I would definitely use stronger fabric for the mesh area. I poked a
hole in mine pretty quickly.

I would also reinforce the fabric where it makes contact with a disk
caliper and other wear points. Personally I would not double the fabric.

And I'd figure out a way to carry the wide loaders, un-installed, out
of the way somewhere.

HTH

David

Thanks so much you guys, I have a huge list of suggestion to ponder now :0) 
I'll definitely  post pics, but don't hold your breath.  I'm slowly saving money
for all the components I need, especially the wheelset, and keeping myself busy
in the meantime working on the accessories.  I expect this will take a few
months.  I'm making my own v-racks, deck, footsies and wideloaders as well. 
Those are actually 50% done, but it's a long process.

Anyway, back to turkey duty.  Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

- Joel

My twins are almost 4 and really wanted to ride their own bikes now for short
trips.  I was looking into these:
http://www.countrymoosekids.com/catalog/item/4172018/4805111.htm as a
possibility but can't find any reviews anywhere.  I was wondering if anyone has
every seen or used anything like this or knows where I can find more
information.  I would love to have them riding with me but also really like the
fact that they can use it independent of me to.  I seen the "arms" on Amazon but
the reviews are not great there and there are some safety concerns that I think
this one overcomes.  Like with a normal bike the child can still wiggle the
handle bar and the mounting brackets particularly the one on the bike isn't
permanently attached and has been a cause for disaster for a few parents.  The
cost really isn't that much different since I have to buy a bike and the arm to
get the same effect, it would cost at least $150 even for that route but the
safety issues have me shying away from it.  The regular trail bikes are also
enticing but I would then either have to always ride with them or would again
have to get them a seperate bike which means more storage and more cost for 2
seperate items.  The thing is we go on rides from 1-10 miles regularly, about
1/2 my errands and activities are attended on the bike instead of the car.  So I
really need something that I can transport them with but also like the fact that
they could ride independently for either part of the ride or when we get to our
destination (at least 2 trips each week are to a park where they are able to
play for a couple hours while there older brother practices.

Any suggestions please!!!

Lorrea

Lorrea,

I've never used the "connect cycle" attachment so I can't really speak for that.
I've used or have ridden with someone who uses the following:  Trek trail-a-bike
(TAB from here on out), Adams TAB, Burley Piccolo TAB.  All are fine but very
limited in their usefulness.  I know the Adams TAB is available in a tandem -
I.E. you can put 2 kids on the TAB, but of all the brands I've seen the Adams
was the least impressive so I definitely would want to try one before I bought
it.  The Burley is definitely the nicest and I've seen it adapted to an
xtracycle but they're also extremely expensive and it makes the deck of you x
hard to use for anything but the TAB.  I think any of the pull behind methods
would be more difficult than normal if you're riding your X or BD.  I also don't
love any of the TAB methods because the kid is far enough behind you that you
don't really feel like you could do anything to help (I.E. you see the little
one is falling off, you can't get an arm back to grab them - nor can you hear as
easily when they're goofing around).  With older kids it's really not much of a
concern, but when I was out with 3 1/2 and 4 year olds it made me nervous. 
Granted nothing bad happened, but the child also didn't ride on the TAB very
long before we decided it would be better for her to ride along with my daughter
on my x.

My suggestion, since you've already split from the herd by getting an xtracycle
why not use it instead of the conventional methods?  Again, I don't know all the
particulars of your situation so this may not be an option, but I would think
you could get regular kid bikes and attach them to your xtracycle either some
sort of tow behind (empty) or something like the TrayBien (I couldn't justify
the cost of the TrayBien but I think you could make a homemade version for a
fraction of the cost).  That way you could haul your little ones on the back of
the X, bring their bikes along with you.  When you get to a spot that they can
safely ride along with you for a while, take the bikes off and let them go at
it.  When they're tired load the bikes and kids back on the X and continue on
your merry way.

