A couple years ago, Xtracycle contacted us to ask if we might be interested in producing a cargo “longbike” designed around the modular components used on their FreeRadical system. As owners of Xtracycles and supporters of the Xtracycle company ideals, we are excited to add this new frame...the Big Dummy…to the Surly product mix.
What does a Big Dummy do? Using Xtracycle plug-in components, it hauls your groceries, tools, human and animal friends, surfboard, work duds, briefcase, vacuum cleaner, firewood, moonshine, camping gear, banjo, mulch, and anything else you can imagine, while providing the functionality, durability, and sweet ride characteristics that Surly bikes are known for. Use the Big Dummy for commuting to work, running errands, taking the kids to school, farm/yard work, touring, or just riding around cuz it’s fun.
What are some advantages of the Big Dummy vs. other cargo carrying systems? 1) It’s shorter than a bike + trailer system, so it can be easier to maneuver through traffic. 2) Compared to messenger bag or backpack, it won’t put strain on your back and shoulders. 3) Two wheels, vs. three or four on a bike + trailer system, keep rolling resistance, rotating mass, and overall weight to a minimum. 4) A longer-than-average wheelbase makes it predictable and comfortable for the long haul. 5) It offers more cargo capacity than a bike + rack system, while keeping most of the weight low and centered between the wheels for increased stability. 6) It’s modular and versatile. You only have to carry the accessories that are needed for your task. 7) It rides like a bike, on- and off-road. No trailer-induced death sway, no weird front-end shimmy. We've got lots more info about the Big Dummy's finer points in our Spews section, on the blog page.
Like our other frames, the Big Dummy is built from 4130 CroMoly steel. We designed it to be torsionally rigid while offering some vertical compliance. The Big Dummy features disc caliper mounts and cantilever brake pivots, clearance for 26 x 2.5" tires and fenders, multiple water bottle cage mounts, and a kickstand mount. Set it up with mountain components, road components, or a mixture of both. There are no chainring clearance limitations…except the ground, so you can gear it as high or low as you like. The included 425mm axle-to-crown CroMoly fork can be swapped out for an 80mm-travel suspension fork without radically altering the steering geometry. Frames are available in 16, 18, 20, and 22" sizes (center of bottom bracket to top of top tube).
We only sell the Big Dummy as a frame/fork set…not as a complete bike, so you have the opportunity to pick the components and Xtracycle accessories that best fit your needs. Your local bike shop can help you with selecting frame and component sizes, choosing and ordering parts, and assembling your rig if you don’t have the tools and know-how to do so. Xtracycle components are available through Xtracycle directly and through your local bike bike shop via QBP, our US distributor.
Go to www.xtracycle.com to learn more about sport utility bicycles and all of the accessories available for the Big Dummy. |
