"Sport Utility Bicycle"

[jyl]

Has anyone ridden one of the extended-wheelbase so-called sport utility bicycles, as in

http://www.xtracycle.com/models.php



I'm sort of intrigued by the idea of being able to carry more stuff - like groceries - on my bike.

[cantdrv55]

Got hills in Portland? I don't think I'd make it uphill to my house from the grocery store on those things. Why not a touring bike with panniers?

[nostatic]

looks like a modified tandem. I rode my old tandem by myself on a few occasions, and with my son on the back, he often would quit pedaling so it was the same as doing it myself. I think it is a great idea. Much easier to plop the stuff back there than try to shove in panniers.

[Dave L]

I have a bike trailer that i hook up to the back of my Klien. I haul the 2 kids (75lbs) and there would still be room for 2 or 3 bags of groceries. with out the kids I could do a weeks worth or groceries, but who are we kidding.... I drive.

[cantdrv55]

Here's a cool commute bike with saddlebags. No affiliation.

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/bik/189541685.html

[jyl]

It is a sort of subframe that bolts to any old mountain bike, extends the rear wheel back 15" and adds the big long cargo carrier things.

Sort of impractical to grocery shop on my existing bike, my heels hit the saddlebags if they are bigger than 1 paper grocery sack in size - so I can basically haul 2 bags of groceries, not really worth it.

With something like what's pictured I think I could haul 4 to 6 bags.

It's pretty flat where I live, with several grocery stores within a couple miles.

Just thinking about it, I kind of like riding bikes again.

[dd74]

I would get one provided you could easily unhook the rear assembly, and put in its place, a conventional rear wheel/hub and gears, and still use the same duerailers and chain.

[jyl]

Apparently it uses the original wheel/hub and drivetrain, you just have a longer chain and longer cables. THe FAQ says brakes can be the originals or a disc.

I may keep my eyes open for a used hardtail mountain bike that's cheap and serviceable, to install the subframe on.

[jim72911t]

One of these on the front and a standard rack in the rear, and I'm equipped for just about any summer barbecue.