Utility Cycling - Big Dummy 2011: my build :)

OK, so it started. My BD frame saw the light of the day for the first time, a nice, sunny day actually, warmest since Christmas, and received anti-corrosion treatment. It was a perfect day for this since I have to do stuff like this outside so I couldn't have asked for a better day.

I couldn't find the JP Weigle's stuff anywhere so I used Rust-Oleum Rust Inhibitor ($4 at Home Depot). I sprayed it in into every opening, I used the thin, red straw (didn't come with it, but I had a stash, and the ones from WD40 etc., fit as well) to spray it into the small holes found through out the frame and the fork, and normal spray for all the other openings. I used a whole can. I sprayed it until it dripped from the other end. I sprayed it in into the same opening several times while flipping the frame around to make sure the stuff flows everywhere it can. Man this stuff stinks! I used a mask and rubber gloves.

I can't tell you how excited I am :D Although, my touring bike didn't sell so I'm striping it down now. I can use most of the drivetrain and brakes on the BD.

If nothing unexpected happens I think it should be ready in three weeks. I need to disassemble the touring bike and clean all the parts, plus I still need to order some more parts and accessories. If interested, check back here, I will document the build here as it progresses with lots of pictures.

Under each image there is a link to a large version.

http://a-world.net/files/cycling/MyBigDummy/2011/02/06/small/01.jpg
Click here for a large image (http://a-world.net/files/cycling/MyBigDummy/2011/02/06/large/01.jpg)


http://a-world.net/files/cycling/MyBigDummy/2011/02/06/small/02.jpg
Click here for a large image (http://a-world.net/files/cycling/MyBigDummy/2011/02/06/large/02.jpg)

:thumb:

I fished taking apart the other bike so I was able to hang some parts on the BD... Yup, impatient... :D

Here it is on the stand:

http://a-world.net/files/cycling/MyBigDummy/2011/02/06/small/03.jpg
Click here for large picture (http://a-world.net/files/cycling/MyBigDummy/2011/02/06/large/03.jpg)

Truvativ Isoflow ISIS crankset, I think its 22/32/44, Truvativ ISIS BB, with Sinz Pro pedals, Shimano Deore FD. All donated by the touring bike. Although, I realized that the FD is bottom-pull, not sure if it can used with top-pull, I might need another FD.

http://a-world.net/files/cycling/MyBigDummy/2011/02/06/small/04.jpg
Click here for large picture (http://a-world.net/files/cycling/MyBigDummy/2011/02/06/large/04.jpg)

The new, shiny XTR RD that I scored for $79, I think it's 2009 model:

http://a-world.net/files/cycling/MyBigDummy/2011/02/06/small/05.jpg
Click here for large picture (http://a-world.net/files/cycling/MyBigDummy/2011/02/06/large/05.jpg)

Race Face Ride dual-bolt seatpost, also came from the other bike:

http://a-world.net/files/cycling/MyBigDummy/2011/02/06/small/06.jpg
Click here for large picture (http://a-world.net/files/cycling/MyBigDummy/2011/02/06/large/06.jpg)

Awesomesauce!! Can't wait to see you rolling on this thing!

Yeah. I'm sooo happy that the build finally started. I also found a confirmation (http://www.flickr.com/photos/21845659@N03/4603082769/)that the Yuba bags work with Xtracycle racks, so that's the way I'm going. It also looks like the Yuba sidestand will work on BD as well. Xtracycle is out of the center kickstands and they're expensive anyway. And I somehow can't trust a regular kickstand. Although Vik says in his blog that he's using a cheap Grenfield kickstand with his BD.

Also, thanks to Vik's blog I found this cool Thorn accessory extension (http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/thorn-thorn-accessory-bar-t-shaped-105-mm-extension-0-deg-prod11040/). I want to have a handlebar attached to my BD.

Ah! Finally a good spot for this sticker! It was too large for the tubes on my other bikes :D

http://a-world.net/files/cycling/MyBigDummy/2011/02/06/small/07.jpg
Click here for large picture (http://a-world.net/files/cycling/MyBigDummy/2011/02/06/large/07.jpg)

That sticker is awesome!

