skijor

I'm committed. I ordered one of the Ahrens Wisecrack bottle openers last night

tatfiend 

I did not build mine as I bought it complete through the LBS while QBP had them on sale last spring. I have made the following additions/changes though.

Installed VO stainless steel fenders.
Installed a Surly front rack
Installed the Xtracycle kickback center stand
Installed a Axa Defender ring lock under the snapdeck for locking the rear wheel. Basically a hidden security addition.

I am currently in the process of gathering the parts to build a Dynamo hub front wheel so I can add dynamo lighting to the bike. I am using an Alfine dynamo hub and a Salsa Gordo 36 spoke rim.

VanTiki

Can't thank you enough for this thread! I'm getting a Big Dummy as soon as the new frames are available (December?), and I've been reading and re-reading this thread daily to sooth the pain from the many long days I have to wait for my BD. So much great info and insight - and the sketch/breakdown of The Goat you did in your sketchbook is fan-freaking-tastic!

dwnptrl_777

VanTiki: I'll trade you my Big Dummy for your location. I used to live in Oaha and miss it very much...Having a Dummy on the North Shore or anywhere downtown would be the bomb! Although...being a *****, I'd probably get a bucket of poi thrown at me: "Get outta da road, bra!" **



** Wow, I think I just quoted a Willie K. song when I typed that...

dwnptrl_777

What? This forum starred-out "H-A-O-L-E" ?

boc

I've lost count of how many times I've read through this thread. It really has proven to be a valuable source of info. My girlfriend and I are finally gathering parts to build ours up!

Our main decision right now is if we're springing for Rohloffs or not. Once we decide that we can pick some rims which really have us confused. Building form the frame up for the first time is fun but a bit more overwhelming than anticipated.

bugly64

Go for the Rohloff's and you won't ever think how good it would be with them. That doesn't read like what I wanted it to say. I am for getting the serious IGH for my dummy.

oldpedals

Good morning dwnptrl_777,
I too have embraced the BD contagion, with a frame hanging on the basement wall and parts slowly trickling in, plotting my build (blatant plagiarism). I was wondering if you see any benefit to something like the Terracycle idler, w/ the Rohloff?
https://www.terracycle.com/Merchant2/...gory_Code=xtra
How do you maintain chain tension?
Thanks,
OP

coldfeet

Thank YOU. I had been doodling some ideas on this sort of thing for a while. didn't know someone had made one.

On a separate note, using something like this, you can convert the dummy to a belt drive, no need to split the frame.

John Lesar

I am using the Terracycle idler with a Rohloff hub.
I am using the Terracycle idler to set chain tension since it can be slid up or down the tube it is attached to.

coldfeet

Do you find the frame flexes enough to affect tension? I have seen others write that the Xtracycle frame ( Even the Dummy ) has enough flex over that long length to require active lenght control, ( i.e. spring tension. )

John Lesar

I haven't noticed any tension problems. I don't keep the chain tension too tight since the rear cog has a lot of chain wrap.
With my BD I have only noticed some side to side flex when heavily loaded, nothing that would affect the chain tension.

oldpedals

John,
Are you pretty happy with this setup? Is it pretty well constructed? The extra chain wrap seems to be a nice plus.

John Lesar

I am satisfied with this setup. No plans to change it.

VanTiki

Too funny that h-a-o-l-e was edited. Perhaps the server for this site is in Hawaii, and it is a bit sensitive to that word

It's official: I've gone Dummy Crazy. Had my first Big Dummy dream last night. Popped into my local bike shop and was delighted to discover they now stock the entire line of extracycle rack accessories. SO great! Then I woke up, and had to come to terms with the sad fact that it was all a dream

I think I am going to go for broke and get the Rohloff hub. I've read a million good things about it, and only 1 slight negative (I guess the thing can be a bit noisy in 7th gear?). The plan is to have a garage sale, and to scrimp and save like a madman! I'll be trolling ebay for used hubs - anyone out there purchase a used Rohloff? If so, what should I be looking for?

Mahalo!

karith

Hey John

Any chances you have some pictures of your set up. Particularly of the idler and rohloff.

Ive been running a regular drive train with my dummy for 2 years and its been great but now that i busted my hub i may finally spring for my dream rohloff. The idea of the idler seems great. I was hoping to figure out a way to possibly do away with a low mounted tensioner. I also have a kickback and there are known problems with it and not having enough clearance with the rohloff tensioner.

Thanks for any help!!

Joel.

coldfeet

I think you just convinced me to buy one of these, I hadn't thought of the centrestand problem, I'm almost certain to get a Rolling Jack@ss so I would need one of these.

John Lesar

I had clearance problems with the Kickback and a Rohloff tensioner (using 44-16 gearing). The lower chain run would drag on the Kickback when it was retracted. This solved it. Another benefit is easier rear wheel removal. I found it difficult to get the wheel past the Rohloff tensioner. Now it drops out with no interference.

coldfeet

Great pictures John, thanks. Are you using a single speed chain there? Or is the slight bend in the chain line enough to require a derailleur type chain?

John Lesar

8 speed chain.

DW Washburne

Definitely dig this patch!!

Dream bike man, just when I think it can't get better, it does

karith

Hey John

Thanks for the pictures! Looks great. I think ive almost made up my mind about rohloffing! Just have another quick few questions.

Do you see any problems with durability in the terracycle idler? I plan on using the dummy for a long tour and i want the idler to last! Im unfamiliar with how the idler even works?

How do you remove the wheel? Do you release tension on the idler or can you just take it out?

Any other issues you have come across?

Thanks for the help!!!

John Lesar

The idler bracket just clamps to the seatstay. The rear wheel just drops out. As far as durability goes, I have been using it almost one year including through the winter and it is fine. https://www.terracycle.com/Merchant2/...gory_Code=xtra

oldpedals

John,
Do you remember what spindle length you have?
Thank you!

VanTiki

Two very important things happened today:

1) I test rode a Big Dummy for the first time. Pure bliss.
2) I put a deposit down for a 2011 Big Dummy complete build. Hopefully I'll get in on the first shipment of new bikes - fingers are firmly crossed!