Glossary of Longtailness

A semi-comprehensive glossary of longtail and other bicycle related terms. Use your browser's find function (Ctrl+F, Command+F) to find stuff easily.

Ambassador

Xtracycle teams up with groups and individuals working to enact positive change with the help of our longtail cargo bicycles.

Big Dummy

A one-piece longtail cargo bike made by those cantankerous chaps at Surly, inspired by our original longtail cargo bicycle converter, FreeRadical.

Bike Blender

Pedal powered blender invented by the Juice Peddler (aka our CXX, Nate Byerley) Rock the Bike now owns the Juice Peddler and manufactures Bike Blenders

bike surf

To ride a moving bicycle with only your feet. Can be done as either passenger or rider, but surf at your own risk!

Boss Hog

Interfaces with your donor frame's rear dropouts on FreeRadical. Built sturdy, and always in charge.

Bottom Stay

Lower, forward tube on FreeRadical. Runs from the Tongue to the Front Bridge.

Brake Caliper Protector

Bent steel rod usually used for derailleur protection, re-purposed to prevent disc brake caliper rub and interference with your non-drive FreeLoader bag.

Bridges (Front/Rear)

Horizontal tubes on FreeRadical. They help make your Xtracycle the modular platform it is by accepting accessories like WideLoaders and KickBack.

Build Kit

Kit that comes with FreeRadical allowing you to convert your bicycle into a cargo utility bike. Kit includes cables, housing, kickstand, small parts, manual and a few other goodies.

bungee cord

Expandable cord usually finished with steel hooks. Used for lashing items to a larger item. Not useful for large/heavy loads due to tendency to fail or flex too much. CamStraps eat bungees for breakfast and are the recommended straping device for your cargo.

C-Bar

Super wide bar for a relaxed ride, aka Cruiser Bars.

CamStap

'Xtremely useful straps that come in two pieces. One has a metal cam attached to a short strap of webbing with a loop sewn in, and another long piece of webbing with a loop as well. Much better than bungees since they don't stretch, useful for large, bulky objects or when your FreeLoaders are already at their max capacity.

car-free

Living without a car. An increasing, and hopefully persistent, trend in America. With an Xtracycle, you can perform many of the cargo functions of a car, without the pollution and cost.

car-lite

Living with a car, but dedicated to using it less than other, non-polluting modes of transportation. Another increasing trend in our society.

cargo

Stuff you carry as you go through life. Xtracycles haul lots of cargo easily.

Cargo Van Kit

A LongTail Kit with additional accessories to handle larger cargo loads. Includes one WideLoader and one LongLoader.

Carry-It-All Kit

Big brother of Cargo Van Kit, Carry-It-All is for those needing large carrying capacity all the time. Consists of a LongTail Kit, two WideLoaders and one LongLoader.

chromoly

High carbon steel alloy with chromium and molybdenum for increased stiffness and lightness. FreeRadical, Radish and Big Dummy are all made from 4130 chromoly. aka cro-mo, cromoly

deck

Flat platform that installs on top of the racks on an Xtracycle providing a stable platform for loading cargo, carrying passengers and the occasional bike surf. Current decks offered are SnapDeck, EcoDeck, FlightDeck and TekDeck.

Disc Rotor Protector

See Brake Caliper Protector

donor bike

A bicycle or frame used in the conversion of an Xtracycle. aka donor frame, host bike

donor frame

Frame used in an Xtracycle conversion. See donor bike for more info.

Down Low Glow

Cold-cathode light tubes powered by a rechargeable, 12v battery. Made by Rock the Bike, comes in single or dual tube configurations. Great for side visibility on your longtail, comes in a variety of colors.

dropouts

U-shaped cutouts in a bicycle's fork and rear triangle that hold the wheel axles in place. FreeRadical attaches to the donor frame's rear dropouts and has its own pair of dropouts for the rear wheel. There are various types of dropouts: vertical, horizontal and semi-horizontal. Read more here.

