How To

How to fix a bicycle chain

How to fix a bicycle chain – If you have ever repaired a flat tire it won’t be difficult to fix broken bike chain because it is not more difficult than that case. This article was supported by Momentum Magazine and MonkeyLectric. For the edited version will be found in Momentum issues 50. So, what You Need? How to fix a bicycle chain, you just need a chain tool. This tool is usually included in common multi-tools that typically owned by all people like the picture shown. Maybe when you are in the house, you just need a hammer and pliers to fix the defective chair, but on the street, the right tool is chain tool itself to repair it easily. Read more…

How to build a tall bike

How to build a tall bike – These are the whole steps done to create the tall bike. It needs welding process outfitted with seriousness and great sacrifices. But you do believe that the value is on a par. I always get several comments about praising or how I could make it. This bike is not for an introvert person.

Parts and equipment needed

Just look for the tall bike on the market as mine. And I spent for $5 – $10 each piece. To make sure that you get the real steel frame, you should consider bringing magnet. It is imperative to be concerned that avoid Chrome Molly frames owing to the hardness to be welded.

Legend :

1. Measure perpendicular starting the top tube to qualify for the seat post. Buy two bikes with the similar size.
2. You will need to chop off the rear triangle, or set aside it and attach a 3rd, much lesser, wheel.

Well, I’ll help you list them lol :

1. SawZaw
2. Hand grinder. Don’t over grind welds, it will weaken them.
3. Arc welding rods – e7014.
4. Slag hammer.
5. ARC welder.
6. Bar clamp
7. Steel brush attachment on bench grinder.
8. Welding helmet.
9. Steel brush paint stripper for drill.
10. Bench grinder for making the concave angles and more.

For convenient in using in particular when you are dismounting from the bike, I recommend the girls bike for the top part.  Or for other way, you could crop the back triangle on the top bike. So you will be easier to mount. In addition, if you want the triangle still there, you should add a third wheel for looks.

These are following descriptions that must be followed to make it properly.

Let’s start how to build a tall bike

Parts needed :

1. 2 equal size bikes. I prefer girl bike for the top
2. Very long bike and also gear cables
3. For steering shaft, 1 black pipe. Remember to fit the inner diameter of your forks
4. 1 front tire that smaller or others, you will get a UPD (UnPlanned Dismount)
5. 1 front fork that also smaller for assisting to fix center of gravity problem
6. Used or new chain link set
7. Chain breaker like AKA chain link remover with value within $5 – $25

Equipment Needed :

1. Welding tool (there is available $100v arc welder)
2. Gloves, Slag hammer, welding helmet and welding rods (for consideration I used e7014 on 45amp setting)
3. Bike grease
4. Spray paint
5. Chain oil
6. Sanding attachment. You should grind the paint off on the welding areas planned

Optional Equipment :

1. Saw zaw, Hacksaw or /and chop saw
2. Bench of grinder with steel brush enclosure
3. Torch blowing for removing sticker
4. Paint thinner also used for removing sticker
5. Addition tool for removing sticker is Glass beader to perfect the result

Cut and weld the front fork pieces.

Drill 4 holes inside the tube plus weld the steel rod throughout the holes.		Add a support bar just behind the front forks.

Follow the steps :

1. Cut off the threaded part that accustomed to be a fork on the top bike
2. Drill up to four slots exactly below the threads
3. Drill up to four slots inside fork tube and also below the threads and also on the bottom forks
4. Enter the steel rod and then weld it around the four slots
5. Install the forks with nuts, bearings and all. Put all parts of the bike along with and install the rod undergo the top fork bracket.

The difficult process to be done is expecting the size of top rod to be cut off.

Just tick the location of threaded piece where you need to release from the top fork bracket and then you should estimate and tick your steel rod as well.

It is imperative to be concerned that you have to give enough space to install the handle bar gathering into the threaded top of the fork gathering, because I make a mistake didn’t do this.

Then it prefers to cut the steel rod by chop saw at the right length.

After that, weld the upper steel rod to the threaded piece whereas you should pay attention that the seat post at bottom bike is at the right post with sprocket housing at the bottom bike for the top bike.

