Utility Cycling - Big Dummies for cheap....

I don't know if you all have noticed but the price of a Big Dummy frame, at the moment, has plummeted.

Bikeman has it for $600
Jenson for $700

All sizes available. I bought mine full price and painted it red thinking that the price will just go up. I didn't expect this.

Makes me want to get another!

I don't know if you all have noticed but the price of a Big Dummy frame, at the moment, has plummeted.

Bikeman has it for $600
Jenson for $700

All sizes available. I bought mine full price and painted it red thinking that the price will just go up. I didn't expect this.

Makes me want to get another!

If I had the money I'd be in line with you!:thumb:

Building it up will run to almost 2 grand. That's including wheels, tires, seatpost, saddle headset, stem and handlebars. Its still a significantly financial outlay unless you have a donor bike to cannibalize various parts from.

The long tail accessory kit can be had for $220 ish. Add that to $630 for $850. An X7 build kit will run $549 ish http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/15351-120_SRA7B6_KIT-3-Parts-135-Build-Kits/Sram-X.7-Disc-Build-Kit.htm

So you are talking about a new total cost in the sub $1500 range + your labor. Sourcing used could be much cheaper.

If you get the frame, then a $80 mountain bike, and add a couple chains, you wouldn't be out THAT much, I'd think...

Big Dummy is the only bike I've got on and said, "this thing is junk". I like the concept but find the BD ponderous at best. I like the cheaper Kona Ute by a wide margin. It cost one third of a BD and still moves around like a real bicycle. It carries enough to be usefull. The BD was reaching for too much and it's cost is unreasonable.

I was lucky enough to acquire a complete BD last winter off the Bay for a grand. With the longtail kit, kickstand, new handlebar and Brooks saddle it came to $1400 total. Still a heckuva deal!

NormanF: That is a good deal. For me the bike was too heavy. A stronger man probably would not think twice about the weight. (I'm a female) I do love the way they look. If only they could make them out of styrofoam.

Big Dummy is the only bike I've got on and said, "this thing is junk". I like the concept but find the BD ponderous at best. I like the cheaper Kona Ute by a wide margin. It cost one third of a BD and still moves around like a real bicycle. It carries enough to be usefull. The BD was reaching for too much and it's cost is unreasonable.

My only problem with the Ute (which I kinda like more, as far as styling and use) is the fact that its got an aluminum frame. That's a deal breaker to me, especially with a weight-bearing bike. I"d really rather not have 100 lbs on the back and have the frame snap in half. I wonder though how serious an issue that would be.

I just spotted on bikerumor a post about the new Yuba Mundo (http://www.bikerumor.com/2009/11/16/yuba-debuts-all-new-v3-mundo-cargo-bike/). It looks slick!

At 40 lbs, its heavy but it accelerated quite nicely for a longtail. After riding awhile it doesn't feel any different from a standard MTB.

Thinking out loud (and kinda ot), I wonder if it would work to put stiff suspension on something like the Mundo - you could put a spring-surrounded shock just behind the seat post. It might decrease the weight bearing capacity a bit, but I bet it'd be smoother loaded - kinda like a pickup truck loaded and unloaded. Now THAT would be cool...

Ordered one yesterday from Jenson. Price matched the Bikeman price, so the total with shipping is a shade under $650. Can't wait to see how many of the build parts I have on hand and how many I will need to purchase. I am shooting to have the whole thing built up and set up with a snap deck and freeloader for under $1000.

Always nice to see the Dummy Love spread. And that said, the new Yuba looks like a contender!

It arrived today -- wow what a long box! I opened it up took a quick look and I think the green looks good. I already have a set of disk/rim brake WTB wheels that can go on it and snagged a headset for it on ebay yesterday for cheap.