See our shop page for more details on the GMG Yepp seats.
The probability that the Xtracycle Freeradical kit will fit your bike is high - the easiest way to find out is to contact us. The Xtracycle Freeradical kit works best with mountain bikes. It's useful if we know what make, model and year your bike is, wheel size - ie is it 26" or 700, does it have a chainstay bridge, are the rear dropouts vertical, horizontal, track ends or do they have a collar around them and also the width between the rear dropouts. Photos are also useful. For advice on compatability use our contact form
Although the Xtracycle Freeradical Kit is intended for 26" wheeled bikes it can easily work with a 700c wheeled bike (typical on a racing or hybrid bike). This is usually possible as long as you use a rear disk brake (not a rim brake). If you choose to run fat tyres (say 2 inches) you will almost definitely need at least one pair of 700c spacers (ideally 2 pairs) These prevent the rear tyre from rubbing on the underside of the rear Snap Deck. If in doubt - contact us!
The Practical Cycles Xtracylce 'What's to Lose' Promise!
We will hapilly send you an Xtracycle Freeradical Kit even if you are unsure of the compatability with your own bike. So when you receive it and it fits then that's good news. But if it doesn't then fear not! Provided you return the Freeradical Kit unused* and with all original packaging then we will refund the full price you paid for it. The only minor risk for you is the return postage cost you will need to pay.
(* = we realise you will need to bolt the main frame of the Freeradical to your bike using the two French Bolts and FAP - provided you don't damage anything then that's ok. What we won't refund for is if the Kit has been fully attached to the bike and has been ridden - fair's fair really!)
What can I use it for?
As well as the standard Xtracycle, there's a range of accessories that can help you do certain things:
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Ride to work - take your briefcase, a weeksworth of clothes, your lunch and still have enough room to pick up a crate of beer on the way home.
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Ride to the shops, we reckon you can easily fit a weeksworth of shopping for a family of 4 on the back of an xtracycle without any trouble.
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Got an allotment? The Xtracycle loves carrying fresh home-grown produce! The Xtracycle is also excellent for lugging growbags.
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Moving house? A few trips on the Xtracycle could do the lot (provided you don't live in a 17 bedroom mansion).
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Make recycling your stuff even greener - load the Xtracycle up with papers, cardboard, glass, plastic and nip off to the tip - you could even come back.....
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....off road - the Xtracycle loves abit of rough.
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Take the kids to school - you can fit upto two GMG Yepp child seats to the Xtracycle provided you have already or buy the Xtracycle Flight Deck.
Found enough reasons to dump the car yet?
CLICK HERE TO BUY YOUR FREERADICAL KIT! AND XTRACYCLE ACCESSORIES!
Useful links
http://www.xtracycle.com/ - Official Xtracycle in the USA (where it all started!)
http://www.flickr.com/groups/xtracycle/ - Check out what other people do with their Xtracycle
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/rootsradicals/ - The Xtracycle forum
http://www.xtracyclegallery.com/ - Xtracycle Gallery - Xtracycle (& Big Dummy) Inspiration from around the world.