SHTF Bicycle

[@kennethcolbert2921]

Surly bicycles are great I had the big dummy until I was hit back in 2015 I did not know I was hit until the next day.I am lucky for sure if it was not for my Burn helmet I would not be here today.Part of my upper back was broken but I am fine now and built my self a Disc Trucker love it.

[@Timberbeartrail]

Surly I will say is the best

[@OGColorado]

I am very glad you survived that incident. Also want to say the Surly line is awesome. I have a Disc Trucker and have taken it on many rides, overnighters, commutes, and up to a week at a time on self supported rides. I bought a trailer but decided it wasn't necessary.

[@IvenGideon-wc2sw]

Ikn vietnam the NVA brought supplies south on bicycles , they would reinforce the frame they would have a long bar across the handlebar for leverage so they could control the weight they would carry up to 500 lbs

[@OldNavajoTricks]

Just starting the bike part of my system, I love what you've done here 👍

[@FidoHouse]

Those side platforms also give you a flat surface for a tiny kitchen setup when you're parked - tiny pressured gas stove, prep surface, etc.

[@CargoBikeCowboy]

Yes, they are quite handy.

[@AllenNix-iz6ev]

You could actually set a small generator on it,...

[@knohultsurvival2024]

Yes,i also think a bike would be the ultimate BOV.And we also need the exersice long before we need it. A thing that is too under estimated in these scenarios.

[@tomcatt998]

Yes,, there was a guy bragging that he could go 70 miles in 2 days on a E bike,, heck I'm 68 & i do 77 miles in less than a day,, with no electric power assist,, BUT I'm not overweight & I'm on that bike every day

[@SylvainSybaris]

It is a wise idea to mount actual Hiking Bags in the event you had to abandon the bike, so that's smart... I also like the Make-Shift side platform, real smart too, so you can carry more gear, like even a tent & such.... The bike itself is also a good model, but yes, carry the necessary bike maintenance supplies & tools, and BE SURE TO LEARN HOW TO DO YOUR OWN MAINTENANCE (real important)

[@CargoBikeCowboy]

I used to run a bicycle shop out of my garage. I do all my own work. Thanks for the nice comment. 👍

[@SylvainSybaris]

@@CargoBikeCowboy ... I can tell you know your own maintenance, and your creative add ons you designed & make... I was referring to other people watching this video considering this bike or any other bike to learn how to do their own maintenance in the event of a SHTF situation because there may not be any available bike shops during a SHTF, so everyone should learn do as many survival things on their own as possible.

[@mikejohnson699]

Glad to see your channel blowing up! Keep up good work Toby!

[@CargoBikeCowboy]

Thanks brother good to hear from you. Hope all is well with you.

[@mrMacGoover]

Thanks for sharing, seen your three wheel trailer on F.B. Personally I built a long John and a cargo trike with the intent to sell them now I really dont want to sell the long John cuz it's so handy!😄

[@CargoBikeCowboy]

Exactly. Bicycles can be so very handy and WAY less expensive to own and maintain.

[@nomadnickbikehobo9598]

That bike is so bad ass!

[@CargoBikeCowboy]

It is an awesome bicycle I love it. Best all around bicycle I have ever owned.

[@44degrees37]

Awesome presentation.Thanks for the info I will certainly use it.Keep up the good videos.

[@CargoBikeCowboy]

Thanks. I'm glad you enjoyed it and appreciate the nice comment. It means a lot to me.

[@pinetree9343]

Lots of good stuff in this videp

[@shadowlab9543]

iv been wanting to build one for along time,gonna have to pick up a frame-they have the big fat dummy too

[@CargoBikeCowboy]

Yes, and there are some differences between the Big Dummy and the Big Fat Dummy as far as there abilities off road. Found a face book group for people who own both bikes may be some helpful info in that group. Group is called: I love my big,fat, and easy dummy. Maybe check it out.

[@wildcaravan]

I want one of these so the dog can come. Love those custom side extensions!

[@CargoBikeCowboy]

Well worth the money. You can get a trailer that you pull behind a bicycle for your dog to ride in. I see a lot of people pulling their dog around on a trailer.

[@ToFightTheGoodFight]

Most importantly, your physical fitness has to be number 1. I worked in a gun store. The unfit people that can afford all the gear & tools can not paddle your well-thought contraption. Let a lone carry all that shit. I subscribe 🇦🇺

[@CargoBikeCowboy]

Thank you.

[@JimmyTH101]

Bikes are a great thing for a peaceful world.

