Guster
Well-known member
That is good to know. Looks like a standard wide range lab powersupply set to DC constant voltage output. I'm working on a weld cleaning setup to do stainless weld cleaning using citric acid and 30-40VDC.
44 Bikes Frame Shop
- Thread starter fortyfour
- Start date
That is good to know. Looks like a standard wide range lab powersupply set to DC constant voltage output. I'm working on a weld cleaning setup to do stainless weld cleaning using citric acid and 30-40VDC.
kjdhawkhill
Well-known member
The e-bike feels a bit like cheating but I have some serious hills around the place and still come home felling puffed so it is better than not riding because of the hills. More than 20 years since having done some serious road cycling and the bug has re-awakened and bitten hard. So much has changed and find myself turning my head and looking at every bike around me for some strange reason. Worse is that building urge to build or even rebuild something.
It’s only cheating if you’re in a bicycle race. Otherwise, you’re outside and you’re exerting yourself and you can more easily use it for transport than a race bike.
44 did you wear a respirator when cleaning up the critter evidence?
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Guster
Well-known member
Really more about power than speed with eMTBs. Especially with the speed clipped around 25mph so not like it makes it easier to keep up with a good road cyclist - trust me I tried.
Really comes into its own doing trail climbs. Biggest difference being you could be riding rather than walking. Though with a good motor integration like the Brose mag S you can turn the power down or even off at the end of the climb for a natural feel on the ride down the trail knowing you can easily get back up there for a second or third run.RE Respirator: Most certainly. Respirator with eye protection and then immediately took a shower and washed those clothes. Didn't take any chances on that one!
As per eBikes, here's my take: E-Bikes are a really interesting segment of the bicycle industry as it opens up possibilities for alternate means of transportation and allows for a myriad of health advantages (and who's to say someone coming back into bicycling starts on an ebike, gets back in shape thanks to that pedal assist and then gets a traditional bicycle?). They are broken into a few classes and types that currently define them. There are pedalec bikes aka pedal assist which have two separate classes: Class A will assist up to 20mph and Class C assist up to 28mph but they both essentially look the same. That's close to a 10 mph difference.
Then there are those which actually are throttle based: This is not a bicycle no matter how anyone wants to spin that. A bicycle by definition is human-powered. Pedal-assist (meaning you have to be pedaling in order for the assist to work - stop pedaling, no more assist) is a quasi version of that and there are lots of benefits to that version of eBikes.
However, as soon as you have a throttle it's no longer a bicycle. It's an electric vehicle and should be registered and taxed just like any other electric motor vehicle. And I think the industry should lead on this and self govern itself so they are defined much like mopeds or motorcycles with a specific CC rating or power rating that is an equivalent to a CC rating. But those specific types have no place on rail trails or equine / bicycle specific trails unless it's designated as multi-use and the trails are being used by all groups including 4 wheelers and motorcycles.
Electric bikes and racing, that's a whole other subject! I don't think any current rules allow them in traditional bicycle race settings.
But that's just my take and opinion after observing all the controversy surrounding them.
Guster
Well-known member
Seconded!
Those throttle bikes are essentially the class that electric stand-up scooters etc. fall into that causes most of the fuss on city sidewalks also.
NOVA87Wrangler
Well-known member
This was my exact experience. I used to ride a bit when I was younger, never seriously though, just commuting and some recreational rides on an old bike in my garage. Then I got fat and sedentary. I wanted to make a life change and get back in shape but with two young kids and two working parents at high-stress jobs, not much time. Then I saw an article on e-bikes so I wanted to get back into bike commuting so I wouldn't be trying to find new time in my day. But with a ~40 mile round trip commute, I wasn't going to be able to jump right in. And I knew myself enough to know that I needed to do it everyday or I would just drop off. So I got an e-bike with a huge battery and just started. As I got stronger, fitter, and thinner; I dialed back the assist more and more. After about 9 months, close to 7,000 miles, and about 70 lbs, I "graduated" to a "real" bike. I still bike everyday and recently took up some running on off-days. Still have 30-40 lbs to lose but I'll need to focus more on diet for that. Rain, shine, snow, I ride through it all.
Also, want to say I've been following this thread from the beginning and your bikes are amazing looking!
polexican23
Banned
the age old question for all parents that i think you would be best to answer....how the hell do you store bikes so they dont take up so much room?
Unruh
Well-known member
Wow, you do some top notch work. This thread is full of awesome.
