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As far as cargo bikes go, this prototype Surly ‘Big Draggler’ put together by UK distributor, ISON, has got to be the most go-fast I’ve ever seen.


Spotted at Core Bike 2018, this unique cargo-wagon is built around a Surly Big Dummy, but the flat bars and 26in wheels of the stock build have been swapped out in favour of a drop bar cockpit, courtesy of 3T, 650b Halo wheels shod with WTB Resolute tyres and a SRAM Apex groupset.

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The bike has been put together for Paul Errington. Paul is an integral part of Focal Events, which has been key in bringing gravel events to the UK, such as the Dirty Reiver.

The bike is going to be used by Paul to schlep stuff about at the events, so should you be making a pilgrimage to any of Focal’s events, you’ll likely see it out in the wild, though I can’t imagine it’ll be as spotless or lightly laden as it is pictured here.

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The stock Big Dummy is designed to portage a whopping 90kg of stuff, but if that’s not quite enough for you — my goodness, what on earth are you trying to transport by bike?! — this particular bike is even fitted with a trailer hitch. Madness. For day-to-day duties, the included bags should suffice.

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Surly is one of the few brands out there that actively recommends you try experimenting with its bikes — this guide details some of the fun stuff you can have with the Big Dummy — but I have my doubts that there’s a Big Dummy as posh as this one out there.

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As the bike isn’t a stock build, you’ll have to speak to ISON or your local Surly dealer to get your hands on a Big Draggler.