Xtracycle Accessories on the Surly Big and Big Fat Dummy

While the Surly Big Dummy is not an Xtracycle brand bike, it is compatible with some of our accessories, most notably the ones that make carrying passengers a breeze. This article goes into detail about Surly Big Dummy compatibility to the best of our knowledge in hopes of getting your ride ready for all your cargo or kiddo carrying needs. 

Please note that the Big Dummy and Big Fat Dummy are not the same bike so it is important to know which version you have.  None of Xtracycle's accessories are compatible with the Surly Big Fat Dummy.

Article sections are as follows: 

1) Compatibility Charts

- Currently available accessories

- Retired accessories

2) Surly Big and Big Fat Dummy and Hooptie/Yepp Seat Compatibility

  - If you have a pre-2010 Big Dummy

  - If you have a 2011-2013 Big Dummy

  - If you have a 2013 or newer Big Dummy

  - If you have a 2017 Big Fat Dummy

3) If you bought a Big Dummy Frameset (without racks)

4) Glossary of terms

1) Compatibility Charts

CURRENTLY AVAILABLE ACCESSORIES

These are accessories that we currently manufacture and sell. We have only linked to the items that are compatible. 

RETIRED ACCESSORIES

These are accessories that we no longer manufacture and sell. We are including them here since some bike shops or online sellers might have them or they might be found used. 

** Bosses on Dummy Rail might pose some issue with positioning of bag straps, but installation is doable and bags do mount safely and securely. 

2) Surly Big Dummy and Hooptie/Yepp Seat Compatibility

First, determine which Big Dummy you have:

• An early Big Dummy (pre-2010) with a wooden Xtracycle SnapDeck
• A 2010-2013 Big Dummy that came with an Xtracycle plastic LT1 version 1 or 2 FlightDeck mounted with metal SuperHooks
• A newer Big Dummy with a metal deck that Surly produces themselves
• A 2017 Big Fat Dummy

Not sure what deck you have? Check here to find out.

If you have a pre-2010 Big Dummy: You'll need to replace the wooden deck with a newer plastic LT1 version 2 FlightDeck and Superhooks. (FlightDeck ID guide found here). This is because the wooden deck is not safe to install child carrying accessories. The SnapDeck is held in place on the V-racks by plastic hooks that "snap" it into place. While this is fine when children are simply sitting on top of the deck, if you were to install the Hooptie, the deck could become unsnapped from the V-racks since the SnapDeck was not intended to support that kind of weight. If you are installing just a Hooptie, you will only need one set of 4 Superhooks. If you are installing a Hooptie hand rail with a childseat or just a childseat, you will need 2 sets of Superhooks for a total of 8 Superhooks. From there you can mount a Hooptie LT2 using a Hooptie Retrofit Kit. You can also add a MagicCarpet, or up to 2 Yepp Maxi EasyFit kid seats (no adapters needed with the LT1 version 2 FlightDeck). To secure the vertical racks to your Surly frame, you will need a set of four Surly brand Big Dummy Rail Collars (not sold by Xtracycle). Xtracycle brand Rack Locks will NOT work on a Surly Big Dummy. Rail collars prevent the vertical racks from detaching from the bike frame. Surly does not recommend riding with passengers on a Surly Big Dummy without locking the racks to the bike as this may not be safe. 

If you have a 2011-2013 Big Dummy: It probably came with an older FlightDeck and SuperHooks. (FlightDeck ID guide found here). You will be able to mount a Hooptie LT2 to it using our Hooptie Retrofit Kit, as well as the (optional) MagicCarpet. The LT1 version 2 FlightDeck will also allow you to mount up to two Yepp Maxi EasyFit kid seats (no adapters needed). The older, thicker Lt1 version 1 FlightDecks sold with pre-2013 Big Dummies require a Yepp EasyFit adapter (made by Yepp). To secure the vertical racks to your Surly frame, you will need a set of four Surly brand Big Dummy Rail Collars (not sold by Xtracycle). Xtracycle brand Rack Locks will NOT work on a Surly Big Dummy. Surly does not recommend riding with passengers on a Surly Big Dummy without locking the racks to the bike as this may not be safe. 

If you have a 2013 or newer Big Dummy: It probably came stock with Surly racks and a Surly metal deck. (FlightDeck ID guide found here). You should be able to swap the Surly racks out with a set of Xtracycle V-Racks, and swap the deck out with the FlightDeck LT1 v.2 that we currently sell. Surly does not recommend that metal deck for installing Xtracycle accessories and requires that it be replaced with a plastic deck. You'll need one set of SuperHooks to attach the FlightDeck as well. The FlightDeck has windows which can be cut out for directly mounting the Yepp Seat. Add a second set of SuperHooks if you're installing Yepp child seats. Hoopties (using a Hooptie Retrofit Kit), MagicCarpets, can all be mounted to the FlightDeck. To secure the vertical racks to your Surly frame, you will need a set of four Surly brand Big Dummy Rail Collars (not sold by Xtracycle). Xtracycle brand Rack Locks will NOT work on a Surly Big Dummy. Surly does not recommend riding with passengers on a Surly Big Dummy without locking the racks to the bike as this may not be safe. 

If you have a 2017 Big Fat Dummy: The Big Fat Dummy is NOT compatible with Xtracycle accessories. The width between the vertical racks is too wide for a FlightDeck and because an Xtracycle FlightDeck can not be installed, a Hooptie cannot be used. Because of the longer frame, Xtracycle U-tubes are also NOT compatible. For more information illustrating differences between the Big Dummy and Big Fat Dummy (which can help in understanding why the BFD is not compatible), check out Surly's blog post found here. 

3) If you bought a Big Dummy Frameset (without racks): Our Leap V-racks are the solution. They'll mount up perfectly and will then allow you to mount a FlightDeck and the other family accessories of your choice. The V-Racks are spec'd on pre-2013 Big Dummies. As far as the Xtracycle team knows, V-racks will not fit on a Big Fat Dummy frame. 

4) Glossary of terms

LT1: Longtail 1. This refers to the first, older version of Xtracycle Longtail accessories. 

LT2: Longtail 2. This refers to the second, newer version of Xtracycle Longtail accessories. 

V-racks (vertical racks): The vertical metal tubing that creates supports for bags and the rear deck. Surly's version of these is the Dummy Rails. 

FlightDeck (LT1 version 2): The plastic deck that sits atop the vertical racks. Link. 

Superhooks: Metal clamps that securely attach the FlightDeck to the V-racks. Link. 

SnapDeck: The wooden deck that original came on older Xtracycle bikes and kits. 

U-tubes - The horizontal tubes that create foot rests, cargo support and bike towing trays. Link.

Hooptie (LT2): This is the hand rail system that makes carrying passengers and cargo easier. Link.

Hooptie Retrofit Kit: This is needed to install a LT2 Hooptie on a Lt1 v 1 or 2 FlightDeck. It is not needed for installing a LT1 Hooptie or for installing an LT2 Hooptie on an LT2 deck. Link. 

Big Dummy Rail Collars: These are the Surly version of the Xtracycle RackLocks and they are required for safely carrying children on a Big or Big Fat Dummy. Link (to Surly site).