Building a human powered minivan out of a Surly Big Dummy

The Surly Big Dummy is the last of a dying breed: Human-powered long tail cargo bikes. This is the last year Surly is making the Big Dummy, but I bought mine used on Facebook Marketplace for $800. The previous owner had customized it for use at his bike shop, running errands and delivering bikes to customers (yes, it tows bikes). I customized the Big Dummy for spending the day with my kids. For now, my daughter will ride on the back with her balance bike mounted on the rear, and a year from now we will include a baby seat for my son.
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[@edovandekraats1708]

Seth really needs to go on holiday to the Netherlands sometime. The bicycle infrastructure and all transport bicycles and bicycle parking areas need a visit and assessment from Seth.

[@lbarnard86]

Agreed. Get over there Seth.

[@kiiiisu]

i wanna see that!

[@jhgrd]

Het is hier fietsparadijs in Nederland beter kom je keertje kijken.

[@QuickQuips]

Not Just Bikes collaboration when?

[@GerbenBol]

And also visit some local trails like in Zandvoort!

[@jay_stne]

This video is a Berm Peak classic, sketchy stuff, customisation, practicality, it has it all! Also really appreciate the Surly owner representation haha

[@jayesh5131]

Best entry also 🗿

[@davedelarosa319]

This is as close to Miami era Seth as I've seen in ages.

[@10Neon]

Upgrading the kickstand is decidedly completely different ...but kinda the same.

[@Gatos101]

My buddy has a couple of surlys and this is soo him 😂

[@sundalongpatpat]

is it peak Bern?

[@Richthofen80]

wow. She's outrageously capable on that balance bike. future x-games participant I think.

[@mamashecrazy7423]

Chip off the old block!

[@paul3180]

yeah, she really hauls.

[@tharifdzulfiqar789]

future street bmx olympic champs

[@Schlegel_BageI]

Fr bro she sent that table and dropped in the bank like a pro

[@sixthgreeny1880]

Handsome

[@rileygill3226]

The handlebar actuated kickstands was definitely interesting. We’ll need a wireless version of that soon!

[@ProjectExMachina]

And motorized self-expanding pads on it. For when you need to park it on the soft wet ground

[@Ferrichrome]

AXS Kickstand

[@supertnt.]

how did you comment 4days before the vid was realeased????

[@fromage4204]

@@supertnt. channel members get early access to the videos i think

[@ph3590]

Her's was a Rolling Jackass and they cost about $400. There are probably cheaper ways of getting something similar now that Surly has their own double kickstand.

[@beckmcnabb3892]

🚨 Seth! Fellow Big Dummy Owner, parent, and huge fan of your channel here- you absolutely need to cover both sides of the rear wheel of you have kids sitting on the back. There have been catastrophic foot injuries from kids sticking their foot in the spokes. (Why do kids do this? Because kids.) You can google the horrifying stories. Wishing you many happy rides! Your daughter is crushing the balance bike! ❤

[@benstanbrookmtb]

Seth you could probably get away with putting a bag on the drive side and then still use the alt-angle to mount the bike providing there was enough clearance. Loved this video I've probably watched it about ten times.

[@mennoe7076]

Yes, I stuck my leg in the rear wheel once as a kid. That hurt. And I had a pretty bad twisted ankle. I know I did it because I was looking for a foothold. I was trying to put them on the bolts that stick out, but as soon as your foot gets between the spokes even a little it just gets pulled into it. So please cover the wheel, kids are dumb, it happens in a split second and you only know when they start screaming. If i try translating quite literally there might be something called coat guards. Those are literally just pieces of plastic on both sides of the wheel, as if it where mudguards but on the sides. Takes up no space so still enough room for the little bike on the side as well.

[@JoeBeeching]

Came here to say this!

[@FlorianFahrenberger]

As I said on Patreon: Thanks a bunch for all the info you put out there. Thanks to your back catalog, I was motivated and able to buy and build up 4 bikes for me and my three kids. And we even started messing around building our own little backyard bike park. You are spreading the mountainbike love all across the world!

