Rear Luggage Rack Web Site Update

[SMS]

peter wrote:

> Really? My bike with trailer handles the same as it does without the
> trailer - just slower on the uphills. OTOH, my tandem handles like a
> truck even if it doesn't have a load, and adding one does *not* make
> the handling improve.

There's a good article comparing trailers versus Xtracycles over at
"http://www.angusadventures.com/trailers.html", near the bottom
"Trailers Vs Xtracycle".

Of course the best solution is to have both, as each has its advantages.
While the Xtracycle isn't as good as a trailer for hauling cargo, you
can't carry adult passengers in a trailer.

 

[peter]

On Aug 15, 9:32 am, Zoot Katz <[email protected]> wrote:
> On Tue, 14 Aug 2007 21:16:43 -0700, peter <[email protected]>
> wrote, in part:
> />> You can carry the bike with its load still attached.
>
> >You must be stronger than I am. If the load is sufficient to warrant
> >use of a trailer then I generally can't lift it easily by itself, much
> >less with a long bike attached.
>
> Xtracycle have a "gravity advantage juju" located low at the bike's
> new center of balance. The front of the bike acts as a lever for
> balancing the load. I guess what I can lift with my legs is my limit.

Yes, but adding the bike weight to that of the load doesn't make
things easier. Loads that I can easily lift I would usually carry in
regular panniers or on a rear rack, so when I switch to a trailer it's
generally for something pretty heavy.
>
> It works great with the normal loads I carry on the Xtracycle. It's
> really just an impressive stunt that comes in handy when parking.
> Surface camber and slope is critical when using a side stand.
>
> >> It can be adapted to carry longer items than most trailers handle.
>
> >I tow my 18' boat just fine using a trailer. How long a load fits on
> >the XtraCycle?
>
> The same trailer you use for hauling your kids, dogs and groceries?

Same wheels and axle anyway. The rest of the trailer isn't needed to
tow the boat (but can be stowed inside if I have it along anyway).
>
> I've seen long trailers special built for various purposes. A boat
> hull, I'm guessing you talking about a kayak or canoe, basically only
> need wheels attached amidships and a tongue attached at the bow. Your
> boat can be any length.

Yes, mine is a two-person kayak. I don't even need any trailer tongue
- just lash the bow directly to the rails under the bike saddle.

 

[Patrick Lamb]

On Wed, 15 Aug 2007 09:32:35 -0700, Zoot Katz <[email protected]>
wrote:
>On Wed, 15 Aug 2007 09:02:25 -0700, SMS <[email protected]>
>wrote:
>>peter wrote:
>>> Really? My bike with trailer handles the same as it does without the
>>> trailer - just slower on the uphills. OTOH, my tandem handles like a
>>> truck even if it doesn't have a load, and adding one does *not* make
>>> the handling improve.
>>
>>In terms of handling, you're much better off with a trailer than an
>>Xtracycle.
>
>And you've exactly how much experience riding an Xtracycle?

At a guess, the same amount of experience in all the other things he's
an expert in...

Email address works as is.

 

[Zoot Katz]

On Wed, 15 Aug 2007 18:10:31 -0700, peter <[email protected]>
wrote:

>>
>> Xtracycle have a "gravity advantage juju" located low at the bike's
>> new center of balance. The front of the bike acts as a lever for
>> balancing the load. I guess what I can lift with my legs is my limit.
>
>Yes, but adding the bike weight to that of the load doesn't make
>things easier.

Sure it does. You can grab the whole thing, bike and all, with one
hand and stand up. That hand is your fulcrum. Lever the load level
with your other hand. Turn 180 degrees. That's simpler than turning
around with a trailer attached to the bike and it blows minds because
it appears effortless.

Off-bike handling is one of the things I'm going to investigate with
the ready-rolled longtails. Believe me when I say it's easier to
carry an Xtracycle than it is to carry a tandem.

>Loads that I can easily lift I would usually carry in
>regular panniers or on a rear rack, so when I switch to a trailer it's
>generally for something pretty heavy.

A bundle of fiberglass insulation is pretty light and won't fit on a
regular luggage rack or into panniers.
The Xtracycle behaves better than a bike with a regular rack when
there's a table saw strapped on there.
Sure you could haul that stuff with a trailer but it still isn't as
sexy as a longtail bike.
--
zk

 

[Zoot Katz]

On Wed, 15 Aug 2007 11:28:32 -0700, SMS <[email protected]>
wrote:

>
>There's a good article comparing trailers versus Xtracycles over at
>"http://www.angusadventures.com/trailers.html", near the bottom
>"Trailers Vs Xtracycle".

Just below the little blurb that reads:
Warning: Do not attempt to descend steep hills with a heavily loaded
trailer. Learn the limitations on hills with safe run offs.

All laden bicycles require extra braking distance on hills. At least
a loaded longtail isn't going to push your rear wheel out from under
you under hard braking on slick roads. Unladen, it's easier than with
a regular bike to break the rear wheel free under those conditions.

His only gripe with the Xtracycle is that he assumes it's your only
bike and is difficult to convert back and forth.

He does mention its greatest asset which is having your "trailer",
without its inconveniences, with you at all times.
--
zk

 

[Peter Cole]

Zoot Katz wrote:

> All laden bicycles require extra braking distance on hills. At least
> a loaded longtail isn't going to push your rear wheel out from under
> you under hard braking on slick roads. Unladen, it's easier than with
> a regular bike to break the rear wheel free under those conditions.

I've logged a lot of miles (mostly off-road) with trailer-bike and
trailer (Bob), and have been impressed at how easy it is to jackknife,
especially in low traction situations. You can compensate to a degree by
using a lot more rear brake but it's still a real hazard, especially to
the unwary.