That positioning will look more natural (and cool).
RRBBO13 Black Cat 13 - Rides
- Thread starter SkyknightJohn
- Start date
Help Support Rat Rod Bikes Bicycle Forum:
Thanks. Yeah, I’m glad it seems like it will work out there. I even have a jackshaft that threads into a BB shell that I’ll try in that junction as part of chain management and trying to work the guard in properly.
Been on the road and done nothing for awhile. Might do a few small things in the next few days, then back out for most the rest of the month, but June is wide open. That’ll be the time to knock out the major work.
Been on the road and done nothing for awhile. Might do a few small things in the next few days, then back out for most the rest of the month, but June is wide open. That’ll be the time to knock out the major work.
Extended the boom to where the BB will be. Will be fixed length (vs. adjustable) for simplicity, and let’s face it, few will want to ride this, once done, other than I. 
Before:
Tacked and checking alognment:
After:
Double checking alignment:
Side shot with the cluttered background:
Probably all until early June. 8 of the next 9 days on the road, then 26 days off!
To weld: Bottom Bracket, boom-to-seat tube brace, fixtures for skirtguards, etc.
To do: build seat, brace, & atachments. Finish work and doodadery.
Before:
Tacked and checking alognment:
After:
Double checking alignment:
Side shot with the cluttered background:
Probably all until early June. 8 of the next 9 days on the road, then 26 days off!
To weld: Bottom Bracket, boom-to-seat tube brace, fixtures for skirtguards, etc.
To do: build seat, brace, & atachments. Finish work and doodadery.
Madatory Tee-shirt pic. 
Nice welds! 
Working so much is hard, makes it difficult to pursue & progress this crazy bike hobby.
Plus, wearing a tie everyday stinks, but the view from the office can’t be beat!
Work resumes June 1st.
Plus, wearing a tie everyday stinks, but the view from the office can’t be beat!
Work resumes June 1st.
Ok, so work resumed June 2nd—give me a break, I’m on vacation!
Coping with the HF tube notcher... not perfect, always needs some cleaning up and squaring, but gets ya close.
Getting better at welding Before cleaning up with a wire brush and after:
Next will be the tube that is like the seat tube to hold the front derailleur & a small brace. That should conclude the major frame construction.
Coping with the HF tube notcher... not perfect, always needs some cleaning up and squaring, but gets ya close.
Getting better at welding Before cleaning up with a wire brush and after:
Next will be the tube that is like the seat tube to hold the front derailleur & a small brace. That should conclude the major frame construction.
Nice weld bead!
Thanks. I always feel like I could do better. The extra 70% effort for a perfect fit-up, and 70% extra patience to do small sections for perfect positioning, and proper prep and purging...
If I was selling I would have to go the extra miles, but for our Rat purposes, I’m confident of the security of the welds, and just happy it looks like a stack of assorted change!
(not quite all dimes yet.)
If I was selling I would have to go the extra miles, but for our Rat purposes, I’m confident of the security of the welds, and just happy it looks like a stack of assorted change!
(not quite all dimes yet.)
Mild progress, as I’m enjoying summer, my time off and working through the honey-dos...
Found in my collection and laid out components to be sure I have everything I need:
Except the front derailleur is for a 1-3/8” tube and I have none that big nor enough spacers. Then found the bits to use canti brakes on the front, and I much prefer them to side-pull (edit: I mean linear pull), so those will change.
Then I stuck a fork in it...
(but it’s not done!)
It does, however, double check the wheelbase (48”) and proper heights.
Other things on the agenda tomorrow; perhaps some more serious work in a day or two.
Found in my collection and laid out components to be sure I have everything I need:
Except the front derailleur is for a 1-3/8” tube and I have none that big nor enough spacers. Then found the bits to use canti brakes on the front, and I much prefer them to side-pull (edit: I mean linear pull), so those will change.
Then I stuck a fork in it...
(but it’s not done!
)It does, however, double check the wheelbase (48”) and proper heights.
Other things on the agenda tomorrow; perhaps some more serious work in a day or two.
Last edited:
"stuck a fork in it"....
I’m loving that after only skipping a day if updates, page 1 fills up with updates/comments and this log moves to page 2! Lots of activity in the BO.
So, I have previously shown some if my better welds, ‘cause, ya know, we all prefer praise.
