Frankenbike v2.0
rednikki scored a free bike for me off Freecycle a while back, a dilapidated mountain bike with no seat, missing parts and trashed wheels. I built it up using parts from 3 or 4 other bikes plus new drivetrain components (chainring, chain and freewheel) and cables. It looked like this in its first reincarnation
It was mechanically just fine but the riding position was too bent over and caused me a lot of neck strain. So I bought a new handlebar, seat and other components and turned it into this:
Oh yeah!
I decided to incorporate the white of the tires into the color scheme more purposefully so I got white grips and sheathed the cable jackets with white heat-shrink tubing.
I would have gone with a more modest height on the sissybar, but the 42" one has built-in springs for suspension so you know I had to get that one.
It's a challenge to get on and off it. So far the easiest way to get on is to press forward on a pedal with my foot and force it into a wheelie, then step over the sissy bar and lower the front end back down. Dismounting is similar - plant one foot on the ground, push a pedal with the other to force a wheelie, then step out.
The blue of the seat is just the wrong shade to go with the frame (plus there's virtually no padding) so I got some tiger print plush fabric to reupholster it with.
I actually need longer handlebars too. Because the actual ass position is several inches further back than with a standard saddle, I had to turn the steering stem backward to get the handlebar grips where I wanted them. This is less than optimal for a number of reasons. I'm going to source some bars that have several inches more rise so I can turn the stem back toward the front.
By the way, don't buy from streetlowrider.com. They suck.
It was mechanically just fine but the riding position was too bent over and caused me a lot of neck strain. So I bought a new handlebar, seat and other components and turned it into this:
Oh yeah!
I decided to incorporate the white of the tires into the color scheme more purposefully so I got white grips and sheathed the cable jackets with white heat-shrink tubing.
I would have gone with a more modest height on the sissybar, but the 42" one has built-in springs for suspension so you know I had to get that one.
It's a challenge to get on and off it. So far the easiest way to get on is to press forward on a pedal with my foot and force it into a wheelie, then step over the sissy bar and lower the front end back down. Dismounting is similar - plant one foot on the ground, push a pedal with the other to force a wheelie, then step out.
The blue of the seat is just the wrong shade to go with the frame (plus there's virtually no padding) so I got some tiger print plush fabric to reupholster it with.
I actually need longer handlebars too. Because the actual ass position is several inches further back than with a standard saddle, I had to turn the steering stem backward to get the handlebar grips where I wanted them. This is less than optimal for a number of reasons. I'm going to source some bars that have several inches more rise so I can turn the stem back toward the front.
By the way, don't buy from streetlowrider.com. They suck.