[@LeoSutic]

Thanks for pointing out the thanks-button! 👍

[@SethsBikeHacks]

That’s what I’m talking about! Being able to share building and riding with your kids is one of the greatest joys. I won’t take credit for inspiring you, but I’m glad to be a part of it in some small way.

[@maxbucky24]

this is everything that is great about the channel. Fun ideas, customisation, sketchy things and more fun

[@weezypeezy1725]

And good editing

[@liamknowles5041]

Love the build! Might be worth putting some plastic on either side of the rear wheel to eliminate the possibility of kids feet getting into the rear wheel/triangle. Ive seen a few people where im from do it with their kid carriers. Also helps with mud!

[@lassepaulsen8312]

Yes, came to the comments to say just that. Could really end up with a badly injured kids foot if there’s nothing in between the feet and the spokes.

[@mattwestlake1307]

Not the same but similar: Happened to a teen friend riding on the front handlebars and it was nasty. Wouldn't want to see little kid toes get caught!

[@davidrogers7645]

My son did exactly this at maybe 5-10 kph...and it still resulted in stitches on the poor guys heel.

[@jerbear7952]

My sister is missing a big chunk from her ankle for this very reason.

[@Kelvallontan]

I put my left foot in while behind my mother on a moped when I was 6 or so? EDIT: we were barely leaving a gas station, hence low speed and explains why the foot wasn't ripped, but still it dealt some damage. It resulted in torn ligaments, pains for monthes of course, but also much more lasting troubles ("inside" pointing foot and knee troubles) that had to be dealt with at adulthood as that happened in a "third world country" at the time and was badly treated then. It would indeed be a better idea to adress this before it ever happens.

[@oliverbrunt1]

Arguably... one of the best bike builds you've ever done!

[@clock_roach]

Love the bike, Seth! A couple of tips from my time cargo biking with kids: A front basket helps balance the load a little and gives you a place to easily load backpacks. Also, kids love having a little place to stick their water bottle, toys, or random rocks and sticks. I've got a couple of stem bags strapped to our corral, but I've also seen stroller organizers for the same purpose. Finally, if you want to see a super excited kid, give them a pinwheel or some ribbons to hold while you're cruising at speed.

[@OhioMTBTrails]

As a dad with kids only half a year older than yours, it's awesome to see you share your passion with them and that they truly enjoy it without being pushed.

[@kachikewasu]

You know, I’m typically ok with my bike inventory before watching one of your videos. Now I’m on pink bike looking for surlys 😂

[@evilkanjevil]

"No Surly is the same" i totally agree and love my Bridge Club, it even made the transition from a hardtail mtb to a fully stacked touring bike - and the weight is a big pro in my opinion - once ur up to speed those bikes will go forever

[@tobygreenwood5036]

Agreed, I can switch out the tyres, take off the rack and mudguards and my BC goes from heavy-duty tourer to trail bike with no issues, love it

[@ramdynebix]

My (non Surly, but similar) touring bike is a big softy when loaded up, wants to go straight all the time, but unloaded it is an animal wanting to go quick and harass cars in European town centers 😂

[@jdhd2837]

I have a straggler and I love it more than any bike I have ever owned.

[@uniworkhorse]

dreamed of getting a bridge club a while ago... may have to reignite that passion!

[@ecopennylife]

Seth, such a great Dad ... just don't die surfing on top of the Surly 😂

[@Dave435l]

Seth! Thank you for being someone else that realizes you can just gear down your cargo bike rather than all the extra everything of an e-bike

[@Mike-oz4cv]

+1. It’s mind boggling how many people think they need an eBike when they’d just have to shift down or get easier gears.

[@matthewshultz8762]

Loved the surfing compilation at the end. Riding standing, no hands is already fun (on the right bike) but standing on the rear rack is just next level!!

