Raves & Reviews

Nic Nelson Dad
After one ride on the back of my brother’s Xtracycle, I was sold. Found an older model FreeRadical for sale, hitched it to a cheapo used Motiv, and my adventures in urban bike commuting began! My Xtracycle has slowly evolved into the most amazing chameleon contraption! Wife and I took it to Catalina, bike-camping for our anniversary: she toted the day pack, I loaded the other 80lbs of comfort into the Freeloaders. GREAT time! Also, I can now carry all three of my kids on it, courtesy of some fine Burley products that are easily detachable when I want to roam the high desert alone with my xtrabike… THANK YOU.

Corey Nielson
I have managed 6 months without my car thanks to you guys! I wanted to drop you guys a line and give you huge accolades for creating the best kayak transporter, car-selling, girlfriend toting, mobile margarita maker in the world!

Joe Thompson Making Computers Quieter, More Efficient
the Xtracycle is an incredible achievement, you deserve to be in the design museum…..I just want to say that doing stuff on the Xtracycle is way way more enjoyable than any other way, love to ride to the local pool on mine, plus grocery shopping, esp. with my daughter or other passengers on the back….

Steve Pead Cycling House Dad
Just received my FreeRadical from Edinborough Cycles. This thing is the answer to my prayers. I regularly cycle with my two boys - this bit of kit is going to make it so easy to do the school run/shopping/sightseeing. Top idea. Top quality. Well done and many thanks.

Cory Smith Media Producer
Anyone that surfs, bikes and lives within a couple of miles of the beach should consider an Xtracycle with the surf attachment. Biking and surfing… what a perfect combination!

Alex Ilinsky Carpenter, Seeker
SO I’ve been spinnin’ the Xtra’ round for about a week now and my life has changed now that I’ve taken the FreeRad to the streets, shores, lanes, cliffs and so forth. Within the first three hours that I had my 130 lbs or so of gear on board I was approached by five different groups of people, all on on the initiative of inquiring about my bike. They came bearing gifts of pizza for my meal (I had three dollars in my account), lodging (I got hooked up with a resort room for four nights from a cyclehead), love (a cutie from the local surf shop), encouragement and goodwill. Everyday since, at least one person approaces me about the FreeRad and more would follow could they catch me. Some times if I notice them turn and stare incredulously I just shout “It’s an Xtracycle! Free your self, check out the web site…” or something to that effect. They all smile, some shake their heads in bedazzlement and I get that next boost I need to keep on trucking that you can’t buy in no liqour store, won’t find with no street corner hustler or big Media Paper story, or Fox news Reports hooleyblah, or Energy bar or the latest sensation from a petrol crazed nation… nope, only from pedaling in search of and fueled by love. Thanx to all y’all my peeps, I had no Idea it would be like this.

Mike Crehan Boat Captain/Surfer
I live in the geographic center of San Francisco, half way between the Pacific and the Bay. I work on the bay and surf in the ocean. The Xtracycle has enabled me to go completely car free. I can commute to work carrying all I need and get to the beach carrying a surfboard no problem. Before I was dependent upon an automobile, as carrying anything cumbersome on public transpo in this city is not an option. Now I get around, with all my stuff easier than driving a car. Thanks heaps.

Brendan Kiernan Entrepreneur, Extreme Athlete
The Xtracycle changes the way you live. I believe that 100 percent. I sold my truck. The Xtracycle is now my only transportation. I go anywhere I want and take everything I need.

Matt McCambridge Product Design Engineer
It crawled up the steep stuff better than a regular bike and felt very stable coming fast down the mountain… the twisty singletrack was no problem, even when I was passing people in tight corners [at the Sea Otter Classic, a 17-mile MTB race].

Chris Szczerba British Dude
We’re off on July 21st - can’t wait. We’re going down to Cornwall for 2 weeks to work for the Monkey Sanctuary first, then off to France. The Xtracycle is spot on. Currently using the bike everyday, because I’ve got rid of the car. Rides just like a normal bike. No issues with gears, chain etc.. I’m seriously impressed by it. We’ve had the dogs on the back - built platforms onto the H-racks and run the freeloaders round the side to keep them in place. Works a treat - no more weight with dogs on board than a couple of panniers and LOADS better than using the child buggy.