In addition, the alternative design is by creating the drive shaft after welding it, and using long rod to obtain alignment. The two techniques have been already done. But I’m not sure which one the better technique is.

Note: when you are welding, shrinkage will be found on your frame so that it creates threads. And it is difficult to expect the shrinkage.

Weld the seat post to the bottom of the tall bike.

1. Arrange on certain line all of your pieces with a bar clamp as well as possible
2. Check three times that the bike have been aligned from all other planes
3. Weld between the seat post and the bottom of the bike

Alternative technique: utilize 2×4’s to pinch the bike together to reach main alignment at the right side.

Add a pipe behind the front forks

I have already used a third tube of BMX bike to make additional endorsement beam just on back of the front forks. It needs very careful grinding to reach the shape that appropriate with the connecting pipe.

Finishing – How to build a tall bike

I have already made no less than four bikes, therefore you find many frames created. I guess these all could help your project.

1. Eliminated all kind of stickers from the bike to avoid the paint we will give doesn’t adhere properly
2. You should consider using blow torch to eliminate the stickers by heating up. The sticker will be bubbled and you will easily to remove it.
3. Grind down bad and unnecessary addition welding joints to keep the neatness but don’t do it too much due to will be affect the strength of the welding itself
4. Clean the bike from all kind of residue include ex-sticker with paint thinner or goo goone
5. Spray your paint spray to coloring the bike as you desire. I have used tiger stripes and silver with splatter paint to the other one.
6. Paint with slow and let it dry between coats. I have used a paint pent to enrich my tiger stripes with black
7. You could choice between sand down the chain and buy the two new ones. And on my own bike, I have utilized wire enclosure on my bench grinder and then clean it to look as a new

Assemble the bike parts

Enclose the behind derailer if you ride with 10 speed
Install on the wheels. I suggest using smaller wheel at front thereby you will not pop suddenly without expected.

Install on the handle bars. For my bike, I have taken handlebars from girl bike then I have cut off the top bar which reaches chopper looks.

If you hesitate, you could take picture in pieces as you take those apart.
Besides, I suggest you to use atomic bike builder’s book. You will find nice tips on there just like me.
Install the sprocket gathering back together onto the upper frame of bike. Remember to use a lot of enough good quality grease. Then re-enclose the pedal on left side and don’t forget that the screw direction in reverse.

Then enclose the seat.
For my own bikes, I have spent much time to specify the length of the chain. I have added over 6’’ for the chain at the first chain. To decide it for your own bike, just remember that is quite easier to shorten the length when you make a false decision rather than lengthen.

I suggest you to purchase a set for mastering chain link. You will find that it is easier to insert together and take it apart.

When you sure enough with the length you choose, just install it through the derailer and proper parts of the sprockets and frame.

Enclose the behind brakes and put the cable up to the handlebars.
It is possible easier to purchase new longer brake cables. I should mount the brake handle half way below the handlebars.

Enclose several new of handle bar grips.
Do not required front brakes even for security reason
Do checking for three times that you are already tightened all bolts properly.

For my latest three bikes, I have added a bar at the front fork and installed front brakes. Those all looks work properly.

Final Notes – How to build a tall bike

Wearing a Helmet for Safety – Install it from the bumper of van or just learn to free installation.
I freely mount by way of running along side of this, striding my feet on the down tube and then sliding at the seat.

My daughter holds me and I push her forward. The more pleasant is she just needs no more than 10 minutes to learn how to ride it properly.

Downing with these steps like slowing, throwing the leg upwards the bar (ridding side saddle) and then jumping downward.

Some while I get down on to the bottom tube
Enjoy creating your tall bike with your own desire. And consider making a club for local tall bike. Just Google for these following keywords like “tall bike” or “freak bike” and you will be inspired by a plenty of variety bike configurations.

I have already used a third tube of BMX bike to make additional endorsement beam just on back of the front forks. It needs very careful grinding to reach the shape that appropriate with the connecting pipe. I have already made no less than four bikes, therefore you find many frames created. I guess these all could help your project.

