Unfortunately I don't have much in they way of in-process images. Didn't originally intend to post this project but I was happy enough with the results I decided to go ahead. Plus, might be of interest to someone looking to do something similar.
The bike is strongly based on the design of the Strider balance bike and was built for my two year old grand niece. I have had a couple electric scooters in the parts pile for years. The front forks, head tube, wheels and tires from these naturally lent themselves to the project. The rear wheel stays were created from two forks welded together. A parts pile mountain bike donated the cut down handlebars and grips. Another parts bike supplied the seat, handlebar stem, and seat post and post stem. The main frame tube was left over from an earlier project.
The henna pattern was drawn on with a Sharpie marker. The permanent marker over gloss paint isn't exactly permanent. It's already starting to smear in spots. I've read that Sharpie does make an industrial marker that can be clear coated, verses the regular permanent marker that will lift when sprayed. Wasn't too concerned because the hope is that it will end up being chipped and worn off from heavy use anyway!
Poor low light iPhone shot of bike in bare metal:
Confirming dimensions and seat / handlebar placement:
Henna close-up:
Henna top view:
Left side view:
Right side view:
Front 3qtr view:
With the happy new owner!:
The bike is strongly based on the design of the Strider balance bike and was built for my two year old grand niece. I have had a couple electric scooters in the parts pile for years. The front forks, head tube, wheels and tires from these naturally lent themselves to the project. The rear wheel stays were created from two forks welded together. A parts pile mountain bike donated the cut down handlebars and grips. Another parts bike supplied the seat, handlebar stem, and seat post and post stem. The main frame tube was left over from an earlier project.
The henna pattern was drawn on with a Sharpie marker. The permanent marker over gloss paint isn't exactly permanent. It's already starting to smear in spots. I've read that Sharpie does make an industrial marker that can be clear coated, verses the regular permanent marker that will lift when sprayed. Wasn't too concerned because the hope is that it will end up being chipped and worn off from heavy use anyway!
Poor low light iPhone shot of bike in bare metal:
Confirming dimensions and seat / handlebar placement:
Henna close-up:
Henna top view:
Left side view:
Right side view:
Front 3qtr view:
With the happy new owner!: