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

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!