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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[@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?

[@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?

[@Fanaleds-software]

And also visit some local trails like in Zandvoort!

[@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

[@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!

[@FishSticks6]

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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@oliverbrunt1]

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

[@ecopennylife]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@psychopigy]

I have to say how much i appreciate seeing a content creator actively not including his daughter's face in his public content. I'm sure it makes it more complex to film and edit, but good for you in giving her that ability to not be broadcast to millions.

[@theo8037]

was on my way to post this

[@JustOneRedSoloCup]

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

[@bilbychannel6681]

Same

[@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 😂

[@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!!

[@OMFGcatakid]

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

[@sandy_knight]

0:10 I can think of something else it can't do, even Ali C couldn't wheelie it 😜 Not that that's a bad thing if you can tow a DJ bike behind you, how easy would it be to adapt to tow a 20mm thru-axle bike?

[@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 !

[@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.

[@anthonygotttheonly]

I really appreciate you respecting your kids privacy as much as you can

[@crispyfilms3983]

Rebecca looks fearless on that balance bike!

[@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!

[@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!

[@cyanginpedro]

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

[@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

[@noahjensen2376]

Every big dummy owner ever has surfed on the deck and tried to pedal the bike from the deck. The best is when you learn that it can do some wicked skids.

[@MichaelRei99]

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

[@caseypavek1553]

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

[@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

[@aurorapaisley7453]

Honestly love that

[@rashadabdullah9769]

Are the wheels strong? I tried for the buffalo bike but they wont sell to me. And this bike here new is $3500. I think Brian at BriansBitchinBikes could fab smthn up for me better than this for that price. Dont get me wrong, its a good bike but $3500? Really? My 2004 giant nrs2 cost $2500 after i upgraded to hope mono brakes. I built a trailer using the old avid v brakes on it for about $300. Was hauling loads in Scarborough ON back in 2012 up to 400lbs. This why i love 3x drivetrains. I had about 18 usable gears at my disposal. Anyway, for $3500, the spokes better b 10g and the frame similar to the buffalo bike. Even there i still dont see 3500.

[@Jackapacka77]

Why has it only got 13 views

[@OffRoadingSteve]

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

[@feeterican]

Did you see that guy from Germany that made the full suspension cargo bike? That bike was pretty EPIC. But he did it himself but he made plans to build your own online.

[@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. 😊

[@MTB_JOHN]

Seth please tell me.I have the joytech 36h on my back wheel and i want to put the shimano deore CS-m5100 cassete.Will it fit??????? PLEASE TELL ME I NEED YOUR HELP

[@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.

[@hed420]

2:30 I'm in the process of converting my bike into a cargo bike. I really need one of these kickstands. It's my daily driver and the other day I sat on my bike with 100lbs on my back and one of the straps on my backpack broke shifting all 100lbs to one side snapping in half the new kickstand I had just bought two weeks prior. Luckily I didn't harm myself too bad. Just a couple bruises and crushed black fingernails. Having this kickstand would have helped a lot. Does anyone know where I can get one?

[@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 😅

[@SilverScarletSpider]

With all the practicality that the Surly provides, why isn’t it shaped more like a Dutch bike? Or even a Dutch Cargo Bike, wouldn’t it be a superior design?

[@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.

[@caramelldansen2204]

I _must_ try this! If only I could cycle without risk of death or severe injury...

[@caramelldansen2204]

I mean, from cars. Obviously.

[@bilbychannel6681]

Please explain how are those some comments from four days ago and for me it only says it was released two minutes ago😮😮😮😮

[@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!

[@Ohio_etsu-masu]

great video as always! one thing- is it true you have to blur your kids face because of p@dophiles? a friend told me THAT is the big reason, not privacy or early age money type stuff

[@mochunk]

I've used a 2012 Puglsey as my commuter with racks and bags, fenders and all. I've used it as my main mtb as well for many years on singletrack. I've also run it SS on those same trails for many years. It's back to geared and still running flawless. Sure I've replaced everything but the rims (new hubs, countless spokes) and frame, but it keeps on going. Wife has one too as well as a Cross Check, but sadly I sold my CC as I ended up with one too small and could never get a good fit on it. I always wanted a Big Dummy (or hell, big FAT dummy) but as I store my bikes in the living room of a tiny condo, well...

[@Kael-q6k]

I found a budget bike that I want you to review. It is called the Eastern Alpaka 29" MTB.

[@tims_builds]

Cargo bike make car go away So much fun and I love my non-electric cargo bike. I really think the non-electrics will hold value better long term, partly bc they are rare but also because they'll never have the problem of being and old motor system that no one makes a battery for anymore or an old computer that you can't replace or anything like that. (Conversely, if you want this to be assisted aftermarket conversions are pretty easy)

[@SeriesHome_K]

Awesome Content Brother 🥳👏😊

[@joanneormsby6080]

w man for paing respect to his dorter

[@WoobieLT]

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

[@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!

