Scratch Built Bike
May 18, 2010 8:14 AM Subscribe
Scratch Built Bike
I decided to build a bike. From nothing. This is that attempt.
I realize blogger isn't the best place to host something like this, but I'm far more interested in trying to get my thoughts down than worrying about site design. I've been actively thinking about this for about two months now and just recently started buying parts and tools, so there's a several week lag right now between doing and posting.
Why did I do this? Well, I've been doing a lot of research to figure out just how feasible building a bike from tubing is in a home shop, and most of the sites that I've seen don't provide enough detail - Here's my design! Here's a gratuitous shot of my brazing rig! Here's the bike! I wanted to know more detail, like how certain dimensions were decided, how the jigs were made, etc. Hopefully if someone else hits the same wall they can find this and use it as a step-by-step resource.
"Scratch Built" has two meanings here - the obvious one is that I'm starting from tubes and lugs to build up a whole bike, but I'm also starting from zero resources. As in, I just swept the basement out last weekend so I could put a folding workbench that I just bought in there.
Upcoming posts - setting up the shop! Making jigs! Fire!
I decided to build a bike. From nothing. This is that attempt.
I realize blogger isn't the best place to host something like this, but I'm far more interested in trying to get my thoughts down than worrying about site design. I've been actively thinking about this for about two months now and just recently started buying parts and tools, so there's a several week lag right now between doing and posting.
Why did I do this? Well, I've been doing a lot of research to figure out just how feasible building a bike from tubing is in a home shop, and most of the sites that I've seen don't provide enough detail - Here's my design! Here's a gratuitous shot of my brazing rig! Here's the bike! I wanted to know more detail, like how certain dimensions were decided, how the jigs were made, etc. Hopefully if someone else hits the same wall they can find this and use it as a step-by-step resource.
"Scratch Built" has two meanings here - the obvious one is that I'm starting from tubes and lugs to build up a whole bike, but I'm also starting from zero resources. As in, I just swept the basement out last weekend so I could put a folding workbench that I just bought in there.
Upcoming posts - setting up the shop! Making jigs! Fire!
Yep, I'm following the framebuilders list. One of the things I should include is a list of all the resources I've been using to figure stuff out. It's been a little humbling finding out all the stuff I only half-know about how bikes go together.
posted by backseatpilot at 8:58 AM on May 18, 2010
posted by backseatpilot at 8:58 AM on May 18, 2010
I also approve. Blogger seems just fine.
looking forward to those future posts - and perhaps future projects?
posted by archivist at 9:37 AM on May 25, 2010
looking forward to those future posts - and perhaps future projects?
posted by archivist at 9:37 AM on May 25, 2010
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Have you been active on the framebuilders or ibob mailing lists? City/working bikes have been hot discussions there for years, and might help you with some of the design details you're hashing out.
posted by ardgedee at 8:51 AM on May 18, 2010