Liz McGregor Independent Filmmaker
I know I’ve said this before, but I’ll say it again. I don’t think I fully understood… no, I KNOW that I didn’t fully understand what you guys were talking about in all those interviews when you would talk about how life changing the xtra is, how useful, how basic and how FUN. I got it, but I didn’t understand it on a personal level. I am happy to say that now… I do! I got it and I know. I ride it to work in NYC, to the beach, in the park, along the river and I notice how my mood, my experience, my community involvement - it’s all enhanced, made better… every time. I’m not saying I’ve achieved total enlightenment (maybe a little bit) or even attained the dutch ass (maybe a little bit)… but it has changed my life. I just like knowing it’s right around the corner… it’s like a good pal who is always there, helps you out, carries your load, makes life easier and so much more pleasant just by being. Ahhhhhh Xtracycle… My Mom and her boyfriend Harry go to the beach in Old Greenwich, CT every morning around 8am. Harry rides the Xtracycle with a big beach chair in the FreeLoader. When they get to the beach, my Mom hangs in her beach chair, reads and drinks coffee while Harry goes for his morning run. They love it too.

Sterling Mudge Organic Food Deliverer
The first place I saw an Xtracycle was in Salida, Co. at this year’s Fibark. I was looking forward to riding it but never got the chance since there were a lot of interested people. I bought one a couple days later and can honestly say it’s the best investment I’ve ever made. Since that I have ridden close to 1000 miles, sometimes with only my front brake and the front derailleur working. I rode it on the Monarch Crest Trail carrying food, water, and layers for my two buddies and me. I can’t get over the way it handles on all the trails I love riding with a short bike. Slickrock trail in Moab was the same as always and the trails around my place in Leadville were fast as ever. I have recently relocated to Portland, ME… It is an area where I can strap my crash pads on my bike and ride 7 easy miles to go bouldering under a beautiful lighthouse with waves crashing at my feet. If I don’t want to go climbing, I bring my kayak instead and play in the surf. I haven’t used a car to get groceries since I got the Xtracycle.

J.B.H. Environmental Activist
It’s the answer to my prayers.

David Baker Architect
[On his practice of switching between his Xtracycle and his racing bike:] It’s great. One day you’re driving the S.U.V., the next you’re in the Miata. I like the combination of experiences. The Xtracycle is smooth and stable; the regular bike is easy to throw around.

Kurt Levy Bicycle Specialty Shop Manager, REI, Seattle
I told [the corporate buyer] that the FreeRadical was the only thing I saw at the [International Bike Show] that we had to bring in.

Aaron Goss Owner, Aaron’s Bicycle Repair
People ask me what was the coolest product I saw at the recent International Bicycle Trade Show called Interbike in Las Vegas. I have to say it was (is) the Xtracycle. It is by far the most useful bike product to come out in years!

Bob Friedman President, YaYa! Bike, the Cooperative of Specialty Bicycles
The only thing I bought at Interbike.

Richard Cunningham Editor
“Best of Show: Interbike 2001,” Mountain Bike Action

Joel Parks Software Engineer, Bike Advocate
I’ve been riding it to work ever since I got it together. The old commuting bike is still around, but I haven’t ridden it since. [I took] my chainsaw [to the trail] in the [FreeRadical] sling, just before I cut up the tree that had fallen across the trail.

Chris in Regensburg, Germany Student
I have lived on my bike for five years in small Colorado ski towns and can’t believe that I have lived for so long without an Xtracycle! Yesterday I had two packages, groceries and a friend on the back riding home from school. I got stopped twice by Regensburg locals who insisted on finding out what “das ding” was on the back of my bike! I would rather stop and talk German to some locals than be trying to carry all that stuff by hanging it off my handlebars and in my already loaded down backpack. I cant wait to take it with me on a 350km ride down the Danube to Vienna Austria. I love the Xtracycle. Just had to get that out.

