Back to the Cross

[threeforks]

Hello fellow bike fans,
It's been just about 5 years since i was "interrupted" building this chopper.

Today I took the time off of UpDown 2, and jumped back on the chopper
right where I left off.

First, i built the "wheel" to use on this bike, but have not installed it yet.
That was about 6 years ago.

 

[threeforks]

Then came the bike.
The 26" rear wheel was a test wheel only.

Today's goal was to install a 26" wheel on the front, and level out the
frame at the gusset with the cross in it, so the cross is vertical, not slanting.

the larger, and heavier, front wheel is expected to be more stable at low speeds.

This means cutting apart the front forks, fitting the new front wheel,
and shortening the fork tubes as needed.

As it was this morning.

 

[threeforks]

Here is a mock up of the 26" wheel

 

[threeforks]

While I am impressed with, and greatly admire the clean and professional looking
jigs and work spaces seen here at RRB,
I have used, and continue to use some very primitive methods, and find then to work
for me.
This pic shows how I tied up the chopper frame to my "rollie cart" with sticks, screws,
and black tape. Quick and cheap. Very repeatable.

 

[threeforks]

That's a piece of all thread taped to the frame and bars to hold them straight while
cutting off the forks.

Next comes prepping the fork ends, and the brake mount bar.

 

[threeforks]

Next the search is on for good fitting sleeve metal to re-weld the forks back together.

Had two steer tubes cut off of the forks i used to build one of the trikes.
A perfect fit. Snug but needing a gentle tap with a big hammer.

 

[threeforks]

The new brake mount bar was welded in whit the wheel bolted in place.
And the 2x4 was trimmed to keep the fork tubes spaced as needed.

Still, welding often adds in stress, or outright deforms things.

So the next pic shows some primitive 'stress relief".
While the fork ends are in the vise, with the block in place,
The brake bar is heated to cherry red, then off to lunch while it cools slowly.

 

[threeforks]

Back from lunch, the wheel now fits into the dropouts without forcing.

Next is re-fitting and welding the forks back together.

 

[threeforks]

I am not concerned with the gap as long as the forks are straight, plenty
room for the weld to fill in.

Here is the new 26" wheel ready to test ride.

 

[threeforks]

The cross in the web is now level, or vertical, not slanting.
That meant lowering the frame a lot before welding the forks back together.

A rough change in rake was done before welding by changing the top plate for the
"slider" , the one with slots and washers I used the first time.
Lots of trail and error and adjusting to get it ride-able the first time.

Quicker this time.
Use a straight edge to rough check the trail, then adjust, then test ride, and repeat
until it works.

 

[threeforks]

4th test ride went well.
Very close to "leave alone"

And all this was to get ready to fit the "Wheel" that started this build 6 years ago.

Here are a couple of mock up shots.

 

[Captain Awesome]

4th test ride went well.
Very close to "leave alone"

And all this was to get ready to fit the "Wheel" that started this build 6 years ago.

Here are a couple of mock up shots.View attachment 199522View attachment 199523

This feels very much like a @LukeTheJoker build

I approve

 

[threeforks]

Thanks, that is very big complement.

I have reviewed "Luke's" gallery. Really great builds.
Very inspiring as well.

 

[Ulu]

Well that’s an amazing amount of work there, and a Very radical bike.

If I should offer two comments they would be this.

The first thing I do when building a chopper is throw away the front brake.

With so little traction in the front and so much traction in the back I would put two brakes on the back wheel and none on the front.

That might not be the optimal wet-weather set up but I live in the desert and don’t have to consider such things.

 

[Tallbikeman]

While I am impressed with, and greatly admire the clean and professional looking
jigs and work spaces seen here at RRB,
I have used, and continue to use some very primitive methods, and find then to work
for me.
This pic shows how I tied up the chopper frame to my "rollie cart" with sticks, screws,
and black tape. Quick and cheap. Very repeatable.View attachment 199501

Your shop has floor space, mine doesn't.

 

[Ulu]

I found it doesn’t matter how much space I have. I will cover it with rusty old cars and parts.

 

[threeforks]

This feels very much like a @LukeTheJoker build

Since reviewing "Flip the Script" I will thank you again for the kind comment, but,
my work does not even rank a close "almost".

Luke is a great inspiration to any who might to build something from an idea or doodle.

 

[threeforks]

Several more short test rides with the 26" wheel in front.

The handling is improved.
Now possible to relax a bit even at a slow speed.

Moved the pedals up, no more pedal strikes.