[@The_RC_Dude]

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

[@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

[@ghastly545]

Found the hidden vid 🎉

[@glennwaters8447]

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

[@TuxenMTB_]

Just buy a Trek Fetch 2+, objectively the BEST bike ever

[@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!

[@jacksunstone8771]

Two of the luckiest kids on the planet.

[@JonnieB.]

Cool stuff Seth! Kudos for keeping your kid’s face off screen and proper fitting helmet! I always want to fix kids helmets when they are in my neighborhood. Looks like a wicked fun bike

[@abstraddic0442]

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

[@cursedvoid]

Ah yes a surly vid just in time for gooftober. Surly are honestly some of the funniest bikes to see because you can tell that they really are just a platform for futsing around with on a specified niche level. One thing for sure though you will almost never see a stock surly outside a shop.

[@t-virusterrance4734]

Hello, Humans Never forget to pat yourself on the back. TERRANCE OUT

[@a.m.a.b147]

This kid is GOING to be the next world champion, you heard it here first! 🥇

[@crazydiabetic8766]

find a dutch bakfiets and put the tractor gear on it, make a pickup-truck-bike

[@Papa-Bogey]

Consider putting plexiglass on each side of the rear wheels. It’ll protect little fingers and feet from spinning spokes.

[@elias2338]

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

[@timfarhaven9647]

You might also want to have some sort of a screen on the right side on the bike next to the spokes. Kids got dangly feet and getting them in the spokes is the last thing you want.

[@B1KER]

Seth as a father: I’m done doing sketchy stuff on bikes. I have a family now and can’t afford to get injured.” ….stands on back of death torpedo screaming down the the bike path.

[@viglon1334]

Its crazy to follow you along all these years and seeing you grow from a small youtuber to what you became now. Im so happy for you and your famialy. Making your hobby your professiona and income is the best thing evern, i even still have an old shirt from you. I wish you all the best

[@HoxtonLive]

Because of Seth i want a Surly bike now.

[@aleksjenner677]

see cargo bikes everywhere in norway, except they're all electric assist

[@ryanrichards5502]

Day 31 of asking for another flip bike video

[@mathiaskaels9541]

That kickstand with handlebar activation looked sick! Is it a custom build?

[@josiahweeks61]

Hey there. This is my wife’s bike and the centerstand comes from rolling jackass. They make center stands for the big dummy and a bunch of other longtail and cargo bikes.

[@Prim--]

With a new analog Long tail Surly in the mix consider building a matching Berm Peak Custom utility/camper trailer for it. Perfect fun for the entire family and it would be super interesting to see what you think up. Cheers!

[@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!

[@felixszopos-papp1478]

Now I really want to see Sam Pilgrim shread one of these down a trail 😆

[@tylerminich2734]

How much does it weigh fully loaded?😂

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@GodWeAreLegend]

Thanks Seth for Entertaining us!

[@zenmoto369]

My 6 year old nephew suddenly showed interest in MTB, so I've upgraded his Forme Cubley and he is learning, I'll be happy if he learns to shred like your daughter, it filled my soul with joy when I saw her shredding at the skate park :D

[@striderbikes]

Hey! That Strider STR bike looks familiar! 😊😉

[@jmar4293]

Loving all this Dad-bike content on here.

[@sageoz9886]

Gotta try some Jeff Jones handlebars on there!

[@HeretiCflow]

Where I live cargo bikes are common place and they come in all shapes, sizes and configurations. I see parents riding these "contraptions" that probably have more in common with a semi than with a regular bike. But they all have one thing in common: They're E-Bikes. In that sense: Good luck cranking that thing up the hill, Seth! Bring you trail legs. ;)

[@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.

[@carlosux]

finally! dad bike seth. part of the fun of kids is doing the bike grocery run in the winter and getting yelled at by mom that its too cold 😂

[@carlosux]

PS a front baby seat has been our favorite for our girls. ❤

[@OzGeva]

3:08 Always love your jokes and sense of humor, usually I'm ready for it, but somehow this one really caught me off guard and made laugh pretty darn good 😂 ❤

[@jonzo22]

I don't like bikes sorry

[@ssegraves]

Love the bike rack addition. Any ideas for something similar on a Tern GSD with a storm box permanently attached (I live in the PNW where it rains 75% of the year)?

[@SilverScarletSpider]

11:26 this is a good outro, i like you video because of it

[@dangrayber]

Yeah! Analog cargo for the win! I seriously feel like commuting and pedaling my kid around on our Big Dummy has done more to help my climbing while mountain biking than I would have imagined. It might just be the fountain of youth!

[@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!

[@vladimirromania]

BINE !!!!! LIKE !!! Succes ! 🎉🎉🎉🎉 BINE !!!!!! LIKE !!! Succes ! 🎉🎉🎉🎉 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@evwbb]

the vid of oscar and her on the bike was so cute

[@LeaveNoTrashBehind]

I do alot of bicycle stealth camping for fun, this bike would make my adventures so much more exciting. At the moment I'm using one of those bicycle trailer's for storage it's way cheaper then this thing. It works great!