Well, I’ve been trying to figure out a way for some time to efficiently carry stuff and my 2 kids around by bike. I’ve been very impressed with the submissions in our What’s the biggest thing you’ve carried on your bike?” Contest, which have inspired me to think bigger about biking for transportation.
Will this conversion kit change the way I use my bike?
My everyday bike is a steel Bianchi road bike which works fine for commuting, but isn’t exactly great at carrying anything bigger than what will fit in my messenger bag. We have a bike trailer, but my eldest is out growing it. I’ve also not been thrilled with the way it affects bike handling and the time it takes to set up (plus the trailer clamp pretty much has destroyed the paint on my bike frame at the contact point.)
I have dreamed of owning a Bakfiets, but at over $3000, I just can’t afford one right now. So this weekend, I ordered an Xtracycle Free Radical conversion kit for my Trek 7200 hybrid that I kept for my mom, who in turn never rides it. This kit promises to make my bike a haul anything mover for less than $500. We’ll see.
It should be arriving in the next week or so. Look for an initial first impressions post when it arrives and a full review in the coming weeks.
EDIT: My Xtracycle kit finally came in and I posted my initial review here.
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on Aug 26th, 2008 at 1:35 pm
I had trepidations when I ordered mine. Buyer’s remorse never happened
I await your impressions!
on Aug 26th, 2008 at 1:48 pm
Thanks. I’m really looking forward to getting it.
on Sep 23rd, 2008 at 10:14 pm
I love my Xtracycle. Total and complete love. The kids were a bit wary at first, but now they want to go out all the time. It will change your life, especially how you go grocery shopping.