Extracycle

Common misspelling of Xtracycle. :)

Family Van Kit

Also known as a Passengering Kit, this kit is designed for hauling young and old aboard an Xtracycle. Kit comes with LongTail Kit, MagicCarpet and Footsies.

FlightDeck

Recycled plastic (#2 HDPE) deck designed to work with SuperHooks. Had two handles, front and back, and 24 mounting holes for a variety of accessories. PeaPod LT uses this deck for mounting to your Xtracycle. Black in color.

Footsies

Wooden foot platforms that mount into the Front Bridge of a LongTail Standard bicycle. A Velcro strap at the heel attaches them to the Short Stay or Footsie Stay. Not compatible with KickBack (but here's a foot peg solution).

Footsie Stay

Additional tube on Surly's Big Dummy providing built in Footsies. Many people still opt to have the original Footsies installed. Go figure.

FreeLoader

Our revolutionary bag that's capable of swallowing a wide variety of cargo. Refined over the years, now includes an large inner velcro pocket and small zippered mesh pocket. Adjusts with three straps with buckles on the end and drawstring mesh ends. Watch this video to learn more.

FreeLoader Boss

Lower attachment point for new FreeLoader straps on the Front Uprights and Long Stays, uses a 3mm bolt and chainring-like spacer.

FreeRadical

Frame that converts your short bike into a longtail cargo utility bicycle. Adds 15" to your frame, has a max payload of 200 lbs (90.7 kg) and will positively shift your lifestyle. Made of chromoly steel and powder coated silver.

French Connection

Area of clamping and contact of your FreeRadical Boss Hog and French Nut and your donor frame's dropouts.

French Nut

T-shaped nut that clamps your donor frame's dropouts against Boss Hog. Vital for the French Connection.

Front Attachment Plate (FAP)

Aluminum plate that sandwiches a donor bike's chain stays between it and the FreeRadical Tongue. Some donor bikes may need an extended FAP due to wide chain stays.

Gravity Advantage Juju

Tim Harvey said it best:

"[To test] Gravity Advantage Ju-Ju... try taking your unloaded bike onto a slick icy steep uphill road, with studded tires of course, and ride up it. There are lots of those here in Chukotka so I had no problem discovering the following:

1. with an Xtracycle attached, you fly up the road like you're gripping hot asphalt.
2. without the Xtracycle, as you tackle that heinously steep icy hill, you pull your bars and whoooops! Your front wheel lifts into the air and you risk an ugly wipe-out.

So the effect is, with a longer wheelbase you can pull on those handlebars with all your might and all that energy will go into your climb instead of destabalizing you. I like it!

H-Rack

Aluminum tubing (6000-series) that inserts into the FreeRadical Bridges providing horizontal rack support for large, bulky items. aka WideLoader (when combined with a WideLoader sling)

high-tensile steel

A strong steel but heavier than chromoly, used in many department store bicycles (Walmart, COSTCO, etc.) and low end bicycle frames.

hitch-less

Adding an extension accessory to your bicycle without using a hinge or hitch. FreeRadical is a perfect example of a hitch-less extension.

KickBack

Double-leg center stand designed for Xtracycles using the LongTail Standard. Main body is made of chromoly with the adjustable legs made of aluminum. Spring retracted and easily engaged from either side of your Xtracycle.

Kit

Collection of accessories that, when combined, provide a specific range of functions (see LongTail Kit, Family Van, Cargo Van, Carry-It-All Kit, PeaPod LT Kit, Pannier Kit & Build Kit).

Long Stay

Longest stay (tube) on FreeRadical. Connects from the Tube of Gibraltar to the Rear Bridge.

LongLoader

Offsets long objects away from your pedal zone. Must be used in conjunction with WideLoader. Great for surfboards, ladders, lumber, poles, etc.

longtail

Aft 'xtended bicycle wheelbase. Pioneered by Ross Evans in Nicaragua in 1997.

