ElectricBikeReport.com/ Ross Evans, founder of Xtracycle, shows us the new Swoop longtail eCargo, the new RFA compact eCargo, and the new Stoker eCargo.
Nice bikes - even nicer shout out to hats from Tucson. That particular hat is emblematic of the kind of hat long-time locals wear in Tucson. Love to see Xtracycle doing well. (FYI, an unofficial survey of cargo bikes at Tucson's recent Cyclovia 2019 (with 40,000+ participants) had Xtracycle as the #1 cargo bike in our area.)
Hey Ross! As an early Free-Radical customer and user it is great to see you guys grow and develop! My grand kids love riding "their" bike. I have the "Hooptie", "Magic Carpet", and "Wide Loaders" matched to my bike. The grand kids have turned 4 and 5 and they give me an additional 100+#'s of weight. It is real workout going up hill! So, a bolt on electric motor may be in my future, humbling for this old "real cyclist". Do you guys have anything like that? Oh, yeah I got my "Free Radical" way back in 2006! It changes what a bike can be!
These bikes are really hard to find. I want to try the Stoker and Xtracycle is helping me, but stores don't have it. I live in DC and the closest option right now is Propel in NYC. Do bike stores not like Xtracycle for some reason?
This is what I got from Xtracycle's facebook posts. Wheel bases (axle to axle) / actual lengths (from of front wheel to end of the bike) 10e: 56.25" / 83" Stoker: 54.75" / 83" RFA in Utilit mode: ?? / 75" RFA in Sport mode: 44.8" / 69"
Seemed like they used to be the bike of the people. They created a product the free radical that made cargo bikes affordable to everyone. Now they are an expensive Boutique
a note of alternate methods; you should get your 80 yro dad onto a TRICYCLE, which I, at only 72, think is a much kinder way to keep pedaling, and possibly a whole new product line for your company
No more derailleur based drivetrains. Particularly on a workhorse and in shitty weather. The latest internal 11 speed hub from shimano would be something I'd definitely want as an option to simplify, reduce maintenance and noise. Maybe a flat bar option as well. Like to see also, an adult passenger seat or pad add-on. A clip-on vespa scooter style windshield would be another great option for cooler climates. The blue coloured twin downtube model is finished beautifully and the detail.... Impressive performance from bosch and its pedal assist centre drive system. Smaller wheels might be stronger but reduce pedal clearance around corners. No mention whether frames and seat height can accommodate a taller person.
I am so tired of people conflating children with cargo. I would be very surprised if most people who want cargo bikes actually have kids, or want to have them ride on the back. Why do cars have trunks? To put your kids in? There are other uses for cargo bikes.