Becoming better acquainted with my Xtracycle

Last years plan to have an Xtracycle put together by the end of spring got delayed. It didn't happen until the first week in July. The frame painting and the build went slower than I had originally thought it would. The finished product was worth the wait.

I also had planned to use it it much more that first year than I actually did. I thought it might become my default commuter. Alas, the fixed gear still got the nod when no errands were on the schedule. I ended up riding the Xtracycle once or twice a week until the snow started. Then I couldn't bear to take it out in the sloppy mess.

Fast forward to this spring. From the first ride on the Xtracycle it's been on my mind a lot. Last year it felt odd, and I felt odd on it. Not this year. It's been feeling really good. I can't even think back and figure out why it felt so awkward last year. I had some errands I wanted to do after work today. I was looking forward to the ride in to work this morning. I enjoyed my ride after work while errand running. Maybe last year I tried to ride it like my other bikes. Climbing fast and out of the saddle accelerations away from stops. The Xtracycle needs to be ridden with a different purpose and at a different pace. Today I settled into a relaxed pace. I geared way down on the hills and spun my way up so as to never get winded. And any accelerations were done slowly, in the saddle, while I worked my way into a comfortable cruising gear.

I think the Xtracycle is frustrating, or feels slow, when you get on it and expect it to ride like your other bicycles. But it's not your other bicycles. It is a bicycle used for hauling, for utility. Once you accept that and ride it like the bike it is, it can become one of the best bikes you've ever ridden.

My load was close to 40 lbs with the dog and cat food I bought at the Petco, plus my work related stuff I carry. It handled the weight beautifully. On one downhill I topped out at 35 mph. I never felt I was out of control. It was rock steady with plenty of stopping power when I needed it. It has got to be one of the most useful bikes ever dreamed up. If you are car-free, or would like to leave your car parked most of the time, you've got to get yourself one of these bikes.


I got a call from my LBS today. My Bianchi road bike has been on consignment there since last fall. Denis said it finally sold. Denis also asked me to co-lead a group for Bike to Work Day on May 16th. I'm looking forward to it. I've never participated in any Bike to Work events before. It's about time I do!

May: 193 miles
2008: 2,598 miles