Pictures of the Schwinn / Xtracycle conversion

Pic 1 The Donor bike


Pic 2 The FreeRadical


Pic3 Remove the back wheel


Pic4 In goes the FreeRadical


Pic5 Put the wheel in place


Pic6 Add a brake


Pic7 Connect the brake and attach the cables to the frame


Pic8 The stand


Pic9 Connect the gear cable and attach to the frame


Pic10 Attached and secured


Pic11 Next the FreeLoaders and Snapdeck


Pic12 Small detail: don't forget to add a chain :-)


Pic13 Put the FreeLoaders in place


Pic14 Add the SnapDeck


Pic15 The Result, start hauling!

The Xtracycle conversion - FINALLY!

I got my Schwinn '91 MTB converted about a week ago after a 3 week wait for the Xtracycle parts. I could not pick them up in a local shop because nobody sells these in Belgium. But from now on you can, parts and pricing can be obtained here: www.hermesrijwielen.be They did a great job on my bike and even took pictures of the conversion (these will be posted soon).
It is different to ride, at first you don't really notice any difference but it turns differently even without a load. When you do carry a load, eg. groceries, the ride is really steady because the weight is situated low to the ground. Carrying two kids in the back is also not a problem (when they stay still and don't lean in the wrong direction). I took a handlebar from an old kid's bike and attached it under my saddle, so kids riding in the back have something to hold on to.
I just love the fact I don't need a car anymore to do my shopping. This solution is great!

-- WERGRAPH

MY RIDES

Old Dutch is a bike saved from the scrapyard and is perfect to go into town because it doesn't look so perfect it is not attractive to thieves. All I had to do to hit the road again was add a pair of new tires and a saddle and off I went. Later on I also added a small seat for kids, now every time I want to take it for a spin my two daughters start to fight over whose turn it is this time. The bike is mechanically sound except for the drum brakes (they don't really brake well), but I don't know how to revise them but when I found out how I will make sure to share it with you. It is quite a heavy ride but also very dependable, I don't know what make or year it is because I found it coated in black and left it like that.

My other bike is Schwinn PDG (Paramount Design Group) Series 90 from 1991, it's a chromolybdene frame and the paintwork and Suntour XC Pro group are original. It's a 21-speed with V-brakes and is quite light, this is what I use for my daily commute when I am not too lazy (it happens !).
These are a few of the changes I made to it: Brooks Champion Narrow B17 saddle, adjustable Sartori-EZ handlebar, fork with suspension RST Capa TL and Michelin tires.
Although it's an old workhorse I just love riding it and I am going to change it even more with the xtracycle conversion (http://www.xtracycle.com/) because it seems just incredibly practical. It would also mean I could take both my daughters on a bike trip so they won't have to fight anymore. I will let you know how easy or difficult the conversion was and how much it changes the riding experience.

-- Wergraph