Prone Bike Rideable

We got a crank tool today, which let us reverse the rear gears, and get our prone bike rideable. It takes some getting used to – and isn't quite as comfortable as a normal bike – but it's a lot of fun.

News

We've been busy in the last week, and have got a couple bikes closer to finishing.  First is a prone bike.  We need to get the chain attached still, and need to reverse the back crankshaft for that to happen, but it's otherwise finished.  Secondly, we took a trip to a junk yard and found both gears and springs, which will let us finish a backwards steering and a spring bike.

... and Painted

We painted the first bike over the weekend.  It's now a very bright red.  It's sticking pretty well, though we might consider adding another over-coat to keep it from chipping.

First Bike: Functional

We got the structure of our first bike finished today.  All that's left is painting.

It rides well, and looks really cool.  This morning we rode around and got pretty good at getting onto it.

Progress update

Marc put in a bunch of time on the tandem this weekend, and got the upper frame welded on.

We just need to deal with handlebars, frame reinforcements, and the chain setup.

What We're Doing

We're making bikes!

Specifically, we're currently finishing up a tandem tall bike and a prone bike.  We're planning to work on choppers, long bikes, and reverse steering bikes as well.

The project is a lot of fun because it combines practical engineering skills with design and a very strong culture that exists around the country.

For examples of what our bikes will be modeled after:

Chunk 666

Atomic Zombie

We spent this morning welding the upper frame of our tall tandem into place.  It shouldn't take too much more work before that bike is done.  We also have collected all the pieces for a prone bike and just need to finish welding them together.

Who we are

Will Scott
2010
Math / CS, humanities concentration in Chinese
Seattle, WA
Lakeside High School

I'm really enjoying getting more in depth with my major this year, especially in combinatorics. Beyond classes I'm having loads of fun working on a modified bike bike project. I'm an active member of my dorm, and am a representative on the Social Committee.



Marc Badger
2010
Physics, humanities concentration in Economics
Ogden, UT
Ogden High School

I had a tough time deciding what to major in. I decided to go with physics, but I wanted to keep up with engineering too. That's when I started building modified bikes. I'm excited to improve my welding skills and even more excited to ride some crazy bikes. I'm doing both physics and biology research. I had a great time last summer catching lizards for our studies and am looking forward to doing some technical work in the physics lab this summer. Outside of Mudd, I like to rock-climb, hike, and ski.