USS Maridian?

[Ashdod Slim]

Anyone have experience with modding the Maridian with underseat steering? I want a USS bike, but I like the lines of the Maridian better than the WildKat. Should I build it as is and then mod it? I like the original look too. I think I can tuck the chopped headset of the WildKat under the square tube without even altering the chainline what y'all think? I haven't seen the Maridian plans yet. just the WildKat.
Also, if I pull this one off can I be elevated to the status of "AZ Krew Guru?
-Doug

[pcorbett]

I have been looking at the WildKat for it's USS. I have a TourMaster and a Meridian to comepare to. I convinced myself long ago (last week) that I would like to build the WildKat just to try out the USS. I wanted to try another TourMaster with USS but why mess up a good thing, maybe after I tried the WildKat first. As far as putting USS on the Meridian, just from looking at my bike , there may be issues with the bottom brackett being in the way. The WildKat's BB is stationary and the Meridian is moveable maybe making it in the way when adjusting it.
IMMHO.
My question to you is why mess with a Meridian's steering. It's sweet as is. The Meridian is one of Brad's best designs, being good as what it was intended to do. Damm it's a sweet looking bike too.
As far as "GURU" status, more keyboard son!

PC

[SirJoey]

Also, if I pull this one off can I be elevated to the status of "AZ Krew Guru? No, you have to complete at least 6 rides,
& then be voted in, to become a guru! :jester:


http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/539/christxsigsmalloq2.jpg

[Ashdod Slim]

My question to you is why mess with a Meridian's steering. It's sweet as is. The Meridian is one of Brad's best designs, being good as what it was intended to do.
I certainly agree that the maridian is one of brad's sweetest looking designs just as it is. Aren't we all hackers, though? An important part of what we do is exploring and pushing limits. Just from looking at the pictures and the video, not to mention poring over my WildKat and Bandito plans and the plans and suggestions in both books, I just KNOW that this hack's possible. one of my ideas is to attach the control arm to the top of the fork stem instead of to the fork itself if I need a steeper angle to get around the bottom bracket.
-Doug

[Ashdod Slim]

As far as "GURU" status, more keyboard son!

Is that like "More cowbell"? 'cause I got a fever and the only cure...

[pcorbett]

QUOTE: "I just KNOW that this hack's possible. one of my ideas is to attach the control arm to the top of the fork stem instead of to the fork itself if I need a steeper angle to get around the bottom bracket.
-Doug"

Good call Doug. Good hack. Just that thought made me think about USS on the Tour Master. But then again I asked myself why? I'll stick to saying that. If I (IMMHO) was to try USS, I would personaly try the WildKat knowing that it is tried and true and is not a costly build. What the he-ll, you can always change the mod back if you find you don't like it.

GURU=QWERTY, I got cowbell already.

:thinking2:


Pete

[pcorbett]

Doug, your freaking me out. I think I found what your looking for. It has been under my nose all along. " http://www.atomiczombie.com/videos/dwmod1/dwmod1.htm " . Says it works for the Marauder but It might work for the Meridian some how. One drawback I see is that it becomes part of the frame. Kinda sorta makes it permanent. If you want to change back it seems like a lot of work. Mounting the USS under the frame makes it easy to grind off and change. I don't know if this helped you but it works for this old dog.

Pete :beatnik2:

[Ashdod Slim]

I think I found what your looking for. It has been under my nose all along. http://www.atomiczombie.com/videos/dwmod1/dwmod1.htm

I remembered that legendary mod, but I hadn't actually looked at it until you brought it up. It really seems a better way to go. It'll make it easier to match the angle of the steering tube with the angle of the headset. I will know more once post-holiday finances allow me to actually buy the plans. All I have to go on now is my Bandito and WildKat plans and both books. BTW, I notice you live on the Cape. my best friend from high school lives in Yarmouth. He volunteered his home for my daughter's homebirth (long story), a beautiful place on Swan Pond.
-Doug

[Ashdod Slim]

NBTW, does all this grinding and rewelding weaken the frame?


GURU=QWERTY, I got cowbell already.

:thinking2:



(Check out 4:28 for extra obscure reference goodness)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5zsM7Y2b8s

[jimFPU]

I did that USS on the Baby Wolf (http://forum.atomiczombie.com/showthread.php?t=1118), and had to un-do it later. It's not really that difficult if you don't like it.