My KickBack’s spring is trashed from several years of winter riding and I’ve never liked how it smacks the KickBack into the frame with a clank whenever I hit bumps on the road. A couple days ago I replaced the KickBack’s feet, so I figured why not do some more tinkering? I know I can pick up a replacement spring for not too much, but there’s not much satisfaction installing something that lacks power and will continue to make  noise.

On a recent ride home, I came across a 15-inch black rubber bungee cord laying in the road. I pulled the s-hooks out of it and it is the perfect length to replace the KickBack’s spring system and work with the existing screw hardware, with a couple washers added in:

Better yet, the 7/8-inch diameter replacement feet that I picked up at Menards happen to be a perfect fit for the KickBack’s frame stop!

After an evening family ride to Izzy’s, I’m stunned at the improvement. The Dummy has never been this quiet and the KickBack recoils with more strength than a brand new Xtracycle replacement spring. I’m posting some pictures of the finished fit belowabove and when this set up wears out, I’ve got plans to rig something up that’s even more elegant with less frame rub – stay tuned. As it is, I’m guessing the current set up won’t last more than a year before the bungee cord rips.

Finally, last enhancement was replacement of the metal clips that seem to rust out while inside the Kickback in winter environments. I picked up a three pack of these and clipped the nub off one side. Notice how they are very similar in size:

Butterfly clips replace Xtracycle Kickback clips

Ok, now I can get back to washing this beast…