This thread is intended for the few who will be going to the "4th Human Powered Vehicle Festival" in Ayer MA in 2013. Even if you don't ..... no worries.... this thread is for everyone. I moved it here from 3rd Human Powered Vehicle Festival
I have been to the other three events and brought a different ride each time and then some. I thought that those Rats that go could make a bike for the event so that we could ride down the Rail Trail in style as one. This would be an easy pedaling cruiser with one speed and coaster brakes. Some people have shown a little interest so I thought I could lay out some guide lines and see what becomes of it. I named the style of bike " The Flat Lander Cruiser " so that's settled. I would guess we would put on this thread your progress as you build your bike. Maybe when the bike is complete you can link to your build from here.
Cheaply built. Let's not put a lot of money into this. Things you need to buy if nessesary can't be helped like paint and some tires and things like that.
One speed (or 2-speed Kickback) with coaster brake. Simple, no hand brakes no cables. Geared to cruise on the Rail Trail.
Any frame will do but an old road bike frame might be just the thing to use, I can't think of a better way to use up the frame. Painting without breaking down the frame is encouraged but not mandatory.
Tires no bigger than 1.5 or there abouts trying to keep it a skinny tired cruiser. 26" rims, bigger or smaller trying to rule out the smaller 20".
Fenders and chainguards are optional in any form or just plain Jane.
A kickstand would be nice or some contraption stuck under the pedal. My last bike had a golf club (#7 wood).
A warning devise..... any thing you can come up with is cool.
Something reflective.....
A card to buzz against the spokes for our grand entrance when we return from our bike ride is an option but it will be the bikes trademark.
Other options would be baskets or bags found or made. Things that don't belong on a bike to upset normal thinking bikers.
This can be a lot of fun to build and ride. Lets not get stressed on this or worry about not completing the bike for the ride. Get as close as we can to the basic guide line and have at it. If we are having trouble finding parts maybe we can help each other out, I have a few parts that may help others.
So what do you New England Rat's think....?
Graylock
I have been to the other three events and brought a different ride each time and then some. I thought that those Rats that go could make a bike for the event so that we could ride down the Rail Trail in style as one. This would be an easy pedaling cruiser with one speed and coaster brakes. Some people have shown a little interest so I thought I could lay out some guide lines and see what becomes of it. I named the style of bike " The Flat Lander Cruiser " so that's settled. I would guess we would put on this thread your progress as you build your bike. Maybe when the bike is complete you can link to your build from here.
Cheaply built. Let's not put a lot of money into this. Things you need to buy if nessesary can't be helped like paint and some tires and things like that.
One speed (or 2-speed Kickback) with coaster brake. Simple, no hand brakes no cables. Geared to cruise on the Rail Trail.
Any frame will do but an old road bike frame might be just the thing to use, I can't think of a better way to use up the frame. Painting without breaking down the frame is encouraged but not mandatory.
Tires no bigger than 1.5 or there abouts trying to keep it a skinny tired cruiser. 26" rims, bigger or smaller trying to rule out the smaller 20".
Fenders and chainguards are optional in any form or just plain Jane.
A kickstand would be nice or some contraption stuck under the pedal. My last bike had a golf club (#7 wood).
A warning devise..... any thing you can come up with is cool.
Something reflective.....
A card to buzz against the spokes for our grand entrance when we return from our bike ride is an option but it will be the bikes trademark.
Other options would be baskets or bags found or made. Things that don't belong on a bike to upset normal thinking bikers.
This can be a lot of fun to build and ride. Lets not get stressed on this or worry about not completing the bike for the ride. Get as close as we can to the basic guide line and have at it. If we are having trouble finding parts maybe we can help each other out, I have a few parts that may help others.
So what do you New England Rat's think....?
Graylock
