I've had an interest in so called 'utility' bikes since i saw the xtracycle, but said interest has been tempered by how many flights of stairs i'd have to carry it up or how i'd convince my lovely girlfriend that a huge bike in the house was a good idea...
however, there is a possibility that i'll have a garage soon and subsequently all the space i need to indulge my wildest bike dreams (maybe not the funds tho...). dreams that could also include a 'real' road bike with gears and EVERYTHING and save my karate monkey from it's 'for sale' status at my LBS...
anyway, as i don't drive (and don't wish to) i think the whole utility thing is a viable option (if you have space) and the inclination.
i was impressed with the kona ute on first view - now i'm not so sure, i love the surly big dummy - but perhaps not the price and the grandaddy of them all the xtracycle is always worth consideration...
so, i have found some amazing info at 'out there biking' but i'm wondering if anyone out there reading this (if in fact anyone is reading) has an opinion...
The pictured beauty by Tony Pereira is from here btw.
4 comments:
I can't exactly speak from the perspective of having owned an xtracycle for quite some time, but I can speak from the perspective of living car free with a family and having a hankering for adventure.
We just recently ordered and received a Surly Big Dummy. We decided to do so, mostly because the xtracycle system is so mature and well thought through in making it useful for day-to-day use. They've already worked out all the accessories to make it do all the things you might otherwise need a car.
We got the big dummy cause its takes the concept to the next stage in the evolution and they really put a LOT of thought into the development of it.
thanks for the input.
i do think the dummy is amazing, and my one of my favourite bike shops (brixton cycles) has just taken delivery.
i'm too scared to go look. i know i'll want one...
i am very impressed by the number of people talking about big dummys (and alike) stateside. i have NEVER seen anyone riding one in london.
are things changing over there? or am i just reading blogs from too many like minded people (good people i should add).
I do think things are changing (I sure hope anyway).
I was commenting to my wife last night that when I sold my care 8 years ago before we got married, there was no such thing as a commuter bike on the US market. Most who were intent upon it were either converting cyclocross bikes or mountain bikes. Now there's so much selection its almost hard to stay on top of them all.
The excitement about the big dummy and true car replacements is VERY encouraging.
I got my big dummy on Friday and all the components are rolling in this week. I'm VERY impressed with the design and quality. Its not cheap, but after getting one in hand its obvious why. Its really impressive.
i think we always had a bit of a culture for biking here, with the likes of pashley and brompton, but we too have seen a commuter boom.
for me, the big difference to me is how a lot of you folk over there embrace the whole deal, it's very admirable and exciting...
commuting here is pretty much that, someone rides in on a crappy high street steed (normally clad in uniform neon altura jacket) and that's it. the bike doesn't do anything else.
don't get me wrong, anyone riding a bike is good, but i'd like to see more people actually enjoying the whole deal...
which i guess is why something like doing the weekly shop on a bike is still in the realm of 'hardcore' cycle converts.
i'm not surprised with the dummy, i have a cross check and karate monkey at the moment and i've been VERY impressed with both.
good luck with the build! and do send me a pic if you get chance. would love to see it.
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