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Surly Big Dummy & Big Fat Dummy

Surly Big Dummy

As we understand it that was the last run of these as of March ’23

Whether we ever see these again or if it will be replaced in the UK at some point in the future by the either the Skid Loader or the Big Easy is anyone’s guess. For now this page is up for your information only.

The Big Dummy is designed for carrying cargo (and dogs!).

It’s built around the Xtracycle design platform, which means that Xtracycle or Surly accessories can be added depending on what you want to carry, or you can build your own to meet whatever hauling need you have. Figure on being able to carry about 200 pounds (90kg) of cargo.

One of the funny things about the Big Dummy is that it doesn’t ride quite like you might think. It’s a smidge longer, but mainly it rides like a bike. It’s smooth, maneuverable, even nimble. Are you riding light and want to hit some singletrack on the way home? Do it. Even take it to the local cross v. mountain bike race.

Lots of people, including us, bought one to use once in a while and began to use it everyday. The frame can be built up lots of different ways to suit your needs and budget. We have an 8 speed Shimano Alfine on the back of ours – it’s geared low and that works great. The complete bike option has reliable but understated components to help keep the price down while still retaining durability. The completes also come with snap deck, Dummy rails and a set of Surly bags to get you haulin.

Frameset and bike currently unavailable.

Surly Big Fat Dummy – not currently available

Complete builds from £
Frameset £2018 Surly BFD in Bliolet

Like the unicorn the Big Fat Dummy was a mythical beast often referred to but never seen.  That was until this year when the myth became reality. A cargo bike designed around a fat tyre platform, designed to be the most stable, stiff and traction-laden ride possible.

Big Fat Dummy has a longer top tube and slacker headtube angle to give a more stable ride, it also got a lighter more svelte tubing so even though it’s beefier than it’s counterpart the weight difference is minimal. This bike can run a 26 x 5.25″ tyre- or for faster road use maybe a 29 x 3″. It has 100mm suspension corrected geometry so if you fancy getting rad then it’s ready to rip. When you buy the frameset you also get the Dummy rails, snap deck and bags to go with it.

The BFD comes in Cromwell Green and Bliolet.

Some of our Big Dummy & Big Fat Dummy builds: