Jul 26, 2010
Further Xtracycle Kona Compatibility?
The 2010 FreeLoaders are a great product, and what’s greater, is that they were designed to work on more than just the Xtracycle FreeRadical, Surly Big Dummy, and Xtracycle Radish.
Their ability to clip to your frame allows them to work with any number of long bikes on the market, including the Kona Ute, the Yuba Mundo, and the new long(ish) bike by Gary Fisher.
Prompted by a few customer emails, I tried to install the FreeLoaders on a Ute this morning, and though I was not sure it would work, it appears as though there is some possibility for inter-compatibility. Some pictures provided below.
If you would like to receive a free set of 2010 FreeLoaders (blue or brown only) to test on your Ute, Mundo, or other LongTail, and document your findings thoroughly in words and writing, such that we can share your discoveries with others here on our blog and elsewhere, please send a 250 word (or less) email to us describing why you think you should be a designated tester. You should own the bike that your testing, and not be affiliated with a bicycle company to participate.
And no – the super-blue pictured above not available for sale.
In the fall of 2006 I moved away from the small rural town of Annville, PA to attend college up north. After my first year I began to realize that a larger town offered a way of life that farmland had not, the close proximity of local amenities. From grocery getting and attending town events to my campus commute and the trip to the local pub, I found myself enjoying to perks of a two-wheel lifestyle. In the summer of 2008 I sold my car and bought my first hybrid bicycle for city and road commuting. That same summer I got a job coaching a swim team outside Harrisburg, PA. The early morning rides to work were great exercise as well as gas free, an added bonus. The one issue that always arose was the lack of cargo room on my bike. At times I would find myself wearing two book bags riding in 90 plus degree weather thinking there has to be a better way. When I stumbled upon Kona’s Ute it was as if a whole new world of commuting was now possible. Since that day I have been able to carry my groceries, 40-pound bags of dog food, and even a bike I left at a friend’s house. This new experience has been such a positive change in my lifestyle, which is why I would love to write about experiencing the FreeLoaders. Since I love this way of life maybe my stories could influence someone else.
Dear Xtracycle,
We are a one car family and my 2009 Kona Ute is my only means of transportation (commuter, kid carrier, grocery getter, etc.). Since the Ute is my only bike it gets plenty of use. I ride year round in all kinds of weather.
I have really enjoyed the hauling potential of the Ute. However, the single large pannier that came with my Ute can be limiting at times.
I trail run to work two days a week on the Rivanna Trail in Charlottesville, VA. The Ute helps me carry in clean clothes prior to running days and haul home the dirty clothes the following days. The single pannier has made for a tight squeeze and unbalanced load, with dirty clothes, lunch, laptop, jacket, etc.
The hauling capacity of the FreeLoaders would provide me with endless hauling possibilities. I use my Ute for nearly everything, I know I would provide valuable feedback as a designated tester.
Sincerely,
Tom Connaughton, Charlottesville, VA
Aw. That blue is the one I used for my Chrome messenger bag, so those would be incredibly choice to own. C’est la vie.
Also, my captcha was just “Nyet linoleum
Including the opening quote. Which is perfect.
nice Michael… :P
Thanks for sharing, Evan! Rock on. Mind if we contact you in the future to possibly get some more details about your car-free life?
i am a semi-fat semi-old engineer who has loved riding bikes for fifty years. i have commuted on them, delivered papers on them, worked on them, and admired them all. i have old Trek carbon road bikes, a sweet tandem, a lovely Bianchi cyclocross, and love my mountain bikes. i wanted some 29 inch rims, but not another mountain bike. i had seen a longtail, helping a friend deliver salmon in Washington State. My local bike shop had a slightly used Ute they were selling to raise cash. Perfect; my 29er, AND a cool bike. A week later, I rode the inaugural Tour de Walpole (NH). Five miles out, and straight up NH hills, five miles screaming back to town. Lying in bed, the night before, considering bike options. Realized this was the perfect mission for the Ute. Low gears and a disc up front. And a hoot to ride. It was the star of the peloton. Friends even let me cross the line first; only eight contestants. I rave about the bike and will haul surfboards on the Jersey shore and beer in Texas with it.
@admin
It would be great if you contacted me in the future. A large part of the car-free lifestyle is about spreading the word and making people aware there are other choices instead of a private set of 4-wheels.
I am a 48 year old native New Yorker, and a physical therapist who has been riding all my life. I am a daily rider, commuting to work rain or shine. My earliest biking memories are of riding the Central Park hills on my tricycle and lifting my legs as the pedals would be turning too fast(fixed wheel ha ha). In HS and college I was a bicycle messenger. I once biked to Connecticut on a three speed English Racer, that had had only one gear working. I had to hold a flashlight under my armpit as we were riding at night.
I have always carried stuff on my bike, my friends (sometimes two),speakers, a computer flat screen, my daughter, groceries, usually $150.00 of Trader Joes! I had been using a bike trailer to take my kid to school, but it has seen better days. So I bought a Ute. Love it, but do not love the single pannier. I would love to test the xtracycle bags for you and will put them to years of good use.
PS Will send great NYC pix of me, Ute, daughter, and your beautiful blue bags.
Thanks for the info and back story, way to make cycling a big part of your happiness. We’ve already got the testing done, much appreciated for your offer though! Enjoy your Ute!
Here’s the customer feedback we received: http://everydayadventurers.com/?s=kona+ute