Cruzbike Sofrider Xtracycle concept

Nanda Holz

Active Member
The Cruzbike Sofrider Xtracycle has a 1250in/lb rated Nazca HD coil over shock with adjustable rebound dampening, which should improve the ride further. The Schwalbe Marathon Crosses with reflex side wall are ready for any terrain and add some bling with the flash on.
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The Cruzbike Sofrider Xtracycle also now has been fitted with a Avid BB7 160mm front disc brake. The rear disc requires a 203mm 8" disc rotor and uses a 160mm caliper mounting bracket the has the mounting tab higher up to me the 8" rotor. Will get that fitted when our next parts order comes in, but for now the stock rear Vbrake is fine.
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The Cruzbike Sofrider Xtracycle is fitted on a Sofrider V3 frame w/o the head shock on the V2 frame.
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Sprayed and neutered and ready for action, the Cruzbike Sofrider Xtracycle is now looking more like a finished product.
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Est. 60-70lbs
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Est. 80-90lbs
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A short test ride video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMSaJ7vcy9U&feature=share&list=UUBDO2090FFtWrs9vJk56Wyw

?Here is the thread where this concept started for your reference:
http://cruzbike.com/silvio-st-sport-touring-concept
 

Eric Winn

Zen MBB Master
Nanda, you should get with

Nanda, you should get with the Cruzbike crew and come up with some Cruzbike branded bags, tent, etc.

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-Eric
 

Nanda Holz

Active Member
First goal would be to get

First goal would be to get this thing thoroughly tested, and also try a mid-frame rigid design that replaces the Quest/Sofrider frame using the standard Xtracycle Freeradical or new Leap 26 model out back and the Quest/Sofrider front triangle or even a conversion kit up front. Maybe someday you can order one with your Sofrider :)

It wouldn't be hard to embroider some Xtracycle bags with Cruzbike branding...

I also want to test Xtracycles various accessories, there are just so many fun and useful ways to play with...hard to choose where to start:
http://www.xtracycle.com/sidecar.html/?
sidecar-a-1000_1.png

http://www.xtracycle.com/hooptie.html/ The Hooptie holds up to 4 kids, or maybe just more stuff...
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http://www.xtracycle.com/x1-cargo-bike-bags-pair.html/
http://www.xtracycle.com/x2-cargo-bike-bags-pair.html?

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http://www.xtracycle.com/peapod-iii.html/?
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http://www.xtracycle.com/wideloaders.html/

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http://www.xtracycle.com/p-rack.html/
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http://www.xtracycle.com/longloader.html/

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xjcampx

New Member
My conversion comments & feedback

Been testing the prototype for over a month now on the beaches, paved bike trails, and off trail areas of Hilton Head Island.

My very first impression was how much better the overall front to rear balance of the bike felt. This translated into a much smoother and more secure feeling over the road as it seems to add quite a bit of stability. Kind of like a long board or a stretch limo from the increased wheel base. It also tracks much truer during hands-free riding.

Navigating with the side car was kind of tricky and totally changed how the bike handled. I set it up with the third wheel[ right hand side] pretty much level with the rest of the bike and very quickly discovered that I COULD NOT make a right turn. After raising the side car adjustment to a higher position with the wheel several inches off the ground, I could finally make a right turn. It really demonstrated in a dramatic fashion how much leaning has to do with the Cruzbike steering. I decided to can the idea of having my dog, Marley ride along in the side car for a while. Kinda' wide for the bike trails here as well. However, adjusted high enough the single "training wheel" approach might prove helpful for beginning riders.

I ordered the echo deck, foot bars, and center kickstand accessories from Xtracycle and they should be arriving soon. I'm hope to test the person carrying capacity but have some misgivings about my current rear hub and tire configuration. I think that a solid rear axle combined with a tandem weight tire would be best. Right now I'm just using a spare Specialized rear cassette hub with a 2.00 Salwalbe

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Yesterday I swung this monster over my bike rack and out trickles some rusted water from the steel tubing weep holes. This was left over from several days ago when I hosed the salty brine away following a gallop along the beach. I'm not sure if this is useful for future projects, however I had to tip the entire bike sideways before the moisture finally ran out.

Is carrying a 150lb. passenger expecting too much for this configuration?
 

Nanda Holz

Active Member
Loved your Xtra-Xmas

Loved your Xtra-Xmas photo:
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Thanks for the feedback thus far. Yes, I agree the slightly longer wheelbase stabilizes the whole CB mbb/fwd experience, and felt the same way during my time with the prototype.

We had the same thoughts with the sidecar in "CB trainer/trike" mode with the clamps snugged up enough to support the bike and rider in a upright position.

Hopefully once we have a few more of the XtraCruz's on the road, I'll set up a coupon code system with Xtracycle so owners can receive a slight discount on Xtra accessories. I like the look of the lower U-tubes, which are also used in the kid hauler Hooptie product.

Regarding the rusty water, a Rotovelo owner in FL had a similar experience when tipping over her velomobile to service the chain, with some rusty water leaking out of a out gassing weld hole. Nancy mentioned using "J.P. Weigle Frame Prep." Found this on a cycling blog..."Frame Prep is a product that rust inhibits the INSIDES of the frame tubes. You spray the prep into all the little weep holes in the frame tubes and the Frame Prep sticks itself to the inside walls of the tube creating a barrier to prevent rust should water find it's way inside your bike. A very common concern for those who commute in inclimate weather."

http://www.amazon.com/Weigles-Bicycle-Frame-Saver-Inhibitor/dp/B0012GO58Y/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1388171654&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=J.P.+Weigle+Frame+Prep.

I'll also get some and see if we can apply this in our future prototypes as well.

Just starting to layout the Sofrider 3.0 frame for the next design, a rigid adapter to mate the Sofrider directly to an unmodified Xtracycle.
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We've only tested 80-90lbs on the prototype, but Maria sat on the back while Jim pedalled at the Recumbent Cycle Convention:
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