Utility Cycling - Big Dummy sizing

After three broken Jamis Satellite frames, only one of which had a free radical on it, I am giving up trying to make that bike work for me.

I am planning on getting a big dummy, but I am having a hard time figuring out which size I should get. It seems like everyone suggests getting a smaller frame because the top tube is longer than other bikes.

My Jamis has a stand over height of 32.4 and an effective TT length of 22.40

The 20 inch Big Dummy is 31 and 24.2 respectively. The 18 inch is 29.6 and 23.5.

I am considering putting different bars on it that might bring the hand position back a little.

What do you Big Dummy riders think? Thanks for the help.

Ignore the stand over as the BD has a curved TT which is very low. Buy the frame that has the right effective TT for your body and the type of bars you'll use.

If you are having trouble nailing down the size go to a LBS with a tape measure. Find a bike with the same style of bars you plan to use and sit on/test ride a bunch. When you are happy with one size measure the effective TT and the stem length. You should be able to sort out a BD frame from there.

I ride a 58cm LHT w/ drops and a 18" BD with Titec H bars, 18" 1x1 swept back city style bars [could easily ride a 20"] and 18" Pugsley with Titec H bars.

Ignore the stand over as the BD has a curved TT which is very low. Buy the frame that has the right effective TT for your body and the type of bars you'll use.

If you are having trouble nailing down the size go to a LBS with a tape measure. Find a bike with the same style of bars you plan to use and sit on/test ride a bunch. When you are happy with one size measure the effective TT and the stem length. You should be able to sort out a BD frame from there.

I ride a 58cm LHT w/ drops and a 18" BD with Titec H bars, 18" 1x1 swept back city style bars [could easily ride a 20"] and 18" Pugsley with Titec H bars.

Thanks for your help. I might try and track down a few people who have BDs and try theirs out too. Looks like the 18" might be the way to go, though.

I have an 18" with flat bars...all of my other bikes are 56-58cm frames.

I've ridden, ( briefly ) Vik's BD, at 18" and think I could have made it work for me, but bought a 20". I find it a good fit, with a different set of bars with about a 2" rise and 30 degree sweep. I'm thinking I want the bars up about another inch or two.

I am 6' 2" and fairly long legs.

I went with the 18 inch and should have it built up and ready to ride soon! I got the new freeloader bags, which are amazing.

I went with the 18 inch and should have it built up and ready to ride soon! I got the new freeloader bags, which are amazing.
I'm mildly annoyed by the fact that those bags, and the hoodie alternative, were announced after I picked mine up. Of course, I put the deposit down a while ago, so not totally relevant. I find the original freeloaders lacking somewhat. I think I'm not alone in that. Still, it is still a highly flexible cargo machine.

I expect you will have a lot of fun with your BD.:thumb:

I'm mildly annoyed by the fact that those bags, and the hoodie alternative, were announced after I picked mine up. Of course, I put the deposit down a while ago, so not totally relevant. I find the original freeloaders lacking somewhat. I think I'm not alone in that. Still, it is still a highly flexible cargo machine.

I expect you will have a lot of fun with your BD.:thumb:

Don't be too annoyed. I had to pay for the upgraded bags. I didn't mind because the bags on my free radical are totally destroyed and I figured a new set of bags would help a little with the resale.

I have the 18" and it fits me. Standard MTB sizing should work with the BD.