I’ve probably set up and ridden 10 different Xtracycle rigs over the last 5 years.  It’s been a bit of an obsession, finding the perfect pairing of bike and Freerad, the right gearing arrangement, the right riding position.   I’ve moved away from mountain bike style handlebars, even on my mountain bikes.  The purported handling benefits of traditional mountain bike bars seem to be at the expense of your visibility, comfort, ease and style.  Sipping a coffee while riding the Big Dummy is easy, so is snapping a photo.  In fact, you can take your hands of the bars all together and the thing tracks great - a phenomenon I’ve not had with every Xtracycle set up I’ve created.  There’s just something civilized about riding upright and proud on a bike, rather than hunched over and struggling with a backpack sliding to one side or the other.The Brooks saddle I love.  I don’t know what it is.  Have years of bike riding killed all nerves in my ass?  Most Brooks users will admit there’s a bit of a break-in period (that can be seriously eased with some generous use of leather conditioner) but after that the thing is irresistible.  No need for gel or foam, just a good fit.  Also, leather saddles are super durable.  They get scraped and they kindof “heal” — other saddles get torn and just begin to bleed their internals everywhere.  It can be kindof sad.Also the SRAM drivetrain is pretty great.  Hell, I’m not terribly picky here.  I am a big fan of the single ring up front and the 7,8, or 9 in back - always gives me enough to get around town and up and down hills, but I don’t have to deal with pants munching front chainrings.  I would have preferred our spec a 9 speed, but that’s easy enough to modify if that’s your style. This bike feels like something you can really sink into.  Like a true investment.  Feels like our old BioDiesel 240D - it ain’t gonna die, even if we drive it once a month (even less of a reason now!) and never do a lick of service.  The Big Dummy undoubtedly forwards the long bike conversation, and has totally inspired others on the long bike front.  Word from the handbuilt bike show in Portland is that long bikes and cargo bikes were everywhere.  It’s exciting to imagine where the long bike movement will be in 5 years…I have no doubt that those of us who’ve thrown in our chips for the Big Dummy will be looked upon with that kind of reverence reserved for the courageous early adopter.  - Nate

Posted on Tuesday, February 12th, 2008 at 9:49 am. Please leave a reply, trackback from your own site, or read more .