tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8029379287701044781.post4606971768307585275..comments2010-01-24T12:55:59.031-07:00Comments on Vik's Big Dummy: Dempster Highway Report CardVikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07214932277372519931noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8029379287701044781.post-37713441119346866702008-08-16T09:15:00.000-06:002008-08-16T09:15:00.000-06:00Choccy,I'd be very hesitant to put hydraulic brake...Choccy,<BR/><BR/>I'd be very hesitant to put hydraulic brakes on my Big Dummy as I don't feel the need for more braking power. My concern is for fast wearing pads which won't be solved by hydraulics, but might be solved, as you suggest, by aftermarket pads.<BR/><BR/>My other concern, using the Big Dummy as a touring bike, is the availability of spare parts in more remote areas, such as rural Mexico or even small town Canada/USA. Again hydraulic brakes won't be a be a better choice than mechanical discs and I think ultimately v-brakes are the best choice for this sort of tour since they are ubiquitous.<BR/><BR/>Replacing cables/housing on a mechanical disc brake is something just about any bike shop can handle and has the parts for. If I walk in with a set of hydraulic brakes I don't think bike shops outside of larger cities would be able to help me.<BR/><BR/>Finally the issue I had with how I routed my brake housing on the Big Dummy was an installation problem that would have adversely affected any kind of brakes I put on the bike.<BR/><BR/>Thanks for your suggestion though,<BR/><BR/>VikVikhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07214932277372519931noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8029379287701044781.post-31004171814197093762008-08-16T01:17:00.000-06:002008-08-16T01:17:00.000-06:00With your brake problem I would suggest using hydr...With your brake problem I would suggest using hydraulic disc brakes if you're touring near towns and cities so parts are easier to get. The difference in performance is incredible. I used Avid cable discs then changed to Avid Juicy 3's with 160mm rotors and the extra power is great. You could even go for a 203mm rotor which is 45% more powerful than the 160mm. The only time you need to take the brakes in for work is to change oil every 3 or 4 years. And if you get sintered pads the 2 day wearing problem will be gone plus you will have better wet weather braking.<BR/><BR/>Choccy...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8029379287701044781.post-52821260468815700932008-08-03T11:24:00.000-06:002008-08-03T11:24:00.000-06:00Someone with a sewing machine and an internet conn...Someone with a sewing machine and an internet connection could make a killing on this. I personally would pay "xtra" for any kind of freeloader without text all over it... and a choice of color. Good materials and craftsmanship would make it a no brainer. <BR/><BR/>This is what cottage industries are all about. Maybe Arkel should jump on it?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8029379287701044781.post-72282157848490158702008-07-30T17:00:00.000-06:002008-07-30T17:00:00.000-06:00I'm working on a better alternative. I'm post some...I'm working on a better alternative. I'm post something when I have something concrete to share.Vikhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07214932277372519931noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8029379287701044781.post-73177109682097833512008-07-30T16:15:00.000-06:002008-07-30T16:15:00.000-06:00I have to agree with your evaluation of the Freelo...I have to agree with your evaluation of the Freeloaders. Good design, could be improved upon but the materials and construction are lacking for heavy duty use. For the price it's very disappointing.<BR/><BR/>I pinged Pat at PAC Designs. She is doing some for herself and a customer as well as she picked up an Xtracycle. But she said she is backed up on work so it may be a while yet.<BR/><BR/>- Sean "Ralfieboy" RalphAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8029379287701044781.post-75102970727932135752008-07-27T20:58:00.000-06:002008-07-27T20:58:00.000-06:00I'm thinking maybe a set of custom thin gauge alum...I'm thinking maybe a set of custom thin gauge aluminum box-style freeloaders? The Dummy is already a fat ass I'd want to keep the weight down.Joshhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04229026802517811502noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8029379287701044781.post-55946542322837028802008-07-27T09:43:00.000-06:002008-07-27T09:43:00.000-06:00Really enjoyed looking at your touring pics on the...Really enjoyed looking at your touring pics on the BD! Makes me itchy to get one. Hope your hand heals quickly...Oldyonfoldyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03252972643288312236noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8029379287701044781.post-84613193664197971852008-07-25T23:02:00.000-06:002008-07-25T23:02:00.000-06:00I fly to LA a lot and usually it costs between $55...I fly to LA a lot and usually it costs between $550 & $850.<BR/><BR/>I'd be happy to host a Big Dummy tour in the Canadian Rockies next summer.Vikhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07214932277372519931noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8029379287701044781.post-82493918737139623332008-07-25T20:50:00.000-06:002008-07-25T20:50:00.000-06:00"If I can get one or two other people out we can s..."If I can get one or two other people out we can split up group gear like tents, stove, fuel, pots, etc.. Not only will there be less for each person to carry, but it will be lots of fun to have company."<BR/><BR/>I'm so there! How much is a plane ticket from LAX? :DAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8029379287701044781.post-27517930184261425462008-07-25T14:50:00.000-06:002008-07-25T14:50:00.000-06:00Thanks Daniel - good tip!Thanks Daniel - good tip!Vikhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07214932277372519931noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8029379287701044781.post-38350270226481952102008-07-25T14:34:00.000-06:002008-07-25T14:34:00.000-06:00If you can't find anyone already in production Eri...If you can't find anyone already in production Eric Parsons of Epic designs can probably either help fix the current one's so that they stay fixed, or replace them with stuff that'll work.<BR/><BR/>http://epicdesigns-ak.blogspot.com/<BR/><BR/>d.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com