Utility Cycling - Big Dummy: My Build

Thought it might be more pleasant to not hijack vik's or anyone else's Big Dummy Build thread and start my own.

Perhaps my early adopter actions and ramblings will help someone...

In all, I intend to keep my comments as brief as possible.

WHY am I building a BD? Two main reasons:

1. I want to use my vehicles less. I live too far from work to commute, but what I can do is put a BD on the road and stop using my big bad Tacoma for dumb little errands and short trips: groceries, hardware, bank, bowling, the gym. You get the idea.

2. I've always wanted a touring bike, but always hated the frail appearance of road bikes. They lack...beef, brawn, a utilitarian look and function. Furthermore, I've always wanted a touring bike that could haul me cross country. I know that many hundreds of standard touring models have carried better folks cross-country before, but when the Dummy first appeared, I knew I found The One.

The cost of the build will take a while to offset in fuel. To me, worth it.

Here's my wheelset part list. I'm really excited about the Rohloff factor. Should be ready in a couple of weeks:

Front Wheel
Mavic EN321 Disc Rim 32 Hole
Surly Disc Front Hub Black, 32h, QR, IS 6-bolt Disc
DT Swiss Champion Spokes Drive-Side Black, 14 Gauge
DT Swiss Champion Spokes Non-Drive-Side Black, 14 Gauge
DT Swiss Nipples Brass, 14 gauge, 2.0mm, Black
Laced 3 Cross, Both Sides

Rear Wheel
Mavic EN321 Disc Rim 32 Hole
Rohloff Quick-Release Disc Speedhub 16t Cog 32-hole Q-R
DT Swiss Champion Spokes Drive-Side Black, 14 Gauge
DT Swiss Champion Spokes Non-Drive-Side Black, 14 Gauge
DT Swiss Nipples Brass, 14 gauge, 2.0mm, Black
Laced 3 Cross, Both Sides
Rohloff Speedhub Rotor: 160mm — I'll probably use my existing Hope brakes, front and rear
Rohloff OEM2 Axle Plate

Looks like my weekend will be spent pulling apart my Santa Cruz Heckler for parts...anyone want a black medium Heckler with a big ass Zocchi fork?

Additional parts for the Dummy, which are probably getting yanked from my Heckler*.

- Thompson seat post
- Chris King no logo headset
- Hope disc brakes
- Terry Fly seat

*For newbies: Surly keeps sizes for most of their stuff pretty universal, which makes migrating parts to Surly frames easy in many cases. Take my ol' Santa Cruz Heckler, for example. Most everything is a perfect fit for any Surly MTB frame. Gotta love those crazy kids at Surly...

Sounds good. I'll be interested to see some pics when you get that baby on the road.

BTW - I think you'll need a set of tandem length Rohloff cables due to the length of the BD.

Fancy! It sounds like the Rohloff is a popular pairing with the Xtracycle. I can't blame you either.

Disc Brakes: I'm leaning towards the Avid BB7's since most users claim they're easy to work on. I have to admit...I ain't mechanical. My Hope's have been reliable, but if they broke...I'd be clueless.

Any thoughts on the notion of running BB7's on a Big Dummy? Thoughts on BB7's in general? Am I bat crap crazy?

Avid disks are much easier to work on than my Shimano units, I would recommend them. I've worked on a friends bike equipped with these, and they're much easier to calibrate.

I am using BB-7 discs with 160 mm rotors on my current Xtracycle equipped MTB. They installed easily and they have been trouble-free with tons of stopping power. These will be making the move to my BD when it arrives (soon I hope). I went with mechanical discs because I can get a new cable at any bike shop, whereas hydraulic stuff might be harder to find in a pinch.

Avid disks are much easier to work on than my Shimano units, I would recommend them. I've worked on a friends bike equipped with these, and they're much easier to calibrate.


I am using BB-7 discs with 160 mm rotors on my current Xtracycle equipped MTB. They installed easily and they have been trouble-free with tons of stopping power. These will be making the move to my BD when it arrives (soon I hope). I went with mechanical discs because I can get a new cable at any bike shop, whereas hydraulic stuff might be harder to find in a pinch.

Thanks to both of you. John, I've been thinking the same way: Easy enough to stow an extra cable or three in case of emergency. Otherwise, with a busted hydro system, I'd be in Fred Flintstone mode on my BD.

