Originally Posted by
KnottedYet
The Xtracycle has "Footsies" that peg into the lower part of the frame so your passenger can hold themself in place (use a tandem bar for a hand hold if you need it). Since the Ute isn't compatible, you wouldn't be able to use either the wide load braces (like SarahLou is in the pic) or Footsies on the Ute.
Of course Kona intends the deck to be used! My goodness!! But they need to cough up as nice a range of accesories as Xtracycle if they want the Ute to compete! I love Kona (proud owner of a Dew and a Smoke) but I'm a little disappointed in the Ute. Nice deck, groovy. But two little bags per side or use another brand of little pannier, well.... Kona should hire me to help them design a bunch of accessories! (and give me a discount, eh? :D ) They should also hire me to tell them to make the Ute in a steel frame.
I'd turn a steel pre-2008 Smoke into an Xtracycle if I had the $$ or the need. Now I've got a trailer, so my cargo needs (for the moment!) are pretty much met.