Gerry, if you're talking about who I think you're talking about ........ :shock: :mrgreen: .... and as much of a fan that I am of that guy's work, then I would love to see how you can "Rock" that frame out!
There is no way of telling for sure if anyone's really doing their own work or if the end result is truely rideable. It would be nice to think that each person is taking a frame and doing all their own work from that point, but it just isn't possible for everyone to accomplish every aspect of their project themselves. Some of the guys and gals can, but for most, we have to rely on a little "outsourcing" from time to time. My advice, do as much of the work as you possibly can and take pride in knowing that you created your your own vision to the best of your abilities. As for the future buildoffs, just be upfront about what you do and what is farmed out ( and please don't think that I'm inferring that anyone didn't acknowledge any help they got). It all starts with each individual's ideas and how to get it finshed to their likings.
I could take a bike with a cracked frame, no seat, rims that are bent, deraillier not working and no stopping power, but if I'm crazy enough to ride it a few feet for a pic, well then it's rideable. So I assume that all bikes are rideable when posted as finals, but safe :? .... maybe. Yes, riding pics are cool but not essential to a good build! I'm just shy of 6 foot tall and about 270 lbs.. I ride Pixies in races and into battle, but not for more than 100 feet at a time, does this make them rideable or not? I say NO, a rideable bike is comfy for the person that it's intended and should be able to be ridden a few miles with very few regrets. Post pics of you riding or not, but don't make them part of the criteria for the build offs.
CBN has had build offs in the past that could be termed "No Holds" and many very cool bikes have emerged. Most have been ratted or completely scratch built. A few have been shopped more than chopped. By that I mean, a few of the guys have had the money to buy everything or paid to have everything done. Cool bikes, but obviously not in the true spirit of a build off.
If we're gonna have a build off than make it mandatory that a few things have to be used in the contest.
How about something like this:\
At least one 20" rim. Use it for it's intended purpose or any way you woul like!
At least one door knob. House door style. for whatever you see fit.
3 handlebar grips. no more, no less, just 3 any way you wish.
And finally,
The address "
http://www.ratrodbikes.com "must appear somewhere on the bike. stickered, printed, painted, scrathed into the surface, etc.
These are all items that anyone can find or purchase cheaply and could get the gears turning in our craniums!
Just a thought,
Chainsaw
