My Xtracycle - Surly Instigator-based
03-25-08, 07:25 PM
#1
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My Xtracycle - Surly Instigator-based
I picked up a Surly Instigator frame from Recycled Cycles a month and a half ago when I visited Seattle. I decided I was going to get an Xtracycle on it and it's finally done. My LBS assembled it today. As I haven't built anything before, this would be rather auspicious and expensive to do as a first build. Picked up the majority of the stuff there, excepting the frame, wheels and tires, and seatpost. Great shop, too.
- Front wheel: Shimano IS-6 disc hub, 32 hole Sun Ditch Witch, 203mm Avid BB7
- Surly Instigator rigid fork (suspension corrected)
- Specialized stem, Specialized Enduro rise bars, SRAM X.7 shifters, Avid FR-5 levers, Oury grips.
- Saddle: WTB Recreational (going to test it out for a couple/few rides)
- Shimano Deore LX FD on top of SRAM Firex cranks (with 22-32-44t chainrings) and Shimano single-sided SPDs
- SRAM X.7 long-cage RD over an SRAM 11-34t casette
- Rear wheel: Cannondale Delta IS-6 disc hub sized for 9spd, a 32 hole Mavic 325 Disc rim and another 203mm Avid BB7.
- Tires: Conti Town & Country 2.1
First impressions from a short ride:
Saddle height needs to go UP, something fierce. I wish I had gone with SPD-SLs - they're nowhere near as walkable, but they're much more assuring when it comes to being clipped-in and staying clipped-in. The front-end seems a little loose, but that might change with the saddle-height.
I need to stretch out the cables and bed in the brake pads, then take it back for a quick tightening. I can also swap out my saddle and try a different one then, but I feel like this one will work out.
Edit: Slid the seatpost an inch or two up and it was perfect. I don't think I'll be needing to change stems angle/length, as it feels perfect.
- Front wheel: Shimano IS-6 disc hub, 32 hole Sun Ditch Witch, 203mm Avid BB7
- Surly Instigator rigid fork (suspension corrected)
- Specialized stem, Specialized Enduro rise bars, SRAM X.7 shifters, Avid FR-5 levers, Oury grips.
- Saddle: WTB Recreational (going to test it out for a couple/few rides)
- Shimano Deore LX FD on top of SRAM Firex cranks (with 22-32-44t chainrings) and Shimano single-sided SPDs
- SRAM X.7 long-cage RD over an SRAM 11-34t casette
- Rear wheel: Cannondale Delta IS-6 disc hub sized for 9spd, a 32 hole Mavic 325 Disc rim and another 203mm Avid BB7.
- Tires: Conti Town & Country 2.1
First impressions from a short ride:
Saddle height needs to go UP, something fierce. I wish I had gone with SPD-SLs - they're nowhere near as walkable, but they're much more assuring when it comes to being clipped-in and staying clipped-in. The front-end seems a little loose, but that might change with the saddle-height.
I need to stretch out the cables and bed in the brake pads, then take it back for a quick tightening. I can also swap out my saddle and try a different one then, but I feel like this one will work out.
Edit: Slid the seatpost an inch or two up and it was perfect. I don't think I'll be needing to change stems angle/length, as it feels perfect.
Last edited by Corcis; 03-25-08 at 08:21 PM.
03-26-08, 07:32 PM
#4
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nice bike! Have your hauled a load with it yet?
03-26-08, 10:02 PM
#5
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Thankfully, she doesn't believe the N+1 theory!
03-26-08, 11:33 PM
#6
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Nicely done....
03-26-08, 11:55 PM
#7
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03-27-08, 08:22 AM
#8
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I've got a bike, photography & traveling problem so it all kind of comes together somehow! I also have to give Flikr credit so many inspirational photogs on that site it is really helpful to motivate you.I added you as a contact as well and I'm looking forward to some sweet action pics of your Instigator/Xtra cycle fully loaded. I think the Instigator is such a great choice as the front end of an Xtracycle rig...
BTW - I started a Big Dummy/Surly+Xtracycle google group if you feel like joining in the fray.
03-30-08, 07:25 PM
#9
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She rode on it today, adjusted really fast and will be a great passenger. We worked out a system of calls (foot down, slowing down, turning, let go) and she keeps a light grasp on my hips while we're moving. We're going out camping midway through next month, hitting the Tulip Festival and spending the night on Puget Sound.
