Naked Xtracycle
Yes, this is the 2009 Xtracycle Radish in its unadorned state. Why did I do that? Because it’s raining, and the Radish got very wet. When an Xtracycle gets wet, moisture can get into the holes where the racks sit and create rust.
The people at Clever Cycles had told me to be sure to dry off these areas, which I’ve always done, but when I took my bike in for a tune-up, it turned out that the racks had actually rusted in place. Oops. So today I unstrapped and removed the racks to clean them off and let them dry. This requires no tools. You just pull off the SnapDeck, undo the straps at the bottom of the FreeLoader bags, and pull the racks off.
I haven’t been doing this every time it rains, but figured it’s a good idea once in a while.
By the way, Xtracycle recently unveiled the redesigned 2010 Radish, and some new accessories! They’re also selling the remaining 2009 models for only $880. You should check it out!
I created this entire post on my Motorola CLIQ. Pretty cool, huh? Also, I’m on a horse. No, I’m not. Sorry!
This post has 3 comments
March 11th, 2010
Hey, do you know the old-bike-tubing trick to keep the rain out of your rack? Basically, you just cut a piece of old tire tubing and pull it over the joint. Keeps the rain out great, and is essentially free. Ping @velvetackbar for better specifics.
March 11th, 2010
Now that is cool! I have some tubing, too.
I’m also interested in their new Hoodie product, which appears to cover the entire frame, including the joints.
May 23rd, 2010
HI! I loved reading through your blog and found it extremeley useful as I’m shopping for a cargo bike myself… for my daughter and for running all kinds of errands. I’ve tested the Ute, Radish 2009, Breezer w/ Xtracycle, Electra Am. Ballon 8D w/ xtracycle and the Madsen (both with bucket and with just the rack). I’m really leaning towards the Radish… I was very pleased with it, but am wondering if you’ve learned anything that would change your mind if you had to decide all over again or any major problems, etc.? Thanks in advance and keep on riding! Oh, also, can you get the hoodie set up now?