Any thoughts on the notion of running BB7's on a Big Dummy? Thoughts on BB7's in general? Am I bat crap crazy?


The BB7 is a good choice for cheap/effective/reliable.

Have you sourced the BD frame yet? I passed on my spot in the xtracycle buy because I didn't like the build, but now I'm getting nervous about actually getting my hands on a frame. Xtracycle mentioned that they had frames to sell, but not in my size.

The BB7 is a good choice for cheap/effective/reliable.

Have you sourced the BD frame yet? I passed on my spot in the xtracycle buy because I didn't like the build, but now I'm getting nervous about actually getting my hands on a frame. Xtracycle mentioned that they had frames to sell, but not in my size.

I did source it: Speedgoat.com: 888.545.GOAT

My 18" is pre-ordered through them, and if you're nervous about getting your hands on a BD frame/fork, I'd call Chris and the gang immediately.

Don't mean to be a drama queen, but I do believe that this first batch is going to be gone VERY quickly, and my Spidey-sense tells me they'll be here any day...

The BB7 is a good choice for cheap/effective/reliable.

Have you sourced the BD frame yet? I passed on my spot in the xtracycle buy because I didn't like the build, but now I'm getting nervous about actually getting my hands on a frame. Xtracycle mentioned that they had frames to sell, but not in my size.

For the record, I don't care for that build either. But I am considering using Xtracycle's recommended bar.

According to an extremely reliable source (my favorite LBS), Big Dummy's are at Surly, and have just passed QC. Should be moving out to dealers in a few days...

According to an extremely reliable source (my favorite LBS), Big Dummy's are at Surly, and have just passed QC. Should be moving out to dealers in a few days...

Sweet!..:p.

I have a fantastic relationship with my not-so-local bike shop (NSLBS). I deal with a LBS in Colorado and I've asked him for information on the Big Dummy for a while. A month or so ago I gave him the heads up that Surly stated they were out of the factory.

Today I got an email telling me that the QBS inventory now shows Big Dummy inventory. They are going fast, though. He was amazed, too. When he sent me the email telling me that he saw the inventory, there were 50. When he got my email confirming that I wanted it he told me there were 18 left in inventory. I don't know if that was for my size or for all sizes but he was pretty shocked.

My 2-cents on the BB7. These are great mechanical disc brakes. I have them on my Kona hard tail and they served me well for XC riding using 160mm discs. I moved onto a full suspension bike last year and decided to use the Kona as the donor bike for my Big Dummy.

That means the BB7 brakes are going on.

I've got an original set of Avid mechanical discs [essentially BB7s] that are over 6 years old and going strong. I also have a new set that are performing well. The BB7 is my go to brake if I want to run discs.

BTW - I stared a Big Dummy/Surly Xtracycle Google Group (http://groups.google.com/group/surly-xtracycle?hl=en) if any BD owners want to join and talk about how they are building/setting up and using their BDs.

I've got an original set of Avid mechanical discs [essentially BB7s] that are over 6 years old and going strong. I also have a new set that are performing well. The BB7 is my go to brake if I want to run discs.

BTW - I stared a Big Dummy/Surly Xtracycle Google Group (http://groups.google.com/group/surly-xtracycle?hl=en) if any BD owners want to join and talk about how they are building/setting up and using their BDs.

Sweet. Thanks for the heads up. I am curious what people are putting on and what they're going to use for kickstands.

Today I got an email telling me that the QBS inventory now shows Big Dummy inventory. They are going fast, though. He was amazed, too. When he sent me the email telling me that he saw the inventory, there were 50. When he got my email confirming that I wanted it he told me there were 18 left in inventory. I don't know if that was for my size or for all sizes but he was pretty shocked.

Yikes. Well, to those of you reading this that want to join the cult...better grab the koolaid 'cause Reverend Surly's batch is goin' FAST!


My 2-cents on the BB7. These are great mechanical disc brakes...

Thanks for another nod on these, Santiago. Sounds like I'm definitely movin' in the right direction.

I've got an original set of Avid mechanical discs [essentially BB7s] that are over 6 years old and going strong. I also have a new set that are performing well. The BB7 is my go to brake if I want to run discs.

Dang, dude. Six years is a good long loyal time for a piece of equipment. Best I've had was a 7-speed Shimano group that I abused for over 12 years. Gave it away in very good working order last year.

Anyway, great to know about your BB7s.


