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View Full Version : My Xtracycle - Surly Instigator-based



Corcis
03-25-08, 07:25 PM
I picked up a Surly Instigator frame from Recycled Cycles a month and a half ago when I visited Seattle. I decided I was going to get an Xtracycle on it and it's finally done. My LBS assembled it today. As I haven't built anything before, this would be rather auspicious and expensive to do as a first build. Picked up the majority of the stuff there, excepting the frame, wheels and tires, and seatpost. Great shop, too.

- Front wheel: Shimano IS-6 disc hub, 32 hole Sun Ditch Witch, 203mm Avid BB7
- Surly Instigator rigid fork (suspension corrected)
- Specialized stem, Specialized Enduro rise bars, SRAM X.7 shifters, Avid FR-5 levers, Oury grips.
- Saddle: WTB Recreational (going to test it out for a couple/few rides)
- Shimano Deore LX FD on top of SRAM Firex cranks (with 22-32-44t chainrings) and Shimano single-sided SPDs
- SRAM X.7 long-cage RD over an SRAM 11-34t casette
- Rear wheel: Cannondale Delta IS-6 disc hub sized for 9spd, a 32 hole Mavic 325 Disc rim and another 203mm Avid BB7.
- Tires: Conti Town & Country 2.1

First impressions from a short ride:
Saddle height needs to go UP, something fierce. I wish I had gone with SPD-SLs - they're nowhere near as walkable, but they're much more assuring when it comes to being clipped-in and staying clipped-in. The front-end seems a little loose, but that might change with the saddle-height.
I need to stretch out the cables and bed in the brake pads, then take it back for a quick tightening. I can also swap out my saddle and try a different one then, but I feel like this one will work out.

Edit: Slid the seatpost an inch or two up and it was perfect. I don't think I'll be needing to change stems angle/length, as it feels perfect.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3036/2362040471_89bb31c2ca_b.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2358/2362040101_18454829f1_b.jpg

BAH
03-26-08, 11:45 AM
welcome to fun man, have a blast!

JosephPaul86
03-26-08, 01:53 PM
Looks awesome. I might have to go for an xtracycle.

B + M
03-26-08, 07:32 PM
nice bike! Have your hauled a load with it yet?

Corcis
03-26-08, 10:02 PM
nice bike! Have your hauled a load with it yet?

Nope, my load should be arriving back in town Saturday. Hopefully she'll be happy with it's ride :rolleyes: Thankfully, she doesn't believe the N+1 theory!

vik
03-26-08, 11:33 PM
Nicely done....;)

Corcis
03-26-08, 11:55 PM
Nicely done....;)

Thanks! On a strange note: I think I just added you as a contact on Flickr earlier today. Your bike photography is awe-inspiring.

vik
03-27-08, 08:22 AM
Thanks! On a strange note: I think I just added you as a contact on Flickr earlier today. Your bike photography is awe-inspiring.

Wow thanks so much for the kind words...:o:D I've got a bike, photography & traveling problem so it all kind of comes together somehow! I also have to give Flikr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/vikapproved/) credit so many inspirational photogs on that site it is really helpful to motivate you.

I added you as a contact as well and I'm looking forward to some sweet action pics of your Instigator/Xtra cycle fully loaded. I think the Instigator is such a great choice as the front end of an Xtracycle rig...:D

BTW - I started a Big Dummy/Surly+Xtracycle google group (http://groups.google.com/group/surly-xtracycle?hl=en) if you feel like joining in the fray.

Corcis
03-30-08, 07:25 PM
She rode on it today, adjusted really fast and will be a great passenger. We worked out a system of calls (foot down, slowing down, turning, let go) and she keeps a light grasp on my hips while we're moving. We're going out camping midway through next month, hitting the Tulip Festival and spending the night on Puget Sound.