The Year of the Xtracycle

It's the truth, baby. And it's good.

Reports from Interbike (the annual bicycle industry tradeshow in Las Vegas) universally indicate that public interest has acknowledged the utility of the Xtracycle Free-Radical. At least three full-frame longtail cargo-bikes are expected to be available in 2008: The Surly Big Dummy, Kona's Ute, and YubaRide's Mundo. RAD!

Commuter bikes and other practical designs are also becoming more visible (Civia Cycles looks promising). It may be that industry folks are paying attention to a small but loyal following, but I'd prefer to think that the demand is broad-based, and expanding. Of course, what I prefer doesn't matter. Nevertheless,

Mo' Bikes Better and if they can carry lots of stuff, that's just gravy.

Break out your copy of The Tipping Point, this is a great time to be alive and riding a bike.