Finding community at the bike shop, an exclusive with Xtracycle in Tam Junction and its famous electric powered cargo bikes

The community bike shop. A cathedral of sorts to those who seek the freedom of what only cycling can provide. Requiring not much more than the tried and true two wheels, frame, and standard components, a person can pound the pavement or crunch the dirt along the flattest or most extreme angles. In towns all across the United States, a bike shop is a community space bringing together the novice and expert alike. The bicycle shop can be a symbol or a beacon for healthy living or competitive spirit. Nowhere in the world might embody the community driven aspects of cycling like Marin County, CA. So it’s not surprising that our bike shops provide a public service all over the county. But like most of our stories, we are focused on Tam Junction.

Not too long ago Tam Junction’s only dry cleaner suffered what I can only assume was the impacts of COVID-19. The long standing family run dry cleaner right here in Tam Junction disappeared one day only to be replaced by a for lease sign. Like much of the world, COVID-19 forcibly changed the dynamics of many small business locations and Tam Junction was no exception.

For the months following it remained empty until one day things started to change. While the space was emptied out a new presence began to take shape. Walking past this location for months I pondered what was going on? Who could be the new tenant? Something new to shine even more light on the exciting scene that is Tam Junction? In keeping with my description of Tam Junction as a delicious, creative, and adventurous place, the result was not disappointing.

On one particular day, I happened to see a gentleman inside (still wearing masks at this point), sitting at a fold out table with a computer and what looked like the shadow of a bicycle. Barely able to contain my elation, I went right up to the door and waved hoping to find what treasure lay inside. Yes, it may sound creepy, but bringing the excitement of Tam Junction to the millions of Tam Glad followers is my job.

I met Steve Zourntos who runs product development at Xtracycle. It turns out he lives locally here in Mill Valley and was shooting some photos of Xtracycle bikes and developing the blueprint for what is the shop we all know today. Right away he welcomed me by answering the plentiful questions I brought with me. Over the coming months I would get to know him and the brand that has come onto the scene in Tam Junction filling the gap where a bicycle shop had not existed before. 

As it turns out, Xtracycle has been at the forefront of the cargo bicycle game longer than anyone. With bikes built and assembled in the United States , Xtracycle has been developing what we now know as the cargo bike for a few decades. Today’s competitors (who shall remain nameless), came onto the scene well after Xtracycle playing catch up to a superior product. The flag ship store, located in Tam Junction was a deliberate selection adding to the organic and sustainable place we call home. A true advantage in a competitive industry is having the community presence along with its bikes. The flagship shop will not only sell its bikes but also provide the maintenance and expert knowledge making any new customer more comfortable with their purchase, especially a purchase that puts a family on their back.

If that wasn’t enough, Steve and his team including Joe Loll (sales) and Chris Harrison (head mechanic, product expert) invited me in to tour the shop and test the models in Xtracycle’s inventory. I had ridden an E-MTB, but never a cargo bike. It really was an opportunity to understand what this whole “cargo bike” thing was all about. What I found was something more than cycling, but an entire experience that expanded into my whole family.

Xtracycle’s inventory has three separate models: 

The Swoop: [From Xtracycle] Our latest design innovation, backed by 20+ years of R&D (that started with a boat strap and a car seat) provides an easily adjustable passengering kit that shifts with your kids as they grow. Heck, it even fits kids who are old enough to want to be dropped off a full block away. Footrests and foot protection are standard—you just pick your handrails, and you’re ready to roll with your fave crew.

Tam Glad assessment: The Swoop is the quintessential family cargo bike. Easy to maneuver with kids on the back and plenty of cargo room for the gear! The improvements made to make it easier for a person to mount the bike are helpful and the ride sits slightly lower to the ground allowing for a better connection between the road and the rider.

The Stoker: [From Xtracycle] Voted #BestLifeHack by 9 out of 10 Parent of the Year Winners, this four-door pick-up truck of cargo bikes is where adventure meets practicality. The Stoker wants to work. Load it up, front and back—then load it up some more. Kids, tools, groceries, gear—anything goes. The Stoker also wants to play. The fat tires and low center of gravity make for a smooth ride, on or off the pavement. Oh, hello, adventure (and secret shortcuts).

Tam Glad assessment: This is the big dog of the lineup. From pavement to dirt this sled dog will pull any family up a mountain for the best views or an elementary school pickup line! We took this baby from Ben Harper to the trails. Its speed was not different from the pavement to the dirt even with a little passenger in the back seat.

The RFA: Engineered to enhance the quality of your everyday life—and the everyday needs that go with it. Zippy, highly adaptable, and as compact, as you need to easily fit in more places means this bike is Ready For Anything.

Tam Glad assessment: Coming soon!

Joe and Chris at the shop set me up completely with the right settings and alignment for a great test ride. In addition to my setup, they lent me an additional seat to attach for my 3-year-old daughter to use. I had never ridden a bicycle with a child on it before so I had some trepidation. But, my fears were dispelled quickly only to be replaced by a truly bonding experience riding together. Coincidentally, the Mill Valley Music Festival was occurring on the same weekend I started my demo. We rode the stoker to the festival and I can tell you there’s nothing better than cruising up to Ben Harper on a cargo bike, daughter in tow. 

I personally think “cargo” is not the best description of what Xtracycle is offering with its products. It really feels more like an experience bike capable of building those memories you search for in your day to day. Grabbing my Xtracycle and heading off to the horse farm at Tennessee Valley for an after dinner adventure or quickly peddling to Sausalito to visit the library on a Saturday afternoon are just some examples of the adventures you can find.

All experiences aside, the most notable feature of an Xtracycle bike is the people who bring you into the shop and assist you through the entire experience. Whether you make a purchase, book a demo, or rent a bike (yes they do this), you’ll share the joy of what a bike like this can provide. To this day I’ll stop into the shop and chat it up with Steve, Joe, or Chris and we geek out on bikes or just chat about the excitement in and around Tam Junction. Xtracycle welcomed me along with countless other members of our community. I encourage all of our community to stop by and say hello, peruse their shop, or book a demo.  

Flagship store: 237 Shoreline Hwy, Mill Valley, CA 94941