Big Dummy upgrade question
 

I've been riding my Navato Xtracycle for a few years now and have found it to be the most useful bike that I've ever owned- and I've owned more than my share. I've cleared out some of my dive locker and have come up with the cash to upgrade to a Big Dummy.

The question is, should I just buy the frame and transfer all of my parts over to it, or is it worth the extra $900 to sell of my Xtracycle and go with the complete Surly build?

Thanks,

Jon

If the parts are still good the I would transfer the parts over.If not then it would be cheaper to buy the complete Surly build.I am building my self a BD but it's going to cost a lot more than the complete bicycle would.But it will have what I want on it and setup the way I like.My 2 cents.

I made the full upgrade and was very thankful I did. As a bike I will ride forever it is nice having good componentry. My old Xtra was a hodgepodge of stuff and my BD feels like a dream.

As a new BD user I'll say I'm really impressed with the build quality. While not top of the line, it's all solid stuff.

The BD complete is pretty nice. My lbs was willing to credit the cost of the things I wanted to change out like saddle, handlebars and shifters. Unless you want to completely customize it you may have the best deal by getting the full build and either selling your xtra or removing the xtra, and selling it and your bike separately depending on resale in your area. Around here an xtra kit goes for almost the retail price but a full on xtracycle doesn't sell as well.

Probably because they can put a Xtra kit on almost any bike. A full on Xtracycle might not have the right size donor bike.

I would like to upgrade to a Dummy some day.

In the end I just didn't have the cash for the whole bike. I did have more than enough to buy the frame-set and I ordered it today!
I've customized my Xtracycle over the years and built it up just as I wanted. Once I got a chance to try the Dummy I could immediately feel how much stiffer it was and I've been lusting after one ever since.
A mechanic I know at my LBS took a look at my bike and thought that the parts were decent enough to start with and then I can slowly upgrade as they wear out. I did have another triple crank-set lying around that I am going to use instead of the one on my donor bike. I also am planning on rebuilding my rear wheel with a stronger rim and better spokes. Once that's done, I think I'll be set for some time.
I've already had someone ask to buy the Free-radical from me when I switch everything over. Since I plan on keeping the bars, bags, and board I'm not sure if there's much value in just the base piece, but I'd be willing to sell it to her. I may just keep the donor frame for now and as I upgrade parts I can throw the old ones back on it until I have a complete bike again.

The next big decision was what size to go with. I have a 32" inseam and ride either a 54 or a 56- depending upon how the frame is measured. I was more concerned with a more upright ride than stand over height. I have this goofy neck injury from playing underwater hockey, and need something more upright than your standard road bike. I ended up going with the 18" frame and am hoping that will be a better choice than the 20".

Jon

I had Shimano XT on my Mtb, so I just bought the frame and xtracycle stuff and transfered to my Dummy. I spent lots on the Mtb before I knew what I wanted.

I had decent enough stuff to transfer so I feel pretty good about it. The one thing that I am upgrading for sure is a new rear wheel. The only thing that's ever given me grief on my Xtracycle is my rear wheel. I've been through three of them so far and now am having one custom built just for the bike. Since I carry so much stuff on my bike it will pay for itself in no time at all.

Everything else can wait to be upgraded over time. The only other thing I would like to get right away is a Kickback stand. Anyone know of a decent price on-line to buy one? I just missed out on one for sale on Ebay because I didn't realize the auction was ending so soon. :(

Jon

I bought my kickback at XTracycle website and it was on sale because the new kickback was being unveiled. I didn't like the spring for retracting it, so I put a bungee cord on and it has lasted 2 years.

What are you guys using for tires these days? So far I've been thinking about these two:
-Fat Frank's
-Big Apples
Is there anything else I should be considering?

Jon

I've got big apples because I wasn't sure that fat franks would fit with my fenders, it turns out they do, but I'm not going to switch till these wear out. I'm pretty satisfied with the ba's. I know a guy who's got the continental town and country that come with the regular build and he's pretty unhappy with them.

How wide are you running them??

Marathon Plus here. Running them on most of my bikes.

I've got the 2.0 but I would have been fine with the 2.35. They run a bit narrower than listed like most tires.

Also, take a look at the Marathon Supremes-- excellent ride quality with just a slight reduction in durability. Although, like any Schwalbes, they are pricey.