[@JustOneRedSoloCup]

I was minding my own business, randomly looking through the Berm Peak playlist and... hey, what's this?! 😂

[@bilbychannel6681]

Same

[@andyk3643]

Your daughter rips. Just got my 7 year old into mtb, and she's been doing very well on even pretty knarly trials for her size. I love being a bike dad nowadays. It's fun watching kids learn riding, and have the same feeling of freedom that we've always had on bicycles.

[@crispyfilms3983]

Rebecca looks fearless on that balance bike!

[@mrzing5668]

You might want to cover the backwheel to prevent kid-legs getting jumbled up in them. That is standard practice in kid-seats in the Netherlands.

[@zadams5596]

I had that exact same bike rack setup on my long tail a few years ago! Now that we are in bigger bike we prop the front wheel on the running boards and tow. Cargo bikes are way more fun than minivans!

[@MikeR65]

Seth is a man that really has a handle on how life should be lived!!

[@direwolfnc]

I bought a used Xtracycle Edgerunner in Summer 2021, and we haven't looked back since! I wanted a longtail cargo bike (Big Dummy, Xtracycle, or other) for over a decade, but got serious about purchasing one once our two daughters (4&9) outgrew the kid trailers. It is the ultimate family bike, we have taken it family road rides, on (mild-ish) trails, and even went on a family bikepacking adventure on the Virginia Creeper this summer. We have made and will make so many awesome memories with our girls on our cargo bike. I hope Seth and his family enjoy his as much as we enjoy ours!

[@jesselabelle7210]

Berm peak featuring 2 chainz is the collaboration we didn't know we needed❤

[@caseypavek1553]

For a budget version of this, the Mongoose Envoy is fabulous. And fits 650b. And comes with bags!

[@feve6071]

you should defo look more into cargo bikes. Allan Shaw recently finished the Silk Road Mountain Race on an Omnium Cargo. I'd love for you to build an absolute trail cargo monster.

[@SugoDiGatto]

I did that by simply attaching a trailer to my MTB; let's just say it didn't completely fall apart and I almost lost its wheel only twice per ride!

[@easyrider75]

Love my bright green big dummy. I do everything on it, school run, shopping, even dropping stuff off to the dump and recycling centre. My child won't go to school any other way, even in the rain.

[@cyanginpedro]

Hi Seth, been watching since the early days in Florida... what an evolution! Congratulations and thank you for all of the amazing videos!

[@qualm43]

I would love to see Seth's take on the BROMPTON bicycle - a utility bike that fulfills a different niche than the surly, but is INSANELY fun to ride with it's 16 inch wheels.

[@TylerLynn]

I have one, it's definitely fun to ride!

[@davidmayerhofer5653]

"[...] but first, let's stare at it." The nicest part of assembling something or tinkering around.

[@scottbaker6019]

Surly's are truly apocalypse bikes, I love my Long Haul Trucker and it's simplicity and durability.

[@andrebartels1690]

I love the customizations you made to the bike. And I love your commitment to human power. I have built a three wheeled cargo bike with no motor, and I like to haul stuff around in it when I'm in no hurry. The feeling of achievement is priceless. 😊

[@garysprojects]

Yes this is awesome! I just did a similar thing with an old xtra cycle on my retro ebike - I ended up putting the bars straight on the deck which helped a lot. Also I strapped the kid bike to the back bag which works well too if you’re in a pinch. Thx for the vid , a nice watch - can’t wait to do more mods on my dad bike !

[@Postfrogish]

As a fellow biking dad (I'm from Denmark, so I kinda have no choice, haha) I appreciate the trust you show your kid when you're "bombing" that hill with the balance bike. It really translates into confidence in their own physical ability, teaches balance and calm while moving fast. Mainly it just makes for a future of great biking experiences. Good on you

[@jondryden7776]

I always love the A-Team build montage.

[@OMFGcatakid]

This was a really fun video, love seeing content that’s different but kind of the same!

