Utility Cycling - big dummy + keg?

Has anyone ever tried to carry a keg on their big dummy... i cant figure out how i would secure it.

Its a cylinder so you couldnt just strap it on could you?

I've seen empty kegs carried several times, secured to wide loaders with long cargo straps.

I have carried a full, full sized keg on my Xtracycle (same rear end as the BD), and it is definitely doable. I strapped it onto the Wideloader (horizontal platform) on the right side, using nylon web cargo straps with the keg lying on its side, and had to ride leaning over at about a 10 degree angle, but I actually got used to it after the first 1/2 mile or so. The whole ride was just under nine miles, and while I didn't go very fast, I was leaving the tallbikes behind (drivetrain problems slowed them down). The best part was having a centerstand that would hold the bike with a keg on one side; made everything much easier. I will admit that an 8 Freight, a Longjohn or a Van Andel style Bakfiets would probably work better, due to the ability to center the load. I didn't have one of those, though, so the ride went on.

I imagine commuting on a long john would be annoying.. I would be commuting 20km/day on this bike so I think a big dummy would be good.


had to ride leaning over at about a 10 degree angle
I suppose I would have to get two kegs to solve this balance issue... damn :P :D

I carried a large , full, butane gas cylinder (those used for cooking) on the side-loaders of a yuba mundo, I believe dummy has a similar geometry. I used couple of bungees going around it and some going vertically. I also had to ride the bike slightly titled and had to load it leaned on an electrical pole but it worked out just fine. A keg is more or less the same.

It is kind of like this guy's arrangement but without the top attachment:
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_F-H_g6Xqua0/Sf6-YKAzJeI/AAAAAAAAACY/GxsJGZ07f_E/s1600-h/DSC00016.JPG

Sounds like an ideal application for a trailer, actually.

chico1st: Commuting with a full keg of beer? Where do you work?

lol not commuting with it, but I would enjoy it if my commuter was also my utility bike.

A small trailer would be perfect for this, how often do you 'need' to carry a keg?

yeah ok point taken
Im just on this crusade to keep my things to a minimum... as i live in an apartment with little room for stuff.

So im thinking, stick with my utility mountain bike for now
get a trailer
get a big dummy when i have kids :P

I'd be a little concerned how much you can shake up a keg before the pressure build up causes some kind of problem. Good beer is a terrible thing to waste.

I'd be a little concerned how much you can shake up a keg before the pressure build up causes some kind of problem. Good beer is a terrible thing to waste.
I don't think it's going to get shooken (idk the word) up that bad.

To OP: I think you could tie it down and use something like those rubber doorstops to chock the keg. (if that makes ANY sense)

I'd be a little concerned how much you can shake up a keg before the pressure build up causes some kind of problem. Good beer is a terrible thing to waste.
While its pressurized inside the keg you're ok, the only problem is if you shake it then open it up within ~2hrs ... then its just a keg of head :(

I have carried a full, full sized keg on my Xtracycle (same rear end as the BD), and it is definitely doable. I strapped it onto the Wideloader (horizontal platform) on the right side, using nylon web cargo straps with the keg lying on its side, and had to ride leaning over at about a 10 degree angle, but I actually got used to it after the first 1/2 mile or so. The whole ride was just under nine miles, and while I didn't go very fast, I was leaving the tallbikes behind (drivetrain problems slowed them down). The best part was having a centerstand that would hold the bike with a keg on one side; made everything much easier. I will admit that an 8 Freight, a Longjohn or a Van Andel style Bakfiets would probably work better, due to the ability to center the load. I didn't have one of those, though, so the ride went on.

A full size keg? Per a web check that is 165 pounds when full. That is what I call a massive unbalanced load for any bike. What kind of centerstand are you using?

Oh, yes, seriously unbalanced load, and yes, standard full sized keg (filled with really dark beer - does that make it heavier?). As mentioned, the whole 9 miles was done at an angle, and none too fast. The stand is a Rolling Jackass (go figure). (not very good) Picture here: http://lh5.ggpht.com/_KaaUdCU2RD0/S0KvXhxwkpI/AAAAAAAABHA/hN5a_LVg9oM/s640/DSCN5225. Looking closely, you can see my bike (with reflective triangle) waiting to take off, with keg installed. A fun night, all in all.

I'd be a little concerned how much you can shake up a keg before the pressure build up causes some kind of problem. Good beer is a terrible thing to waste.

Exactly!! That would constitute 'alcohol abuse' and that is a no-no...

I think if you got ratchet straps and a wide loader, you'd be good...I'd think.

mickey85: Yep, that's how it's (is/was) done.

You don't even need a Big Dummy or Xtracycle (http://blogs.phred.org/blogs/alex_wetmore/archive/2007/12/12/big-load-little-bike.aspx)....:thumb: