Joe Bike now offers Surly’s Big Dummy as a frameset ($999; 16″, 18″,
20,” or 22″) or as a complete build tailored to your needs and budget
($1900-2700). 

The Big Dummy has a 200 lb. cargo capacity–about half that of the Mundo at about twice the cost, but
with a much greater range of spec and accessories. Here’s Surly’s copy:

What does a Big Dummy do? Using Xtracycle plug-in components, it
hauls your groceries, tools, human and animal friends, surfboard, work
duds, briefcase, vacuum cleaner, firewood, moonshine, camping gear,
banjo, mulch, and anything else you can imagine, while providing the
functionality, durability, and sweet ride characteristics that Surly
bikes are known for. Use the Big Dummy for commuting to work, running
errands, taking the kids to school, farm/yard work, touring, or just
riding around cuz it’s fun.

What are some advantages of the Big Dummy vs. other cargo carrying
systems? 1) It’s shorter than a bike + trailer system, so it can be
easier to maneuver through traffic. 2) Compared to messenger bag or
backpack, it won’t put strain on your back and shoulders. 3) Two
wheels, vs. three or four on a bike + trailer system, keep rolling
resistance, rotating mass, and overall weight to a minimum. 4) A
longer-than-average wheelbase makes it predictable and comfortable for
the long haul. 5) It offers more cargo capacity than a bike + rack
system, while keeping most of the weight low and centered between the
wheels for increased stability. 6) It’s modular and versatile. You only
have to carry the accessories that are needed for your task. 7) It
rides like a bike, on- and off-road. No trailer-induced death sway, no
weird front-end shimmy. We’ve got lots more info about the Big Dummy’s finer points in our Spews section, on the blog page.

The Big Dummy is built from 4130 CroMoly
steel. We designed it to be torsionally rigid while offering some
vertical compliance. The Big Dummy features disc caliper mounts and
cantilever brake pivots, clearance for 26 x 2.5″ tires and fenders,
multiple water bottle cage mounts, and a kickstand mount. Set it up
with mountain components, road components, or a mixture of both. There
are no chainring clearance limitations…except the ground, so you can
gear it as high or low as you like. The included 425mm axle-to-crown
CroMoly fork can be swapped out for an 80mm-travel suspension fork
without radically altering the steering geometry. Frames are available
in 16, 18, 20, and 22″ sizes (center of bottom bracket to top of top
tube).