LongTail Kit

Our starter accessory kit. Includes SnapDeck, V-Racks and FreeLoader bags. The basics to start your cargo haulin' every day adventures.

LongTail Standard

Open source standard for creating compatible accessories for Xtracycle-dimensioned bicycles. Surly Big Dummy was the first to adopt the standard. We invite you to learn about the specs on our LongTail Tech Wiki and come play the longtail way!

LongTailphilia

(n) the desire to be riding an Xtracycle

MagicCarpet

Padded cushion for SnapDeck. Made of EVA high-density foam with a nylon cover. Reflective piping around the seam, comes in various color combos.

model

Used in the bicycle industry to denote a particular build and design of a bicycle, much like the auto industry denotes different styles and makes of car in a brand/car line.

P-Rack

Vertical rack, like V-Racks, that insert into the Uprights on an Xtracycle. Made of 7000-series aluminum, they have a welded rail to accept a wide variety of panniers.

panniers

French term for bags that mount to racks and hang off the side of your bicycle. Can be used on front or rear racks. Comes in a wide variety of styles, materials, uses. Xtracycle FreeLoaders are like panniers, but offer more utility uses for a wider variety of cargo. More info here.

Pannier Kit

Accessory kit including P-Racks and Whatchamacollars. A bare-bones setup for use with panniers.

passengering

Carrying people on your Xtracycle. Family Van is the perfect kit for this sort of Xtra'curricular activity. aka carrying passengers, convoy, ferry, schlepp, wayfarer.

PeaPod

Our original kid's bicycle seat, attached to the seat stays and around the seat tube/post. Is not compatible with Radish.

PeaPod LT

Our new, LongTail Standard compliant, kid's bicycle seat. Offers more protection for your child, increased adjustability and is compatible with Radish. Requires the use of FlightDeck and SuperHooks when used on an Xtracycle. Will also work with a standard bicycle rack rated to 50 lbs.

PeaPod LT Kit

Kit includes two FreeLoaders, two V-Racks, PeaPod LT, FlightDeck and a pair of Whatchamacollars.

powder coat

Type of coating that is free-flowing pigmented powder that is baked on providing a durable, flake resistant coat. Used on FreeRadical, Radish and Big Dummy frames.

Practimagical

The perfect blend of practical utility and magical potential. A quality embodied (we believe) by Xtracycle, and (more importantly) the people who use them.

rack

Bent tubing that inserts into the Uprights. Examples are V-Racks & P-Racks.

Rack Risers

Plugs with screw in feet that raise the height of V-Racks/P-Racks to accommodate 700c wheels, or 26" wheels with fenders. Provides clearance between the rear wheel/fender and the underside of your deck.

Radish

Xtracycle's first complete bike, released in Fall 2008. Features a two-piece design: a custom front end frame with short rear stays attached to a powder coat matched FreeRadical. Fits riders 5'–6', the perfect family bike.

Red Hot Roots Tour

Fleet of 10 Radishes that allow festival and event organizers to green their event by using cargo utility bicycles for administrative use instead of gas/electric powered carts. Tour spots hit up in 2009: Drums Along the Hudson, Maker Faire, Bicycle Music Festival, High Sierra, Yosemite Face Lift.

RootsRadicals

Yahoo! discussion group founded in 2003 for longtail aficionados to share and discuss topics related to longtail bicycles and cycling in general. A great source for archived information regarding Xtracycle use, tips & tricks and modifications. Free to join.

Short Stay

Tube on FreeRadical connecting the Front Bridge to the dropout. One on each side.

ShowerCap

'Xtra-large bicycle cover to protect your longtail from inclement weather. Folds up into an integrated, zippered-pouch to fit into your FreeLoaders when not in use.

Sling

See WideLoader Sling

SnapDeck

Wooden, UV-treated deck that 'snaps' between V-racks/P-racks providing a platform for cargo or passengers. Relies on SnapHooks to fit snuggly between the racks.

