Alternative transport ideas... Bikes options, how to?

[Allan Cheateaux]

SO we all love stand ups. Not without all of the obvious benefits, there are some drawbacks. First, the increase in your gear budget. Then the increase in your wax budget. New racks to be able to handle the sled, as it wont fit into your honda (unless you roll an element)...

The list goes on and on.

But Im not a big driver (I hate driving actually), and needed a way to transport the boards to and from the beach. Plus its great in the summer to ride past the 2 hour wait at San Onofre and peddle right in. The MULE was great, but as I searched out more out of the way spots, I grew increasingly conserned about bouncing my board down a trail. So I welded up some long trailers, but 22' of bike can suck when you try to billygoat down trails sometimes. I wanted a more secure option.

Hello Xtracycle, my new company car, the Nui Moana xtra cruiser






This thing rocks, and has become much more than a board transporter. Its given me a huge step to becoming much less car dependent. I grocery shop on it. J rides on the back for dinner. Hauls recycling. And billygoats trails like nothing else.



With this setup, I have a very real 10 mile surfing range. I can peddle 5 miles, than paddle 5-8 in search of waves, then 5 home. Its a great transporter for downwinders.

There are drawbacks. First would be the $400 price tag just for the attachment (you bolt it in to the dropouts and extend brake/gear cables). Second is side winds can beat you up a little, but its not as bad as you'd think. (in hard off shores, I still prefer the mule) It stays on the bike as a permanent mode, but after rolling it for a while, you cant imagine yourself without it. (at least I cant)

I put it on a road bike first, but now its on a german touring bike with beefy tires.

For those folks that live within 5-10 miles of the beach and want a better way (no parking hassles, lessen your carbon imprint, etc...), this is a very cool option. I know Im stoked on it. I'll try to get some pics/video of it in action...

[motopilot]

Looks cool, but that must be tough when it gets windy, LOL. 15kts of crosswind blowing against your board you will need a lot fo crosswind correction to stay on the road.  Nice setup!

[g shepherd]

We love our Xtracycle! I haven't outfitted it for surf duty yet, but we're putting it to good use around town.

I've got a beachcruiser with standard sidemount surf racks that'll take my SOS Big Red, although the pedal  to my launch spot is only a 1/2 mile. Anything more and I'd need to upgrade!

[Allan Cheateaux]

Looks cool, but that must be tough when it gets windy, LOL. 15kts of crosswind blowing against your board you will need a lot fo crosswind correction to stay on the road.  Nice setup!

I must say, its not that bad. I had it out in 20 mph offshores and while I got knocked around a little on the road, it wasnt unmanagable.

[Allan Cheateaux]

We love our Xtracycle! I haven't outfitted it for surf duty yet, but we're putting it to good use around town.

I've got a beachcruiser with standard sidemount surf racks that'll take my SOS Big Red, although the pedal  to my launch spot is only a 1/2 mile. Anything more and I'd need to upgrade!

You're reply is useless to the greater good without pics...

Xtracycles are the $hit! How did I ever get around before mine. In a car, but thats not the point...

[Allan Cheateaux]

Here is a great link to a video with John Ashley of paddlesurf.net and a product review on the MULE transport system. A very versatile option for those looking for a way to haul it to the beach. Plus with a good net bungee, you can strap all 'kine of crap to it before you split...

Video

MULE review


and no, Im not sponsored or associated with any of these products. Just stoked on bike transport...

[PonoBill]

Mule supplied two Sup transporters for the showcase--they proved invaluable for schlepping heavy stuff from the vans to the setup area. I used my Ku Nalu board rigged with a mule to haul all the heavy stuff. stacked coolers, camera boxes, food, etc. onto the board and the Mule let it all smoothly roll across the lumpy park grass. Even floats it all across the sand! 

Very impressive product. I planned to build something myself, but I love the simplicity, extremely light weight, and easy assembly of the mule--I doubt I could top it

[Nate Burgoyne]

The Mule is nice. It's what the doctor ordered for that tender bald spot I was developing on the top of my head from balancing my board up there while I would walk to the beach. I need to be more diligent about using it 'cause I'm wearing pretty thin again.

[noa]

Allan, thats fantastic ! thanks for showing us an even better way to use our bikes, even with the bigger boards we surf. time to get peddling...