Surly Big Dummy Bags

[@justinbarney8198]

The Surly Panniers: One of my biggest issues with the Surly Panniers, is there is no visibility with them being solid black. So I went to a Uniform Store and purchased the same reflective material that Firemen use on their pants & coats. Then I took it to a sewing alterations shop and I had them sew 2 horizontal strips to both sides. Now I could have bought a reflective ribbon for $20 on Amazon, but I also would have had to upgrade them in a year or 2 due to wear & tear. The other issue is the bags are too bulky to manage. I'd prefer a top-lid duffel like you see with most other panniers. Also those little plastic hooks to secure the flaps break easily, so I went to a hardware store, and got some small spring-loaded hooks. Something else to consider? ...if you're thinking about upgrading to a hardcase pannier, consider that if/when you fall, all the energy that would have been absorbed by a softshell pannier will now travel through the bike's frame, and could bend the frame. Not-to-mention if the hardcase is totally square instead of slanted(nearest your heals), you run a strong risk of breaking bone(in a crash) opposed to a slanted edge.

[@justinbarney8198]

The only problems I had with the Dummy Bags is the little plastic clips to secure the bags ...I bought some of those small spring-loaded hooks(that I usually carry keys on) and used those on the corner straps/tie-downs. And the other is that the Dummy Bags aren't very visible at-night. Perhaps Surly should incorporate the idea of crossing Dummy Bags with a Reflective Vest. The mix of the blazing yellow, blazing orange, and the wide 3M reflective strips would be really sweet.

[@andyharrington3516]

Didn't know the rack came off like that. That's a huge benefit to me . Great seat for camping .

[@jmkc740]

Good video, ty👍

[@djidronemedia7083]

Excellent review thanks

[@OldSchoolreloaded]

Thanks for the review!

[@kamikazekunze]

Nice. I have a big dummy as well. I'm very interested in the 3" tire/wheel build you have there. Additionally, do you have any clearance issues. I'm currently running halo rims and 2.4 holy rollers. Thanks

[@RugbyNick6]

I just got my bike 2 days ago and was a little confused by the bags. I had no idea it had pockets even! I lose a little functiinality due to a Yepp seat on the back but these bags are way cooler than I realized.

[@Sooperhans3636]

Awesome! You can fit 3” tires on a regular Big Dummy?

[@vja4Him]

Did I hear you say "Owyhee" … ? My grandfather (and his twin brother) was born in that area …. at South Mountain, in 1910, a place very few people have ever even heard of.

[@forgetyourlife]

What kind of Maxxis tires are those? how wide, 2.4?

[@thatguyonabicycleofconsurv3908]

Where are you from? Where is this trip you took

[@roberthadley5957]

Do you smoke much pot before you film your videos ?

[@clayguinard3651]

How come you stop doing this how I just now heard of it and 6 years later