How to KickBack and relax on your Xtracycle

The KickBack dual-leg kickstand (also known as a center stand) is one of the single most popular upgrades for Xtracycle longtail cargo bikes. That's because having a strong kickstand that holds the bike vertical while you load or unload it makes getting the most out your Xtracycle easy and convenient, especially when your cargo is children. Most single-legged kickstands can be overwhelmed by loads that are well within the capacity of an Xtracycle. Without a kickstand, trying to load children or bulky loads by yourself is next to impossible without somebody to hold the bike steady while you strap your load in. This article explains the different KickBack options available and how to get the most out of them for your bicycle.

What types of bikes can KickBack?

Like all of our accessories, KickBacks use mountings specific to Xtracycle bikes and bolt-on kits, including the Edgerunner, Leap, Radish (with a Radaptor), Cargo Joe (with a Radaptor), CargoNode and any bicycle converted using the FreeRadical kit (with a Radaptor). Since the KickBack is designed specifically for this type of bike, it is not compatible with most standard bicycles or cargo bikes not designed around the Xtracycle longtail standard.

How is the KickBack 3 different than previous models?

The KickBack 3 is our sturdiest KB yet. It has a wider stance (an increase of 4" over previous models), clamps onto the bike frame of current and legacy Xtracycle models, has an external spring, and does not interfere with any Xtracycle accessories. For more details about the individual KickBack models, check out our article entitled: " KickBacks: What's the difference between the three models?"

How wide is the KickBack stance?

The newer KB3 has a wider stance of roughly 16". This increases stability when the KB is in use and also makes the KB easier to reach with your foot when it is kicked back. The width slightly tapers the further up the legs you cut down the KB3.

The KB2 has a stance of roughly 12". The width slightly tapers the further into the KB2 frame you insert the KB legs.

By itself, the KickBack provides awesome stability for your Xtracycle, but if you find yourself wanting maximum protection against tip overs, you can widen the stance of a KickBack version by using extenders. The legs on all KickBacks have an outside diameter of 22.2mm, which is the same diameter as the end of mountain bike flat handlebars. Thus, handlebar end extensions (commonly referred to as "bar ends") work great as stance extenders on Kickbacks. A well-stocked local bike shop can help you out here.

What if I have an older bike?

The KickBack 3 will work on all new and legacy Xtracycle EdgeRunner and bolt-on kit models. If you intend to install a KB3 on a FreeRadical, Radish or Cargo Joe you will need a Kickback 3 Radaptor. Production of the Radaptor has been discontinued but you will likely find it on the second hand market.

The original Kickback 1 (aka: KickBack LT1) works great with any bike converted with our FreeRadical kit or any of our pre-2015 bikes including the Radish, Cargo Joe, and 2013-2014 EdgeRunner. It also works with all versions of the Surly Big Dummy. This KickBack is no longer in production and no longer available on our website.

Compatibility with other accessories

The KickBack 2 and 3 mount to an independent plate that does not interfere with the use of any Xtracycle accessories so there are no accessory compatibility issues with the KB2/3.

The KickBack 1 depended on axis points attached to the frame to function. It came with its own axle stubs to go into the horizontal mounting points on our frames and FreeRadical kits; however, it could also be mounted to the forward bar of certain accessories that mount using the same holes. KickBack 1-compatible accessories include the older (wooden) Running Boards, LT Footsies, WideLoaders, and the LT1 version of U-Tubes. 

Does my bicycle come with a KickBack?

The KickBack 3 is included with all current Swoop and Stoker bike orders. 

Adjusting your KickBack for maximum relaxation

Depending on your KickBack model, there are different ways to adjust the KB height. When the KickBack is adjusted to optimum length and there is no load on the rear of the bike, the rear wheel should sit about one inch (~2.5cm) off the ground. When the rear of the bike is loaded, the rear wheel will rest on the ground and the front wheel will be slightly off the ground.

To adjust the KB3 height, the legs must be cut at the bottom.

To adjust the KB2 or KB1: The KB frame clamps onto the KB legs. Loosing this clamp allows for the adjustment of the legs. If the bike still sits too high once the legs are adjusted, the legs can be cut down on their insertion end.

For more details on KickBack 3 assembly and adjustment, please refer to the KickBack 3 assembly manual.

For more details on KickBack 2 assembly and adjustment, please refer to the KickBack 2 assembly guide.

For more details on Kickback 1 assembly and adjustment, please refer to the KickBack 1 assembly guide.