It Rides!!!!!

[rykoala]

I don't have photos yet, but it rides! The steering needs help (details!) and right now its a 1 speed with only a meager rear brake. But, it rides!

[AtomicZombie]

Always good to hear another monster has come to life and sprung from the garage!

Cheers,
Brad


I don't have photos yet, but it rides! The steering needs help (details!) and right now its a 1 speed with only a meager rear brake. But, it rides!

[SirJoey]

Exciting, ain't it? Keep us posted!

[rykoala]

I shall! First thing is that I need to fix a stem that I hastily shortened. The part where the thingamajig that slides is rough and the wrong angle, so one of the stems refuses to tighten. The other thing is that it needs rod ends and a real pushrod. My "flatten the ends of some EMT" experiment failed! It works but there is slop, and turning radius is very limited to the right. Its not so bad turning left, but to the right it is. I need to lengthen the tab on the pilot stem as well to give it more leverage.

Then I need *real* brakes. I have walmart bike caliper brake on the back just for testing and it is mediocre at best. Some v-brakes should do it. Then, new chain, then the derailer setup.

My son also rode it last night (he just sat far forward on the seat to reach it) and he wants one now! :D

[SirJoey]

I know what u mean. I always get excited about the first test ride, & always jump the gun & take a risk on it.

For example, on the one I'm currently working on, I did my first test ride with no brakes, no gears, no cables, seat pedastal c-clamped to frame, & chain rubbing, but I RODE IT! :eek: (not very far, & in high gear of course, but still...)

That first actual RIDE, is always a thrill! :D

[markebadboy]

Hey rykoala

Congrates on getting your project to this stage and it is lookin good.
The first time I took my Wildcat in progress for a test ride I had no brakes, no gears and no pad on the seat but it was still a thrill just the same.

Keep up the good work and we look forward to some pics

[Richie Rich]

rykoala.....Looking forward to seeing some pix. It sounds like a keeper.

markebadboy.....Nice ride...!! I like the simple, yet functional look.

Cheers to all......

.....Richie Rich >>

[rykoala]

My son got me on video by surprise! Its pretty shaky (think "cloverfield") but gets better toward the end. Here's the link:

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=7291213486677963137

[KoolKat]

That's classic. Love the commentary!

[rykoala]

Here is a pic from the gallery that I finally got uploaded on my lunch today.

http://rykoala.org/gallery/albums/userpics/IMG_2031.JPG

[rykoala]

Hi Papa, thanks for the suggestion. I was thinking that it was too long, too, but being my first build I didn't want to deviate any further from the directions that I already did by putting a 26" wheel on the front.

At this point I don't know if I want to cut and re-weld it, although it wouldn't be difficult. I'd have to build it into the design on the next one, which wouldn't be hard. But this one would only lose a few inches of main tube, and to get it as short as shown in your pic (which I appreciate you making!) I'd have to raise the bottom bracket quite a bit.

The next bike I build for myself will be a SWB much like SirJoey is building, but with a different twist ;)

[Richie Rich]

My son got me on video by surprise! Great video.....your kid is a natural. I see a future in broadcasting for him..!!

.....Richie Rich (aka "Disco Dick") >>

[SirJoey]

Lookin' good, Ry! Gettin' some mileage there?