I agree, that sticker rocks! Where did you get it?

There is/was a guy on eBay selling those. He had a whole series, not just for bikes: "Stay away from my tools" was another one I wanted. I've just searched and didn't find any :(

Edit:

Oh, wait! I found him! Seller ID: stickfigs (http://myworld.ebay.com/stickfigs/). He has non-descriptive item name (http://cgi.ebay.com/Decal-part-GT-Mountain-Bike-frame-fork-NEW-/140509483759?pt=AU_Sport_Cycling_Bikes&hash=item20b70492ef). Good thing I keep all my emails archived :) I bought this one at the end of 2009, it waited that long for its place!

There is/was a guy on eBay selling those. He had a whole series, not just for bikes: "Stay away from my tools" was another one I wanted. I've just searched and didn't find any :(

Edit:

Oh, wait! I found him! Seller ID: stickfigs (http://myworld.ebay.com/stickfigs/). He has non-descriptive item name (http://cgi.ebay.com/Decal-part-GT-Mountain-Bike-frame-fork-NEW-/140509483759?pt=AU_Sport_Cycling_Bikes&hash=item20b70492ef). Good thing I keep all my emails archived :) I bought this one at the end of 2009, it waited that long for its place!

Still a cool sticker, though it seems his customers aren't too happy with not getting their stickers. AU... that's Australia right? If he's shipping it air mail (guessing as it's the cheapest)... wow, that could take a long time to get here to the US.

Edit: What the heck? It says it's out of California, but only ships to Australia? I'm corn-fused.

2nd Edit: :D well it seems I was clicking on the wrong one...

Still a cool sticker, though it seems his customers aren't too happy with not getting their stickers. AU... that's Australia right? If he's shipping it air mail (guessing as it's the cheapest)... wow, that could take a long time to get here to the US.

Edit: What the heck? It says it's out of California, but only ships to Australia? I'm corn-fused.

2nd Edit: :D well it seems I was clicking on the wrong one...

Yeah, his feedback isn't that bad. With this many sales it's hard not to have some negatives. Some buyers are really impatient and dumb. It shouldn't take more than 7-10 days by mail.

Ha ha ha! I gotta get some of these:

http://a-world.net/files/cycling/stickers/HowsMyRiding.jpg
http://worldsbestbikestickers.com/
http://peacesupplies.org/

Those are pretty cool. I finally found the correct link on that guys site to get the correct stickers ordered. Hopefully it will be here in a few days.

V

too much stickers, not enough BD building. Kidding, those are cool stickers.

So are you going to commute this daily?

too much stickers, not enough BD building. Kidding, those are cool stickers.

So are you going to commute this daily?

Hey! I installed RD, BB and a crankest and only on sticker (so far...) :D Can't help it, I like stickers!

I'm not sure yet. I'm keeping my commuter, it'll actually get some upgrades in Spring. The BD length will prevent it from getting on some elevators. So on days I need to stop by doctors office or something I will need to use a normal bike. But I will probably commute on it a lot if not mostly. Elevators at work are big and have room to keep it. If it rides the way people say it does I will probably be on it all the time :D I had a taste of steel frame with my Kona Sutra and there is definitely "something" to it. And this one is getting 2.25 Marathon XR tires! I'll do most my shopping on it and I will take it touring too. Basically, I want to ride as much as I can from now, kind of late new year's resolution. Since I don't care about speed but I like to carry stuff on the bike this will be more likely my primary ride for everything and the commuter bike will be a backup bike and the Sutra will eventually be rebuilt too, into a road bike probably if I want to take a faster ride with a club or something. I decided I don't want to sell bikes anymore, unless I really have to. I'll later regret it.

Eventually, the commuter might get a Troll frame and its current aluminum frame will become a front-susp XC bike. At least that's the plan for the future.


OK, now the wait for the parts...

Adam

Did you get any new parts yet? What's the next step for the BD you're working on? What direction are you planning on going with this, wide loaders, v racks?