Good luck,
Wes



--- In rootsradicals@yahoogroups.com, "lorrea1" <jlhall6@...> wrote:
>
> My twins are almost 4 and really wanted to ride their own bikes now for short
trips.  I was looking into these:
http://www.countrymoosekids.com/catalog/item/4172018/4805111.htm as a
possibility but can't find any reviews anywhere.  I was wondering if anyone has
every seen or used anything like this or knows where I can find more
information.  I would love to have them riding with me but also really like the
fact that they can use it independent of me to.  I seen the "arms" on Amazon but
the reviews are not great there and there are some safety concerns that I think
this one overcomes.  Like with a normal bike the child can still wiggle the
handle bar and the mounting brackets particularly the one on the bike isn't
permanently attached and has been a cause for disaster for a few parents.  The
cost really isn't that much different since I have to buy a bike and the arm to
get the same effect, it would cost at least $150 even for that route but the
safety issues have me shying away from it.  The regular trail bikes are also
enticing but I would then either have to always ride with them or would again
have to get them a seperate bike which means more storage and more cost for 2
seperate items.  The thing is we go on rides from 1-10 miles regularly, about
1/2 my errands and activities are attended on the bike instead of the car.  So I
really need something that I can transport them with but also like the fact that
they could ride independently for either part of the ride or when we get to our
destination (at least 2 trips each week are to a park where they are able to
play for a couple hours while there older brother practices.
>
> Any suggestions please!!!
>
> Lorrea
>

Regarding the inner pockets, I've thought about taking a cue from the
army and covering the inside of the freeloaders with molle-style
straps. That would let you attach all sorts of pouches inside in a
secure but removable way, depending on what you needed to carry. There
are literaly hundreds of these pouches available from surplus shops
and sites. Granted, most are designed to carry guns or ammo clips, but
there are still plenty that serve wider purposes.

On Thursday, November 26, 2009, Liz W. Durham <lizwdurham@...> wrote:
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Grommeted drain holes! Yes! Even if you create a waterproof bag,
> the holes would be a great back-up.
>
>
>
> If you are into multi-usage…you could design an outer
> over-flap that could, if need be, be used up over the top of the snap deck to
secure
> items on the snap deck. After all, an over-flap for the free loaders is really
> only necessary if it is raining.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> From:
> rootsradicals@yahoogroups.com <javascript:_e({}, 'cvml',
'rootsradicals@yahoogroups.com');> [mailto:rootsradicals@yahoogroups.com] On
> Behalf Of David Chase
> Sent: Thursday, November 26, 2009 8:57 AM
> To: rootsradicals@yahoogroups.com <javascript:_e({}, 'cvml',
'rootsradicals@yahoogroups.com');>
> Subject: Re: [rootsradicals] Re: Looking for suggestions
>
>
> Things I might recommend:
> - grommetted drain holes in the bottom?
> - a tougher version of the mesh?
>
> I think I tore up my old mesh a little bit, and repaired it with gorilla tape
> (heavy duty black duct tape). Sean Moore would know, he's got my old stuff
> (which I hope he is still happy with).
>
> David
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>

Thanks Wes, that got me thinking of a possible 2nd option I hadn't thought of
before.

The problem I am having is that 1) I don't have an X, I am still in the dreaming
of stage.  2) I currently run a bobike mini in front and a trailer behind, I
have 1-2yr old and 3 1/2 yr old twins.  3) The kids are constantly fighting over
who gets to ride on the mini and the 3 yr olds are actually over the weight
range but I let them anyway.  4) The 3 yr olds are always wanting to ride their
own trikes but they can't keep up.  5) I sometimes actually need the trailer to
carry loads from the grocery store.

My system worked very effeciently for the past year, but it seems we're aging
and it's a game now to try to figure out our best option.  I would love a radish
set-up but can't justify that cost right now although it would be perfect and I
could still tow the trailer when needed for extra loads.  But I imagined that
another option would be a rear mount child-seat and one trail-a-bike set-up that
the kids could rotate on.  Although thats a lot of little ones hanging out.  All
my little ones have very good balance though so probably not so bad.  They
currently switch off between riding in the bobike in the front of my bike, in
the back in the trailer or standing behind my oldest on the foot-pegs on his
bike (when we are in neighborhoods only, on major streets they have to be on my
bike).

Anyway, some things to think about.  Maybe I will go check out the radish again
but last check it was too much.

