The "Cow Catcher"

[redrider2217]

So this is a project that I've been wanting to post up since March and I'm finally getting the time, so here it is!

This idea has been evolving in my head, on paper, and through a couple test bikes, until I've pretty much dialed it in. I wanted something smooth and flowing yet sharp and aggressive. But most of all, just BIG! I'm 6'2" and wanted something that didn't feel cramped or awkward. This thing is just shy of 8 feet long overall, but really doesn't seem that big until its up against other bikes . The entire frame is scratchbuilt including the headtube, bottom bracket, and dropouts. And I did the entire thing in one looong weekend, minus paint.

So here's what I started with.

As I started laying out the tubing.

Tacking the main portion of the frame on my super accurate flat concrete jig :lol:

It's comin along!

The best helper out there...

Building the seat stays and chain stays.

Eyeballing the bends.

Finishing the welding

The maiden voyage: 30 miles and it felt like nothing!

Like I said, it doesn't look big until its next to my dad's Electra Rat Rod.

And after paint... I personally wish I would have left it raw, but oh well

 

[wimpy]

Very,very cool build,bro! Awesome lines. And I noticed that you've left enough room for a wider rim in the back. Any plans for doing that?
If so, you might even consider a 3-speed coasterhub. Would be an improvement on an already perfect bike.
Congrats with this masterpiece. 8)

 

[poverty with a view]

I have to agree with Wimpy, A 3 speed coaster break hub would be a great addition to your Bicycle. Great lines, the whole thing looks cool as ever. 8)

 

[jackdaw]

Super sick! Is that orange thing (with the jack) on your red cart a tubing bender? How does it work?

 

[deven_science]

Very nice!

 

[RonK]

The "Cow Catcher"

Nice work! I bet with the length it rides great!

 

[Uncle Stretch]

I love when people design and build their own frames. Looks good

 

[sensor]

I love when people design and build their own frames. Looks good

me too! turned out great.

 

[Hogaboom]

Looks very nice... I too am a big guy at 6'8" and have sketch a similar design. I am glad to see what it looks like. Now I gotta finish getting all my parts together and get my build started.

 

[redrider2217]

Thanks everybody for all the compliments and suggestions.

...I noticed that you've left enough room for a wider rim in the back. Any plans for doing that?
If so, you might even consider a 3-speed coasterhub.

I built it wide just in case I can someday come across a wide 29" wheel. If I can't find one then I may just have to lace up a dually like I did on my stretched rat. As far as the 3 speed setup, I've been debating trying out the new Sturney 2-speed kickback to keep the cleanliness of no cables.

Here's the dually:

Super sick! Is that orange thing (with the jack) on your red cart a tubing bender? How does it work?

Yes, the orange thing is a Harbor Freight hydraulic tube bender that I picked up barely used at the swap meet for next to nothing! It's a pretty simple setup; just pop the correct die on and pump a little/release/move a tiny bit/repeat. Biggest suggestion is to take your time with it or you'll go way too far AND kink the tubing... Trial and error i suppose :lol:

Looks very nice... I too am a big guy at 6'8" and have sketch a similar design. I am glad to see what it looks like. Now I gotta finish getting all my parts together and get my build started.

Good luck and it's great you're doing it yourself. Being tall, the comfort is the way to go!

This was just a neat pic my neighbor took of my setup as I was heading out to Santa Monica yesterday to ride. And this one actually makes it look small until you see the side view!

 

[wimpy]

You definitely ride with style,dude. Cool. 8)

 

[Von Stans]

Great job on the bike especially bending up though tunes without kinking them.......

Do you have any side profile pics of this bike????

 

[jackdaw]

Yeah man, that stretched rat is cool, how'd you do the wheel? Weld two rims together? Looks cool.

 

[charliechaindrive]

Yeah man, that stretched rat is cool, how'd you do the wheel? Weld two rims together? Looks cool.

X2, I wanna know!

 

[LukeTheJoker]

Awesome bike! Very nicely done!

Luke.

 

[Lowlife Lucas]

Sweet bike! Too cool! 8)
I wanna know more about that dually wheel!

 

[Gdcast]

Beautiful lines on that frame, awesome ride bro!

 

[herku1004]

Great bike! Can I ask what did you build the frame from?