Yes, I received some parts over the last few days but I'm still waiting for more to come. So nothing has happened over the last couple of days. Pretty much everything has been ordered already though. We'll definitely see some progress on the weekend.

I'm not sure if I should give another Brooks saddle a shot. I tried B17 Narrow once it was a disaster.

I decided to keep that fancy XTR RD for unspecified future MTB build. I will swap it for all-black Deore RD that came off of my touring bike. I'm trying to avoid silver parts as much as possible :D Going for that Darth Vader look :) I will use black Deore dual action levers as well.

For the handlebar I was planning to go with a flat bar and Ergon grips. But I will experiment with my Modolo Yuma (http://a-world.net/files/bf/KonaSutra/Build/2010/03/26/22.jpg) touring bar too, so not sure yet. If so, it'll get wrapped in black leather tape.

I also ordered this accessory (http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/thorn-thorn-accessory-bar-t-shaped-105-mm-extension-0-deg-prod11040/) for a handlebar bag.

I'm getting Vracks and wideloaders and some misc Goat's parts from dwnptrl_777. For the bags I will go with waterproof and cavernous Yuba GoGetters bags (http://www.flickr.com/photos/21845659@N03/4603082769/). On the front I will have small MEC lowrider racks and a pair of small waterproof Axiom panniers.

I will also try the Yuba Sidestand kickstand.

The wheels will be build around 36 hole Velocity Cliffhanger rims with Shimano XT hubs, fat 2.25 Schwalbe Marathon XR tires, Planet Bike Hardcore fenders.

Standard 3/9 Deore drivetrain, no IGH, Gore sealed derailleur cables, mechanical Avid BB7 brakes with 203mm rotors and Nokon compressionless cables (if I can get hold of them). Also dwnptrl_777 is sending me some metal housing for the rear brake that he has been using on The Goat.

Of course, as with my previous builds, it will be a while before it takes the final shape, if ever. I'm sure I will change things along the way.

Love where this thread is going.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3424/3192435737_6d81f4bb88.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3424/3192435737_6d81f4bb88.jpg

Ha ha ha! But... do you mean that the thread will be going downhill really fast or that the thread will end with a splash? :D

That picture is too funny! I like the trekking bars, should be cool. I can't say that with the BD that side kickstand is the best, well, at least not for me and the area I live. I have too many area's with dirt paths and grass, so I think under load that would just sink right in and tip over. I could be wrong though and it may be the best thing ever.

The Yuba stand has a little "foot", that might help a bit. The Xtracycle is out of their double kickstand, besides it's expensive. And yeah, where I live it's mostly asphalt and concrete :(

The handlebars are very comfortable. Italian. Imported from Urop!

Yuba kickstand:

http://a-world.net/files/cycling/yuba/sidestand.jpg

If it has wideloaders then you can lay the BD on its side and it will support itself on the wideloader. That's why it's a good idea to have some rubber tubing or something attached to protect the wideloaders.

What about one of those "Pletscher" dual kickstands:

http://www.amazon.com/Pletscher-Two-leg-Kickstand-320mm-Silver/dp/B000FR33ZM

I have one on my LHT and love it, though I'm not sure what type of load it can take.

What about one of those "Pletscher" dual kickstands:

http://www.amazon.com/Pletscher-Two-leg-Kickstand-320mm-Silver/dp/B000FR33ZM

I have one on my LHT and love it, though I'm not sure what type of load it can take.

I saw that too. I might try that if the Yuba kickstand doesn't work out.

I saw that too. I might try that if the Yuba kickstand doesn't work out.

I'm thinking your setup will probably be "ok" as you mentioned you live in a concrete jungle. So really you shouldn't have too many issues. I've seen some photo's where people just use their wide loader to support the bike, just lay it down and go about your business. If I ever build a BD and get the wide loaders I'll probably wrap them in some old road tires and zip tie them on. Might look crappy, but it's an easy way to protect that aluminum. If I can find the photo tonight I'll link to it or just upload it.

