Check out the poster above for the details, but essentially, the waiting list is now open for the official Xtracycle spec of Surly’s LONG awaited Big Dummy longtail frame - the stoutest vehicle for every day adventure ever invented. Needless to say we’re thrilled with the thing, and we think you’ll love the way we’ve tricked it out. We’ve selected parts that are durable, look great, and don’t break the bank.

Xtracycle will have 55 Big Dummies slated for sale, come March 15th (date not confirmed, only estimated). You can call or e-mail now to get on the waiting list with no deposit. (call 888-537-1401 or email info@xtracycle.com) Once we’ve finalized the price by the 15th of January (give or take), we’ll contact those on the list to get payment for the bike, which will put you on the pre-sales list.

Folks can choose to remain on the waiting list and take their chances. Putting down a full deposit guarantees you a longtail built to last a lifetime. Note that there are four sizes (16″, 18″, 20″ 22″) and we only have a total of 55 units, so quantities for each size are limited. These will sell out before they make it to our headquarters.

See the details of our spec on the poster - click the image above, which will take you to flickr. Click “view all sizes” to read the fine print. We’ll have this info up on our site in about a week or so!

And no, they’re not available in pink. (We tried).

A holiday tale of hauling a Xmas tree by Xtracycle entitled “Biking in a Winter Wonderland”. Click to read full story in the Ottawa Citizen.

…

“A couple of summers ago, when Juergen offered to take me for a ride, I successfully refused. However, here we are, at the Christmas tree lot, and about to entrust one of the pivotal symbols of the season to this “LWB” (long-wheel-base) bicycle, so how can I refuse? I must show faith.

I grimace and Juergen counsels: “You straddle it like a horse,” indicating the plank behind him. “But don’t stand where the cargo goes.”

I am now precariously astride. I wonder where I should put my feet but with a lurch, we are mobile and I am too busy hanging on to ask.

I hadn’t thought of it as we circled the parking lot, but after dismounting I realize that the drag coefficient must’ve been something else. Yet there was no slipping of the tires on the snow-packed pavement as Juergen’s feet gripped the BMX pedals and he put his weight into moving mine.

“Carbide studs in the tires,” he explained with a wink. “This bike has electric assist but we didn’t need it.”

Our laughter has brought lot attendant Dan Simard from the small house trailer that is his December home. He tells us that this is his ninth year selling Christmas trees.
“Anyone ever come before on a bicycle?” I inquire. “Only him,” he says and points at Juergen. Gee, why does that not surprise me?

Prana Visit from Xtracycle and the 2 Mile Challenge, originally uploaded by xtracycleinc.

Mike Hill of Prana took this shot when the Clif Bar Two Mile Challenege rolled through southern california.

I don’t know if this was a conscious spoof on Xtracycle co-founder Ross Evan’s yoga shot of Darren Rhodes from Tucson’s legendary Yoga Oasis.

Regardless, the Xtracycle-Yoga connection is clear, apparently, it’s just not always clean.

Check more great photos from Mike’s website of the visit here: www.mikehill.com/data/web/2mile/. Really, not to be missed.

Huntington Beach - This is how we roll…

Originally uploaded by xtracycleinc

Apparently, this is “how we roll to school” in Huntington Beach, courtesy of Kent Becker. How do you roll (to school or otherwise)? Send us your photos: info@xtracycle.com.

Riding the Spine - Summit

Originally uploaded by xtracycleinc

It was not an easy day for the Xtracycle, but it held up great and has been since you sent me the modified version. Wanted to send my thanks for ya`lls help. There´s no way we could have ridden that Volcano with a BOB trailer or panniers. Xtracycles are awesome.

Cheers,
jacob
Riding the Spine

Disc brakes are becoming increasingly popular among bike people, and they’re popping up on more and more entry level bikes. But why should you go disk?

Not everyone needs disc brakes, but the folks like you who do generally justify the expense so that:

* you can carry heavy loads/passengers down hill and avoid blowouts
* you can enjoy minimal set up and periodic maintenance, and easy on/off of the front wheel
* you can experience strong brake power even when weather conditions get wet
* you can look good (come on, let’s be honest here…disc brakes are just plain sexy

Disc brake manufacturer Tektro has recently released SUB specific hydraulic disc brakes, with larger pad surface and longer brake levers to amp up the braking power for long bikes with large loads. We haven’t tested them yet, but we hear they’re beefy.

We recently stumbled upon some user praise for the Xtracycle/Electra Townie combinations on our Forums. Not that this is particularly unusual, the forums have been fairly active these days…but what was cool was the extent to which people had thought about the FreeRadical’s effect on the Townie’s handling and performance. We thought you might want to check this out, so we’ve included some of the text below, and a link option too.

“I’ve now had my Townie 21 w/free radical for about a month, and haven’t driven or gotten on a bus since. Even loaded with groceries (including heavy or bulky stuff like kitty litter, cartons of Virgil’s rootbeer, and goji juice the Townie is a joy to ride. Not as speedy as my old lighter twelve-speed on the flat, but much more fun and comfort, and loaded, it really sails downhill.

At least 2 unexpected benefits: 1) Townie w/ free radical loaded or unloaded feels safer and easier to control than my touring bike. 2) Any bike w/ free radical is a total dude magnet! …(read more in the forums)

Jeff Adams and Moxie

Originally uploaded by The Juice Peddler

We’re going to do an upcoming newsletter issue all about pets and how folks carry them by Xtracycle. Post your comments here about your own pet portage adventures. Pictured: Xtracycle enthusiast and supporter Jeff Adams with his pup Moxie.

P1010746.JPG

Originally uploaded by cleverchimp

Portland framebuilder Tony Pereira built this Xtracycle compatible longtail frame for a customer. Thanks to Todd Fahrner for the photos and bloggage. I’m a big fan of the stays running from head tube to rear drop outs–seems like the cleanest possible lines for a long bike. The arching supports in the rear are a handsome contrast to the straight tubes elsewhere. Spec’d with Big Apples, Brooks saddle, Nitto moustache bars - a stylish citified add to the emerging long tail offerings.

Cargo Van

Originally uploaded by The Juice Peddler

This weeks’ challenges were the rain and picking up my daughter from daycare and eating lunch (Clif bars don’t count as lunch) and the fact that I had loaned my seat out to another bike project and didn’t recover it…As per usual, the days I Xtracycled (instead of rolling in the cargo van) were amazing. Especially those carrying Davis in her carseat on the front cargo space–car drivers were incredulous, some delighted, others concerned. I rode by a run down house with a sign in the window reading: “You must be the change you want to see in the world.”