Dirk Ingram Bike Maker, Waterford Precision Cycles
I finished putting together my Xtracycle on Saturday morning and immediately began looking for stuff to haul. One of the chores on my “to do list” was to bring all of our tree trimmings to the recycling station. There were six bags-enough to fill the back of our VW wagon. I started strapping them on and behold they all fit! We figured there was about 180 pounds of stuff on there. I am amazed by the stability under load. I even crossed two notoriously windy overpasses with these big loads and easily handled the bike when hit with cross wind… Thanks for producing a product that is so inspiring.

Cameron Lawson Adventure Photographer
No joke…the Xtracycle does change your life and your consciousness. I bought a cheap cruiser and had the cycle installed by a friend at a bike shop. I’ve been talking up the Xtracycle BIG. The Xtracycle is very cool. I have a new rule…to avoid driving my car in the city. Riding the bike is a nice break from work, is super fun..and attracts the girls. In fact, the ride is so smooth…you may want to consider installing curb feelers. Hahaha

Ed Lucero Pro Kayaker, Welder, Artist
First let me say that the X is awesome!! I made it to Taos NM without any big disasters. The FreeRadical is a Genius design. If there was a bike infrastucture I would ride every year for the Soultour. The ride was not hard. I didn’t push it hard and still only had to ride for 20 days to make Taos, NM from Hope, ID. I have kayak touring wired now.

Dave R Long-Time Bike Industry Insider
Whow! This past week I installed a FreeRadical on my ‘64 Raleigh 3 spd. I absolutely love the ride. It’s more comfortable and stable now. And of course that’s just the bonus pack to the carrying capacity. Now I want to know what it will set me back to purchase the H-racks. The gears are turning in my head (and of course the bike). As you might suspect, I’m more than a little excited about your product. I believe it’s one of the greatest contributions to cycling (and mobility in general) for as long as I can remember.

Robert Farr Graphics and Web Hacker
I’d like to thank you for making such a great product. I enjoy my Xtracycle so much I can’t show it off enough. I haven’t gotten rid of my cars yet, but I’ve been making good use of the superb cargo capacity of my Xtracycle. Just today I rolled away from the HEB with a large sack of charcoal and a 12 pack of brew. Wouldn’t have been able to handle that with the messenger bag. I also find I’m smiling more when I ride my Xtracycle than I do when I ride the skinny-tire fast bike. It’s an attitude adjuster for me. Hey, if gas really goes through the roof this summer this Xtracycle acquisition will prove to be the smartest thing I ever did — by a long shot. As it is, it’s dead-even with buying that ten-speed with those lawn mowing profits over 35 years ago and kicking cigarettes 18 years ago.

Alan Webber Founding Editor, Fast Company Magazine
How many products can you name that are fun, comfortable, useful, imaginative, practical, and inspirational? I can only think of one: the Xtracycle, the bike that hauls, um, you know.

David Zapol Entrepreneur
I just wanted to tell you guys how amazing it is to have an Xtracycle in my life. I have been so entirely transformed! There’s people banging on the door to get ‘em. They’re so hot! It looks so stylish! AND I’ve been riding all my co-workers around and they’re pumped about it! It’s insane how cool you guys are and how amazing your invention is.

Elliot Campbell Environmental Engineer
Every day I encounter people around town who are jazzed on the [FreeRadical] design. I mean jazzed! All kinds, from little groms to older folks, yuppies, hippies, bike activists, surfer dudes, working class landscapers, computer hackers… I gave the accountant at my business a ride downtown the other day and now he is a fan.

Eric in Palo Alto Mathematician
I took 6 weeks to ride the Xtracycle across Spain– started on the Mediterranean in France then headed straight to the west coast then down to Portugal. After I got rid of a worn-to-death wheel that should have been retired a long time ago, I didn’t have a single problem with the XC– not even a broken spoke on a stock 32-spoke wheel. Transmission was slick. We hit all the dirt roads that would take us anywhere, as well as a bunch of the Santiago trail. On the technical sections the XC handled as well if not better than a bike loaded with rear panniers, while of course carrying much more stuff! As well, I was just able to throw on a duffel, a drybag (both large!) and a guitar. To get back to Paris, I just loaded the XC on the plane, no box. Getting back to the States I just took it off, loaded it with the bike into a standard sized bike box (didn’t even take off the chain or the cables!).