I took this idea and just made it out of 2x4's and some aluminum angle for the pedal hook. If you mount it high enough on the wall so you can walk under the handlebars it takes up almost no room. https://dahanger.co/products/dahanger-dan?variant=31795935824¤cy=USD&utm_campaign=gs-2018-10-05&utm_source=google&utm_medium=smart_campaign&gclid=Cj0KCQiA2ITuBRDkARIsAMK9Q7PtysuiSgf64yEcG0kuU_4DlcNTbTj1LE0TvociaDNS0770_skwzdgaApbwEALw_wcB
BoilermakerFan
Well-known member
Please do!
polexican23
Banned
those are kind of a cool setup right there.
Stuart in MN
Well-known member
I read an article in my local newspaper today and thought of this thread - a technical college here in Minnesota has started a two year Associate of Applied Science Degree in Bicycle Design & Fabrication program, believed to be the first of its kind in the country. I think it's pretty cool.
"Students take academic classes on the history and theory of cycle design and physics for bikes, but much of their work is hands-on in the newly constructed bike lab on campus. They work on welding, machining, metal fabrication and 3-D printing, all applied specifically to cycle fabrication.
“They can open their own shops, be entrepreneurs or work in manufacturing,” he said. “We’re giving them the tool kit.”"
http://www.startribune.com/yes-you-really-can-major-in-bicycles-at-this-minnesota-college/564802272/
"Students take academic classes on the history and theory of cycle design and physics for bikes, but much of their work is hands-on in the newly constructed bike lab on campus. They work on welding, machining, metal fabrication and 3-D printing, all applied specifically to cycle fabrication.
“They can open their own shops, be entrepreneurs or work in manufacturing,” he said. “We’re giving them the tool kit.”"
http://www.startribune.com/yes-you-really-can-major-in-bicycles-at-this-minnesota-college/564802272/
Finallygotit
ALLIANCE MEMBER
That's fantastic! Thanks for sharing that.
BajaScout
Well-known member
Minneapolis is a great bicycle city. Best in the US. Quite a bicycle history there too.
Hey Ron - My website is actually Wordpress running a theme from Krown Themes (the themes name is "Shadow"). You can see a live demo here.
Wordpress is super robust, well supported and depending on which theme you choose, and I'll use Shadow as an example, has a blog capability but also an online shop option via Woocommerce in addition to a full site build. My site has some custom CSS I've put together to alter its look/feel a bit, but it's pretty stock from the original with some exceptions regarding icons I've created and how the navigation looks. It's way more than just a blog platform.
There's free themes and there are paid for themes like my own which aren't too expensive. It's done everything I want it to do and more and is fully customizable if you know a bit about web development, CSS and HTML. You can self-host or host via Wordpress but it's always advisable to self-host as you have full control over every aspect of the site.
kjdhawkhill
Well-known member
Here's what I use, probably takes up the same footprint, but I think the geometry allows one to get the bikes down a little more easily.
https://www.feedbacksports.com/product/velo-hinge/. I have three of them side by side and it gets three bikes out of the way. You can swing them one by one to the perpendicular to the wall and get the one you want, then swing them all back... its a little easier than trying to lift the mountain bike over the road bike without bumping... but its not nearly as aesthetically pleasing.
For the kids' bikes I used scrap lumber to create a pallet shaped rack for them, it sits flat on the floor and doesn't help me get their bikes up, but I'd rather they be able to grab their own bikes. The slats are simply lined up just wider than their tires, and just high enough to keep the bikes from tipping... the biggest kids' bike has slats that are taller than the others.
I've posted before that 44's shop is why I joined here, with the same questions, but I've seen so many other great projects on this and other threads that I've been moderately inspired to try some projects I wasn't sure about before.
Earlier this past spring, I had a few quotes for a new roof but through a miscommunication, a local roofer thought I had it roofed. Late this past fall, I called and long story short, we ran into winter halfway through the roof going on. No matter. I diligently raked the roof each and every time we had fresh snow so he could come back over and finish up sections. This past week the roof was finished up less the end caps along the rakes of the roof:
Whoever built the barn apparently didn't build it square by a long shot, so it was a bit of a challenge. This spring, I'll strip off the facing sides of the shop, finish the underlayment up by the peaks, add some Tyvec Home Wrap and add some insulation down along the foundation to stop a persistent draft over the winter. Then build boxes for the fascia on the North and South facing sides and close up the exposed beams with fascia boards as well. I'll also add a few Craftsman-like details I've been wanting to add since day 1. I'll also replace a bunch of the boards and battens so everything looks a bit tidier. Stain a deep chocolate with the same cream trim and get rid of those green details. 3 colors is enough.
Another view up slope looking down at the shop:
Front that needs some work:
But for now, the roof is replaced with a dandy blue metal roof and no more leaks.