[@saturninc3786]

interesting idea - just wonder if the width works with those extensions on both sides. You might get caugt between obstacles on the road ??

[@CargoBikeCowboy]

@saturninc3786 The wide loaders you see in this video were 10 inches wide. They have been cut down to 6inches and are no wider than the bags I am now using for the rear.

[@miloontheready7814]

Enjoyed this video. The bike would be a true SHTF Monster. Definatly something I am going to have to save up for. Do wish they offered it in other sizes, as I have gotten a little too used to my 29 inch wheels.

[@CargoBikeCowboy]

If your going to get on you need to do it soon. Surly announced the other day that they have remade the Big Dummy and this will be the last ones ever made. This next production run is it, Surly said when they are gone, they are gone. One of the reasons I chose this bicycle was because of the 26" wheels. 26" wheels have been around for a long time and are still widely used, I figured at the end of our civilization they would be easy to find ever where. I almost bought a Surly Ogre.

[@tommysimmons5266]

Get the trailer with the plastic wheels, had to buy one on my 1500 mile bicycle trip from Detroit to Utah.( moving) hit early snow in Kansas by the way of Nebraska. Nice setup dude.

[@CargoBikeCowboy]

Thank you.

[@donaldboyce7110]

Smart thinking dude 👍🔥😎

[@Timberbeartrail]

Thank you for all your videos. I have nights late tonight where you know I’m paying attention to what’s going on in America and stuff and the homeless people and all that stuff and I mentioned to you before I have my Yuba cargo bike the never remember the acronyms for stuff but it’s the electric Yuba Mondo And I really like it, but my point is that your videos bring me some sort of normalcy with what’s going on in the world and that I’m not the only one that thinks like the way I do because you and I are very similar in the way process, what we feel in society And what we’re aware of I want to thank you for making these videos I realize you’re busy and what not. I wish you would make a couple a week and I realize you’re busy. Don’t think I’m bossing you around or nothing I just wish everybody wrote a bicycle where I live. It is not a cargo bike world and city officials are not bicycle friendly they say they are but the results in the infrastructure show they’re not.

[@CargoBikeCowboy]

Thank you very much, it means a lot. The United States is all about automobiles and the all might dollar.

[@meganwildt2481]

I have been trying to decide between the big dummy and the fat tire version the big fat dummy. I live in northwestern wisconsin and we get lots of snow and there are lots of dirt roads. That and the fact that i am on the heavy side myself. But after watching this I think I might just go with the regular big dummy because all the bike shops in the area have regular tires and tubes on the shelf (during normal non pandemic times) but few have fat tire bikes and tires and tube to fix them. I hope someday when this is all over to take a 5000 mile ride around the country and unless im going to carry all the tubes and tires and stuff I need for the fat tire one I dont know if I will find everything I would need in the stores in the middle of nowhere.

[@CargoBikeCowboy]

That is a valid point. This is part of the reason I bought just the regular big dummy. Tires and tubes for 26 inch wheels should be plentiful even during a SHTF situation.

[@BIKEMAN21]

@@CargoBikeCowboy Do you have a SHTF bike channel ? i would subscribe : P

[@CargoBikeCowboy]

@@BIKEMAN21 no I just have my Cargo Bike Life channel was just saying the Big Dummy would be a great SHTF platform.

[@Jarrod_D]

Bug out bikes are my thing glad you posted this.🚲 I built the extra cycle from the rear end of a full suspension bike. put on the back end of a mountain bike. a longboard top deck. I went with the 20-in rear end to lower the load. Gave it to an old black man who cuts lawns mostly just weed eating .👍😄

[@CargoBikeCowboy]

Did you make a video of that bicycle?

[@Jarrod_D]

@@CargoBikeCowboy no I didn't but I brought in the bikes to build another one just to shoot a video. Somebody had said Jarrod you make a video and I posted a couple of videos . my old lady almost lost her s*** when I did .I also got some extra frames to do the sidecar. Thanks for the question.

[@williejamehufff3125]

You could also mount a rear facing gunner seat

[@CargoBikeCowboy]

Yes! That would be awsome!

[@BIKEMAN21]

I was thinking a gun rack would be nice on there

[@ebikeengineer]

Pretty cool, I'd add a Bafang BBSHD 1000w mid-drive motor, and a folding solar array.

[@CargoBikeCowboy]

I belong to a group on Facebook for Surly Big dummy owners and a lot of them go with that setup. I'm a purist I love to pedal.

[@ebikeengineer]

@@CargoBikeCowboy the beauty of a mid drive is that you still can. But when you're injured, tired, or just need to move faster the motor is there.