SnapHook

The 'snap' part of a SnapDeck, these plastic molded feet attach to the bottom of SnapDeck and help apply pressure to your racks to keep them from rattling around in your Xtracycle. Attaches via M-5 bolt with a small nail to properly align the hook toward the rack.

Stoker Bar

Handlebars for your passengers, giving them something to hold onto other than your butt. Attaches to your seatpost and comes with stem, handlebar and shim. May not work with very short riders since not enough seatpost is available for clamping.

SuperHook

Aluminum hooks securely clamp your FlightDeck/SnapDeck to your racks. Designed originally for PeaPod LT to provide a secure platform for the seat, these hooks are perfect for those looking for a more permanent way to attach their beck to their Xtracycle.

Taco

Angular plate on KickBack that interfaces with your Xtracycle when in the 'relax'/parked position. Taco Shield is attached to protect the frame from damage.

Taco Shield

KickBack injection molded plastic piece helps distribute stress on the FreeRadical Bottom Stay and Big Dummy boom tube. Attaches via two coarse thread screws. aka taco dressing, taco plate

TekDeck

Single-piece aluminum deck for the minimalist adventurers out there. 2010 model comes with new, textured powder coat and shock cord for lashing down lightweight items. Also includes four velcro straps for a secure attachment to your racks.

Tongue

Forward interface for FreeRadical and your donor frame. Attaches to the frame with a long M-5 bolt, Front Attachment Plate, washer and locknut.

Top Stay

Upper most tube on FreeRadical. Connects from the Tongue to the top of the Tube of Gibraltar. Perfect handle for lifting your FreeRadical.

TrayBien

Fork-mounted bicycle rack that inserts into the Xtracycle Bridges. Rack made by Rocky Mounts.

Trim

Accessories used to enhance, improve and update your Xtracycle.

Tube of Gibraltar

FreeRadical tube connecting the Front Bridge to the Top Stay and the front ends of the Long Stays.

Uprights (Front/Rear)

Vertical tubes on FreeRadical that accept your V-racks/P-Racks. They also have Boss Hog brazed on, providing the contact points for your donor bike's rear dropouts. The new FreeRadical also has a FreeLoader braze on to attach the new style FreeLoaders.

V-Brake Adapter (700c)

For Xtracyclists wishing to use a 700c rear wheel and rim brakes, the V-Brake Adapter attaches to your FreeRadical brake posts and provides higher mounting points to allow rim brakes to be used with 700c wheels.

V-Rack

This vertical rack mounts into the Front and Rear Uprights. Acts as a frame for FreeLoaders to thread onto and your decks either pressure fit, hug or clamp to them. Made of 6000-series aluminum.

Whatchamacollars

CNC'd aluminum clamps that attach your racks to your Xtracycle Uprights. Includes a rubber O-ring to prevent water from seeping into your Xtracycle frame and provide some theft deterrence. Clamps with two M-4 bolts (2009 version used M-5 bolts).

WideLoader

Horizontal platform consisting of an H-Rack and fabric sling. Inserts into the Front and Rear Bridges. Is compatible with KickBack, but not compatible with Footsies. Slings are right and left specific, but the assembly can be used on either the right or left side of your Xtracycle.

WideLoader Sling

Fabric portion of WideLoader, tensions by threading over H-Rack and attaching to the Long and Short stays (Footsie Stays on Big Dummy) with velcro straps. Right and left specific.

Xtracycle

Longtail sport utility cargo bicycle company founded by Ross Evans. Original inventors of the convertible cargo bicycle attachment, FreeRadical.

Adopted name of a longtail cargo bike after a successful donor bike conversion. Eg. "I converted my old Gary Fisher Tassajara into an Xtracycle!"

Xtracycle Gallery

Independent blog run by John Garrish featuring individual Xtracycle builds. Great resource for seeing what types of bicycles are using the FreeRadical cargo bike attachment.