Sep 16, 2010
Using Xtracycle Freeloader Bags on Kona Ute and Yuba Mundo.
My wife and I have been riding cargo bikes in New York City for the past three years . Typically we are shopping for groceries and transporting our children to/from school or the gym and carrying all of our miscellaneous bags. We do not own a car and we ride year round unless there is ice on the street. We own two cargo bikes, a Kona Ute and a Yuba Mundo. The Kona came with two grocery type bags and we had each been using one of those. The Kona bags are not great, but are basically functional with limited capacity. I have been searching for a bag that would fit these over-size racks and that could be left attached, so the idea of being able to take an Xtracycle bag and use it on our bikes was welcome. Since the Freeloader bags are not designed specifically for use on these frames it required a little trial and error to make it work. But I am happy to report that the bags can fit on both frames and have increased our carrying capacity tremendously.
Yuba Mundo with Freeloader
Kona Ute with Freeloader
The installation on both frames was similar, with the Kona requiring a little more work. I had to loosen the screws that hold the Kona deck to the frame in order to position and install the bag. Initially I had the bag installed in a more forward position, but I quickly found that I was kicking it with every revolution of the pedals. I moved each frame clip back one space and that has worked well. Tighten the screws holding the deck when you are happy with the position of the bag. The deck I built on the Yuba does not cover the entire width of the rack so this did not interfere with installation of the bag. There are four remaining clips and brackets that are designed to attach onto the Xrtracycle frame. Here I used heavy duty wire ties. On both bikes the front most clip is extended and attached to the seat tube.
On the Kona the two bottom clips are tied to the chain stay, On the Yuba I attached one clip to the chain stay and the second to the sideloader bars. The rear clip on both frames is wrapped around the rear rack stay and clipped back into the bag.
Using wire ties will prevent easy removal of the bags. This is not a problem for us since we leave our bikes locked on the street and it prevents someone from walking off with the bag. If you anticipate having to remove the bags I think you could fashion some additional clips and velcro them to the frame.
One note of caution that does not really have anything to do with the use of the bags on these specific frames: The straps that tighten the bag around your payload tend to hang out and flop around a lot. My wife actually got caught on a loop of metal sticking out from a barricade when the flapping strap got stuck. We have been trying to tuck the straps in since that happened. The bags have not interfered with our ability to carry a passenger comfortably. My wife frequently carries both children on the Yuba and they report having adequate space for their feet. In general we have found the use of the Freeloader bag to have made it much easier to carry our stuff on a daily basis. They are well designed, easy to clean, and made to last. We have been using our baskets less and started carrying heavy bags in the back. They carry the weight lower on the frame which makes the bike easier to ride.
It looks like you have Wideloader style things on your Ute – how did you attach those to the frame and do you think they are necessary with the Freeloaders.
On a separate note – do you carry passengers on your Ute much, and did the bags help or interfere? Do you have Footsies of some sort on the Ute?
The bags look great – I’m seriously thinking of using them on my Ute as well.
Nice piece.
I appreciate the installation pictures. It’s a simple mounting procedure, but photos always drive it home for me.
I’ve moved from a touring bike / trailer set-up to an Xtracycle configuration. Love the change: accessible, versatile, and easier to manage.
Steppin’ off the deep end in a few months, I’m moving to Chicago and will depend on bikes and public trans for all my needs. I’m really looking forward to the change.
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Xtracycle, Jeremy Miller. Jeremy Miller said: RT @xtracycle: Xtracycle 2010 FreeLoader compatibility review with Kona Ute and Yuba Mundo http://bit.ly/a83CFm #NYC #familybiking #carg … [...]
David,
Yes I built a sort of Footsie type attachment for the Ute. I carry a passenger daily and they need a place to comfortably put their feet. I built it from angle irons attached with some split ring pipe hangers. The platform is plywood that I treated with a waterproofing varnish spray. It works OK but is a little beat up after several winters of use. If the bag is not too full I can still carry a passenger with no problem.
Dave,
Thanks for your kind words.
Michael
I love reading about other families who own multiple cargo bikes.
Ok, I didn’t know that “the front most clip is extended and attached to the seat tube.” Guess we need to go back and look at where we’ve attached this front most clip b/c I know we haven’t attached it to the seat tube! Thanks.
I am seriously thinking of buying the Kona, but what do you prefer the Kona or the Yuba (there is a Yuba single speed on sale in BK).
Also, if I buy the Kona I am going to get the free loaders, 07′s are on sale. Maybe I can take a look at your bike to help with installation?
Phaeleau
Just a note, the ’07 FreeLoaders won’t work on Ute or a Mundo since they have sewn loops and not buckle loops like the new 2010 FreeLoaders. Spending the extra cash for the 2010 FreeLoaders will pay off over time especially considering their increased durability.
Thanks for this helpful info! I cannot decide between the ute or the yuba. I cannot test ride the yuba unfortunately. I will be carrying my children mostly- which bike do you think is best in ride stabilty and ease in your opinion? Is the lower height/carryload with the yuba more stable? Please help!! Thank you
I am wondering if you have used these freeloader bags with a peapod seat and if you have any information on the successful integration of them…. or otherwise. I have a 2011 ute, with xtracycle ute deck, flight deck and peapod III. I am very much in NEED of some cargo bags as this is the only transportation for my 3 year old son and I.
thank you for this information!!
RH
I’m confused. You like the FreeLoader bags, so why not just get use an Xtracycle Free Radical or one of the purpose built frames??