I’m always extremely curious about other people’s bike set-ups; I like to see what works for other people, particularly stuff tested out by other biking families.  When Jesse and I first considered diving into the world of kids-on-bikes, I went into an internet-searching frenzy.  Unfortunately, we don’t have any bike shops that carry cargo bikes and there’s no Consumer Reports for cargo biking.  Along this mode of thinking, I thought I’d post about our bikes.  First up is the Radish!

This is my primary and, honestly, my preferred ride.  I am really happy with this bike.  The ride is smooth and I find the bike to be very easy to handle.  I love my road bike, a vintage Terry Isis, but I’m finding I prefer the way my X rides–it’s like going around on a cruise ship.  It’s been great for hauling kids, groceries, and Christmas trees.  I honestly don’t have any complaints about this bike.

Xtracycle Add-ons:

KickBack Kickstand:  If you are hauling your kids, this really seems like a “must” to me.  I can’t imagine trying to get my kid settled with the standard kickstand.  This stand kept the bike perfectly secure even when loading the bike up with 150 lbs. of camping gear.

Magic Carpet: If you are hauling your kids without the PeaPod seat, I think this accessory is well worth it.  My daughter says it’s perfectly comfortable and has yet to complain about riding on the X.

Stoker Bar: I really wish they had the smaller version in stock when I got my bike.  I’m seriously thinking about shortening my stoker bars.  On the one hand, I like that the wide stoker bar serves as a good visual for drivers.  On the other hand, it’s really a pain when trying to lock the bike to a rack or get the bike on the bus.  They’re also always getting caught on the door when I’m trying to get into my office.  The stoker bar does not come with grips.

After-market Accessories:

Surf to Summit Kayak Back Band: I had set out to find a canoe seat to make something along the lines of this set-up when I stumbled across this seat.  What I love about this seat is that it serves as a secure and comfortable seat for my daughter, but it is completely removable.  This comes in very handy for hauling.  I coveted the PeaPod, but my daughter is already at the very top of the weight max.  I really wasn’t comfortable having her hold on with no other support, so this was the perfect middle ground.  The straps run over her legs (adding security) and clip to the bottom of my seat.  It’s not a five-point harness, but I wasn’t sure I even wanted something like that on my bike.  It comes off in seconds and stores easily.  This is not a solution I would use with my two-year-old, but it’s been perfect for my oldest daughter.  All-in-all, I’m really happy with this set-up.

Brooks B67 S Saddle: After hearing so much about them, I sprung for the B67.  It’s too early for me to be able to sing any praises, since I’m still in the breaking-in stages.

Cygolite Rover II Headlight: So far, I’m very happy with this light.  I was using a basic Target bought headlight and quickly found it to be inadequate; plus, I got sick of running through batteries.  I paid about $100 for this light and I think it is an excellent value.  Lights are expensive!  It has an output of 255 lumens and I have found it to be sufficient even in pitch black riding.  Everyone that has seen this run at night has commented on how bright the light is and it’s visible from quite a distance.

Planet Bike Superflash:  I love these lights and have two on the back of the bike.  These are obnoxiously bright and I generally run them even in the day.  I keep a basic light at the bottom of the back just for added visibility.  My only issue is that I have knocked them off quite a few times getting my X on the elevator at work–guess that proves they’re durable, though!

Misc.: I like to keep bungees and lashing straps with me at all times–you can pick these up pretty cheap either at Xtracycle or Autozone.  I also added an Electra Bell.  Not only is it cute, but I’ve found it to be quite useful in getting a motorist’s attention.  I also made my own waterproof bag to put inside the Freeloaders.  I used a bag from Ikea ($1.50) and sewed a little nylon strip to the front.  I like to run the clips of my Freeloaders through this little strip to keep the bag from moving around.

Wishlist:  I’m still in search of a good solution for footrests for Sofie. Searching online, it seems that many people found the Footsies to be too low for little kids.  I bought bike ends, but haven’t been able to figure how to get them on yet.  I’m also pining for Down Low Glow.  The more I ride in the dark, the more I become convinced that DLG is as valuable a safety tool as it is cool.