John Holbrooke Carpenter
I’ve been using my Xtracycle to haul my carpenter tools into center city Philadelphia and it is a great experience. Before Xtracycle I would either have to drive the seven or so miles and pay for parking or take the bus and then have to carry everything a few blocks. Now I can park my bike right at the building im working in and sometimes at a bike rack in a parking garage in the building where others are paying good money to park their cars. I have a great commute from the Roxborough/Manaunk section of the city on a bike path along the Schuylkill river, its basically a major part of the same route of the First Union race including the same climb as “The Wall”, but not that actual street. I get great comments from all kinds of people about my bike, from the non bike culture construction workers that I work with to the bike shop employees I visit to show off the Xtracycle. In fact a guy stopped me yesterday who had been looking at your website and I let him ride my bike, I think he is going to topple onto your side of the fence. I can truly say that Xtracycle has made my life that much better and adds meaning to the “my other car is a bicycle” bumper sticker on my car.

Jennie D Fun Lover
What other bike accessory allows you to gracefully carry a chain saw, guitar, 4 bags of groceries, a suitcase, buffet for 25, a flower arrangement, and a friend? I love my Xtracycle cause I can tote anything anywhere, it’s elegant and sturdy, a huge crowd-pleaser, riding is a fresh muscular thrill, & I arrive everywhere feeling self-sufficient and spectacularly alive!

Gregg Osofsky Teacher, Web Developer
I love this bicycle! It took a lot of prodding, but once it was on my street rod, my life has been a joy ride…what can I say, it’s a revolution…to me.

Roscoe Pickins Tofurky Dude
Dear Sir,

Thank you for featuring Xtracycle– the world’s first Sport Utility Bicycle– in your recent Holiday Gift Guide. We here at the Wind River Tofurkey Ranch reckon that the Xtracycle is the best outdoor product we’ve seen since the Gore-Tex Depend undergarment. To wit: just last month productivity here at the ranch was up a whollopping 60%, on accounta with our new Xtrabikes we can pack extra ammo, chase those wily, high-protein critters through miles of sick single-track, and return loaded to the hilt with record numbers of fresh Tofurkeys.

Our Xtracycles are really earning their keep as more folks, on recommendations from their doctors, come to ’shoot their own’ and stock up for the winter. Many have gone home with more than just a good workout and several pounds of fresh, lean soyfowl. Indeed, just last week Charlton Heston went home with three big birds– and a big jones for his own Xtracycle. (Better put a gun-rack on that one boys!) Next week Dick Cheney is supposed to stop by.

It’s high time you cappucino cowboys in the liberal ‘adventure-travel’ media realized that folks shouldn’t have to ride herd over their values in search of good huntin’, an honest living, and a balanced, low-fat diet. I hope that in the future you’ll showcase more innovative, ecologically-minded American products like the Xtracycle, which by the way your readers can order at www.Xtracycle.com.

Sincerely,

Roscoe “Free Range” Pickins
CEO, Wild T Cooperative
Laramie, WY

PS I was so taken by the Xtracycle that I wrote a trail song about it:

(For Rover, may he rest in peace.)

Oh Lord, won’t you buy me a new Xtrabike?
My kin all drive Dodges
But I’d rather hike

I’ve worked all my life no thanks to the brute
who Ranged over my Rover
in his big ol’ sport ute

I’ve always been too frugal for a Lexus or Ford
Never pined to sport a Woody
I’m much too pious, my Lord

I’ve always been too humble for an epic Expedition
So I’d walk to shoot my soyfowl
or just sit at home a wishin’

for rig that I could ride without insurance or care
that provides peace of mind that I’m doin’
right by the ozone layer

Then one fall, in the outhouse, I saw my true dream
In the ad-packed glossy pages
of an outdoor adventure magazine

(Aside: It’s called Outside.
Ironic, since the ads all abide
by a chronic sensibility to stay INside
a steel cage of consumptive pride.)

So I’m a givin you no-tice that I’ve found my true belle
No, not my new dog, Otis
though he sure is swell

My love’s a kindler and gentler Sport U-til-ity,
I ride with a 30.06 into the sunset,
a shootin’ Tofurkey