I'm thinking your setup will probably be "ok" as you mentioned you live in a concrete jungle. So really you shouldn't have too many issues. I've seen some photo's where people just use their wide loader to support the bike, just lay it down and go about your business. If I ever build a BD and get the wide loaders I'll probably wrap them in some old road tires and zip tie them on. Might look crappy, but it's an easy way to protect that aluminum. If I can find the photo tonight I'll link to it or just upload it.

I do plan to take out of the city as often as I can, but yeah, I don't worry about the kickstand that much.

This is what dwnptrl_777 did, pieces of rubber hosing attached with zip ties:

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4072/4548194248_bb523dff3d_b.jpg

More parts and stickers arrived today. I will mount the fork tomorrow.

I finished my 2011 BD today and took it on a test ride.. NICE!! I stripped the back board and stained it to match the Ergon cork grips.. I'll post pictures later..

I finished my 2011 BD today and took it on a test ride.. NICE!! I stripped the back board and stained it to match the Ergon cork grips.. I'll post pictures later..

Cool. Sure, pictures are always welcome :D Some specs wouldn't hurt either ;)

I made very little progress since without wheels I can't finish the drivetrain. I wanted to use my existing wheels from my commuter just for testing, but I had to use the commuter today. And they're so dirty :(

So, I've attached the rear fender. It's not a perfect fit since the struts rest against the frame. But it's not a big deal either. I've put some of that Magic Tape to protect the frame and, besides, this will not be visible and it doesn't make any difference in fenders mounting.

http://a-world.net/files/cycling/MyBigDummy/2011/02/11/small/01.jpg
Click here for a larger image (http://a-world.net/files/cycling/MyBigDummy/2011/02/11/large/01.jpg)

http://a-world.net/files/cycling/MyBigDummy/2011/02/11/small/04.jpg
Click here for a larger image (http://a-world.net/files/cycling/MyBigDummy/2011/02/11/large/04.jpg)

http://a-world.net/files/cycling/MyBigDummy/2011/02/11/small/07.jpg
Click here for a larger image (http://a-world.net/files/cycling/MyBigDummy/2011/02/11/large/07.jpg)

http://a-world.net/files/cycling/MyBigDummy/2011/02/11/small/06.jpg
Click here for a larger image (http://a-world.net/files/cycling/MyBigDummy/2011/02/11/large/06.jpg)

Magic tape wrapped around parts of the frame on the drive side for protection or... just because I dig this stuff and it's fun to wrap around things :D I also attached the brake adapters.

http://a-world.net/files/cycling/MyBigDummy/2011/02/11/small/02.jpg
Click here for a larger image (http://a-world.net/files/cycling/MyBigDummy/2011/02/11/large/02.jpg)

http://a-world.net/files/cycling/MyBigDummy/2011/02/11/small/04.jpg
Click here for a larger image (http://a-world.net/files/cycling/MyBigDummy/2011/02/11/large/04.jpg)

I've installed the headset (Cane Creek Tank II) and the stem (adjustable Dimension stem) and, for now, my touring bar. Steerer tube uncut for now.

http://a-world.net/files/cycling/MyBigDummy/2011/02/11/small/05.jpg
Click here for a larger image (http://a-world.net/files/cycling/MyBigDummy/2011/02/11/large/05.jpg)

http://a-world.net/files/cycling/MyBigDummy/2011/02/11/small/06.jpg
Click here for a larger image (http://a-world.net/files/cycling/MyBigDummy/2011/02/11/large/06.jpg)

I'm afraid this is as far as I'm going to get this week.

