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Ute / Extracycle?
This year I'd like to use a bike for the more humdrum 'life' stuff like going to the shops etc.. I get very panicky leaving my custom built full-suss rig outside Tesco's and my singlespeed road bike is just man enough to carry my lardy arse nevermind a weeks shopping..
So, I'm looking at getting some sort of utility bike.
Do I go for something like a Kona Ute or kit out my unused '01 Cove Stiffee with an Extracycle long wheelbase kit? Your thoughts and observations would be appreciated. 
If you're new please join in and if you have questions pop them below and the forum regulars will answer as best we can.
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6 comments
The Extracycle is the best invention.
Will cost you more than a UTE to get running with good components.
The V brake option is a no go on one of these.
Cos they are a big heavy bus.
But set it up with Avid cable discs & you will have a great handling bike.
A friend of mine recently did a big ofroad tour with his & really loves it.
By the way you couldnt put a Free Radical kit(Extracycle) on Cycle to Work.
Complete bike only.(No trailers/in complete bikes)
If that was your consideration.Go for a UTE.
Just that the bags wont carry as much.
it's *such* a bargain at 500 notes. go and buy one immediately.
Just found a Ute frame on Fleabay... £27.00 and counting
We're not in the C2W...
(Long story)
But @ only £500 for a new '09 Ute, I wonder what a pre-loved one would cost.
http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Kona-Ute-2009-Hybrid-Classic-Bike_20493.htm
OTOH the Ute is a cracking piece of kit and a lot less faff. If you have a Cycle Scheme where you work then you could easily get a Ute (plus a second bag) on it, whereas a Free Radical kit will probably just confuse the scheme administrator. The Free Radical kit has greater versatility but the Ute is a nice easy off-the-peg solution.I don't think you'd regret either of them.
if you've got a spare bike then i'd deffo go for the xtracycle kit - it's cheaper, and you get better load capabilities. plus you can get all sorts of cool extras like footrests and ting