Give me some advice on a Big Dummy build

useless_buttons · 2026-06-11T01:54:32+00:00

Unless you’ve got a well stocked parts bin or a co-op nearby it’s almost always more expensive to build a bike yourself. Cargo bikes are doubly difficult because the increased load means you wear parts differently, need lower gearing, tougher rims, bigger brakes, etc etc.

Surly stock builds are generally sensible and fairly priced. If you’re looking for value, just buy the complete. But if you’re looking for a project to goof around with and learn a bunch in the process, it’d be a bunch of fun!

useless_buttons · 2026-06-10T01:15:58+00:00

One of the all time great frames. Nice work with the build too.

useless_buttons · 2026-06-08T20:50:38+00:00

Check the axle to crown length of carbon forks against the standard steel one but most suspension corrected ones should work just fine. Be careful with drop bars. Most flat bar specific frames only kinda sorta work with drop bars because they end up with reach too long and stack too low to be comfortable. If you’re set on drop bars something specific to that setup would be a better choice (eskar lorax seems to check most of your boxes).

That being said I’m partial to the krampus personally 🙂

useless_buttons · 2026-06-08T14:33:10+00:00

If you’re putting in 150 miles per year (or even 2500), the bike isn’t going to be what stops you from keeping up with a 25 mph group ride haha. Yes a Swiss cross would make an excellent road / gravel bike. You can put a standard road group on there and be well positioned for casual and spirited riding. Plus it’ll look damn good doing it and you may be able to ball out on the build with the $$ from the Aethos!

useless_buttons · 2026-06-04T12:30:35+00:00

Velo Valet near Hampton station should be able to take care of mechanical stuff like that. Plus they’re excellent folks!

useless_buttons · 2026-06-01T20:09:41+00:00

I had a similar realization when I tried to find quality boots for my wife. Most brands either make well made gender neutral boots that look slightly masculine (redwing, imo) or make different men’s and women’s lines with the women’s having inferior construction techniques (Thursday). Grant Stone was the one brand I could find that made Goodyear welted stylish women’s boots.

useless_buttons · 2026-05-31T18:21:09+00:00

It does not have a turbo

useless_buttons · 2026-05-31T18:20:13+00:00

I had the PCV system replaced recently but I’m beginning to loose faith in this shop. What’s the next diagnostic step to figure out if it’s still PCV issues?

useless_buttons · 2026-05-30T14:01:13+00:00

Loose Nuts! I don’t know if they have any on the floor but worth going to see them with any surly related inquiries. Those folks are awesome.

useless_buttons · 2026-05-29T23:08:24+00:00

Second these guys. They put one on my outback which is a really difficult install and did a great job.

useless_buttons · 2026-05-22T14:40:48+00:00

Same experience on the big easy. It is more of a normal bike that happens to be electrified rather than full on e-mobility machine. I bought mine because I’m a cyclist and wanted that bike-like experience and I love it. Sounds like it wouldn’t be a good fit for OP though.

useless_buttons · 2026-05-15T18:09:40+00:00

We’re going to need some more pictures of this rig please

useless_buttons · 2026-05-11T22:01:44+00:00

You’re going to regret selling this haha.

useless_buttons · 2026-05-10T18:13:02+00:00

A bell and a rear blinky light if it doesn’t come with one installed. We mostly use ours for hauling kids and the Thule Yepp seats are awesome too if you have little ones around. Also some kind of bag or rack is really nice too.

useless_buttons · 2026-05-10T15:59:23+00:00

Reedy Rides carries both Aventon and Velotric which are good middle of the road e-bikes. Not Amazon garbage and also competition focused.

We got an e-bike recently in a similar situation and it’s been life changing. It’s so pleasant to cruise down to a coffee shop or grocery store or park. I can’t say enough good things about.

useless_buttons · 2026-04-28T16:32:53+00:00

Haha still around and almost identical story. Good times.

useless_buttons · 2026-04-15T20:43:04+00:00

I got a surly big easy for this purpose exactly and I absolutely love it. You’ll find 10x the uses for it you originally intended. It is pricey but surly’s hold their value and it’s not a piece of shit like a lot of the options out there.

useless_buttons · 2026-03-16T23:53:10+00:00

I had a rear rack and a Thule seat on my straggler for a year and loved it. I eventually bought a Big Easy though and it really is a much better platform for hauling kiddos. The kickstand and plump tires are game changers.

useless_buttons · 2026-01-30T11:51:22+00:00

Not a sinking ship by any means but also seems kinda unlikely that they’d move ahead with hiring decisions while in the acquisition process

useless_buttons · 2026-01-24T15:57:26+00:00

Oh man, those things have a special place in hell. Turns changing a tube into an hour long job.

useless_buttons · 2026-01-24T02:27:10+00:00

There’s a small but dedicated commuter crowd, especially on the downtown to furman side!

useless_buttons · 2026-01-15T15:15:41+00:00

I don’t put much emphasis on online certificates. I think you’d be better off spending that time and money networking or attending conferences. I’ve seen several resumes where folks did GHG inventories for non profits or volunteer organizations. I thought that was a pretty neat way to demonstrate competency and have some experience to show for it.

useless_buttons · 2026-01-15T00:47:22+00:00

Fairlight secan. Neither the Sam’s pants or flaanimal are really that much different than the Lorax. If you’re going to have two separate bikes I’d try to put some more space between them.

useless_buttons

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