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XtraCycle FreeRadical Full Kit

$399.99

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Our Review of the XtraCycle FreeRadical Full Kit

So . . . What's a Free Radical? "The bike that hauls!" Basically it's a super strong Chro-Moly chassis that you attach to your bike, extending your wheelbase. After that, throw on the V-Racks (two aluminum bars that you can slip into the Chassis in numerous configurations) and then your FreeLoaders (saddlebags for the 21st century). The Snap Deck sits on top of the V-Racks, creating a passenger seat. Xtracycle, the maker of FreeRadical, claims that their product has life changing potential. Read on to see what Brad, the Visionary behind BicycleTrailers.com thinks of his system:

The first thing that came to mind when I was checking out the FreeRadical was - "WOW, how sweet and practical would that be for doing my urban commute!?" But my second thought: "What if I don't like it, after spending the money and installing it?" So now that I've made the commitment and installed it, let me give you the low-down. Without a doubt, I use it every day, love it, recommend it, and I'm not going back!

Riding with the FreeRadical
The Free Radical really doesn't affect my bike's performance. I can still turn just as quickly and smoothly, hop curbs and maneuver around other urban obstacles. Curb hopping takes a bit more oomph, as the rear wheel is further back. (You won't be riding a wheelie on this.) I have had no issues with the braking. The Free Radical definitely adds weight to the bike. However, it is considerably less cumbersome than pulling a trailer. I added the Footsies to my ride, which are basically passenger footrests. I don't think it is as easy to ride someone as Xtracycle claims, but for a short distance or a straight ride it's not too bad.

Assembly
Xtracycle says 1 hour. A total grandma with no bike mechanical experience probably can't do it. I say three hours max for someone familiar with bike mechanics. For a fairly experienced home bike tech with the right tools, it takes about an hour. A professional mechanic will get you going in less than an hour. The hardest part is lengthening the chain and redoing the brake and rear derailleur cables (included). If what I just said doesn't scare you, you're good to go on your own. If what I just said sounds like a foreign language, you're going to need a little advice, tools, and maybe some assistance. For assembly, you'll need: 5mm, 6mm, & 8mm allen wrench, cable and housing cutter, phillips-head screwdriver, chain tool, metric ruler, and a repair stand (optional).

Compatibility
The FreeRadical is designed to work with direct-pull cantilever brakes—also called long-arm-cantilever, Linear-pull, and V-brakes. The company decided not to make the frame compatible with regular cantis because they wanted to make sure riders had the increased stopping power of direct pulls. Same thing for the 700c version. 700c users who don't have V-brake levers have a number of other options available to them including the Travel Agent, Mini V-brakes, or Disc Brakes. The FreeRadical will work with hub brakes. Always test your load and brakes on the flats before hitting the hills. Warning! Please see the complete S.U.B. Use Warning before hauling cargo!.

Convenience
It's pretty amazing what you can carry with this thing at any given moment. And so far, it's been pretty easy to figure out ways to attach just about anything. One obvious thing to note is that it's not all that easy to put in the trunk of a car, or even in bed of my truck.

Once again, I would like to mention just how awesome the Free Radical is. Alternative transportation is essential to preserving our environment, and the Free Radical is a well designed option for minimizing your dependence on motor vehicles. If you have questions or concerns, check out the FAQ's; they are really comprehensive! Still need some help? Call us!

What is included with the FreeRadical Full Kit?

  • Chassis - Made of Cro-Moly Steel. TIG Welded
  • FreeLoaders - Waterproof, indestructible Hypalon/Balistic Nylon "saddle bags"
  • V-Rack - Hard-anodized aluminum 6061-6 tube frame that attaches to the chasis
  • Snap Deck - Marine grade plywood with built-in load, passenger, and surf capacity
  • Hardware - Front Attachment Plate, Bolts, French Nuts, Spacers for different dropouts, Chain Extension, New Brake and Derailleur cables, Avid Rollamagig, and a Heavy Duty Kickstand
  • Everything is shipped to you directly from XtraCycle

VIEW XTRACYCLE FAQ

Also check out our friends at Byerley Bicycle Blenders maker of the B3 Blender. The B3 is the world's first instantly removable, dishwashable, fully adjustable, damn near indestructable, bicycle powered blender - it mounts onto your XtraCycle, and it blends using pedal power!

