Typically I find these forums to be a great democratic source of information . . . and I try not to read too much into them. However, I really am getting sick of people who act like experts on every subject. I have been in the bike industry for 20 years and have been involved in the design of hundreds of bikes and/or bike products. Yet, I still feel that I have a lot to learn.

These long tail bikes are of keen interest, as I have owned several Xtracycles and think that their design is backwards. Don't get me wrong, the concept and function are great, but could be dramatically improved . . . and bikes like the Ute and Yuba are a first step in the right direction.

I've learned that Kona is working on several different types of bags and load carrying options. I feel that this is the way to go . . . why would Kona design the hardgoods (frame, deck, etc) around another company's soft goods? Also, the Xtracycle bags aren't really all that special in the realm of bags. They aren't waterproof, there are no zippered pockets, mine are chewed up from getting tangled in the drive train, not easy to install/uninstall on the V rack . . . . and so on.

Also, for the Ute, you can simply add your choice aftermarket folding motorcycle pegs . . . instead of the footsies (see bikehugger.com). I think this is a more elegant solution (and less expensive), as I have ripped off 3 of the fragile wood footsies by hitting stuff coming home from the pub.

In any case these things all take time to develop and test. There are complex manufacturer sourcing issues, international economics/communications, patents, materials availability, seasonality, graphics, marketing, pricing . . . all of these things and more have to coordinate precisely to make any product come to fruition. So, you can imagine why I get frustrated and insulted when I constantly read "they should just do this or that" . . . "if they hired me".

Stroke your ego somewhere else . . . it's ruining my reading.


Quote Originally Posted by KnottedYet View Post
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? ) 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.