And... something happened to the Surly decals, just some goo left :innocent:

http://a-world.net/files/cycling/MyBigDummy/2011/02/11/small/11.jpg
Click here for a larger image (http://a-world.net/files/cycling/MyBigDummy/2011/02/11/large/11.jpg)

Hmmm... that's for later... :love:

http://a-world.net/files/cycling/MyBigDummy/2011/02/11/small/09.jpg
Click here for a larger image (http://a-world.net/files/cycling/MyBigDummy/2011/02/11/large/09.jpg)

Avid BB7 disc caliper mounted on a 203mm adapter is a tight fit in the rear. There is just enough room to tighten it with short wrench, which might become a bit harder when the wheel and rotor are actually in place and final adjustment is needed.

http://a-world.net/files/cycling/MyBigDummy/2011/02/11/small/13.jpg
Click here for a larger image (http://a-world.net/files/cycling/MyBigDummy/2011/02/11/large/13.jpg)

http://a-world.net/files/cycling/MyBigDummy/2011/02/11/small/14.jpg
Click here for a larger image (http://a-world.net/files/cycling/MyBigDummy/2011/02/11/large/14.jpg)

http://a-world.net/files/cycling/MyBigDummy/2011/02/11/small/17.jpg
Click here for a larger image (http://a-world.net/files/cycling/MyBigDummy/2011/02/11/large/17.jpg)

http://a-world.net/files/cycling/MyBigDummy/2011/02/11/small/18.jpg
Click here for a larger image (http://a-world.net/files/cycling/MyBigDummy/2011/02/11/large/18.jpg)

That's tight, man... very close clearance. Otherwise, it's looking great!

Yeah, that's pretty sweet! Lookin' good so far! I really like that hazard tape on the rear cross member. You definitely went hog wild on that tape! Have you considered wrapping those sections with that hazard tape as well, or will it get covered by the bags?

Adam, you are the spirit of cycling at its best.

Awesome job!

Don't tempt me! I've got three rolls of that stuff!

http://a-world.net/files/cycling/2010/10/02/Small/01.JPG

Not sure. I need to wait for the racks and the bags to see how it looks like. I like that tape too, as you might have noticed :D So yeah, why not! I'm also getting custom "Adam's Big Dummy" decals for the downtube.


Adam, you are the spirit of cycling at its best.

Awesome job!

Some call that "Nuts!", but I don't mind :)

I came across two awesome ideas for Xtracycle stickers on some forum:

"Save a Polar Bear: Ride an Xtracycle"
"Seating Reserved for Polar Bears".

Now I need to find someone to make those for me. The place I got the downtube sticker from doesn't make stickers that long.

Something like this:

http://a-world.net/files/cycling/stickers/save-a-polar-bear.jpg

http://a-world.net/files/cycling/stickers/seating-reserved-for-polar-bears.jpg

I skimmed through the thread and didn't see it.. what sort of distance are you going to be doing on this (trips?)? Are the rims in your trailer spare in the event of damage on a trip? How much - including you - are you pushing (approximately)?

I won't be using the trailer with the Big Dummy. I really don't think so. That's my current commuter on this picture with the trailer.

I hope to use the Big Dummy for everything, from commuting and running errands to weekend rides and touring. I want it to become my main ride, a true car replacement. The commute is only 8 miles one way. When I go on a tour I shoot for 50 miles a day to have time for other things, although I've done 70+ miles a few times when I couldn't find the campground I planned to get to.

I'm 195lbs and I don't plan to carry more than 100lbs. The heaviest loads will be grocery shopping. On a tour I hope to stay under 50lbs for the cargo. I doubt I will ever push the BD even close to its limits.

I found this place, Sticker You (http://www.stickeryou.com/theme/MakeSticker.aspx?showWizard=1). You can upload your own designs. $7 per sheet (8"x11"). These are supposed to be vinyl stickers, so they should be good for bike/outdoor use. Since I ordered waterproof Yuba bags I can't saw any patches on those, so I need some stickers :D

So I came up with a few more stickers.

This a take on the "xx miles per burrito" since I live in NYC, seems appropriate!

http://a-world.net/files/cycling/stickers/30-miles-per-bagel.jpg

Bikes Move People in Rasta colors.

http://a-world.net/files/cycling/stickers/bikes-move-people.jpg

Another take on a famous slogan.

http://a-world.net/files/cycling/stickers/make-bikes-not-war.jpg

This is actually taken from forum member's tjspiel's post!

http://a-world.net/files/cycling/stickers/the-car-owns-me.jpg

And some polar bear paws:

http://a-world.net/files/cycling/stickers/polar-bear-paws.jpg

If anyone fancies those and wants to try to have them printed, here are large size images (http://a-world.net/files/cycling/stickers/large/) suitable for printing.

