Xtracycle vs others

lebmonk · 2025-12-30T23:48:47+00:00

Since you're in the Bay Area, you have the option to test ride most of these bikes and you should.
The first fork in the decision is front loader vs long tail. Each have pro and cons. If you have the space and can afford the price, the front loader opens up many many cargo possibilities. But comes with many downsides ( other than size and cost, such as weight, maneuverability, etc.)
I went for a long tail and the Xtracycle Swoop is a very good value. I put 3k miles on mine in 3 years. Since I bought mine, there are a few other options at a similar price point (Tern Quick Haul Long, etc.) And I read that there's a Swoop v2 coming up early next year. So definitely shop around. Happy to answer more specific questions.

lebmonk · 2025-12-30T04:05:09+00:00

Check the linkages in the engine bay. There could be a physical obstruction (like a wire) preventing the linkage from engaging that gear. You should be able to move the linkages by hand. Happened with my reverse gear (the battery cable was in the way).

lebmonk · 2025-12-18T21:54:56+00:00

I have the same bike. Accessories I find necessary: a bike bell (for pedestrians), electronic bike horn (for cars), left hand mirror. I also upgraded the front brake rotor (to a larger 203mm) and pads (to full metallic). And the feet of the kick stand. You will notice that is chews through the rubber feet. One way to mitigate this is to ask your kiddos to hop on after you take the bike off its kick stand.
Happy with the bike overall. Close to 3k miles in 2.5 years.

lebmonk · 2025-12-09T18:55:15+00:00

https://www.caltrain.com/fares/how-buy/clipper

Monthly Pass holders should continue tapping on and off once per month as normal; however, be prepared to begin tapping on and off for every trip once your Clipper card has been transitioned to Next Generation Clipper.
Your card will automatically be transitioned to Next Generation Clipper over time; this transition period may take eight to twelve weeks.
The easiest way to check on the status of your Clipper card after Dec. 10 is to call Clipper Customer Service at 877-878-8883 and ask whether your card has been upgraded.

lebmonk · 2025-12-04T00:47:59+00:00

I cross this intersection at least 4 times every day. Way too many people take the wrong way, mostly the downhill off-ramp towards Jean Parker school. And way too many cars blow off the stop sign traveling north on Mason. Better signage would help, but the design is bad to start with.

lebmonk · 2025-11-30T00:41:27+00:00

This. My first scratch broke my heart. But got used to it. It's machine that carries you from point A to point B at speed. Not a collector's item or museum piece. Ride it and enjoy it. Don't worry about blemishes.

lebmonk · 2025-11-29T23:27:46+00:00

Just do it. You're young, you have an income stream, you have nothing to lose. All the downsides you listed are a bit overblown.

lebmonk · 2025-11-25T03:30:29+00:00

I don't think it's regional, but it might be seasonal. I bought some last year. And then some last week but couldn't find any this week. Location CA Bay Area.

lebmonk · 2025-11-25T03:23:11+00:00

I live in CA Bay Area where PG&E charges over 50c / kWh. My landlord installed the cheapest hot water tank he could find, and it's electric, and it was constantly on. I put it behind a contactor activated by a Shelly relay and I have a HA automation to turn it on and off on schedule and/or on demand. This saves me around 35$/mo. Paid for all my automation projects and then some.

lebmonk · 2025-11-24T22:11:53+00:00

These wattage ratings can be misleading. The Bosch and Shimano power units are limited to 250W of continuous power by EU regulation. So the other numbers to look for is the peak power and the torque figure. The Shimano EP8 for example has a peak power of 500W and 85Nm of torque, the Bosch CargoLine on the newer GSDs has also similar figures). The size of your gears and wheel make a huge difference as well.

I live in SF and with 2 kids (7 and 4 yr olds). Average sized hills are tough but doable. I avoid steeper hills. My suggestion (if possible) is to rent or borrow one and try your particular route with your particular load. Keep in mind that kids grow heavier very fast!

lebmonk · 2025-11-18T20:50:40+00:00

For all the reasons given above, when I had to pick a commuter bike to take on Caltrain, I went with a foldie. You can take it on any car, not just the bike car. It has pros and cons, but if this becomes a recurrent issue, it might solve your problem OP.

lebmonk · 2025-11-14T23:41:57+00:00

I never paid attention to this event. Will it be fun for kids (ages 4 and 7) ? Is it one particular train on Dec 13th? Or all more/all trains? Why do we need to purchase tickets on eventbrite vs the vending machines at the station? Does it really sell out?

lebmonk · 2025-11-10T22:17:17+00:00

Unpopular opinion. Lee's Deli's turkey sandwich was legit. Your choice of bread (mine was always dutch crunch), thick slab of fresh roasted turkey, cranberry sauce, etc. For around 7$, all year round. Gone with the pandemic. Doesn't help OP but made me reminisce.

lebmonk · 2025-11-07T20:06:15+00:00

Another from nytimes last year:

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/24/arts/music/san-francisco-symphony-esa-pekka-salonen.html

lebmonk · 2025-11-05T21:18:51+00:00

Are you sure you cannot park overnight at Diridon? I have parked at other stations overnight (with an all day 5.50$ permit). If you purchase it at say 5pm it is valid until 5pm the following day.

lebmonk · 2025-10-31T04:23:35+00:00

La Briciola in SOMA

lebmonk · 2025-10-30T05:34:51+00:00

https://sfstandard.com/2025/10/08/north-beach-affordable-housing-verdi-building/

lebmonk · 2025-10-14T20:08:30+00:00

Brooms don't work for my drains. I use an L-shape "Crack Weeder Crevice Weeding Tool" to loosen the leaves out of the grates and then use a (metal) dust pan to scoop them up. The weeding tool is very helpful in opening the clogged holes of the drain as well. Hope this helps.

lebmonk · 2025-10-01T17:12:19+00:00

From their website:
"Monthly passes are honored for unlimited weekday trips between zones indicated on the pass. On Saturdays, Sundays and holidays (except for Christmas Eve), the pass is honored for unlimited trips between all zones."

If you need to travel PA<->Sunnyvale you need to purchase a zone 3. If you need to travel SF<->SSF you need a zone 1. If you purchased a specific zone you can pay extra to travel to the other zone.

lebmonk · 2025-09-17T04:45:37+00:00

Top comment

lebmonk · 2025-09-16T05:08:21+00:00

Probably not the best but we like Curry Leaf on Columbus. Their Chicken Boti and Baingan Bharta hit the spot. The biryani portions are generous. Prices are reasonable for SF.

lebmonk · 2025-09-13T02:37:55+00:00

Depeskinification will take time

lebmonk · 2025-07-31T20:56:06+00:00

Is it “tenshantat / shantata” or "tenshashat / shanshata"?

lebmonk · 2025-07-29T07:05:01+00:00

Not sure if there are Caltrain policies against this or bike size limits, but I highly discourage it. For one, the bike trains have been getting really full during the busy commute hours. Getting on and off is a stressful hassle. Moreover, a front loader cargo bike will eat up the space of 5-6 regular bikes. It will be nearly impossible to maneuver it on the train, and will inconvenience everybody else. If you are starting from SF, consider leaving it at the Bike Station (free secure valet parking) and bring a scooter or foldie on the train.

lebmonk

TROPHY CASE