Lorrea
--- In rootsradicals@yahoogroups.com, "Wes T" <watrout@...> wrote:
>
> Lorrea,
>
> I've never used the "connect cycle" attachment so I can't really speak for
that.  I've used or have ridden with someone who uses the following:  Trek
trail-a-bike (TAB from here on out), Adams TAB, Burley Piccolo TAB.  All are
fine but very limited in their usefulness.  I know the Adams TAB is available in
a tandem - I.E. you can put 2 kids on the TAB, but of all the brands I've seen
the Adams was the least impressive so I definitely would want to try one before
I bought it.  The Burley is definitely the nicest and I've seen it adapted to an
xtracycle but they're also extremely expensive and it makes the deck of you x
hard to use for anything but the TAB.  I think any of the pull behind methods
would be more difficult than normal if you're riding your X or BD.  I also don't
love any of the TAB methods because the kid is far enough behind you that you
don't really feel like you could do anything to help (I.E. you see the little
one is falling off, you can't get an arm back to grab them - nor can you hear as
easily when they're goofing around).  With older kids it's really not much of a
concern, but when I was out with 3 1/2 and 4 year olds it made me nervous. 
Granted nothing bad happened, but the child also didn't ride on the TAB very
long before we decided it would be better for her to ride along with my daughter
on my x.
>
> My suggestion, since you've already split from the herd by getting an
xtracycle why not use it instead of the conventional methods?  Again, I don't
know all the particulars of your situation so this may not be an option, but I
would think you could get regular kid bikes and attach them to your xtracycle
either some sort of tow behind (empty) or something like the TrayBien (I
couldn't justify the cost of the TrayBien but I think you could make a homemade
version for a fraction of the cost).  That way you could haul your little ones
on the back of the X, bring their bikes along with you.  When you get to a spot
that they can safely ride along with you for a while, take the bikes off and let
them go at it.  When they're tired load the bikes and kids back on the X and
continue on your merry way.
>
> Good luck,
> Wes
>
>
>
> --- In rootsradicals@yahoogroups.com, "lorrea1" <jlhall6@> wrote:
> >
> > My twins are almost 4 and really wanted to ride their own bikes now for
short trips.  I was looking into these:
http://www.countrymoosekids.com/catalog/item/4172018/4805111.htm as a
possibility but can't find any reviews anywhere.  I was wondering if anyone has
every seen or used anything like this or knows where I can find more
information.  I would love to have them riding with me but also really like the
fact that they can use it independent of me to.  I seen the "arms" on Amazon but
the reviews are not great there and there are some safety concerns that I think
this one overcomes.  Like with a normal bike the child can still wiggle the
handle bar and the mounting brackets particularly the one on the bike isn't
permanently attached and has been a cause for disaster for a few parents.  The
cost really isn't that much different since I have to buy a bike and the arm to
get the same effect, it would cost at least $150 even for that route but the
safety issues have me shying away from it.  The regular trail bikes are also
enticing but I would then either have to always ride with them or would again
have to get them a seperate bike which means more storage and more cost for 2
seperate items.  The thing is we go on rides from 1-10 miles regularly, about
1/2 my errands and activities are attended on the bike instead of the car.  So I
really need something that I can transport them with but also like the fact that
they could ride independently for either part of the ride or when we get to our
destination (at least 2 trips each week are to a park where they are able to
play for a couple hours while there older brother practices.
> >
> > Any suggestions please!!!
> >
> > Lorrea
> >
>

I have a BD and am trying to figure out what my next step for child hauling is,
much like you.  Right now I carry my son's bike on the BD and he sits on a
rigged up child's seat on the Snapdeck.   I would like to have him pedal to but
it seems my options are even more limited because I have the BD.  Then again my
ability to carry cargo is huge compared to what it would be with a regular bike
and a trail-a-bike.

As far as your children and their balance on a trail-a-bike, Adams sells an
accessory seat for really young children, and a back rest with a strap for kids
age 2-4.

Good luck, I'm looking forward to hearing what others are doing.

Yeah, I guess you could carry a lot of weaponry in an Xtracycle, but it's all
behind you--kind of hard to reach while you're riding.  I think a wicker basket
in the front would be a lot more accessible. ;-)

Philip

--- In rootsradicals@yahoogroups.com, Liam Casey <zyzzyva23@...> wrote:
>
> Regarding the inner pockets, I've thought about taking a cue from the
> army and covering the inside of the freeloaders with molle-style
> straps. That would let you attach all sorts of pouches inside in a
> secure but removable way, depending on what you needed to carry. There
> are literaly hundreds of these pouches available from surplus shops
> and sites. Granted, most are designed to carry guns or ammo clips, but
> there are still plenty that serve wider purposes.
>

I'd been thinking that it ought to be possible to put a sheath for a machete
under the snapdeck, with the handle sticking out just behind the seat.  On the
other hand, with a little front rack, you could mount it vertically in front --
perfect for a little on-the-fly brush trimming on your daily commute.

