the short version

I believe the xtracycle FreeRadical is one of the best transport accessories ever invented for the bicycle.

the long version

I have had the FreeRadical for two weeks. In those two weeks I have used my bike more than I have in the past 2 months. I have used the FreeRadical at least once every day and often twice a day. I have taken the boys to school, done the post office run, done the grocery shopping, delivered stuff, hauled tools to job-sites, everything. If you want to buy something that will give you the biggest shove toward becoming car-free or bike-dependent, this is it.

After two weeks and several hundred klm's, I can tell you that the FreeRadical is a most useful accessory. It has all but replaced my trailer except for hauling very big loads or transporting tools to the job-site. I still prefer the trailer for job-sites since the trailer is a mobile toolbox which can be wheeled around the site, and while I can get a serious load in the FreeRadical, I find for very big or very heavy loads I prefer the trailer since it moves the weight off the bike.

The FreeRadical is not without some warts. Most of the issues I encountered were with the donor bike and not the FreeRadical.

I fitted the FreeRadical to a 10-year-old Specialized MTB I had lying around. It took me about an hour and a half to fit the FreeRadical, the directions were clear, but I would recommend unless you are a fairly adept bike mechanic, spend the money to have your local bike shop fit the FreeRadical. The actual fitting of the extension frame is very easy and straightforward. The tricky part is refitting the new brake and rear derailleur cables and getting the brake and rear derailleur readjusted. Not rocket science, just tedious and sometimes frustrating. You need to keep in mind that you will be adding 500mm or so of chain, so if you have a rear derailleur with an ageing tension spring, you may find that you need to get a new derailleur to keep enough chain tension. Also keep an eye on your rear wheel, since you will be throwing a large amount of weight on the rear wheel, it could also need replacing. I will be replacing my rear derailleur and rear wheel before too long. If you are installing the FreeRadical on a fairly new bike, 3 or less years old and good shape, you should not have any of these concerns.

There is about a 10 minute "getting used to" period when you start riding with the FreeRadical, because of the additional length. After that you will never notice it is back there, except when you want to haul the shopping home. Oh, and of course, when you get all those comments about the extra-long bike you are riding and "that's cool, dude" from other people.

I never liked riding my old Specialized, so for me to ride it like I have over the past two weeks, amazes even me. If I had the FreeRadical on a bike I liked, I probably would not have time to write this! I can say, unequivocally, that you will find the FreeRadical an absolute joy to use.

So should you buy a trailer or a FreeRadical. I say both, 'cause I want to sell you both!! If you are a commuter who likes to stop by the post office and send off some parcels, swing by the veggie shop for some greens, and then the corner store for milk and eggs, buy an FreeRadical. You will find it supremely useful. If you are going to haul half the shop home or haul bricks, I would recommend a trailer. The FreeRadical will haul bricks, but I have found that when you reach a certain weight, you start to find the donor bike will become very flexy and also you must remember the limits of your rear wheel. With a trailer designed to haul 100kg or more, you can throw on several bags of sand and cement and not be concerned with the weight since it is off the bike and on the trailer. So think about you transport needs and buy accordingly.

I also recommend that you think about having a bike specifically for the FreeRadical. OK, hear me out. Think of a bike with a FreeRadical as a transport vehicle, a ute if you will. Do not put a FreeRadical on your favourite racer or downhiller. Keep your "sport" bike and have the FreeRadical as your "work" vehicle. This can be done for a minimum amount of money. I am actually going to start selling complete FreeRadical bikes. In the near future I will write an article about building a cheap donor bike for your FreeRadical. If you already ride a hybrid or MTB around town, then you have the perfect donor.

the verdict

I am so convinced that you will find the xtracycle FreeRadical as useful and versatile as I have, that if you buy a xtracycle FreeRadical from C.T.A. and you are not satisfied with it, return it within 30 days in an undamaged condition, and I will refund your purchase price including shipping.

It is pretty simple, I would not be without my FreeRadical, and I ride it and use it every day. I can't give a higher recommendation than that.

the details

Here is more information on C.T.A. For all the gory details, visit the xtracycle web-site.

the price

Check here for more pricing information on the FreeRadical and accessories.

e-mail me for more details or to place your order.

P. Lynn Miller
Sydney, Australia