HauntedMyst

Has anyone actually used all four? As much as I am thinking about buying the big dummy, its hard to look past the additional $900 or so I'd save with the others.

vik 

I've used a Big Dummy and Xtracycle. I've kicked the tires of a Yuba and a Ute.

For general purpose cargo cycling I'd buy another Big Dummy in a heartbeat. I often ride it unloaded because it's fun. I tour on it and I carry all manner of cargo on it. I'll be riding it in 10 more years.



If I was carrying very heavy loads short distances you could convince me I wanted a Yuba, but the weight and lack of Xtracycle compatibility reduce its utility to me.

If I was carrying lighter loads I'd consider a Radish as it has the Xtracycle compatibility that the Ute doesn't have.

xtrajack

If I was starting over again, I would throw the money for a Big Dummy in a heartbeat.

lucienrau

If you're starting from scratch, the dummy complete is pretty price competitive. My objection to the radish is that it's a xtracycle + frame not a complete unit. I wanted the stability of a single frame.

The ute and mundo are one-size so that doesn't work for my Clyde self. If you look at them, think about what upgrades/changes you would want. Switching out a crankset or wheels can push the price closer.

The complete dummy was pretty close to what I would build up so with some changes I was able to customize it for just about the msrp. Thank god for a good lbs.

1lesscar

I rode an Ute and Mundo before going with the Mundo. I liked it better than the Ute because of the noticeably more rigid steel frame, which makes riding with a passenger more comfortable. I never got the opportunity to ride a BD, though it is certainly attractive looking from the specs.

That said, it comes down to what you want to use your bike for. For me, the weight of the Mundo is really not an issue, the components are all working fine for me (I have an 18spd v1 purchased 2 years ago), and there aren't any mods I'd like to do with it that can't either be purchased or easily done DIY. I generally use it for large grocery shopping trips (large plastic containers secured with bungee cords), some passenger carrying, and the occasional larger cargo transport. I would like to try it on a tour, and I don't anticipate there being any probs with that. So, for the money, I'm very happy with the Mundo.

FunkyStickman

What kind of things will you be using the bike for? It might help rule out some of those models.

Another option in that price range would be the Madsen cargo bike... good component spec, looks like a decently made bike, and similar price range. Doesn't require bags, either.

https://shop.madsencycles.com/collections/2011-bikes

Ya Tu Sabes

I have a standard configuration Yuba, and I love it. I want to address some things raised by other folks:

1. It is one-size-fits-all, but I'm 6'5" and it's totally fine with the 500mm seat post and adjustable stem.

2. While it's true that the Yuba isn't compatible w/ Xtracycle stuff, I have found it very easy to customize with clamps, ratchet straps, and other regular hardware and bags and things.

3. The stability under load is pretty spectacular - I've hauled a 170-lb person easily, and I routinely schlep my two children and $250 of groceries at once.

4. The ride is pretty agile. When not under load, it moves just like any hybrid.

5. It's cheaper.

LeeG

I haven't used all four. I had a Kona Ute and sold it prefering to overload a Surly LHT for big loads. The Ute just doesn't feel right, it's wiggly in the front end. Haven't tried the others but the Yuba looks appealing.

jediphobic

I've got a Dummy, and boy is it worth the money. However, I was able to build mine completely to my own spec. It's hard to be disappointed in a bike that is exactly what you want. If the pre-built is pretty close to what you'd put on it anyway, I'd go for it. The price difference is made up for by two things: you don't get the same flex you do in an Xtracycle, and you do get all the same options for cargo and parts. And, you can always keep upgrading the parts on the frame, cuz that thing will last forever.

Abneycat

I have used all 4.

Personally, I find the Ute okay, but not something I'd personally consider. Yes, it comes in nicely equipped at a decent price tag and it looks pretty attractive, but it isn't Xtracycle compatible and while it has a high volume design I personally found that it just isn't as robust as the others - I'd treat it as a high volume grocery getter, personally. It does indeed wiggle around a bit too much when loaded, I find.

The Radish is "okay" too. The frame they use is pretty nice (although as others have mentioned, the Radish is really just an Xtracycle conversion kit + bicycle, not a one piece unit)

Some big downers on the Radish though: There's only a single ring in the front, so the Radish will not be quite as good as the others if your area is *very* hilly. The new models also come with the hoodie bag instead of the freeloaders + snapdeck. The hoodie is not quite the heavy duty system that the standard kit is. Lastly, no disc brake mounts on the fork anymore - though the Avid V-brakes aren't bad, some people really want disc. I think the Radish is a good bike for someone who wants a high volume grocery getter, it's pretty nice looking, pretty casual oriented. Power users would probably be disappointed, but I like the Radish more than the Ute.

On the budget end of things though, one can purchase a good quality used hardtail mountain bike and an Xtracycle conversion kit and end up with a bike that is equipped with better cargo capability than the Radish or Ute for less money. I think it depends on whether you are willing to spend the time and effort on that.

The Yuba is pretty neat. It's a big heavy piggie, but it also totally outclasses even the Big Dummy in load carrying capacity. Yuba isn't Xtracycle compatible, but they're pretty committed to making decent accessories of their own (the go-getter bags are awesome!), I personally totally love the Yuba - but I wouldn't really want to choose this bike if it were going to be used for bike tours. It has a nice cruisery ride to it that makes it fun! Very lax handling, pretty upright.