Not sure either would be legal here in Massachusetts.

On 2009-11-28, at 8:21 AM, philip_b_chase wrote:

> Yeah, I guess you could carry a lot of weaponry in an Xtracycle, but it's all
behind you--kind of hard to reach while you're riding. I think a wicker basket
in the front would be a lot more accessible. ;-)
>
> Philip
>
> --- In rootsradicals@yahoogroups.com, Liam Casey <zyzzyva23@...> wrote:
> >
> > Regarding the inner pockets, I've thought about taking a cue from the
> > army and covering the inside of the freeloaders with molle-style
> > straps. That would let you attach all sorts of pouches inside in a
> > secure but removable way, depending on what you needed to carry. There
> > are literaly hundreds of these pouches available from surplus shops
> > and sites. Granted, most are designed to carry guns or ammo clips, but
> > there are still plenty that serve wider purposes.
> >

Like you I'm an X-tracycle groupie. It was definitely one of the solutions to my
child transport. This is what I came up with:

For my then 18 month old and then 3 1/2 year old, I ended up using my Bianchi
hybrid with a Bicycle-Tutor (the top bar mounted Bobike was behind in shipping
to the US then) and a Adams Trail-a-bike Starter that I found on Craigslist for
$40. It worked rather well.

Fast forward to today. My girls are now 3 1/2 and 6 1/2 with a combined weight
of around 90 lbs. I'm waiting to bend or crack my bike's aluminum frame. My
oldest can now ride her own bike without training wheels. However, she is by no
means a proficient or confident rider and is not ready for the quick 1 mile ride
(with gentle hills) to school yet. For her own comfort and for my need for speed
to get to work, I still use this set up. But over the last month or so, it is
getting increasingly challenging to keep my bike in control. I suspect it is the
weight issue. I now can't wait to get the oldest off the back so I can get rid
of the Bike-tutor and put the little one on the back.

That being said, if you choose to go the tandem trailer bike route, I would look
at a few factors:

- How long do you intend to keep this set up?
- How strong is your bicycle's frame?
- Would it be worth it to simply get some used bicycles for the kids and spend
the money on a better set up for your own bicycle? You still have your toddler
to think about.
- Have you considered throwing money into a triplet like this?
http://www.browncycles.com/tandems.htm It should last you for about 4 or 5 years
before the twins truly want to go off on their own. I also think the resale on
one of these is fairly high since you don't see them in the classifieds too
much.

Good luck,
Marcie

I recently upgraded to a Big Dummy and couldn't be happier with the switch.  My
original plan was to sell off my old free radical and probably the rest of the
bike that used to be my xtracycle.  However, after thinking about it for a while
I kind of like the idea of having an xtracycle that people could try out if they
were on the fence about whether or not a cargo bike would be for them.  I have
plenty of bike parts sitting around, the only thing I would have to pony up for
is a replacement V rack & bags (without these I can't see that it would be much
use to try out an xtracycle).  I really think a lot more people would take the
xtracycle plunge if they just had a chance to use one before they had to fork
down $500 or more for one.  So question is, does anyone here have a used (but at
least still functional) V-rack and freeloader bags?  Xtracycle, do you have any
factory seconds or otherwise blemished products you would let go to me cheap? 
It's just an idea, and if I can do it without putting large holes in my wallet I
think it'd be fun to try.

Thanks,
Wes

If all else fails, try a muffler shop.  I first heard about this from guys who
build recumbents (get the muffler shop to bend the tubes, then you do all the
brazing), and we used a local one to make some railing.  Not only did they do a
great job, they even spotted the error in my prototype (I did get a conduit
bender for this and for other purposes, years ago) and fixed it properly.

One problem, both cases, is that the conduit is aluminum, not steel.  Aluminum
is lighter, and when you whack your wideloaders into an immovable object, it
gives way, instead of your frame.

