Comments on: Building super monkeys

By: Todd (admin)

Todd (admin) — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 23:16:50 +0000

I’d say I prefer the stiffness/strength/integrity of the big dummy with 24″ wheels and the handling/feel of the karate monkey with 26″ wheels.

By: nick slavich

nick slavich — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 22:52:39 +0000

Hi Todd,
In the beginning, you stated already that you can’t assume “UNIVERSALLY” but from your personal experience, 5yrs from 100-10000 miles (etc.) you – personally can’t help to have develop some strong personal opinions. My question is from your personal “taste” with the same strong personal opinions Big Dummy stoke or Karate Monkey stoke. Happy Forth of July, Nick

By: Todd (admin)

Todd (admin) — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 19:45:38 +0000

Hi Nick – There is no One True Best Build. I wouldn’t begin to make specific recommendations without knowing your riding style, conditions, tastes, budget, size, loads, etc!

By: nick slavich

nick slavich — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 06:41:07 +0000

Hey Todd,
Now that the Big Dummy has been out for years, What do you think is the best build? Big Dummy stoked or Karate Monkey stoke or Something NEW!!!
Thanks in Advance

By: Todd (admin)

Todd (admin) — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 18:51:03 +0000

that’s right, andy. but build the BD with 24″ wheels and you get low and stiff together. you need to run fat tires (big apples!), but that’s good too.

By: Andy

Andy — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 18:36:17 +0000

With the Big Dummy just about here I’m just wondering about ‘best’ option for an Xtracycle. My impression from reading info so far is that BD would be stiffer with a load and KM X with 26″ wheels would be less stiff with load, but have the benefit of less ground clearance, ie easier to manage at low speed and stops. (Accepting that the BD additional ground clearance would be an advantage off rosd).

Have I got that about right?

By: Anthony

Anthony — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 21:05:50 +0000

I’d been thinking about this for quite awhile, in light of some of the great xtracycle builds out there, and had a thought.

There are cases where a both/and instead of an either or can exist. So clearly one of the oft cited benefits of a KM xtracycled is the lower standover allowing you to more reasonably put a foot down at a stop while still in your saddle.

Meanwhile, there exists the incredibly beefy instigator frame made for 26″ wheels with higher bottom bracket. Well my wife and I go to the mountains regularly so consequently like having the higher bb for the 4×4 roads that lead to some of the better, lesser traveled trails, but also see the benefit of the foot down ability of the KM. Then it occured to me that both could in fact be possible.

I’m currently building an instigator up with an xtracycle kit and now have plans to add a gravity dropper seat post. The idea being that the seat post has a remote lever so you can drop your saddle using a remote lever as you approach a light or come to a stop, then after the first crank rotation away from a stop, flip the lever and unweight the saddle and your back up to full height, all while enjoying the benefits of the higher bottom bracket.

I’ll let you all know how it works in practice.

By: Todd (admin)

Todd (admin) — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 20:59:26 +0000

there’s no problem running fenders on this or the big dummy built with 24″ wheels. i use a bent spoke as a strut to support the fender close to the tire from the steer tube.

By: Q.

Q. — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 20:54:19 +0000

You have a great bike there, Todd. I think I’ve figured out that with the KM fork, disc brakes and big apples, there is no way to run a front fender. Am I right? Also, does this also apply for the same set up on your Big Dummy test bike?

By: AllanF

AllanF — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 19:06:33 +0000

If I may jump in, regarding handling and Big Apple tires… I was a long-time skeptic of 26″ wheels and the super wide tires in particular. While I wasn’t some lycra-nut that thought 23c was the widest one should ride outside of single-track, it did feel like the 700c wheeled bikes I rode were invariably peppier and more precise feeling.

When I had my long-tail built, I used 26″ wheels because I had a very nice spare set and using them would save me a few hundred dollars. I also went with the Big Apples in 50c. I have to say the bike and those wheels are wonderful feeling. I am amazed that big, fat tires can feel so good. They gobble up gravel, cracks, pot holes for lunch and steel grates for dessert. That much is a given. However, they do not feel the least bit sluggish or imprecise. I’ve not taken it on a long-haul, but I intend to and have no doubts it would perform just fine.

In short, I’d not spend too much time worrying about wheel size. If you have a preference then certainly go with your preference. But don’t let it become the prime criterium.