[@whereswaldo5740]

Just get a good mountain bike. 4 extra tires and 6 inner tubes. And a good tire pump. Most people aren’t going to handle a heavily laden bike. Not far anyways. But a rack on the back some panniers and leave top open for lashing and strapping stuff on. Water bottle holder is handy.

[@jamesthornton-ei9fc]

I have a three wheel bike rigged with a basket underneath the seat on the back I'm working out a way to make something on the front to carry more gear

[@CargoBikeCowboy]

If you send me a picture of the front of your bicycle and a photo of the front from both sides, I can help you figure out how to mount a rack of some sort to the front, if you would like some help. My email address is in the about section of my channel. 🤠

[@niviuk8335]

If you use a bike with a 3x10 system you have to change the chain at least every 2k miles and the rear sprocket every 4k as it wears out. And 2 or 4k miles is nothing if you use it on a daily basis. So if you plan to use your bike as replacement for your car then stock a lot of spares: rear hubs, spokes, tubes, tires, etc. . Maybe even think about a hub gear like Roloff for its longevity.

[@just_jay7078]

Having a secondary mode of transport is always positive but labeling it as an SHTF vehicle is kinda a misnomer simply because every person who has ever bike packed or bike touring is technically considered a prepper due to all the camping (survival) gear used.

[@CargoBikeCowboy]

I labeled the video SHTF Bicycle because of the TYPE of bicycle I'm suggesting. Most people do not tour or bike pack on a cargo bicycle. Most people in the United States do not even know what a cargo bicycle is because this country is so car oriented.

[@tomcatt998]

now THAT'S a bicycle 👍

[@tenminutetokyo2643]

In SHTF one of the most important thing you’re going to need to do I hide. Cover and concealment.

[@CargoBikeCowboy]

Yes, that is true. The bicycle is just a tool to get me to the area where I will be staying. It can also be left out in the open to attract others' attention away from me as a distraction while I sneak up on them.

[@reddog1171]

Awesome

[@xMrjamjam]

The way you could easily upgrade this that would help you save calories and have a portable power supply would be by converting it to an ebike. It will still function as needed even with a flat battery but you'll be able to cycle an easy 60km (40 miles) without exerting yourself. Spare batteries can be easily made by taking apart other batteries and you can charge the battery over a period of a couple days or so in your home base/camp then cycle out and recon/gather supplies. It's not hard to get an ebike to travel at 30-60kph (20-40mph)

[@CargoBikeCowboy]

I agree with what you are saying, except, this bicycle already weighs 55 lbs, dry. If you add electric motor, batteries, etc. It increases the weight you would have to pedal in the event that your Battery died. Most e bike weigh in around 70 lbs, I have had conversations with e bike owners about pedaling them home with a dead battery. They all same the same thing, it sucks. Most e bikes do not have the gear range of the Surly Big Dummy. The Big Dummy has a triple chain ring on the crank and 10 cogs on the cassette.

[@TheHuntercamper]

I seen whole division plus Eq. move entirely on bicycles

[@Teapot-Dave]

In this post-apocalyptic scenario, under what circumstances would you ever need to leave your current solidly-built house and go to live in the woods in a tent?

[@CargoBikeCowboy]

Well, I don't own a home, and I would want to be as far away from any majorly populated area as possible.

[@PeterLawton]

A forest fire could destroy home.

[@Teapot-Dave]

@@PeterLawton It could, but it would be worse if you were bugging-out in the forest at the time.

[@jodyvance4114]

Is that a DROPKICK MURPYS shirt?

[@CargoBikeCowboy]

I believe it was. It was a band that a lot of people seem to like. I bought the shirt at goodwill for 99 cents. I gave it to someone who really realty liked the shirt, it was just a shirt to me.

[@jodyvance4114]

@@CargoBikeCowboy you have a huge heart good sir!!! Im for the most part a “Hillbilly “ because i grew up “Ignurt hill” here in waxahachie Texas. But im of Irish/dutch descent. I love the Dropkick Murphy’s but i love the shirt story even more!!! There isn’t enough kindness left in this old world so i love tales of giving and sharing!!! There’s a special place for people like yourself in heaven. I too try to be as nice and supportive as i can. So Thanks for sharing that with me!!! Ive just got into KZbin and somehow found you. I hope you have an awesome and Blessed day!!!

[@CargoBikeCowboy]

@jodyvance4114 you also brother.

[@LoneEagleNC]

Only way I'd use a bike if SHTF is if I could find some solid rubber tires with a seat with great shocks.