~ How to build a tall bike

How to build a chopper bicycle

How to build a chopper bicycle from unused materials – There are a lot of varieties of chopper bicycle out there.  Actually, when I had seen those all, I was spellbound and envious as well. Finally, I decided to make it on my own due to I could not bear looking at those wonderful chopper bicycle. To make it different from the original, I took a decision that the bike I made must take the original parts as little as possible. It was difficult enough because there were not any experiences making bike from scratch so that finally I achieved Noble Notion. My basic skill is sculptor. So it is not the problem for me whenever I fail to make it properly, the result is still to be an art.  But mercifully, my project to make chopper bike was successful. And now it was documented here – How to build a chopper bicycle.

Chopper bicycle frame

Bicycle head tube bearings in aluminum pipe section Baseball bats Aluminum railing sections

I have interested in using used goods to how to build a chopper bicycle. The result must be ridiculous and unique.  It was started when I had thought that I had to use baseball bats to be used for front forks. Then I have used from old bike for head tube bearings part.

For the frames, it established from bend railing by cut and re-welded to imitate actual frame of bike.

Wheels & handle bars ( How to build a chopper bicycle )

Vacuum cleaner handle Wheel chair wheels

For the wheels, I have got old aluminum wheel chair for those functions.  I have planned that the metal will be bared but anodizing process is hard to be competed with. The most difficult challenge is releasing back wheel collar to receive a bike hub.  I have added vacuum cleaner to make the bike artistic merit however I couldn’t reject to use old handlebars and BMX pedal cranks, well it looks pretty much good.

Test drive – How to build a chopper bicycle

To make it more convenient to be tested without collapse, fell off or even caught fire, I have separated the two bike chains. In this case, I have got the knowledge that solid rubber is not comfort enough for wheelchair wheels. It is important to make it more comfort by adding suspension.

Details of chopper bicycle parts

Shock absorber from discarded robot project Fence post cap Handle bar bracket	d. Bottom edge of cooking pot	e. Meat grinderf. Brake light cover

How to build a chopper bicycle – According to the first test drive, then I have given a suspension seat to make more convenient riding. It has been created by combining handle bar bracket, banana seat and also shock absorber.  To make antique impression, I have needed cute fenders. To get this, I do little creation and modification from materials I have got from certain industrial cooking pot by cutting the bottom off, centering out and then quartering the ring remained and the re weld those back together. Then I have combined meat grinder and old glass brake light to form nice light in addition, LED have been used for better efficiency.

Final Touch of chopper bicycle

Bicycle disk brake caliper Circular saw blade	c.Note the chain clearance problem. The seat tube was torched away and pipe sections were welded in place to allow the chain to pass.d.Pipe sectione. Pan lid	f.Brake light coverg.Mystery objecth. A little red spray paint helped match the style of the brake light and handles.

After getting the rough set problem has been fixed and the bike was capable to be ridden, I have decided to finish the project. From my friend’s idea, I have been using a circular saw blade for disk brake for the bike, it is quite hard because of wheelchair wheels utilization.  Saucepan lid and a few sheets of material have been combined to keep the chain and adding the artsy frame.
For brake light, I have used the absolutely weird materials which actually I have had no idea to describe. It looks stayed under water in its whole life. It has leaved only the rocket shape at the edge. Then truck brake light has been installed over LEDs.

How to build a chopper bicycle, DONE!

How to build a chopper bicycle – The whole process has already spent over a year but just need a couple weeks to create the project itself and reach the ridiculous and antique chopper bike. The bike resulted is ridden on my daily activity now such as get lunch at my studio.  The measurements used were according to my  own size therefore the bike looks longer in fact the long is eight feet long.  My height is 6’ 4’’. The commonly known that actually it is better if you turning head rather than turning corner.  Because of several designs like solid wheels and fixed gear ratio used, it is not allowed for me to get racing.  But, with this wonderful result that absolutely unique but functional, I couldn’t be happier anymore. And with pleasure I will say, the mission has been done!

