This is something I've always wanted to do -- but some of the little bits were scary (such as figuring out how to mount a BB). During my stay in the bay area, I met Tom Kabat of
http://www.woodenbikes.com/ and rode some of his creations. The idea isn't too scary, and not that difficult.
Pressing bearing cups into wood is just hilarious enough to make me laugh at what I was doing. I mean, I had to take a hammer and screwdriver to get the cups out of their original home (a steel BB), and here I am taking a hole saw to a 2x4 and setting the cup inside.
It's not done yet... I need
1. Make a seat (see three)
2. Add some chain and resolve my chain line (needs an idler to get the chain away from the front tire)
3. Cut excess wood away as not to make it "the widow maker"
4. Make handle bars (I've found short lengths of .5" PVC works great)
I've gone for some short test rides - and I'm totally stoked! Except tomorrow, Kinematics homework is due, so I had to take care of that (bummer).
But, I made it modular. I intend on making the front boom adjustable. So I can go for the extra aggressive seat position just by removing 1 bolt and swinging the boom forward
Right now, it's a single speed with coaster brake. Not ideal for a 'bent, but it makes things like shifters and brake levers/line SO much easier (and launching a bit more difficult). I'll probably add cantilever brakes and a different wheel later (perhaps 7 speeds
).
Sorry, I'm venting. But I'm really excited. I've always wanted my own 'bent (but don't have hundreds of dollars to shell out for one
).
For the record, I've NEVER bought a new bike. Everything is vintage, derelict or bought at auction
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