[@CargoBikeCowboy]

@LoneEagleNC I see your point about the solid rubber tires. I run schwalbe tires on my bicycle, and I've only had one flat in three years. A 3 inch screw went through my side wall.

[@davidpavey7233]

Sounds like it would be perfect for shtf. With your side boards holding all your gear, it gives you plenty of room to mount a belt fed 1919 on the rear rack. 🤣🤣

[@Timberbeartrail]

How big is that storage unit

[@CargoBikeCowboy]

That was a 10'x10' unit. I now have a 20'x10' unit. You can see the new shop in another video.

[@renaissanceman5847]

you need to add a little 50cc 2 stoke engine kit to that setup... alot of weight to be hauling and you are fixing to get real tired....

[@CargoBikeCowboy]

No Way. Having a motor would make it a lot easier for sure, but the noise would drive me insane and attract to much attention. If it's the end of this world I want to be as quiet as possible. Zombies bro!

[@renaissanceman5847]

@@CargoBikeCowboy I have e honda Metropolitan... (College white chick scooter). you cant hear that thing running from 15 yards away out in the open. get a thick good scooter muffler, one designed for single cylinder engines. besides you dont have to run it to move the bike around, you can happily pedal it around quietly... but once you are detected... stealth no longer matters... speed and endurance does.

[@justwhoiam3726]

@@CargoBikeCowboy my shtf bike is electric for a fast get away and with a 1500W motor it can get it down the trails and move weight. 30-60 mile range depending on a few variables, able to recharge with a jackery and folding solar panel

[@CargoBikeCowboy]

@@justwhoiam3726 electric bicycles are nice and quiet. I like that about them. As long as you can recharge the battery and the battery doesn't get damaged and become unusable sounds like a good plan.

[@ContraIsBased]

problem is it gets pretty heavy the more stuff you add

[@CargoBikeCowboy]

@@ContraIsBased true, but you also get stronger as you move more weight.

[@richardmorris1965]

where do you hide your weapon

[@CargoBikeCowboy]

If it's a SHTF situation, my weapon would be holstered to my hip, not hidden.

[@josephgeorgeejr7039]

I think an electric bike with solar charge is way go

[@garyliu6589]

Good for normal cross country use also not necessary SHTF...

[@CargoBikeCowboy]

This is true.

[@swazilandirtbikes]

I enjoyed that and I'm not a prepper (much). And I'm gettin' one, thank-you very Much. But they'll have to change their name because I am Big Dummy.

[@CargoBikeCowboy]

If your getting a Big Dummy you might want to hurry. Last year was the last year for production. If it were me I would try to find one from 2019 or before because they came with a crank with 3 chainrings. The later version was switched to a single chain ring on the crank. Under a heavy load those extra chainrings really help. 🤠

[@swazilandirtbikes]

Thanks. The tips make all the difference. Like from 1981 Maico to a 1982.@@CargoBikeCowboy !

[@anthonyrhodes4380]

the cost alone is a game killer his talking big dollars just for that bicycle... im sticking to my trailer... its a great bike hes got but wow the price/cost...

[@CargoBikeCowboy]

Yes it was expensive but I bought it for my all around bicycle. I ride it everywhere and use it for a lot of different things, hauling cargo, grocery shopping, camping, casual riding, etc. I have let a few people who own basic bicycles take a spin on it and they all say they can feel the difference in ride quality compared to their bicycles. I believe you get what you pay for. It took me one year to get the money together to afford that bicycle.

[@11ccom]

OK

[@chuthao6303]

not bad of an idea BUT ALL persons with a huge back pack, bike, trike, cars, AFTER S.H.T.F. will be nothing more than targets GOOD LUCK biking!!! BEST HAVE A SQUAD READY FOR AFTER S.H.T.F. !

[@Addictedtoyoutube9]

Emo proof as well

[@kishascape]

Not bad. I prep more realistically for homelessness instead though. This bike would be fantastic for that. I know one local homeless that has a big cargo trike.

[@CargoBikeCowboy]

Yes it will be handy as this country falls apart.

[@kishascape]

@@CargoBikeCowboy exactly. Already starting to need one bad.