This is an article about How to build a chopper bicycle, and you should know that it’s also referred to as custom chopper bicycle, and you can start little by little collecting unused materials around ya. I trust this quotes “no pain no gain”, this guide is devoted to those who are creative but do not have enough budget to buy a new chopper bike, and hopefully pleasing and useful.
~ How to build a chopper bicycle

Some of the reasons why we need to cycling

1. Cycling increases mobility of people who cannot use motor vehicles.
2. Cycling increased confidence for those who do not have the skills to drive a car or motorcycle.
3. Cycling can eliminate the saturation effect due to vehicle traffic.
4. Cycling is the best vehicle for people who do not like to drive a vehicle (car or motorcycle).
5. Many alternative routes to the destination with biking.
6. Bicycles are the most efficient vehicle in the world.
7. Cycling at the same time the practice of patience and intelligence.
8. By cycling makes people more able to save.
9. Cycling reduces stress.
10. Bike is one of the most efficacious therapeutic methode for the spirit of life
11. Bike is one of the fitness therapy equipment
12. By cycling makes us more familiar in the highway
13. Cycling can improve the quality of life
14. Cycling can save a fitness center membership fees and sports.
15. Regular cycling has no side effects to the body.
16. Cycling has a positive effect on the environment
17. Cycling can familiarize neighbors and companions
18. Cycling can bring healthy people who have the same purpose.
19. Bicycles free of the ticket
20. If there is congestion on the bike path, it can still be enjoyed chatting with each other between the members of cyclists, and even made an appointment for lunch.
21. Travel time more predictable
22. Easy to find parking
23. Ample parking is always free (except in foreign countries)
24. Reducing the city land for parking cars / motorcycles.
25. When you tired, you can still lead a bike across the sidewalk.
26. Reducing air pollution
27. Energy efficient, because it does not use fuel, transmission oil, Freon
28. Reduce noise, because they have no exhaust
29. Can break anywhere without causing congestion
30. If a flat tire, can be handled as easily carry a spare tire
31. Never had a bike collisions that cause death in world history
32. Biking increase awareness among others, in the same boat
33. Cycling can improve heart health
34. Could reduce the excessive weight
35. Increasing appetite for those who want fat
36. Can increase productivity in the workplace
37. Making their husbands come home faster and get to the house (for fear of being late on the road)
38. Making the wife happy, because it will never be asked to help push the bike as when pushing the car if stalled.
39. Makes you sleep more soundly without snoring
40. Would never touch with the police because they do not require SIM (Licence Number)
41. If you move house, the bike easily carried
42. Bicycles can be taken when you want to picnic
43. Able road bike in any environment; road asphalt, dirt, rocks, and even climbs up the mountain.
44. Bicycles can also drive your child or wife with ease, not like a car or your motorcycle
45. Bicycles can be brought into the park, or recreation center
46. Bike makes you more cool, because it is very interesting variety of accessories.
    

tips to join a club custom lowrider bike

tips to join a club custom lowrider bike – OK, you have a custom lowrider bike… so what are you going to do with it? Well, a great idea is to get involved with a local lowrider bike club. There are all kinds of benefits to joining a club. You get to meet new people and hopefully develop some lifelong friendships. A bike club will provide you with a place to show off your custom lowrider bike and get feedback from people that are involved with the culture. You can also get some great tips and ideas on how to further customize your current bike or gain some creative insight into ideas for future bikes. Read more…

Building a Fiberglass Tank

Building a Fiberglass Tank

Building a Fiberglass Tank – well it seem that we’ll be finishing the tank soon. In this picture we’re gonna show you how to roll the cabosil through the tank corner, and this part is very itchy you know how I love to rolling around in every corner of it, so more or less here how we do this and dont forget to put your safety gloves on your hands. Now to layup the second half. I like to “roll” the cabosil into the corners so I don’t trap bubbles. Read more…