Big Dummy is really nice. It is the second most cargo capable bike of the lot, and is the highest quality of the bunch. The Big Dummy is a top choice if you want a bike that rides really nicely at a wide range of load levels, I personally feel that it is easily the highest performer of them.

Out of them all, I would personally be inclined to choose either the Yuba Mundo or Big Dummy, depending on whether or not I really *needed* the 440lb + rider limit on the Yuba, or whether the 400lb total limit on the BD would be enough. 440 lbs of stuff is kind of really hard to pack onto something like a longtail though, I think you would have to be packing bags of sand and bricks to get that much weight before using up the available volume.

If you weren't bike touring or expecting a really light and svelte bike, the Yuba is all around fine. I enjoy riding it quite a bit, it's just a bit too piggy to want to take on 60+ kilometer rides each day in my opinion. Also, even though the Yuba is also all terrain rated, I have no doubt that the Big Dummy would be my preferred choice again if the riding became truly off-road.

So.. My logic path is kinda like this!

Need *lots* of weight capacity? Yuba

Want a bike that still classifies as performance? BD

Don't need the immense weight capacity *or* a performance ride, but still want a high capacity bike and don't want to pony for the BD? I'd probably purchase the Yuba over the Ute or Radish again, personally - sure, it's heavier. It also actually has a pretty comfy casual ride, and is going to be stiffer and more capable.

Lastly, if you really just needed the cargo bike and wanted to save money, an Xtracycle conversion kit and a decent hardtail mountain bike from a bike co-op or craigslist or what-have-you will be like a lower cost Radish with a better bag system and possibly a triple crank.

colinmcnamara

Out of seven bikes, my big dummy is my favorite. It can swallow up a full cart at costco (with appropriate bungies) as well as take my son to kindergarten. Even when I am not making a "utility" run I tend to grab the dummy because it is bomproof.

HauntedMyst

Thanks for all the replies guys. In weighing what I'll do with the bike ranges from grocery runs to touring, the answer pretty much came up on its own - Big Dummy. There aren't any Yuba dealers around here. Both the Radish and Ute seem nice but the one size fits all makes them iffy for me. I went and found a big dummy shop and now just need to find one in 20"

vik 

Good choice....touring on the Dummy is a blast!

HauntedMyst

Sweet photos! My favorite shop said they would order one for me and it will be in around mid June. Unfortunately, they are out of the green frames it looks like so I'm going in today to put down a deposit on a stock build 20". Are there any must haves? The shop will frame saver it for me. From what I've read, the stock build is pretty usable but there are a few thinks I want to change, the seat for example will either be my B72 or B190. I have a six pack rack for the front (I am assuming I can change it out the Jandd if I really need it but I can't imagine I would). That Titec H bar looks pretty sweet, but I'm trying to decide between that or butterfly bars. I'd also like one of those rear framebags you have on yours vik but I can't see how to contact the guy on his site. Do you have any info?

vik 

I don't know much about the BD complete as I built mine from scratch.

Scott's email is buried on the "About Me" of his site: theporcelainrocket@gmail.com

His bags are great!

https://theporcelainrocket.wordpress.com/

lucienrau

I switched out the seat, handlebars, tires, and shifters on mine all from personal preference, but overall the stock build is pretty good. They changed the tires that come on stock to continental town and countries from the big apples, so that may be something to look at. My lbs will switch things out St msrp so I came in close to the cost of a compete. Sorry about the wait till June, a guy and I got two of the last 22" from qbp till June too. Going fast this year. I know the other guy in passing and the first thing that he's doing is upgrading the tires.

bugly64

I am in the BD camp, because like a lot others, I built it to what I wanted. I also had a lot help from the primo parts taken from my Mtb. It's no longer a commuter. I put really fat tires on it and it gets me to Wallyworld and garage sales on the weekends.

AdamDZ

The new 2011 Big Dummy comes only in black. You'd have to find an older one if you want green, and that might be impossible by now, unless you can find a used one. 20" is a popular size. I was looking for it last year and I was unable to find it.

Mid June? Complete bike, I guess? Because the 2011 frames alone are readily available. Universal Cycles has them in stock and you can have a frame in a few days. Their listed price is $950 but use the "30 Second Price Match" and you'll get it for $830.

HauntedMyst

Yes, its the complete bike. Frames are readily available but I don't want to do a full build so I will just modify the standard build slightly.

bikinpolitico

I've used all but the Ute. I've also build custom unified Xtracycle frames. If you need to carry a lot of weight regularly, I'd go with the Mundo. It's designed to carry a lot. If not, it is a heavier frame and does not have the advantage of all the Xtracycle accessories.

On the Radish vs Surly, I'd tend to go with what you can afford and what kind of riding style you have. Yes, the unified frame is stronger, less flexy, but I don't find the difference there to be that major. In fact, if you have a decent mountain or commute bike that you like to ride already, I'd highly recommend upgrading it with a Free Radical kit instead as a very economical option.

The Radish is designed to keep you upright, good for general around town riding. The Surly is designed to customize, so if you want a more aggressive riding style or something different from the Radish, you have that option. I'd look more at riding position and style than anything else on these two.