Planning Bike modding

Discussion in 'Modding' started by bigsharn, 13 Aug 2010.

  1. bigsharn

    bigsharn Officially demotivated

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    Ok, well I'm in need of a new bike soon as my last one got nicked. I'm thinking about getting something like the Dawes Discovery 401 (48-11 gear ratio is very attractive.), but part of me wants something a little more unique...

    I'm thinking of getting my own chopper built, something like a beach cruiser or maybe something a little more laid back. Currently I'm looking at getting a Schwinn Corvette Cruiser and modifying it as I go along, starting off with replacing the rear cassette with a geared hub, and maybe swapping the front crank with something with more teeth than the norm (possibly custom CnC milled), to make a cruiser that's capable of decent speed AND able to hold my weight.

    So, basic questions:
    1. Does anyone know how thick a piece of alu/steel will have to be to support a decent amount of force for pedalling and so that it won't bend/snap?
    2. I'll be laid back a fair amount when the handlebars are raised and modified enough for me to do so...
    a. What would I use to replace the handlebars? I realise you can get them premade but I've got an idea for making them out of tubular material, the only problem is making the grooves that keep them in the headset
    b. Can anyone name a decent leather-like substitute to upholster the seat with? The idea is to have like a Raleigh Chopper but a bit more laid back (And if anyone has an idea for a good stuffing for the seat, that would be good too)

    Probably more to come, but thanks in advance (so far)
    Sharn
     
  2. llamafur

    llamafur WaterCooled fool

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    I don't think bit-tech is the place for motorcycle/bike engineering.
    I'm a member of a forum called weldingweb, some of the guys there are professional bike fabricators. Here's the link.
    http://weldingweb.com/
     
  3. bigsharn

    bigsharn Officially demotivated

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    Well I thought it's worth a go while I'm on here... If GOO can build a car on here I figured a bike isn't THAT much different :p
     
  4. llamafur

    llamafur WaterCooled fool

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    In theory everything is easy. I'm in the process of rebuilding my dads V8. The moment I laid my eyes on the engine I could feel it laughing at me. Plan on things going wrong, they always do.
    Sooo, what engine are you planing on using.
     
  5. capnPedro

    capnPedro Hacker. Maker. Engineer.

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    Man power, from the sounds of it! :p
     
  6. llamafur

    llamafur WaterCooled fool

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    Bummer, gas powered toys are much more fun.
    Then go here http://www.atomiczombie.com/
     

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