This joint is tough due to the compound curves, weird angle, and the underlying weld bead. I didn’t spend the extra hours making a perfect fit. : )
So, here’s some of the ‘filling the gap’ globs for this weld session:
But the important thing is it looks aligned.
And the angle is what it should be, more or less. It’s more of a layback than an upright bike, but fits with factory recumbents.
Crossing my fingers that the BB is still round and the threads are still good.
Between my wife and I, we have three Specialized Bikes from the hayday of steel construction, ‘89 & ‘91 Stumpjumpers, and a ‘93 Rockhopper. The welds on those are soooo small, while my beads are as big as a Wally-world aluminum and twice as ugly!
So, I have previously shown some if my better welds, ‘cause, ya know, we all prefer praise.
This joint is tough due to the compound curves, weird angle, and the underlying weld bead. I didn’t spend the extra hours making a perfect fit. : )
So, here’s some of the ‘filling the gap’ globs for this weld session:
But the important thing is it looks aligned.
And the angle is what it should be, more or less. It’s more of a layback than an upright bike, but fits with factory recumbents.
Crossing my fingers that the BB is still round and the threads are still good.
Between my wife and I, we have three Specialized Bikes from the hayday of steel construction, ‘89 & ‘91 Stumpjumpers, and a ‘93 Rockhopper. The welds on those are soooo small, while my beads are as big as a Wally-world aluminum and twice as ugly!
The Renaissance Man
__CERTIFIED DIVER__ (Open Water & Open Dumpster)
Staff member
Moderator
Pro Member
Some how I have missed this build until now. Just went through all of it and I'm impressed with everything from the concept to the craftsmanship!
From my point of view your welds look great. I have tried TIG welding and I quickly decided that it is like learning a musical instrument. The only way to get good at it is to practice practice practice and I knew that I wouldn't be willing to put in the time it would take to get to the level that I would like. If my welds looked as good as yours though, I would be happy!
From my point of view your welds look great. I have tried TIG welding and I quickly decided that it is like learning a musical instrument. The only way to get good at it is to practice practice practice and I knew that I wouldn't be willing to put in the time it would take to get to the level that I would like. If my welds looked as good as yours though, I would be happy!
- Joined
- Aug 25, 2017
- Messages
- 198
- Reaction score
- 467
Man, you do some nice metal work, and your welding is more than acceptable to me. All this and you fly,too!!!
Gotta have hobbies to stay sane.
Flying is a great hobby, until it’s your job. If I were a bike builder for a living, I wouldn’t enjoy the BO as much. Ask a barista out for a date... to get coffee! Good luck! That’s the idea.
Anywho, thanks for the kudos. Next chapter coming right up.
Luckily, the BB shell threads were in good shape and the BB went right in:
Showing off some of my fancy tools: the head tube reamer and facer is fabulous for anybody who builds with raw tube. Gets the bore angles right for the cups and the top/bottom square. A big initial investment, but I’ve used it so many times now I don’t even remember the cost.
And to go with that, a headset cup press. Sure a hammer and 2x4 work fine, but again, I’ve used this so many times and never worried about damage or misalignment, I find it worth it.
IT ROLLS!
Last pic to show geometry comparison. I’ll use a different stem/riser than what’s shown, but wanted something on there.
Feels like I’m about where most people start! Sweet!
Showing off some of my fancy tools: the head tube reamer and facer is fabulous for anybody who builds with raw tube. Gets the bore angles right for the cups and the top/bottom square. A big initial investment, but I’ve used it so many times now I don’t even remember the cost.
And to go with that, a headset cup press. Sure a hammer and 2x4 work fine, but again, I’ve used this so many times and never worried about damage or misalignment, I find it worth it.
IT ROLLS!
Last pic to show geometry comparison. I’ll use a different stem/riser than what’s shown, but wanted something on there.
Feels like I’m about where most people start! Sweet!
Are you going to use a seat similar to the one on the other bike or make something custom?
Both! The Barcroft shown (red bike) I picked up from ADC of recycledrecumbents.com —It is his seat design, built by him.
He has plans, free, for a Tour Easy clone. (he also sells his own builds plus refurbished used factory recumbents. Active on BROL as well.) This is the seat he uses. Sling mesh over a frame, very comfortable and breathable.
I’ve built one before, and will either repurpose it or build another if time & materials (color choice & mounting connection) permit.
Another step closer
This is looking slick
This is looking slick
