Xtracycle is a go-to brand for cargo bikes and e-cargo bikes. Their latest offering falls in the latter category and can carry up to three little ones. Kids, that is, of which I have two.
And, after taking a look at what Xtracycle is doing with this new Swoop ASM, it has me thinking maybe I need one.
Automatic Smile Machine
Xtracycle is so confident in their new e-cargo bike that they dubbed it the “Automatic Smile Machine.” (That is the “ASM” in Swoop ASM) Helping to provide those smiles are some Shimano components that make up the heart of the Swoop ASM.
Xtracycle equipped the Swoop ASM with a Shimano STEPS EP6 Cargo drive unit. It outputs 250W (~500W max) and 85Nm of torque, reaching 28MPH.
That makes this a class 3 e-bike.
The EP6 drive unit is paired with a 630Wh battery, which can reach up to 60 miles between charges. The Swoop ASM also features Shimano Di2 shifting. This means automatic shifting for easy cruising, if you so desire.
Rather than using cadence sensors, Xtracycle opted for torque sensors for the drive unit. Torque sensors better complement the ride experience, as they allow the motor to sense the rider’s input and assist from there. This provides a more natural assistance, rather than the “on/off” feel that can come with a motor with cadence sensors.
The Swoop ASM is built with Xtracycle’s classic 24/20-inch “mullet” wheels. A few other standouts are a Suntour fork with 80mm of travel, Tektro 4-piston brakes with 203mm rotors, and Maxxis Metroloads tires.
Check out the entire build spec on their website.
Xtracycle Gives You All the Accessories
Typically, on bikes like this, you see cool pictures of kids riding on a rear rack or a cargo basket for groceries. Then, upon ordering, you find out that all those things that made the bike seem “so practical” cost a significant amount extra.
Well, apparently Xtracycle also thinks that is silly.
So, a purchase of the Swoop ASM comes with:
- MIK Deck rack
- A Hooptie kid carrier
- PorterRack (front)
- Wheel skirts
- Footrests
- Integrated lights
- Heavy-duty kickstand
The new MIK Deck is the base on which you can build and accessorize the Swoop ASM to your needs. This is what you’d attach the Hooptie to, which is sort of the all-purpose kid carrier. Xtracycle claims it will carry at least two kids. There may be room for a third kid, I suppose, if they are all small enough.
While I couldn’t find any weight limits for the racks, they say it can carry adults, so I imagine a few kids back there shouldn’t be a problem. Xtracylce also says it can carry teens, but I don’t think any teenagers would think it’s very cool to be cruising around with their parents.
Luckily, my kids are only 6 and 8, and still think I’m relatively cool.
Xtracycle also built the Swoop ASM to fit a wide range of riders. Components such as a telescoping seatpost and a fully adjustable stem allow one frame to fit riders 4’10”-6’5”.
The Swoop ASM retails for $4,499. There is a pre-sale that will knock $500 off the price, with the bike shipping (free) on March 31.