For your down tube sticker, couldn't you just split the text on that website? This way you could maximize the amount of space used on that sticker sheet. You'd have to mess around with getting the text lined up on the downtube, but I don't think it would be a problem. Either that, or see if you can locate a sign shop in your area who would be willing to make some vinyl stickers for you. They could probably print them out on the spot.

For your down tube sticker, couldn't you just split the text on that website? This way you could maximize the amount of space used on that sticker sheet. You'd have to mess around with getting the text lined up on the downtube, but I don't think it would be a problem. Either that, or see if you can locate a sign shop in your area who would be willing to make some vinyl stickers for you. They could probably print them out on the spot.

I haven't though of that :o

NYC is big and I'd rather get stuff done on the net and delivered. It's hard to find services that do small jobs. Nobody does DIY any more, it's all "throw away and buy new one". Printing services have minimums and are generally more expensive than what's on the net. Places like this start popping up in Brooklyn where the alternative cultures flourish and people are more likely to reuse and rebuild stuff. But you need to know where to look. That's where I found the framebuilder who fixed eyelets on my Sutra frame.

I had a friend who was into motorcycles and knew where to find such small, cheap painters, machine shops, etc., but he moved out of NYC 3-4 years ago.

Besides, I'm relatively new to the DIY thing too, so I'm just starting to build my list of services that are accessible by bike from where I live. I found a place that does powder-coating, for example, but they don't answer emails and their answering machine is always full. My LBS gets their frames painted there, they say it's like two guys operation that are busy all the time. Machine shops where you could get something cut or milled? Forget it. Nonexistent in NYC.

The Xtracycle brake caliper protector isn't also designed to work with 203mm adapters well. It's too small and requires some bending to get it to work.

Here's how it's supposed to work (sorry, small picture from Xtracycle website). The end of the protector arch just rests against the bottom of the mount:

http://a-world.net/files/cycling/MyBigDummy/2011/02/12/small/xtracycle-protector.jpg

With a 203mm adapter, that positions the caliper up and to the left, the protector is too small and the end of it doesn't reach the bottom of the mount, that it's supposed to rest against, and just "hangs" in the air. It also touches the caliper where shown making it impossible to just turn it clockwise to have the end of it rest against the second bolt. Probably not a big deal... for people without any signs of OCD, but for me it almost ruined the built :twitchy: :D Just kidding... but yeah, it bothered me a bit. Sorry, the image is out of focus, but it illustrates the situation.

http://a-world.net/files/cycling/MyBigDummy/2011/02/12/small/03.jpg

Notice some more Magic Seal and Stretch Tape on the protector to... um... protect the protector :D But it actually came with a bad paint job: the paint was cracking and peeling at the bend, next to the bolt loop. So I feel that the use of the protective tape is fully justified :p

Here it is after some bending "out" and "down". Now, the end of the protector rests against the bottom bolt. The picture doesn't show it but it doesn't interfere with the movement of the lever.

http://a-world.net/files/cycling/MyBigDummy/2011/02/12/small/04.jpg

NOTE: When installing the protector use a longer bolt. The thickness of the protector's loop and the washer take about 3-4 mm. As a result the bolt doesn't go all the way through the brake adapter, and it's supposed to for proper, strong mount. With the kind of forces at work here every 3mm are important. You want to make sure that the adapter mounting bolts go all the way through the adapter! You may need to dremel off the bolt a bit so it doesn't stick out on the inside and interfere with rotor. Short bolts that reach just a few mm inside the adapter may not hold the adapter under extreme forces. And the results will be kind of ugly.

I've installed my MEC front rack. It was a bit problematic too. I had to come up with some highly sophisticated custom mounting brackets! They came out a bit crooked, I need a real vise to be able to bend pieces of metal.