Whoever built the barn apparently didn't build it square by a long shot, so it was a bit of a challenge. This spring, I'll strip off the facing sides of the shop, finish the underlayment up by the peaks, add some Tyvec Home Wrap and add some insulation down along the foundation to stop a persistent draft over the winter. Then build boxes for the fascia on the North and South facing sides and close up the exposed beams with fascia boards as well. I'll also add a few Craftsman-like details I've been wanting to add since day 1. I'll also replace a bunch of the boards and battens so everything looks a bit tidier. Stain a deep chocolate with the same cream trim and get rid of those green details. 3 colors is enough.
Another view up slope looking down at the shop:
Front that needs some work:
But for now, the roof is replaced with a dandy blue metal roof and no more leaks.
Pressingonward
Well-known member
Shop looks great!
mtm_motors
Well-known member
One of my favorite places on the board! The new roof looks great!
Looking forward to see your updates this year.
Looking forward to see your updates this year.
Tman
Well-known member
Any updates?
Kirmet
Well-known member
Yess its spring, I wish it would stay dry so I can ride trails more than once a week.
maybe some gravel grinder pics.
maybe some gravel grinder pics.
andyvh1959
Well-known member
Interesting. I have built a few recumbent bikes, the first two from hacked up road bike frames, and the 3rd one was a scratch built monotube of my own frame design. The process of idea, design, fabrication within the dynamics and ergonomics of the human body as the (limited) power source, and sourcing components, really encompassed the whole of engineering and fabrication. I finished the bike on a Thursday, test rode it five miles, packed it in my car and drove to Iowa for the RAGBRAI. Three days later I had 215 miles of trouble free riding on it.
Like those lovely TIG welds on your frames. I built my frame on a simple jig and got all the pieces in place with minimal MIG welds. Then took it to a pro TIG welder and said I wanted welds that looked great through the paint. Myself, so far, I'm a better grinder than a welder.
Almost! I've been working slowly on the back half of the shop building it out to be my Wood Shop. I'll have some more detailed photos once power is run out to that half of the shop. Got the ceiling and walls all finished up this past weekend:
Working on a retaining wall out front too:
More photos once power is run and the lights are on!
JeremyBurke
Well-known member
Kris, thanks for this thread. I have just finished a complete reread as I sit on the couch for my second week in a row with my left leg elevated from a pretty rough bike wreck. Going too fast on a gravel road has led to a pretty bad road rash and loss of one Bursa sack.
I love this thread and your bikes so much as a bike lover and fellow builder of things and creator I love how you do just about everything you do. I also have found your willingness to work with what you have and in those limitation inspiring as well.
I included the above quote because this is one of the few questions left unanswered. How do you store your bikes, what is your current N?
Also what do you use and how do you clean your bikes? In your pictures, here and on Instagram, they always look so spotless.
Thank you for sharing so much of the process and tooling and settings of your machines. A while back you lamented the loss off apprenticeship programs and training in our culture, as the father of three young sons I too would like to see this improved and returned to. I realize a lot of that falls to me as their dad though. However, thanks for doing your part in this thread and I am sure other ways as well.
Also thanks for doing what you love, the world needs more of that. It is evidenced in your work, in the beauty, in the care, and in the overall give a sh!t that makes it great. If more people concerned themselves with what they loved instead of what makes money the world would be a much better happier place.
Someday I will own a 44 bike. The question is which, Huntsman super trail flat bar (my experience with drops has not been pleasant), or a Marauder SS. I bike commute on gravel and road so a Huntsman makes more practical sense but my heart is in the forest and mountains so my heart says Marauder. Plus the best bike I have ever owned is the Salsa El Mariachi SS I’m currently riding and wrecking so why not take that to 11 with one of your builds. In a Dream World I would get both but the afore mentioned 3 sons make that financially unlikely. Either way thanks for sharing, building, and giving us all a little inspiration and bikes to aspire to.
Keep it up and we will be here enjoying and cheering you on.
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Power is on in the wood shop. Finally. Took long enough but good things take time.
It's a smaller space than the metal shop, but here's a pano of the interior. Still some work to be done with shelving, a new base for the table saw and another wall mounted table with storage underneath but at least now there's power!
It's a smaller space than the metal shop, but here's a pano of the interior. Still some work to be done with shelving, a new base for the table saw and another wall mounted table with storage underneath but at least now there's power!
rbkool
Active member
Nice work on the wood shop! Love seeing this thread bumped, which (assumedly) means you are doing well (surviving, at least) through these weird, weird times.
One of the upsides here (major urban centre) is that bike shops have never been busier as people are choosing to ride as opposed to take public transit or even drive - and taking kids cycling is one of the remaining "safe" activities. My local shop is completely sold out of <$600 hybrids and kids bikes, with re-stock times unknown due to supply chain issues. And, they had their best March sales month ever (shop has been open over 20 years...)