[@DasJWW]

That's an awesome build! The only risk I see is going down a curb for example with the rear kids bike mounted. Even if you push it down the curb, it could still smack the rear tire of the kids bike, or am I a little overly concerned? :D

[@carlholman2993]

I used to work at QBP, Surly headquarters in Bloomington MN. It was so cool to see the surly folks design and test the big fat dummy and big easy there. Also a mecca there for wild bike builds of any sort!

[@user-wz2ms1ob9g]

hands down one of the most fun bike builds I've seen recently

[@Jackapacka77]

Why has it only got 13 views

[@OffRoadingSteve]

It’s unlisted, you can only find it by going through the playlist

[@Kannondale07]

You're missing out by not converting it with a bafang bbshd mid drive. It becomes a car replacement for people in the city!

[@schwuzi]

Yes so much space for a battery still. I think he'll get around to it once the attachments (and kids) become heavier.

[@stuffbenlikes]

Little kids in bike parks are adorable.

[@jmar4293]

Loving all this Dad-bike content on here.

[@OffRoadingSteve]

I found the hidden video!

[@teeropita3208]

Bro what i dont get it hahah

[@honzaskaryd6488]

How???

[@jayesh5131]

Early Access Its for members only Like Only Fans 😅

[@zog6940]

I have a cargo e-bike. I love it. I have some huge saddle bags on it so I can get groceries with it. But I also have a seat I can throw on the back, and running boards for a place for passengers to rest their feet. My nephew loves going for rides on it! I think cargo bikes in general are pretty overlooked. If I was in a bigger city, I'd be door dashing on my bike all day!

[@CantTalkImRiding]

Surfing the bike was rad. You're a wild dude. The bike rack mod is genius.

[@elias2338]

This is the BEST Dad-bike that i ever saw😍👌🏻

[@ch.4r]

As someone who grew up with my dad towing me around on one of these, it makes me so happy to see that younger kids are getting to enjoy Big Dummies like I did. Awesome build Seth!

[@WoobieLT]

“SURLY you can’t be serious.” “Don’t call me Shirley.”

[@MrTwostring]

My youngest child is now 18. Back before I had kids - possibly before I met my wife - I saw an Adams Trail-a-bike and I ordered a catalog. I looked at all the configurations and dreamed of having a family that I could put on something like that. I didn't realize it fully at the time, but when I look at my garage full of odd bikes, trailers, and tandems I realized that I did live that dream. One thing in your video reminded me -- I once drove through Canada from NY to Michigan to buy a TANDEM Adams - so we could have FOUR people pedaling on one rig. At the time, one kid was too small to pedal, so I bolted a child bike seat onto an old bike seat so I could attach it to one of the sitting positions with a regular seat stem. At the time I would not have gone in for electric assist. I'm thinking about putting one of the tandems back on the road with electric assist so I can take trips with my wife - but back then I wouldn't have seen the point. I hope you have lots of fun with this bike - and with your little ones. They don't stay little long. I guess I have grandkids to look forward to.

[@jacksunstone8771]

Two of the luckiest kids on the planet.

[@The_RC_Dude]

Your daughter rips on her bikes! She'll definitely be a competent rider when she grows up!

[@CatManDoSocial]

Bless you for getting a human powered model.

[@AndyZE123]

Love the bike. Your daughter is a brave little cookie!

[@west8723]

LOVE THIS VIDEO!! I’ve been an avid Big Dummy rider since 2008ish. I’ve hauled kids, groceries, other bikes, beer kegs, adults ect with it. I’ve even competed in 150 mile gravel races (x3) on this bike. It’s changed my life and what I thought was capable with a bike. So glad to see you embrace it and showcase it’s capabilities! Great video!!

[@colincoulthard3021]

Seeing the Surly surfing, I shall be looking forward to the next RC crawler video. 😉

[@johnp9650]

I can totally relate. I have an ‘08 Surly Long Haul Trucker & recently upgraded to a Riv touring bike. Not the kind of bike I would have been interested in when I was younger, but absolutely love them now!

