KickBack
From Open Source LongTail Technology
Contents |
[edit] Welcome KickBack Fanatics!
We're glad you're visiting. Here you can submit your questions, comments, suggestions and concerns, but first, we'd like to share with you some of our vision regarding on of our newest products (and most proud of).
[edit] What It Is
- The Kickback is a two-point kickstand that retracts up out of the way when riding.
- It hinges around axle stubs that insert into the Front Bridge.
- The only tool needed to install the Kickback is a 3mm allen key. It can be removed by hand after that.
- It will support the bike up to the rated load capacity when loaded off-center, and about 30-50 pounds of-center.
- Compatible with the Free Radical and the Big Dummy.
- Legs are adjustable for different tire sizes.
- Fully compatible with WideLoader and LongLoader
[edit] Our Rationale Behind Designing KickBack
So, we all know that engineering products is akin to baking a cake. Everyone can do it, just as long as you know how to read a recipe and understand your ingredients. Well, we'd love to agree with that sarcastic statement, but, sadly, that's not the case. While you may think the bushings should be beveled or the kickstand plate stopper should be halved in length, we've reached these design conclusions after already looping through that logic circle once, twice, etc. Don't let that slow down your commitment or enthusiasm for suggesting improvements, relaying issues or screaming hallelujah in praise of the KickBack, we just want to invite you to peruse our insight behind KickBack.
[edit] General Design Notes
- The legs are designed to accommodate most sizes of bikes. You can cut them down but you can't add length back. Also, any modification voids warranty (need to COA incase you couldn't operate a handsaw properly).
[edit] Spring Design
The spring is designed in such a way that there is enough force to hold it in the retracted position, but the force in the deployed position won't pull the bike forward off the stand. The geometry of the Kickback frame is arranged in such a way that there is a longer arm for the spring to pull on when the kickstand is up, and a shorter arm to pull on when the stand is down.
A simple spring was chosen because it's easier to field-service and find replacements at a hardware store. We had played with an over-center spring design, but in the interest of minimizing parts, we decided to keep it simple. The assembly is a spring with a small length of cord at each end. The cord is secured with a zipper pull end, which supports a surprising amount of force. A nylon sheath is sewn over the whole assembly, to keep the spring off of your leg hair, and make it all look clean.
Please note that the first shipment of Kickbacks had cords which had been cut too long. This is being addressed by tying one knot in each end of the spring assembly, which happily is just right to bring it to the correct length.
[edit] Axle Design
- Support, who needs support! Well, actually, KickBack requires it. Whether you're using the Axles or WideLoaders as axles, you need to ensure that the spring button is fully engaged in its respective hole. Failure to do so can cause the axle to vibrate loose, potentially causing damage to you, your frame and your KickBack
Big Dummy Owners, Listen Up!
When installing the axles, be sure to have the white line on the Axle properly lined up with the button hole on your frame. Failure to do so can result in the spring button releasing into one of the vent holes for the other tubes meeting near the front bridge.
If you happen to get the spring stuck in one of the vent holes, you'll need:
- Patience
- A friend
- A long tool, we used a spoke
This problem does not occur with the Free Radical, since it has no drain holes in the Front Bridge
[edit] Automatic Actuator
The Automatic Actuator is a theoretical device to deploy the kickstand. We provided an extra bolt head opposite from the spring hanger to attach a brake cable or similar pulling device so you can kick down the kickback from the comfort of your seat.
[edit] Using WideLoaders with KickBack
WideLoaders can be used in place of the axle for KickBack. It's best to install/remove WideLoaders with no cargo/weight on your Xtracycle. Also, you'll need KickBack in the "ride/up" position for easier installation. While you can install and remove the WideLoaders with KickBack in "relax/down" position, the weight of your Xtracycle will make it difficult to insert the axle/WideLoader.
[edit] Installation
- Get KickBack into ride/up position and stabilize bicycle against a wall, or stable object. Make sure your XC is unloaded, you can do it loaded, but might make things more difficult.
- With KickBack up, depress the axle spring button and remove the axle. Only do one side at a time.
- Insert and depress the spring button on the WideLoader, inserting the forward post first into the axle bushing just inside the front bridge tube (depends on whether you're rockin' a FreeRad or a Big Dummy since the BD has a flush tube, while the FreeRad has an angled tube face and will require a second depression of the spring button to enter the front bridge). You may need to maneuver the axle bushing to line up with the front bridge hole, this is why we suggest doing one side at a time since KickBack is being held up by the other side.
- Insert the rear tube of the WideLoader into the rear bridge, it may pop out if the front tube is not in far enough.
- Now you should be able to push in the middle and get both spring buttons to pop through their holes. Again, if you're using KickBack on a FreeRad, you will need to depress the spring button a second time to get it to insert in the front bridge. If you're experiencing a tough time, the tubes may be binding against the frame, to rectify, be sure you're inserting the tubes as evenly as possible. Attach the Velcro straps to your FreeRad/BD frame.
- If you need a WideLoader on the other side, just repeat steps 1—5.
- Store your axles in a safe location, we like to use our zippered pouch in our FreeLoaders since they're easily accessible when you want to remove your WideLoaders.
[edit] Removal
- Remove cargo on Xtracycle. Un-Velcro the two straps on the WideLoader sling (not doing this can lead to massive frustration!).
- Put KickBack into ride/up position and stabilize against wall or stable object.
- Working one side at a time, depress spring button on front bridge and pull out about 1". Depress rear spring button and pull out till clear of rear bridge. Sometimes the front may want to slide back in and snap into place. If this happens, deep breath and be sure to pull it out a bit further the next time.
- Once rear is clear of tube, let the rear of the WideLoader rotate down and slide out the front tube.
- Insert KickBack axle, spring button end first, with white marking line lined up with spring button hole on front bridge. Ensure spring button is fully engaged through hole.
- Repeat steps 1—5 for other side if needed.
[edit] Using Footsies with KickBack
Lo siento! Footsies as they're currently constructed will not work with KickBack. If you feel really inclined, and understand that any modification of your Xtracycle accessories will void their warranty, you can increase the height of your Footsies by using longer bolts and putting some space washers to get the Footsie deck above the KickBack axle cuff. But, be warned, if you then take off your KickBack and decide to use your modified Footsies, the Footsie plank could rip out due to the greater leverage force on it.
[edit] Warranty
KickBack parts and components are covered by a 1-year limited warranty from time of purchase to be free from manufacturers defects and damage due to normal use under normal conditions. This warranty is nontransferable.
The KickBack will not damage your frame when used properly. Proper use does NOT include riding in place while the KickBack is engaged. While the KickBack is strong enough to accommodate this load, we cannot guarantee that loads created by riding in place will not cause damage or failure to your FreeRadical or Big Dummy Frame. Please only use the KickBack in this manner at your own risk. We expressly do not warranty your KickBack or your FreeRadical for this use.
[edit] Max Payload
Refer to rated max payloads for your FreeRadical and Big Dummy. KickBack can handle it.