  • FreeRadical
    FreeRadical
  • XtraCycle FreeRadical
    Brad's XtraCycle
  • XtraCycle FreeRadical
    Piper on Brad's XtraCycle
  • Build Kit
    Build Kit
  • FreeLoader
    FreeLoader
  • SnapDeck
    SnapDeck
  • V-Rack
    V-Rack
  • Chassis
    Chassis
Chassis

Interior Length
15"
Interior Width
n/a
Interior Height
n/a
Product Weight
5.4 / 9.6 lbs.
Wheel Size
26"
Wheel Type
n/a
Max Weight Capacity
200 lbs.
Cubic Capacity
18,000 cu. in.
Exterior Length
n/a
Exterior Height
n/a
Exterior Width
n/a
Folded Dimensions
n/a
Tubing Cro-Moly Steel
Drop-outs Custom, lightweight drop-outs
Brakes Linear Pull style brakes are needed (not included)
Weight: Frame 5.4 lbs
Weight: w/ standard acc. 9.6 lbs
Capacity 200 lbs
Wheels 26" and 700cc
Kickstand Standard Aluminum
Cables High quality cables and housings with Avid Roll-a-majig
Hardware 8 speed standard chain
Racks 6061 anodized aluminum

XtraCycle FreeRadical Full Kit Reviews

XtraCycle FreeRadical Full Kit

All Customer Reviews

Average Rating:
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Highest Rating:
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Lowest Rating:
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Number of Reviews:
8
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Distibution of Ratings
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Showing 1 to 8 of 8

This will be your daily rider. Moderate bike repai

5
Reviewer: Noriel , Houston, TX Date: April 11, 2008
I've been using this bike exclusively for the past few weeks since I got the Xtracycle! I have a Tray Bien bike rack so I can bring my Trials bike or my Dual Slalom bike around. Trying to ride either of those bikes for a long distance will hurt! Read the instruction thoroughly. The FreeRadical (FR) attaches to three points on your bike: left and right rear dropouts, and the chainstay bridge (where one normally sees a kickstand mounted).So, once you figure out whether or not you need spacers to mount on the dropouts, and which way you need to mount the Front Attachment Plate, you're golden! If you can change your cable and cut housing, and break your chain, you should have no problem rerouting your rear brakes and getting the chain to the right length to where you're not slapping your chainstays every bump. If you opt for disc brakes, make sure you realize that you must have a rear disc mount for 160mm rotors! Yes, the FR will come with 203mm rotors if you order the disc upgrade, but only a 160mm adapter on your rotors will line your capliper up correctly. The caliper protector (that comes with the disc upgrade) will keep a large load from disabling your cable-operated disc brake. My current setup is on a 1998 Balance AL-750, 26" x 2.35" Scwhalbe Big Apples, Avid Cable Disc brakes (old DB's),Nashbar Trekking bar (butterfly bar), and a Zion rigid fork. When you decide to carry people, make sure you tell them not to lean, and to sit well forward of the rear wheel. I had a light rider cause my steering to get all wobbly because she sat BEHIND the rear wheel and wasn't the most stable of passengers. If you choose to tackle the assembly job yourself, make sure you have a set of Allen Wrenches, a cable/housing cutter, some additional brake and derailleur cable/housing if you need it, a chain tool, and a torque wrench to make sure you have everything tightened. If you're switching to a rear disc, make sure you have all the tools necessary for that. Oh, and make sure you brush up on your people-skills, you'll need it when you're asked constantly about this unique bike of yours!
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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Company shaves truth

3
Reviewer: Anonymous , Detroit, MI Date: April 22, 2006
The company says it takes around an hour, to an hour and a half. I had a pro install mine and he said it took four hours.

Before buying the xtra I asked the President of the company if I could keep my rear fender. He said probably so; in fact, he said, the xtra has brazed-on eyelets for fenders. It does not. How could he make this "mistake."

So far I have taken my modified bike out for a spin, although not loaded. I will say, the xtra does seem to smooth out the ride. One annoyance is that the chain falls off easily when it's on the large front chainring, at least when the bike is bumped at a standstill. So far the chain has stayed on while riding.

This summer I am going for a long tour. I am somewhat nervous now since the company has not been truthful on a couple of important matters. Considering the expense alone, I wish I had purchased a trailer instead of an xtracycle.

Comments from BicycleTrailers.com:

I peronally use my XtraCycle daily, and it took me about 2 hours to set up, but I feel if I did it again, I could do it in about 1, I'm shocked a bike mechanic tok 4 hours! Wow. If your chain is falling off, you need to make some changes, and maybe with a new mechanic, as mine has been on almost 2 years and it's never fallen off. Good luck! Thanks for the feedback for others.

4 of 7 people found this review helpful
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I love this bicycle!

5
Reviewer: Gregg O , USA Date: December 30, 2005
It took a lot of prodding, but once it was on my street rod, my life has been a joy ride...what can I say, it's a revolution...to me.
1 of 4 people found this review helpful
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my other car is a bicycle

5
Reviewer: John H , Philly Date: December 30, 2005
Ive been using my Xtracycle to haul my carpenter tools into center city Philadelphia and it is a great experience. Before Xtracycle I would either have to drive the seven or so miles and pay for parking or take the bus and then have to carry everything a few blocks. Now I can park my bike right at the building im working in and sometimes at a bike rack in a parking garage in the building where others are paying good money to park their cars. I have a great commute from the Roxborough/Manaunk section of the city on a bike path along the Schulkull river, its basicly a major part of the same route of the First Union race including the same climb as "The Wall", but not that actual street. I get great comments from all kinds of people about my bike, from the non bike culture construction workers that i work with to the bike shop employees i visit to show off the Xtracycle. In fact a guy stopped me yesterday who had been looking at your website and i let him ride my bike, i think he is going to topple onto your side of the fence. I can truly say that Xtracycle has made my life that much better and adds meaning to the "my other car is a bicycle" bumper sticker on my car.
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
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Spain

