[Corcis]

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

[The BikeForums Team]

This is an archived thread, you can find the full version of this thread, with images, links and more content here.

Ready to buy? Check out these two online bike stores:
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Cya on the forums,
- The BikeForums Team
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[BAH]

welcome to fun man, have a blast!

[JosephPaul86]

Looks awesome. I might have to go for an xtracycle.

[B + M]

nice bike! Have your hauled a load with it yet?

[Corcis]

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]

Nicely done....;)

[Corcis]

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]

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]

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.