You can buy the hooks from xtracycle.

http://www.xtracycle.com/snaphook.html

I have done this myself, and made a replacement deck.

David

On 2009-11-29, at 9:11 PM, Zoe Neal wrote:

> Wes,
>
> I find myself in a similar situation; I've recently upgraded to a B.D. and now
have an extra freeradical with no accessories.  I've been told by a credible
source that the v-racks  can be easily home made with 7/8" conduit and a conduit
bender.  Tomorrow I plan to drop by an electronics supply store and see if they
can't make me another set of v-Racks (and maybe 2 pairs of wideloaders while
they're at it).  I'll let you know how that goes.  If this works out I've
several friends who are handy with a sewing machine and should be able make
something similar to the freeloader bags.
> The snapdeck should be easy except for the hooks that bolt to the bottom.  Has
anyone come up with a good home-made solution?
>
> -Zoe

I've made two sets of v racks and one set of wideloaders with 7/8" aluminum
tubing and a conduit bender.  Its a piece of cake. plus very affordable (about 8
bucks per side.)  I also made a set of bags with attaching hardware much like
that of a pannier so they are removable with out taking the v racks off the
bike.

On 2009-11-29, at 10:21 PM, Dave Lloyd wrote:

> Lots of us here subscribe to the get on and ride philosophy of bicycling.  In
other words, it should be just as simple to ride your bike to the store as it is
to hop in a car and turn the key.  This time of year, that means lights.
>
> So, what's a committed utility bicyclist supposed to do?  Well, there is
making your own power.  Enter the dynamo hub.

I don't think I would ever spend the money for a SON.  I've got a high-end
Shimano hub right now, and it's wonderful.  I wish I knew if the difference
between the cheap hubs and the high-end hubs was in the mechanicals or in the
electronics.  Also -- another reason not to buy the SON, if you are willing to
do your own electronics, is that you can get more power out of (at least the
high end) Shimano hub, if you want to.

And absolutely, get on and ride.  I have been pushing more in that direction in
the last year, and it's working, and it's great.  This means (some of this is
preaching to the cargo cult), dynamo hub, chain guard, fat tires, and fenders. 
My only concession to bike-specific gear, are the cleated pedals, but since I
would happily go barefoot if I were not compelled to wear shoes in so many
places, I view cleats as no weirder than any other shoes.  But bright lights are
definitely part of the plan.

David

I agree that having a rain flap would be useful, however, you'd need to make
accommodations for the center buckle.  If you ever used the buckles for a big or
unwieldy load, they need to be able to wrap across the snapdeck.  If you do
design rain flaps for the Freeloaders, just make sure to split them in the
middle to fit the center buckle.  I'd suggest copious amounts of hook and loop
material to insure the best possible rain coverage despite the center slit.

Scott

--- In rootsradicals@yahoogroups.com, "stitzljq" <stitzljq@...> wrote:
>
> I'm in the process of (very slowly) building up a Big Dummy and I'm looking to
sew my own Freeloader bags.  It's partly an issue of cost, but mostly just that
I like making things for myself.
>
> So I thought I'd ask some advice as far as the design: If you could change
anything about your Freeloaders, what would it be?  What's your favorite bit
about them?
>
> I'm open to any and all advice, but I have two specific questions:
>
> a) I've seen pictures from someone who added a flap over the top to protect
their cargo a bit more from rain.  How do ya'll feel about that?  I certainly do
get rained on often here in the NW.
>
> b) Are the mesh panels at the ends important?  I'm considering using a more
durable fabric there, as long as it can still fold out of the way for long
cargo.
>
> Thanks everyone!
>
> - Joel
>

Hi guys,

Last year, I purchased a freeradical used from a member here.  I used it a lot
while in college, but since then I've been moving around a lot, and having a
large bike is more of a hassle than it's worth.  So I thought I'd put it up for
sale again here.

I have the freerad and two v-racks; I never got a snap deck (although I have
four snap-hooks if you want to make your own, I was intending on making one with
an old skateboard deck), and I had made my own bags, which were not that good
and got salvaged for other uses.

I'm asking for $150 for everything, shipping included.  I can take pictures late
tomorrow; I'm currently a 9-hour drive away from it.  It's in good condition;
some surface rust, but no bends or cracks or anything.  Comes with manual,
kickstand, and four snaphooks (to make a snapdeck).

