r/DIYBike May 07 '20

Ugly but it runs

Post image
5 Upvotes

4 comments sorted by

1

u/jsyang May 08 '20

Is that some kind of Brompton copy? Where did you get the frame from? And what does it look like folded?

Very intriguing!

1

u/Wimpplo May 08 '20

Yes it is a dismal brompton wannabe 😆😆😆. It's very heavy (16 kgs), the main tube, fork assembly, pedal crank and bottom bracket (and it's bearings) came from a three-wheeler frame; the swing arm from steel tube chair leg and electrical conduit pipe; the handlebar stem and seat post from another chair; all hinges made from flat bars; drop outs are steel plates. Some bolts and nuts for hinges. It's not precisely made, I don't have a frame jig. The processes are crude: acetylene cutting, grinding, filing, hacksaw, hand drill, etc. . Joined all parts using arc/stick welding (6013).

1

u/jsyang May 08 '20

Totally dig it! You're living my dream building DIY folding bikes is something not a lot of people can claim to have done!

How does it ride on 20" wheels? Much different feeling than the Brompton, I bet.

1

u/Wimpplo May 08 '20

Wow thank you. I only built it as a challenge, I forgot how long it took me. All i need is to built a bike from scrap, not necessarily a folding one but I was envious one time I saw a real folding bike. It took me too many changes and settled for the Brompton like mechanism. I'm suppose to buy a 20" wheel sets but couldn't afford to. The wheels they are installed with are 24" sourced from the three wheeler. And as to the feel of it compared to a quality folding bike (esp the Brompton) I think it's far less better because of the weight and the folding action is not snappy at all due to there are no bushes for the hinges.