BTW - I stared a Big Dummy/Surly Xtracycle Google Group (http://groups.google.com/group/surly-xtracycle?hl=en) if any BD owners want to join and talk about how they are building/setting up and using their BDs.

Schweet. I'll wander over...

Thanks for another nod on these, Santiago. Sounds like I'm definitely movin' in the right direction.

Over in the Mountain Biking forum we give it our overall stamp of approval for mechanical disc brakes. For the most part we are all on disc brakes and there are only a few that still stick to rim-brakes. The general consensus is that the BB7 are by far the best of the mechanical bunch. I had a set of mechanical Shimano disc brakes that didn't hold a candle to my BB7s.

My suspicion is that the BB7s will serve well on a decently loaded Big Dummy, but I obviously won't know until I get to try it out. The other key thing is to get a decent set of teflon coated brake cables.

Well, we've got evidence that the Big Dummies are in. One guy picked his up from his LBS in Surlyville and posted a picture of it on the stand in his basement.

So, only a matter of hours or days 'til mine's at Speedgoat.

My suspicion is that the BB7s will serve well on a decently loaded Big Dummy, but I obviously won't know until I get to try it out. The other key thing is to get a decent set of teflon coated brake cables.

We are friends with a couple who rides and deals full suspension tandem mountain bikes (daVinci Symbiosis (http://www.davincitandems.com/sy.html)). Those bikes come with hydraulic discs, but they replaced them with BB7s and swear by them. I've piloted the tandem a couple of times and also have BB7s on my single bike, they are fantastic. One of my favorite pieces of bike hardware, reliable, durable, and practically zero maintenance.

Looking forward to pictures!

Well, we've got evidence that the Big Dummies are in. One guy picked his up from his LBS in Surlyville and posted a picture of it on the stand in his basement.

Please link us, I need to devour any and all dummy tidbits as they come out!

btw... BB7s are amazing brakes, and the avid speed dial levers are amazing levers. Simple, well priced, well built and great support form the company.

And at $50 per brake, why would you put anything else on your bike? I was skeptical about discs and I lucked into the avids on my MTB purchase in 2001 and never looked back.

Behold, brethren...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kstoerz/

What tires are those?

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3012/2283458161_dd97878126.jpg?v=0

Decided to go SS/FG with it?

Decided to go SS/FG with it?

SS/FG?

What tires are those?

Schwable Big Apples, I think. Same thing I'm planning to use.

SS/FG = single speed/fixed gear
I noticed that it does not have a rear brake or shifter cables.

Schwable Big Apples, I think. Same thing I'm planning to use.

Sweet. They seem to be the standard for many Big Dummy builds. My mountain bike club is sponsored by Schwalbe so I get their tires at a great price.

SS/FG = single speed/fixed gear
I noticed that it does not have a rear brake or shifter cables.

I don't see a rear brake either, but I do see a rear dérailleur.

There is a chain tensioner but no shifter cables. I don't know if the BD has horizontal dropouts or not.
On my Xtracycle I can slide the entire thing back and forth to take up the chain slack. But I still have to use a chain tensioner because there is enough bounce in the chain (due to its length) for it to occasionally hop over the teeth on my IH's cog.

Hm. I bet you could get a pretty silly gear range with a Rohloff and a triple crank using one of those tensioners.

Just to be clear, this isn't mine in the pictures. Some dude I found on Flickr that lives close to Surlyville. If I found out more detail about his build, I'll bring the info back here.

I don't know if the BD has horizontal dropouts or not.

The drop outs on the Big Dummy are vertical.

Snapdeck: Custom, Flippable Version?

I'm determined to do more with my snapdeck at some point. Thinking about cutting small notches in it, for example, in measured spaces all along the sides for better bungee cord retention. Sand the notches smooth and verithane or polyurethane the livin' crap outta the deck.

Skateboard or general anti-slip strips would be nice, too.

Here's a thought: I don't know if the snapdecks are made to flip over easily...to use both sides...but it'd be nice to use one side for human transportation, and use the other for cargo (anti-slip strips, maybe a thin sheet of rubber, etc.).

- - - -

My Dummy is in PA, at Speedgoat...confirmed its arrival yesterday. I can hear it purr, and the occasional growl...waiting for me...

My Dummy is in PA, at Speedgoat...confirmed its arrival yesterday. I can hear it purr, and the occasional growl...waiting for me...

