Oh yes, I know Bill quite well already.

Let me tell you a little more. Josh--the mechanic at CBC--told me that my Xtracycle-enhanced Fuji Monterrey will need to be replaced soon. Given that (a) the Big Dummy will be coming out soon and (b) I may be coming into an inheritance soon, I've pretty much decided to get a Big Dummy frame and build up from there. Or, rather, ask the CBC people to build it up from there. Here is what I've come up with so far:

1. Wheels--strongest you can get and widest that will fit; I'm a big guy (6'1", 240 lbs.) and will be carrying loads.
2. Lighting--hub generator in front wheel feeding front & rear lights
3. Handlebars--the kind that are sort of u-shaped and sweep back.
4. Seat--an easy seat (all my bikes have that)
5. Brakes--disc
6. Fenders and a chaincover
7. Rack on front for panniers

I haven't decided about gears. I've read pangyrics to hub gears from Sheldon Brown and others, but except for some three-speeds one sees very few hub-geared bikes around. I am not so much concerned with speed on the flats as climbing ability on the hills. (I was hoping to get a Stokemonkey with the Big Dummy, but no telling when they will be available.)

Suggestions?