Hi,

First thing, thanks for all the cold weather clothing tips.  I acquired some
good pieces based on your advice and am much more comfortable.

Here's my current need for advice- I've finally reached the point where I can
afford a new "Xtracycle worthy" heavy duty wheelset.

I have come to think that a Rhyno Lite 36H pair built around durable hubs (need
vbrake compatibility now, but want disc option for future upgrades) will be
great.  Other brands and combos are totally ok too, I'm open to suggestions.

I am 205lbs, and will be toting two 4 year old boys (soon to be 80lbs total) on
a dual seat Snapdeck (to be created), and want to add a Stokemonkey e-assist.

Suggestions regarding internet sources would be welcome.  I would like to order
a complete set, install, and keep rolling.

Found this set on Ebay.  Formula hubs?  Junk?  Price seems too good to be true
("fell off the truck??").

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230361868961&ssPageName=STRK:\
MEWAX:IT

Thanks, friends!  Happy holidays!
Rob

http://www.terracycle.com/CargoMonster.htm

I'm not usually a big proponent of pre-built wheels but I've been using this
wheelset since I built up my xtracycle and have yet to true them.  That's daily
cargo rides + occasional stupid offroad riding for over a year now and never had
to touch them...all for $200.  That's pretty impressive in my book.  Here's a
link if you're interested
http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/15675-365_AZOOL7-3-Parts-75-Wheelsets/Azonic-Ou\
tlaw-Wheelset.htm

--- In rootsradicals@yahoogroups.com, "rcooley1972" <rcooley1@...> wrote:
>
> Hi,
>
> First thing, thanks for all the cold weather clothing tips.  I acquired some
good pieces based on your advice and am much more comfortable.
>
> Here's my current need for advice- I've finally reached the point where I can
afford a new "Xtracycle worthy" heavy duty wheelset.
>
> I have come to think that a Rhyno Lite 36H pair built around durable hubs
(need vbrake compatibility now, but want disc option for future upgrades) will
be great.  Other brands and combos are totally ok too, I'm open to suggestions.
>
> I am 205lbs, and will be toting two 4 year old boys (soon to be 80lbs total)
on a dual seat Snapdeck (to be created), and want to add a Stokemonkey e-assist.
>
> Suggestions regarding internet sources would be welcome.  I would like to
order a complete set, install, and keep rolling.
>
> Found this set on Ebay.  Formula hubs?  Junk?  Price seems too good to be true
("fell off the truck??").
>
>
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230361868961&ssPageName=STRK:\
MEWAX:IT
>
> Thanks, friends!  Happy holidays!
> Rob
>

I recently made myself a pair of V-racks and WideLoaders... it really was quite
easy.  I ended up buying a conduit bender (under 30$) and doing it myself, but I
know that's not for everyone.

As far as attaching the Snapdeck, I bought conduit clamps ( I think that's what
they're called)... in the Electrical supply aisle at the hardware store, right
next to where I bought the conduit itself.  The clamps are just U shaped pieces
of steel that are made to fit around a specific diameter of tubing.  They have
one or two tabs on the sides, with holes to put screws through.  Of course, if
you screw the Snapdeck to the V-racks, it's not coming off easily... but in my
case I prefer strength over removability.  Anyway, I bought a six pack of the
clamps for under 2$.  Definitely an economical solution :0)

Here's what they look like:
http://www.ted-kyte.com/3D/Pictures/Conduit%20Clamp.jpg

- Joel

--- In rootsradicals@yahoogroups.com, Zoe Neal <zoeneal@...> wrote:
>
> Wes,
>
> I find myself in a similar situation; I've recently upgraded to a B.D. and
> now have an extra freeradical with no accessories.  I've been told by a
> credible source that the v-racks  can be easily home made with 7/8" conduit
> and a conduit bender.  Tomorrow I plan to drop by an electronics supply
> store and see if they can't make me another set of v-Racks (and maybe 2
> pairs of wideloaders while they're at it).  I'll let you know how that
> goes.  If this works out I've several friends who are handy with a sewing
> machine and should be able make something similar to the freeloader bags.
> The snapdeck should be easy except for the hooks that bolt to the bottom.
> Has anyone come up with a good home-made solution?
>
> -Zoe
>