Thats good news. I'm waiting to hear from Speedgoat. I'm usually next day shipping from them.

I want to do one side of the deck as a loading platform for stuff and people and the other side as a solar panel ;-)

Snapdeck: Custom, Flippable Version?

I'm determined to do more with my snapdeck at some point. Thinking about cutting small notches in it, for example, in measured spaces all along the sides for better bungee cord retention. Sand the notches smooth and verithane or polyurethane the livin' crap outta the deck.

Skateboard or general anti-slip strips would be nice, too.

Here's a thought: I don't know if the snapdecks are made to flip over easily...to use both sides...but it'd be nice to use one side for human transportation, and use the other for cargo (anti-slip strips, maybe a thin sheet of rubber, etc.).


Personally, i'm pretty happy with the bungee cord retention of the 'X as is, because the V-racks are almost the perfect shape and diameter for the hooks to hold on well. But it could be done, the Snapdeck is a pretty sturdy piece of wood.

As for a 2 sided snapdeck:

I think if you staggered the little mounting feet, you could make it work decently: But you would have little feet poking up on the topside. If you made it so that the cargo side feet were out of the way of your passengers sitting area when upside down, and so that perhaps you could custom do a folding basket or something, with holes in the bottom just right for it sitting over the nubs of the passenger side snapdeck feet, then it would not only work - but be pretty spiffy.

Personally, I just made a canvas pad for mine. Its less slippy than the wood, and comfortable to sit on. Put a little artwork on it using acrylic paint too :)

Can you take some pics and post them of your Rohloff installation? Thanks!....:D

Can you take some pics and post them of your Rohloff installation? Thanks!....:D

:o Actually, I'm having Speedgoat build the wheelset...so no in-progress photos will be available. Sorry, vik.

I know...I gotta learn to build my own wheels someday. But this Rohloff thing...intimidates me. For now.

dwnptrl_777
Sissy Boy Non-Wheel Builder

Found my pedals and ordered 'em from Performance. On sale, plus I used that fine coupon that's floating around BikeForums.net:

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=159840

Here's the pedals:

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=2275&subcategory_ID=1004

Exactly what I was looking for: one side has SPD clips, the other is ol' school flat for boppin' around the town.

Grips: Thinking of going with these (the Rohloff-compatible version):

http://www.ergon-bike.com/us/grips/gp1.html

My only question regarding the Ergons is...Will they fit on a Titec H-bar?

I don't see why they wouldn't fit. But then again, I've never used an H-Bar...but it's on the parts list, too.

(image used without permission of SelfPropelledDevo, but I'm sure he's cool with it. You can find him here: http://www.asanacycles.com/ Pssst...he just built a Big Dummy!)

I can't see a reason Ergon grips would not work on an H-Bar.
They are the most comfortable grips I've used.

Very nice. What was the total cost?

:o Actually, I'm having Speedgoat build the wheelset...so no in-progress photos will be available. Sorry, vik.

I know...I gotta learn to build my own wheels someday. But this Rohloff thing...intimidates me. For now.

dwnptrl_777
Sissy Boy Non-Wheel Builder

I'm not worried about lacing up the wheel just the rest of the installation - cabling and such. It is likely straight forward, but since I've never touched a Rohloff before anything you learn will be useful to me.

=-)

Thanks!

I'm not worried about lacing up the wheel just the rest of the installation - cabling and such. It is likely straight forward, but since I've never touched a Rohloff before anything you learn will be useful to me.

=-)

Thanks!

Looks like I'll be driving out there in a few weeks...a bit of a delay, but...all in good time, I s'pose. So, I hope to have some time with Chris to talk about the details. If my head's screwed on right, I'll capture it on video and post it here.

Thanks for starting this thread. My BD frame arrived on Thursday - I truly expected not to get it so fast, considering the many people who want one and the limited production capacity (300 a month I think), but I got lucky, so now I gotta start thinking about components!

(300 a month I think)
More like 350 every six months, at least for the near future. Next batch is due in August. http://www.surlybikes.com/2008_02_01_blog_archive.html#9188106641760543397

More like 350 every six months, at least for the near future. Next batch is due in August. http://www.surlybikes.com/2008_02_01_blog_archive.html#9188106641760543397

Cap'n is right.

I feel really blessed for scoring one... Actually, I practically became a Big Dummy Stalker about six months ago...