Okay, I've been tinkering parts on and off LBS bought complete bikes (mostly kids bikes) many times over my few decades of life. Never have I technically speaking "built a bike
from the frame up."

Considering an actual build. But, a Big Dummy build at that. Does this make me a "big dummy" to build a Big Dummy as my "first?"

Just to add to the fire,.... I know I don't have all the tools needed yet. I am, however, a very quick adept at mechanical building tasks.

Any advice as I put my parts/tool build list together?

Thanks.

Dr. Joe

I've never built up a Big Dummy, but I say, "Why not?" I've done a lot of tinkering, and, while I hadn't built up a whole bike before, I had probably removed and reinstalled just about every piece on a bike thanks to time spent at the local bike co-op. Then I decided to build up my Long Haul Trucker from just a frame. There's a lot of details to get down. I spent a lot of time compiling parts lists, figuring out sizes, deciding where parts should come from, seeing what I already had on hand and what I could put off buying until later. That was probably most exhausting part. Then someone kindly offered me a spare headset they had lying around, which was great because someone I hadn't thought to buy one of those. Point being that it's surprising the number of parts you need when you're starting from a frame and doing your first build.

But when all that was done, actually assembling the bike was a lot of fun. If you have a local bike co-op, they can be a great reference. They had the tools to chase my bottom bracket and install my headset, two tools that you probably don't want to buy if you're not building up new frames on a regular basis. I also had a devil of a time getting the headset race on the fork. Took it to REI where they did it so quickly and easily that they didn't charge me for it. There are other tools it'd be nice to have, but if you have access to a bike co-op, you can put off buying some of them: bottom bracket tools, pedal wrenches, and cone wrenches come to mind. Otherwise it's good to keep in mind that in addition parts, you will also be needing some bike-specific tools.

As for the Big Dummy specifically as a first build, I'm sure some BD owners will be able to chime in on that, but my impression is that the biggest difference with a BD frame is the distance between the bottom bracket and the rear wheel. You'll need a longer chain (a tandem chain, maybe? Or two chains hooked together), and I would guess that you'd have to spend a little more effort making sure the chain is not too loose. But other than that, the BD looks like a fairly standard build. Or as standard as you want to make it. There's also all the XtraCycle components to deal with, which I know nothing about, but I would consider them to be a separate issue than the initial build. And besides, once you've built a bike from scratch, I bet the XtraCycle stuff will not be a big deal.

Obviously other Big Dummy owners will want to chime in, but I say "Go for it." I toyed with the idea of making that my first build, too, but ultimately the LHT seemed like a better bike for me. Good luck.

The Big Dummy was my first build too, and it was pretty easy! I ordered a SRAM x.7 build kit (which I'm liking quite a lot) from Pricepoint. I'd recommend going the build kit route as you're guaranteed that the parts will work with each other and the instructions are very consistent. The only restriction on the BD I can think of is that your rear derailleur needs to be the long-cage type. Not sure if this is an absolute requirement, but I seem to remember something about it.

Just have your LBS prep the bottom bracket and press your headset--the tools for doing that are way more expensive than the labor and probably too crucial to trust DIY methods. You'll need a good chain tool to link and size the chains (my cheapie one didn't do the job very well) and longer rear cable housings, which I also recommend you have your LBS supply for you.

Good luck, it's a blast!

OP, way to go, I can't wait until I get to do my Dummy build.

I haven't built a big dummy but have built multiple bikes and can say that this is great, wise advice. Other than that, go for it.

I'm itching to build up a Big Dummy. I'm doing a Kona Sutra build now. Maybe later in the Summer. Where did you buy the kit from?

PS.: Most 3/9 bikes use long cage RDs.

Adam

I am using "the Shadow" XT 3/9 on my Dummy.

Of course you can do it. No need for expensive tools for headsets, just a threaded rod, some washers and nuts to press them in, one side at the time.

Me again,.... can't find much local surley help in sizing a Big Dummy. Apparently, no one around here has gone the BD route (or surly for that matter) for any real input from the local LBS. I can get some general sizing, but I thought I'd ask the experts contained within these "internets forums." ( )

My current circa 1991 giant iguana that fits me perfectly has a top tube 23.5 inch measure and seat tube that also measures 23.5 inch (center to center). If I measure the "effective top tube" distance (stem to seat) I get around 25 inches.

I stand 6'2'' (6'3'' when I don't slouch) and have a 34.5 (34/35) inch inseam.

Any advice on picking the BD 20 or 22 frame?

I'm 5'7" with 29" inseam and I have the 18". Don't know if that helps.

I bought a Big Dummy this year due to the '09 sale. I was toying around with the idea to build it myself, however opted to buy the complete bike. I figured I would drive myself nuts trying to pick the perfect components and wait impaitently for each part. It made more sense to buy it complete and ride. Now, I can make revisions as I wish with no urgency.

I'm 5'11" and 20" MTB is just enough, if not a bit too small. I'd go with 22" if I were you.

Adam