Building a Fiberglass Tank

Building a Fiberglass Tank

Building a Fiberglass Tank – Ok then after you read carefully how is the basic thing how Building a Fiberglass Tank now you’re gonna step ahead, here we’re gonna need some Cabosil on it because it is very good to thicken up the redin. Good to go! Time to mix up some resin and get started. I use West Systems with 206 hardener. The 206 will give you about a 20-30 minute potlife depending on the temperature. The first thing to do is fill in the sharp corners to help reduce bubbles. For that I mix in some Cabosil to thicken up the resin so it will stay put. Read more…

Building a Fiberglass Tank

Building a Fiberglass Tank

Building a Fiberglass Tank – My pal recently decided to build a tank for me “Strand Shark” which is 1938 Hawthorne Zep project Rollfast or frame. Original tank for this bike fits entirely within the opening and does not cover the bars at all. He wants this tank to cover part of the bar so it looks a little more slender. What does he do now will be part of the tank plate for half-half. These two plates will meet in the middle and the tank will be built on them. Now he has pinned a piece of wood to the back side of the frame to give me work on the surface. He has put a few lumps of clay on wood modelers to support the separation board. Read more…

How to build Lowrider bike

Build a lowrider bike from prefabricated parts is very easy, many websites that the necessary parts to build the foundation of bikes, starting from frames, sprockets and other necessary things. With enough budget you can look at the ads on the internet or forums, had a likely look for places that you can see first hand the condition of the goods, can be bone-collectors, back alleys, and dumpsters junkyards. Building a bike itself is more challenging than buying. Your bike will be looking custom and will clearly look different with the bike manufacturer, so this could increase the attraction of people to our bikes.

  Things that you will need are parts and basic hand tools  

1. You need to create the plan very carefully, because you’ve spent money to buy the equipment you need, and you certainly do not spend a little money for this project. “If my friend can, why can’t I? that’s what you should believe. Confidence will only produces a rich effect on the final result. Draw a bike that you will build up clearly.
2. Finding the Frame that matches to the theme bikes, no matter how you like the frame badly, but if no suitable and fitting then that part can not be used. Precisely bike frame for kids are very nice and suitable. You can find frames in places like Thrift or junkyards.
3. Build your front-end assembly. This includes the fork, the front wheels and steering wheel. Your bike will start to see new. Find a bicycle fork length in a larger size. The cart is an excellent source of sharp, small front wheels. Junkyards have ape hanger handlebars of motorcycles and cars old bicycle.
4. Mount the rear wheels and chains. Looking for tires, large frame return you to the proper width. Once you mount the seat, you have a lowrider practicable.
5. Select your peripherals. Turn the lever on the handlebars and banana seat assembly. Matching the color is beautiful. Now, compare the special touches to your bike stand out like a sissy bar, bell, lights, steering wheel chain antenna, and mud flag. Remember the rear fender, if you plan to ride in the rain.

  I hope i can provide this instruction with step-by-step picture next post, good luck. 

Changing v-brake into discbrake

    

• Is the hub / free-hub is compatible to your bike disk-brake system? If it is, your bike is ready to be attached a disc-brake (6 Bolts / center-lock) then the disc-brake installation does not cause difficulty. However if the hub / free-hub parallax rotor can not be fitted, then you should get ready to replace its hub and free-hub. To replace it must also consider the number of holes / hole rims / wheels your bike, so it will be the same number (eg 36 h, 32 h). You must also consider the rotor to be used (center-lock or 6 Bolts). 
• Have you prepared a new brake cable? With the change of the v-brake to disc-brake surely there must be its replacement brake cable (for disc-brake mechanical). This is because his brake cable length increases. While for his disc-brake hydraulic hose is usually made up one with his disc-brake. 
• Is the frame / fork of his support for brakes fitted with disc-brake system? For some types of fork and a specific frames, can not use disc-brake. This is because it has no disc-brake holder, so as to frame it. Possible solutions to replace the fork and pair disc-brake adapter (one of his model: AZ adapter). 
• Brake lever will have to adjust when using hydraulic disc-brake. When fused with the brake lever shifters will need to replace the shifter / brake lever.

Thus a little explanation for the replacement of v-brake into disc-brake, sorry I can’t provide you the step-by-step pictures guide.