The left fender strut required slight bending to clear the disc caliper.

http://a-world.net/files/cycling/MyBigDummy/2011/02/12/small/05.jpg

http://a-world.net/files/cycling/MyBigDummy/2011/02/12/small/06.jpg

http://a-world.net/files/cycling/MyBigDummy/2011/02/12/small/11.jpg

Presta valve nuts used as spacers for the lower mount on the fork:

http://a-world.net/files/cycling/MyBigDummy/2011/02/12/small/12.jpg

Proof of concept headlight mounts using unused MEC rack mounting brackets. There would be one each side. I'm not sure yet if I'll go with Magic Shine or build my own lighting system, including rear lights, based on Funky Stickman's work (http://diybicycleprojects.com/index.php/topic,27.0.html). I'm leaning towards going the Funky's DIY way: cheaper and I could have one switch for all lights. Neither would be practical for touring though due to heavy batteries and time required to charge them. I would most likely remove them when going on tours and use self-contained AA/AAA lights and CREE flashlights. I try not to ride after dark when on a tour.

http://a-world.net/files/cycling/MyBigDummy/2011/02/12/small/07.jpg

http://a-world.net/files/cycling/MyBigDummy/2011/02/12/small/09.jpg

My Marathon XR tires also arrived today too. Neat!

Here is a self-contained Spark headlight from Deal Extreme mounted

http://a-world.net/files/cycling/MyBigDummy/2011/02/12/small/14.jpg

http://a-world.net/files/cycling/MyBigDummy/2011/02/12/small/15.jpg

Two Romisen flashlights attached to the fork with Deal Extreme handlebar mounts, they're large enough to fit on a fork!

http://a-world.net/files/cycling/MyBigDummy/2011/02/12/small/17.jpg

http://a-world.net/files/cycling/MyBigDummy/2011/02/12/small/18.jpg

http://a-world.net/files/cycling/MyBigDummy/2011/02/12/small/20.jpg

Lookin' like a cool build. Those butterfly bars are something I'd like to try some time, particuclarly if I ever manage to fit some touring into my life again.

I'm not sure this handlebar will stay on this bike. I bought a flat bar and Ergon grips for this build. I also had a touring bike that I was trying to sell, but it didn't sell so I took it apart and reused some parts. The butterfly bar came from the touring bike, I figure I'd give it a shot. It's very comfortable but makes the bike less nimble IMHO, so it's an experiment.

I'm not sure this handlebar will stay on this bike. I bought a flat bar and Ergon grips for this build. I also had a touring bike that I was trying to sell, but it didn't sell so I took it apart and reused some parts. The butterfly bar came from the touring bike, I figure I'd give it a shot. It's very comfortable but makes the bike less nimble IMHO, so it's an experiment.

I don't consider "nimble" to be an attribute of my Big Dummy anyway, but then again, I don't do much traffic dodging with it.

I don't consider "nimble" to be an attribute of my Big Dummy anyway, but then again, I don't do much traffic dodging with it.

Well, that's a good point!

Thanks for the props, Adam! Yeah, my lighting setup isn't really practical for touring: the batteries are too heavy. You could use a solar charger with them, I suppose. If I were going to do brevets or long night riding, I'd consider a Sanyo dynohub ($40) and halogen lights... not as bright, but much much cheaper than a top-end LED setup.

Keep it coming, man! Can't wait to see it put together and rolling. I will post up pics of my rebuilt commuter as soon as my new wheels come in!

For that brake caliper protector I almost would have used some of that heat shrink wire wrap that you can find at Lowe's or Home Depot. Just slide it on and use a heat gun to basically "shrink wrap" the plastic to that part.

Thanks for the props, Adam! Yeah, my lighting setup isn't really practical for touring: the batteries are too heavy. You could use a solar charger with them, I suppose. If I were going to do brevets or long night riding, I'd consider a Sanyo dynohub ($40) and halogen lights... not as bright, but much much cheaper than a top-end LED setup.

Keep it coming, man! Can't wait to see it put together and rolling. I will post up pics of my rebuilt commuter as soon as my new wheels come in!

Not to hijack the thread, but is there a way to use Li batteries for your setup?