Surly Big Easy Review – $5k Longtail Electric Cargo Bike
https://electricbikereview.com/surly/big-easy/ The Surly Big Easy is a Bosch powered electric cargo bike from Surly with a long tailed design, a steel frame, steel fork, and am aluminum alloy platform rack in the rear. Powered by a Bosch Performance Line CX mid-drive, a PowerPack 500, 11 speed SRAM GX derailleur, and rounded off with Tektro Orion hydraulic brakes. Purpose built for action and loaded with possibilities, it really speaks to the adventurer ready to start a rugged tour or have some fun camping, can also be used around town and in many other situations. Since the bike appeals to a certain consumer, it may put off those looking for a typical cargo bike that serves more like a family van, it is also missing some features like integrated lights, a deflopilator, a slap guard, and doesn鈥檛 come with pedals. EBR was paid to perform this review #Sponsored We try to be honest, thorough, and fun! Comparison tools, shop directory, and forums at: ElectricBikeReview.com
I love my Surly Big Dummy and have a few times attached my RideKick trailer to it… Lots of fun… 馃榾
The tube insert in the rear is designed to protect the bike during shipping, and re-shape the tube opening should it get dented at some point (by reversing the tapered end on the right side to insert into the tube). It’s heavy, and not really intended (I believe) to remain in the frame during use. My Big Fat Dummy came with it, as well.
I was a Big Dummy owner, which was my first Surly. Then we moved to a hilly area and my son’s school was no longer eligible for bussing: Getting this as my 2nd car was the smartest thing I’ve done in a while. I added SKS 56mm Bluemels fenders, replaced the stock bar with the Surly Terminal Bar, replaced saddle with Brooks C19 Cambium Carved saddle and added the Kid Corral to carry my son to/from school. Sure, it’s a lot of money, but a fraction of the cost of even a used car. It’s been a blast and I’m nearing 2000 miles in less than a year, with some winter miles here in Minneapolis. Contemplating 2nd battery as single battery goes about 30 miles in "Tour" and "eMTB" mix under heavy load with hills and 40-45 miles of battery in "Eco" mode on flat ground. Wheels and components have been bulletproof. My only complaints are minor: 1. I wish it had slightly longer battery life, but for most people, this will be more than enough. 2. I wish the kickstand was a center stand so it was easier to load passengers or cargo. It would be cool if they do a fat bike or 29" version, but unless the back end and top bar are lower, it would be tough to get on the bike. There are two kinds of bikers: Those who also have e-bikes and those who will. The best thing about the ebike is that I can ride it to appointments while dressed in a suit and not get sweaty, or use it to have fun outside on the bike on a "recovery" day after a heavy day of riding on my road bike.
Would like to see battery placed behind motor in that triangle area, lower and more center, handle better and provide more usable space, water bottle on tire side of downtube?? For $5k, you would expect a better design?? This truly is Surly’s answer to get an ebike out there ASAP.
How does it ride. Do all kinds if different types of rides and give us a test ride review
Can you modify/hack this to go beyond 20 mph? Like 28 mph?
Great vid. Gracias! -馃寵
*This is a really great electric bike鉁斥湷>**share4.photo/ebicycle?小75** 聽 聽 I paid extra to have a bike store check it over after I鈥檇 assembled it, and I鈥檝e gradually upgraded the seat, tires, derailleur and added new lights, etc. But this is a great price for a good bike that gets you where you want to go. Battery range is excellent and the fact you can remove it to charge is convenient. I would recommend this bike for anyone looking to start with a solid, reliable electric bike.*
Why not offer it in Europe!?!?!?!?
Pedego stretch dual motor looks fun but ….$$$$$$
It looks nice, but is it $3000 nicer than the RadWagon? I understand that the the motor will be more expensive than the hub motor, but you don’t get fenders, lights, or anything really.
Great bike for surly , this bike looks incomplete without matching fenders . Thnx Chris never thought about a dropper post just for stopping ,carrying cargo etc.
can you review joulvert mercer ebike?
We have the Yuba Spicy Curry and it seems like the yuba is more family orientated. This is definitely an amazing and very versatile machine but the Yuba comes in a better overall package off the shelf if your main goal is to carry kids and grocery.
Honestly this should have been a fatbike. Also, why not DualBattery?
$5000.00 I’m on offer up looking for a Honda civic hatchback not a bike thanks but no thanks
I was really disappointed when I found out The Big Easy was just an E-Bike version of the Big Dummy. I was thinking it was the E-Bike version of the Big FAT Dummy …which I’m still holding out for.
So how can you add children seats to this bike? It’s a bit wired that lights don’t come as default with the bike. I totally agree with the dropper posts. Super useful for city use, I wish bike would have at as a default option
Anybody here own a steel bike and ride on salty roads? I’d like to know if this bike could resist rust well in WI year round.
I know Tha for a lot of bikers, it’s no issue. But I’m sad to say that even how brilliant the Surley is. Using it here in Norway, with the winter conditions and salt used to keep the roads and bikelanes free of ice, The normal solid steel frame doesn’t cut it. A few over here is reported to have some serious rust issues in the crank area. So I’m passing. Stainless steel, and I would be all over the Big Fat Dummy, or maby this one.
$5000 is a heck of a lot for someone who use to be a custodian and is retired now