5
Reviewer: Eric , Palo Alto Date: December 30, 2005
I took 6 weeks to ride the Xtracycle across Spain-- started on the Mediterranean in France then headed straight to the west coast then down to Portugal. After I got rid of a worn-to-death wheel that should have been retired a long time ago, I didn't have a single problem with the xc-- not even a broken spoke on a stock 32-spoke wheel. Transmission was slick. We hit all the dirt roads that would take us anywhere, as well as a bunch of the Santiago trail. On the technical sections the xc handled as well if not better than a bike loaded with rear panniers, while of course carrying much more stuff! As well, I was just able to throw on a duffel, a drybag (both large!) and a guitar. To get back to paris, I just loaded the XC on the plane, no box. Getting back to the states I just took it off, loaded it with the bike into a standard sized bike box (didn't even take off the chain or the cables!)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
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Saves huge $$$, great for my health

5
Reviewer: BicycleTrailers.com User , Santa Cruz, CA Date: December 30, 2005
I live in Santa Cruz California. I am 47. The nice weather here allows me to use an XtraCycle as essentially my sole source of transportation. It was with great pleasure that I got rid of my truck. What a thorn in my side it was! Now: No truck payments. No upkeep. No tickets. No registration. No gas. No cleaning out the car. No worries about running into a pedestrian. Also: Much easier to keep the pounds off with a guaranteed 10-mile round-trip to work everyday (plus whatever errands come up). Workarounds: If I really HAVE to have a four-wheeler (and it is seldom that I do, if I honestly think for a moment how to do without - people are so habit-bound in their notions), I have: 1) Borrowed a car from a buddy. (Or offered to help him with some task he is doing involving his car, in exchange for carting what I need carted) 2) Rented a car (a big plus about renting a car when you need one is that you always have a brand new car at the right times. For example, I had far-flung relatives visit. I had no worries and hassles about cleaning up my car or about whether it would impress the relatives who care about such things, because I was driving a brand new car. When the visit was over, so were ALL OF MY CAR WORRIES. Yow! 3) Take a cab or a bus. Once, in the middle of the night, I had acute abdominal pains and took a cab to the hospital. Cost me $20. I told them I was in a bad way and they put me to the front of the list and got to the hospital pronto. I also took a cab to work a couple of times when it was pouring rain. At $20 a trip to work, it's not cheap, but it is WAY WAY less expensive than keeping up a car. You can buy an AWFUL LOT of cab rides for the price of a car payment/upkeep/insurance/gas/tickets/tylenol for the headaches, etc. 4) Take the bus. I have never taken the bus yet. But it is an option. Of course, if had little ones to take care of, or lived in a harsher clime, things would be different. But as a single living in a mild clime, the XtraCycle is one of the best things that has happened for me. I am much happier. My two cents. (And, no, I don't work for Xtra-Cycle, or any of its affiliates; nor am I related to, or friends with, any employees of any companies connected to Xtra-Cycle :0)
6 of 8 people found this review helpful
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Great for campus congestion

5
Reviewer: Beck , East Lansing, MI Date: December 30, 2005
I attend Michigan State University (for those that haven't visited, we have no parking.) Today I rode all my laundry ( a good brimming large basket) to my brother's dorm to do laundry and use computers. Totally smooth ride. No parking or trouble. Truth be told, I do have a car, but I prefer riding my bike. With the free radical I can take anything anywhere- including my brother. It also adds a huge fun-dimension for your bike because you can give rides to people. Plus you can get a lot closer because you don't have to find parking. Also grabbing a gallon of milk and a loaf of bread on the way back from class is really easy. Taking a bike lock in and out of my backpack isn't such a pain either because I just put it in the free loaders. Totally worth the money, and the company is really nice. I want h-racks and fenders now!
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
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An outstanding product that really hauls!

5
Reviewer: BicycleTrailers.com User , Berkeley, CA Date: December 30, 2005
An outstanding product that really hauls! Reviewer: BicycleTrailers.com User Berkeley, CA January 28, 2005 I discovered Xtracycle a few years ago and I have not gone back to a regular bike. I found the cargo capacity to be significantly more (both by weight and bulk) than my now retired Bob trailer. The handling is awesome, in fact sometimes better than on a regular bike because your weight is centered better between the front and rear wheels. I traveled through Central America on an Xtracycle and the thing worked flawlessly. Over dirt roads, on boats, along busy highways, not a bolt loosened on the whole contraption, carrying 70 lbs of weight at all times. At home it's my grocery getter, my mini van and my motorcycle (when the girlfriend decides to hop on the back). I highly recommend.
12 of 13 people found this review helpful
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