Step-through bike for Xtracycle build

[sgtiger]

DD has outgrown her trailer and I've been looking into options to tow her and her bike. Originally I was going to purchase a FollowMe (http://www.followme-tandem.com/), but I'm thinking I'd be better off putting the funds toward something I can use beyond the next couple of years. Right now I think that the Xtracycle offers more versatility for me than any of the other cargo bike choices out there.

I was thinking about getting the Radish but I'd like more clearance than the current model offers. The 2010 Radish is coming out and it's more of a step-through design but I'm disappointed that they decided to not put disc tabs on it and I'm not thrilled about the feel of it either (local LBS has a prototype). It has too much of a cruiser feel to it.

The LBS is recommending a Breezer Uptown8 (http://www.breezerbikes.com/index.php/component/content/article/36-bicycles/66-uptown-8) with FreeRadical conversion kit and that would be fine if it was flat around here but I live in a somewhat hilly area and I'm the biggest hill wimp around.:o

So I've been looking around and I've found the the Jamis Commuter 4 (http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebikes/street/commuter/10_commuter4_st.html) in a step-through frame that seems like it would be a good candidate for a conversion, but I'm wondering if the Alfine rear hub would work for an Xtracycle? And is there any other step-through frames that might be good options? BTW it doesn't have to have an internal hub, but I would prefer disc tabs, not mandatory though, on the fork.

Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

Soo

[sgtiger]

Fortunately, Portland boasts a handful of wonderful commuter oriented bike shops and I got to kiss many frogs but they didn't magically turn out to be the cargo bike frame of my dreams. None of the Jamis dealers had any of the Commuter bikes in stock to test ride or any other of the aluminum framed bikes that Jamis has to offer. I wanted to be able to test them out before ordering the Commuter 4, because I wasn't a fan of the other two aluminum framed bikes I tried. I wanted to make sure it was the bikes and not the material. I did, however, test out the Jamis Coda. It's a very nice bike and I can see why so many people choose it for their commuter, but the geometry doesn't work for me.:( The only bike that I really liked was the KHS Urban Xpress Mixte. Due to my short legs/long torso combo, the only stock bike I can find to fit is a step-through bike that is one size too big for me on paper. Otherwise, I have to hang one leg over the top tube with my other foot down at stops. Not something I want to do with a load that likes to move around.

Meanwhile, I've been scouring craigslist for donor bikes for the project and I finally scored a Trek 820 (1997?) Mountain Track step-through. Now to remove the rear rack and get it cleaned up a bit before I drop it off at the LBS. I can't wait to ride my Xtracycle!

[jdubble]

woohoo! i love my xtra and sometimes wonder why i put off converting my old trek hybrid for so long. it's not a step through, but it's got a slight slope to the top tube that allows me good enough clearance when i stop.

have fun with your new ride! i love how many xtras and other cargo bikes i see on a daily basis here in portland. :)

[Biciclista]

Soo, i wish you luck with your new bike. i'm sorry no one on here was able to help you.

[sgtiger]

Thanks so much! I didn't ever see myself owning a cargo bike but I've been running more of my errands by bike this past year and this seemed like the best way for me to handle my soccer mom duties.:D:cool:

jdubble, I live in the western suburbia lands so I don't get to see a lot of cargo bikes around our area unless they're being used as sign boards sitting outside restaurants.:( I'm always impressed when I'm in Portland proper to see all the cargo bikes around, especially the ones that have been hobbled together by creative DIYers.