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Xtracycle’s new OmniTierra is without doubt one of the most unusual bikes I noticed at Sea Otter this 12 months. Whereas the model is thought primarily for its electrical cargo bikes, they teamed up with Precedence Bicycles and legendary journey bicycle owner John Freeman — and his canine Mira — to create this distinctive, non-electric, titanium-framed mid-tail cargo bike. I met up with John Freeman, Mira, and the Xtracycle and Precedence of us on the Gates sales space at Sea Otter to take a look at the brand new OmniTierra earlier than its official launch final Saturday.
In line with Xtracycle, Freeman approached them in 2024 with the purpose of serving to them design the perfect cargo bike to go well with his sort of long-distance bikepacking and journey using. And, after they say lengthy distance, they imply it. Reportedly, Freeman has ridden over 120,000km by way of 15 international locations, and he does it along with his canine Mira using together with him. Within the transient time we chatted, I used to be instructed about rides from his residence in Alberta, Canada, to Peru and again once more, with Mira by his aspect.
Constructed For Canine-Packing
Together with needing house to hold the whole lot he wants for prolonged bike excursions — clothes, meals, water, tent, bedding, and many others. — Freeman additionally wants room for his canine co-pilot, Mira. So, they designed the OmniTierra with cargo-carrying functionality, not only for canine, as one among its prime priorities. However additionally they wished to make sure that consolation and experience high quality, an affordable weight, sturdiness, low upkeep, and flexibility weren’t forgotten both. After a number of iterations and plenty of testing, the completed product is what you see right here.
For experience high quality and sturdiness, the OmniTierra body is comprised of titanium. It has a mid-tail cargo design with extra-long chainstays; the rear heart size will not be specified, however the wheelbase is listed at 1,320mm and 1,347mm on the medium and huge frames, respectively. The lengthy rear finish accommodates the included heavy-duty rear rack and helps add stability when loaded with gear.
The rack’s weight restrict is listed as 27kg (59.5 lbs.), which is greater than sufficient for a mid-sized Border Collie-Heeler and a bunch of light-weight bikepacking gear. The body additionally has a great deal of mounting factors contained in the entrance triangle, on the underside of the downtube, and on the highest tube to connect luggage or different gadgets.
Versatility
The OniTierra’s body has been designed with versatility in thoughts, so riders can select the wheel measurement and tire setup that works finest for his or her wants. The body has clearance for tires as much as 29″ x 2.4″, which come on the inventory construct. It may possibly additionally match fats bike tires as much as 26″ x 4″ (probably wider relying on the mannequin) for those who’re utilizing it for winter journey or in different free situations. An adjustable dropout system additionally seems to supply some size adjustment for various wheel sizes and probably a derailleur hanger for a mechanical drivetrain (see 2 images down for extra element).
For fat-tire setups, riders might want to swap out the inventory suspension fork for a fat-tire fork with extra tire clearance. Xtracycle had the OmniTierra arrange with a inflexible carbon fats bike fork, fats tires, and carbon wheels on the present (see above), which apparently weighed 2 kilos lower than the inventory setup. I rode it round for a minute or two, and I used to be very pleasantly stunned by how mild it felt and the way intuitively it dealt with, even with the mid-length rear finish, cargo rack, and fats tires.
Gearbox + Belt Drive = Low Upkeep
In line with the low-maintenance and sturdiness theme, in addition to the partnership with Precedence, Xtracycle selected the Pinion SmartShift C1.12 gearbox and the Gates CDX Carbon Belt drivetrain setup. This 12-speed drivetrain options wi-fi shifting and a 600% gear vary.
The Gates belt is quiet, by no means wants lubrication, and lasts 2-3x longer than a daily chain. Likewise, the sealed gearbox requires nearly no upkeep — an oil change each 10,000km — and the electrical shifting reportedly lasts 10,000 to twenty,000 shifts between expenses. One may argue {that a} belt-driven gearbox is the perfect bikepacking drivetrain.
Geometry
The OmniTierra is at the moment provided in 2 body sizes, medium and huge, with geometry numbers catering towards all-day consolation for long-distance using. As such, it has average attain numbers of 434mm and 460mm, respectively, together with beneficiant stack heights to maintain riders in a reasonably impartial seated pedaling place. The pinnacle tube angle is listed at 69 levels, with a seat tube angle of 74 levels.
Construct Package
The OmniTierra is available in one full construct with a Fox 34 SL Efficiency fork and 29″ wheels entrance and rear. In line with Xtracycle the inventory construct in a measurement giant, together with the rear rack, weighs simply 42 kilos. Full specs are listed under.
Xtracycle OmniTierra: Pricing and Availability
The brand new titanium-framed, gearbox, belt drive, OmniTierra cargo bike has a retail value of $6,699. It’s out there for pre-order now, and you should purchase it for simply $5,699 for those who order by Could thirty first. In line with Xtracycle, the OmniTierra begins transport in November, 2026.
You’ll be able to be taught extra concerning the new OmniTierra or order one in your subsequent journey on the Xtracycle web site: xtracycle.com
Comply with together with John Freeman and his canine Mira’s adventures on Instagram: @mira_la_perra
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