[@glennwaters8447]

Wow, your daughter is killing it!! That's awesome. That's a great backpacking bike if I ever saw one. Nice!

[@skullsroad3642]

And it all circles back to Holy Rollers. One Seths earliest videos. Love it.

[@jtolech]

Thanks for the video! I picked up a 2011 Kona Ute and have been customizing it for the past year for my 2 kids. It is by far my favorite bike. Now I will definitely be looking at more bike storage on it. Thanks for the tips!

[@abstraddic0442]

Sick Build !!! Man! Your life is a Movie about success.💯👍

[@joekraxberger1489]

1250 dads just had ideas. Seth please never stop

[@freemandrew]

Surlys are the definition of Apocalypse Bike. My Big Dummy has been hit by cars twice and it dished out way more than it received (right hook; long gash/dent down several side panels vs me having to twist the handlebars back into alignment). It is the best bike I have ever owned.

[@adamroberts1432]

Big Dummy was my most ridden bike for a 6-7 year phase of dad life.... Best decision ever!

[@brettrcooper]

I think “enriching” is the perfect description for this video. PS: I’ve seen so many of your videos, and this is the most jealous I’ve ever been of one of your bikes.

[@theroburrito]

That remount at the end was *chefs kiss*

[@GodWeAreLegend]

Thanks Seth for Entertaining us!

[@NathanEide]

This is the most Surly video that every Surly'd. Minnesota Pride.

[@seattlegrrlie]

Living in Seattle, you see these sometimes and it's always great! Love when it's dad with his kids.

[@mishmasta]

Dad bikes are the best. I built mine from a Disc Trucker frameset with a rack mount seat on the back for the kiddo and a Wald basket and bag from Car Sick Designs on the front for everything else. Balance bike got bungeed to the back of the seat, but now he's riding his own bike everywhere! Check out the Arundel Looney Bin cage for a really adjustable bottle cage. Holds a bottle of wine, or the goofy cartoon character shaped water bottle your kid just begged to bring along.

[@Surfwr3ck3r]

As a dad, I own a 2008 Big Dummy myself. Bought it used with a rear hub motor, finding myself riding it powered off most of the time. The Big Dummy is a blast. It literally hauls evertything (including this one friend who‘s bike was stolen at the pub this one night). Me and my 8 year old love it - I won’t give it away. Greetings from Dusseldorf/Germany!

[@aul0s]

As a roadie I like peering into the otherside, the flip-bike series being my favorite. As an urbanist and cycling commuter though I really loved this episode!

[@coryartrip8142]

I read peeing and thought you were going to say something about bag placement. I had to read that three times.

[@gaypreator8547]

If you can dream it someone will build it. Loved your daughter mechanic-ing the front sprocket/pedal area. Surly go.

[@user-bx6cc9nk5v]

Great dad bike. I'm a father of 3, one 6 year old boy who rides his bike despite his autism and 2 16 months twin girls always go on a bike carrier pulled by my wife, so important to take the kids out to the nature and introducing them to such a healthy habit. One note, maybe you should get some foot steps installed as the little ones may get their legs tired for being hanged.

[@CalebMichaelMartin]

As a newly minted dad this gives me some serious stoke. Thanks for the ideas. maybe we'll run into each other on the greenway and I'll owe you a beer!

[@megacatsupreme466]

I recently drove down from NJ to camp in Western NC. I stopped by Berm Park and was really impressed. You've really created an awesome spot!

[@Riazor1370]

Ooh that little lady turns the push bike into commuting bike, even climbing a steep hill! awesome. I think now I like push bike.

[@OtesOtesOtes]

The pedal lights are ingenious, took me a little to realize that it's got a level to figure out which way it up to figure out front/back white/red.

[@vinniemezzina3154]

Just cool! thanks for showing this bike.