[@tenij000]

hope got chain changer tool :) whit you and real bicycle pump small pumps suck

[@CargoBikeCowboy]

I do have a chain tool and a small but very good pump. Watch my video were I go over the tools I carry with me on every ride

[@anthonyrhodes4380]

BUG OUT BICYCLE... Mountain Bikes for use as a Bug Out bicycle are often over looked there very effective and useful for anything from a ZOMBIE attack or a Apocalyptic traffic jam or any other type of road block-aid you may fined your self into... there somewhat under-discussed if ever as an option and an east mode of transportation, with somewhere around 47.5 million sold in the united states there should be a few around but why wait get your bug out bike ready to ride now and get out there and get some of that much needed exercise god knows I can use some... there 3 time faster then walking and average 10 mph to 14 mph with ease walking at best without a load or back pack were looking at apx 3 mph to a speedy 4 mph to evacuate your little disaster scenario so why not turn your bicycle into a bad ass customized for use as a Emergency death machine vehicle... They are also QUIET shhhh, lots of available options too like adding a bike trailer baskets or racks of all types to hold your gear... you can add all type of rack, baskets or trailers if you like or just you and your back pack what ever you feel comfortable with, make sure you have an extra tire or two and a extra tube and a good patch kit and a small air pump, now a bit more on the bike itself I recommend a good mountain bike one easy to repair and not a complex one in case something happens and you need parts that are east to acquire... now for the color I don't like anything easy to spot or shiny and I go with flat olive green I use olive drab green like army green in a spray can of self-etching primer pretty much making it invisible in the woods or parked next to a bush and I don't have a bike with a suspension it goes back to the what if a breaks and finding parts, right now I'm just having fun but this topic did come up and this is a very fun project and I'm painting my bike anyway so theres that ya fun for me whoopee lol... so there's a ton of options for you to fit your own needs and if your bugging out in a vehicle a bike is a great back up WHEN YOU DO RUN OUT OF GAS so tie one on the top and you're off on a adventure... My wish is to have a Engine Motor Kit 100 CC 2-Stroke Gas Petrol Motorized Bike Bicycle Motor Engine Kit Full Set DIY Upgrade Bike Bicycle Conversion Kit (36 Tooth Sprocket) installed when needed and I'm ready to bug out these kits are complete and seem to work at least for a little time and the thing is if finding gas becomes an issue you can always remove the kit and go back to using the pedals without any problems, the cost for the kits are mostly always under 250.00 and that's not a bad option to get you moving out a lot faster just remember the added speed of a motor is a trade off in noise... Added more options for front and rear baskets panniers and racks, theres 100's of options in any combination you can think of...

[@CargoBikeCowboy]

I agree with using a mountain bicycle, it's a great option. If you want a motor you should check out my friend jjarod d he has a motorized bicycle channel and made a really nice motorized bicycle with an engine from harbor freight.

[@anthonyrhodes4380]

@@CargoBikeCowboy yes the motors are indeed great and that run well if installed right the 100 cc one are extra good and the nice thing is when the motors wiped out you'll still have the bicycle to fall back on you just take off the motor parts and start peddling stash the motor and parts away im sure there will be a few around for parts and youll always be on the lookout for gas anyways lol its a win win win...

[@agrosyntrop]

you could ride to the front and outfit four men with that bike. You can have your own squad :p

[@CargoBikeCowboy]

Yes you definitely could.

[@SuzyChapsticksArmy]

electric version. big easy

[@tmayberry7559]

1st reinforce your existing tubes with old inner tubes as puncture strips 2nd stock up on bike supplies 3rd have the bike at the ready (chain lubed lights attached and charged) 4th Take down this video you are telling to much. Why because when SHTF happens you'll be the first place people will want to pillage because they know you're ready BE THE GREY MAN blend in don't stand out when it's time to get out. Just a thought

[@CargoBikeCowboy]

Appreciate the comment. I totally understand your point of view. I learned a long time ago never to expose your plans for a SHTF situation. This video was only to suggest to people that a cargo bicycle might be a good thing to consider for a SHTF bicycle. The truth is in any survival situation I rely more on knowledge and actual practiced skill sets.

[@tmayberry7559]

@@CargoBikeCowboy exactly. Be the GREY MAN

[@mikemaxwell2591]

Over 2K in price and who would carry that much in that situation and be seen with all that stuff? Pass. I cycle daily and would never be seen with that much stuff or slowed down with it. You'd just attract attention.

[@CargoBikeCowboy]

I know that. In a long term SHTF situation you will have to stay hidden and be stealthy. Less stuff more knowledge. Having any type of transportation in a long term SHTF situation is going to be tough. You need parts to keep it going long term and everyone will want what you have. I have always wanted a cargo bicycle and finally came to the point in my life were I can have one. It's one of those things that you have to experience if you really want to understand it. Even fully loaded it is still a dream to pedal. I love it but sometimes miss having a regular mountain bike.

[@DonaldMacComb]

Awesome