Why adults love it, and how to get one at a decent price
Written: Apr 20 '01 (Updated Apr 20 '01)
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Pros: Wonderful design, solid construction, large wheels, hand brake, large deck
Cons: Heavy, locking pin's hard to push and pull, brake not so efficient
The Bottom Line: Scooters in general are practical and ecological means of transportation. Xootr Cruz in particular is better built, beautifully designed and a best buy for adults.
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| transgenik's Full Review: Xootr Cruz |
If you plan on reading this Epinion up until the end, please be prepared to spend your money on a Xootr: I know the feeling, I’ve been through the same experience a few weeks ago after reading reviews here… I now have a Cruz and a Street and guess what? I have no regrets, and you probably won’t either ;-)
In fact, I’ve been wanting a scooter for months, but living in Montréal, where snow covers the streets from November to the very end of March, it is only recently that I’ve decided to go forward with my will, compare different models and buy one.
Comparison: Xootr against scooters
When I decided to get a scooter, I shopped around the city, trying different brands and models such as the Argon Oxygen and a few other small scooters. Even though I thought I could (and probably would) get use to it, I now realize that their confection can’t compare to a Xootr.
When these scooters where designed and built, nobody knew that adults from all around the world would incense this as the new cool vehicle to ride. These were made for kids, and honestly, it shows: an adult can only put one foot at the time on the deck, the structure feels “breakable” (and most of them do indeed break after a few months under an adult’s weight, as one of the sellers told me) and the handles are too low. Also, the small wheels’ diameter isn’t built to scoot on very long distance efficiently and most of them don't have a hand brake.
You only get to realize all that after you ride a Xootr yourself. These are no kids’ toys (even if Epinions lead you to think so by classifying it in the Kids & Family » Toys » Xootr category.) This is a practical and ecological mean of transportation. Period.
Comparisons: Xootr against bikes
As my friends did, some of you might ask: “so why don’t you simply get a bike? This is also practical and ecological!” I must admit that bicycles have their uses, but here are a few useful aspects on which they can’t compete with a Xootr for my personal way of life:
- Ease of carrying: Next month, I’m moving in the suburbs and plan to travel by train. I needed something I could use to get from my house to the train, and then from the train to work (a bike would be complicated to carry around like this)
- Won’t get stolen: In Montreal, lots of bikes get stolen each day. I don’t want to constantly be worried about what happens to my belongings out there and prefer to carry my stuff with me.
- The incredible skirt argument: I love to wear long skirts. These don’t mix well with bikes ;-)
Even though the “skirt argument” might not get you, you have to know that even when I wear pants, I prefer to use my Xootr over any bike ;v)
Great design and construction
The Xootr is totally different for the small scooters I’ve previously described. Here is a description of the Xootr’s particularities:
- Wheel: Xootr’s wheels have a much larger diameter compared to other scooters such as the Razor, and are made with a low rolling resistance. You have to know that the 2000 models came with “standard” wheels, but that the new 2001 models have “ultra” wheels, which are supposed to last longer.
- Handle: It can be adjusted to fit an average adult’s body perfectly. I think, though, it may be a little small for a very tall person (as I’m average, and use the handle at it’s maximized position).
- Brake: The 2000 and earlier models came with an inefficient rear brake (my Street has the rear brake). The new models come with a front brake that is better, but that still often obligates me to jump off the deck to make sure I stop on time. I bought a rear-brake Cruz that I asked to be modified into a front-brake model (this modification will cost you 30$).
- Frame: The frame is built in aluminium and feels very solid. The form is very stylish.
- Deck: This is what makes the Xootr models’ different from one another. The Cruz I’m reviewing here is made out of laminated birch; the Street has an aluminium deck (stronger but heavier); the Comp is in Carbon Fiber Composite deck (lighter but pricey). I personally fell for the wooden look of the Cruz, that I would choose over the other models even if one offered me any other at the same price. But this is mainly a design preference: the combination of birch and aluminium makes the Cruz a very interesting object that appeals to me. If the solidity or the weight is more at stakes for you, you might want to consider one of the other models.
- Locking pin:This could have been designed better: even after a few days of practice to fold and unfold my Xootr, I still find it is a pain to insert and take out the pin that maintain the scooter in its closed or open position. The “ergo pin” that comes with newer models may be better, but I haven’t tried it.
How to get one cheap
Even though I consider my Cruz to be a great acquisition, I find it to be pricey. That is if you buy a new one. But I’ve seen the Cruz’s price range from 80 to 229$! Let me now share the different ways I’ve found to lower the cost of the purchase:
- A brand new unit with 5% rebate: Every person who buys a scooter from Xootr receives a referral code that will give a 5% rebate to any consumer who use it to order a brand new unit. The owner of the code will receive 20$ for having referred someone. My referral code is 500212 and I’ll be happy if you use it for a rebate, even though I personally advise you to consider the other opportunities of buying a cheap Xootr that I’m describing below.
- A refurbished or “factory second” unit: There is a hidden page on Xootr’s site where you’ll find previously owned material, or somewhat altered units that you can buy at advantageous prices (from 30 to 67% of the price, at the time of writing). But this will be a wild guess: I have two refurbished units, and My Street looks as new, really (should have been taken out of the box and then put back, that's all); on the other hand, the Cruz shows signs of wear (tires are a bit used, with some small chunks missing, the finish of the brake is peeled a bit). Anyway, I consider both to be excellent buys at a refurbished price and signs of wear should be expected when buying refurbished. If you consider this solution, here’s the page to visit:
http://www.xootr.com/xootr/factory_sale.asp
- A refurbished unit on eBay: Xootr also sells refurbished units at eBay auctions. I was lucky enough to win my Cruz bid at 80$. Even after paying for the front-brake modification (30$), I still have a very cheap Xootr :-)
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 80
Type of Toy: Other
Age Range of Child: Whole Family
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Epinions.com ID:
transgenik
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Member: Martine Gingras
Location: Rosemère, Québec, Canada
Reviews written: 23
Trusted by: 28 members
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