[@markpeterson8978]

I recently built up a Surly Big Dummy with a longboard deck. Last weekend me and the owner surfed it and it was a blast! great video and sketchy factor. Cheers - M

[@casparwhittey]

Awesome video Seth! Really cool to see you showcase something different and suited for your life beyond the mtb. Love it!

[@ghost45891]

Dude your daughter was RIPPIN it at that skate park! Nice!

[@latrace1986]

"We're going to take it out, but first... let's stare at it." THANK YOU. We need those full shots of the bike. Sometimes you see videos or photos of a bike project someone did and then you don't get a proper full reveal!

[@1speedbrian]

I bought a Big Dummy out of the first batch they made. Its been a staple at our house especially when my kids where little. Grocery store trips, swimming pool trips, greenway when the kids where little if they got tired they could ride on the back, stick the front wheel of their bike in the bag a tow it along. The stack is a weird thing, Ive never seen a BD without 120MM+ of stem spacers.

[@Dysprosio2]

I have a regular Kona longtail Ute and LOVE it... Been for commuting with my kids to school since they were both on small bike chairs. Upgraded to the curral and I´m still riding it.

[@BrunnerFoundry]

I've wanted a Big Dummy ever since I saw my first one in downtown Asheville around 2009. Thanks for reminding me it's still on my list!

[@ChrisTrunek]

I too recently rebuilt my city bike for dad bike duty. Our friends found us one of those two seat bike trailers, and it is awesome! It is large and annoying to store, but it rides like a dream and It can carry all our crap for a family outing. kid is down low and super safe and he can get in and out all by himself. when #2 comes well be ready. I have been trying to think of how to bring the balance bike, these were good ideas. I used to do something similar with my trials bike and it was a regular rack and two strategic bungees.

[@ananthkutuva3748]

The holy rollers bring back Seth’s Florida days‼️

[@newworldoddity925]

one thing i love about your style of parenting is your including your daughter in the videos but still allowing her to have privacy

[@simonmathenge7544]

This is one of those unique videos you never see coming

[@jusezava]

I love seth so much, ive been watching him since his florida days. I truly love these non mtb bike videos. They're so genuine and heartwarming. 🫶

[@ralphjohnson4383]

Cargo bike and the kid were some of the best times. Have fun out there

[@TimR123]

Dang! That beast makes me wish my kids were still little :-) I love the do it ALL thing.

[@Arachmana]

I am a proud owner and operator of a Surly Big Dummy. It's 2nd gen with the straight top tube and I'm the 3rd owner. Ive rode this sucker over 12k mi with up to 3 people on back and loads as heavy as 600 lbs. This bike is equipped with Shimano deore 2x 36t/22t with 11-34 in the back. It climbs levee walls, shreds deep sand and suplexes any obstacles that grab on. I've lifted over bridge railings to get it across safely because the rear wheel has a cage. Also dont forget to keep the back clear. That rear caging can be used to stand ur bike for easy maintenance and tight storage. Having rear bars to grab is essential because most of the weight is behind the rider. If you want any tips on this bike I'm your gal. 💘

[@Horus1688]

Seth solved the problem of transporting the balance bike with that clamp. Couldnt stop there. Had to make something that cost more, weighed more, and had a higher center of gravity. True legend.

[@raxxo69]

BIG props to you for not showing the kid(s) on camera! 🤙

[@dejesusandfriends1888]

classic seth video. subscribed 6.5yrs ago and started mtb 6yrs ago because of this channel. now i’m enjoying this video in colorado because i moved out here for the biking (and skiing.) anyways, biking at trestle bike park was a top moment in my life and now i live right by it thanks to your inspiration. thank you seth keep doing what you’re doing!

[@henri-basilhearne3480]

One of the coolest videos Seth! Loved every moment and the bike surfing at the end🎉

[@erich8258]

I'm glad that Seth found a way to make a long-tail cargo bike sketchy and dangerous -- nice surfing!

[@andygrace3825]

equal parts genius and madness, love it your kids won't ever forget it.