One of the upsides here (major urban centre) is that bike shops have never been busier as people are choosing to ride as opposed to take public transit or even drive - and taking kids cycling is one of the remaining "safe" activities. My local shop is completely sold out of <$600 hybrids and kids bikes, with re-stock times unknown due to supply chain issues. And, they had their best March sales month ever (shop has been open over 20 years...)
Thanks all for the kind words.
I had already invested in all the materials so everything was already on hand with the exception of some of the electrical supplies (switches, boxes, fixtures). So I plugged away and driving nails / pounding wood was a good thing for stress levels!
I won't mix words: March through April was insanely stressful. January and February things were still going strong but by the end of February, I could tell things were about to come off the rails. Inquiries tapered off when they normally tick up and sales were non-existent. The phone basically stopped ringing.
I was lucky enough to have a strong backlog of clients who all were supportive and committed to their builds which was a bit of light inside the dark tunnel we're currently inside. But May through June seems to have brought out more inquiries and tacked on a handful of clients. I actually won't see that dead space in sales until later this year if things don't pick up. We'll see. Time will tell and I'll get through it one way or the other. But I'm fully prepared both as a business and mentally for this to all to come off the rails this fall again as the virus potentially cycles back through. I have no idea how things will shake out. But I'll get through it.
JeremyBurke
Well-known member
Kris if there is anyway I can swing it once we move back to the states this August I am going to place an order with you for at least one frame. I turn 44 in August and it’s all I want for my next 5 birthdays.
I remain a fan very much rooting for you.
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rbkool
Active member
+1 - I'm not 44 for a couple years, but am checking the "N+1 vs cost of divorce proceedings" matrix to see if/when I can swing an order ...
Thanks for the kind words. I tend to try and keep my personal bikes tuned. I spend time in the evenings wrenching on occasion. I have to pull my SS apart and clean/grease all the interfaces. It's been dry out and dust is making the sliders click / creak ever so slightly. It's barely audible but part of maintenance when things get super dry. I'll take a picture of our bike set up once I have things set up the way I want them and I'll be sure to share here. Not too complicated for the record!
Thanks! Email me directly (contact via the site) when you are ready and we can take thigns from there.
+1 - I'm not 44 for a couple years, but am checking the "N+1 vs cost of divorce proceedings" matrix to see if/when I can swing an order ...
Last year I was 44. I've been getting a lot of clients who turn 44 and treat it like their 50th which is fun.
More pics of the shop space in a bit.
Tman
Well-known member
Great to see the progress! Your blue doors inspired the house addition I am putting onto my starawbale shop. Love the bright colors. Cant wit to get a couple framebuilding projects done myself in the near future.
ODIS
Well-known member
Looks like a nice space. I’m certain your creations in the wood shop will turn out as nice as the bikes from that other side of your shop.
Trust you are having fun!
Our best to you.
Trust you are having fun!
Our best to you.
That's a given: Always having fun!
Just got a set of rock splitting wedges and feathers the other day in the mail. Going to go back at working on the rock retaining wall out front of the shop this weekend and contemplate next steps for addressing boxes up by the eaves.
Just got a set of rock splitting wedges and feathers the other day in the mail. Going to go back at working on the rock retaining wall out front of the shop this weekend and contemplate next steps for addressing boxes up by the eaves.
This weekend I finally finished up the retaining wall in front of the shop:
However, a ball of roots of a pair of Oak tree's up slop decided where the wall ended.
And one of the rocks that a neighbor helped me move from another location up the lane was just a bit too big and awkwardly shaped to be incorporated. I tried splitting it two different ways but it was out of the ground for too long and too dry (they're much easier to split when fresh out of the ground and "green"). That meant getting it off the lane and somewhere else. I didn't want to lean on my neighbor's generosity again so I decided to use some brains instead of muscle to move it. Took some time and patience to walk it onto the plywood then get it up on to the conduit / Plywood Road, but once up there, it was really easy to move. Got it into place just off the lawn, dug a recessed hole in the slope and a little shove and it flipped into position with a bit of backfilling to be done:
Kaya was of course, supervising...
However, a ball of roots of a pair of Oak tree's up slop decided where the wall ended.
And one of the rocks that a neighbor helped me move from another location up the lane was just a bit too big and awkwardly shaped to be incorporated. I tried splitting it two different ways but it was out of the ground for too long and too dry (they're much easier to split when fresh out of the ground and "green"). That meant getting it off the lane and somewhere else. I didn't want to lean on my neighbor's generosity again so I decided to use some brains instead of muscle to move it. Took some time and patience to walk it onto the plywood then get it up on to the conduit / Plywood Road, but once up there, it was really easy to move. Got it into place just off the lawn, dug a recessed hole in the slope and a little shove and it flipped into position with a bit of backfilling to be done:
Kaya was of course, supervising...