Here is the story of how and why I built my Swing Bike.

I was watching TV one night when I saw this crazy bike on the Next Step Show on the Discovery channel. I was really interested, and thought it would be fun to build one of these things. So, with a little research I found that the show would be repeated the next Saturday. This time I was able to tape the show. Now I could run the tape back and forth and try to figure out how it was built. Unfortunately, there was never a good side view of the bike, and the rider's legs were always in the way of any view of the hinge part. I was able to get a general idea of what was going on so I took it from there. I have built five recumbent bicycles in the last two years so I have a nice pile of old bike parts to draw upon. I grabbed my hack saw and got the bike fairly well cut out. Then, I took all the pieces out to a good friend of mine who does all my welding. He also shares my enthusiasm for weird bicycles.

When we finished it (no paint) we took it out to a big empty parking lot to see if we could ride this contraption. I must say we were very careful at first, but it soon became apparent that it could be rode, and was actually a lot of fun. In fact, it was so much fun we built another one for my friend the very next day. Now, the two of us can really show off. Here are a few things we found out the hard way. If the seat should swivel on you while you are all crossed up and riding sideways, you are in a whole lot of trouble. Another disaster can occur if your foot slips of the pedal when you are crossed up. Also, one must be very gentle with the front wheel brake. Aside from that, it is great sport straddling things in the road and riding with one wheel in the gutter and the other wheel on top of the curb. When I ride in the neighborhood, all the kids follow me around like I was the Pied Piper.

The one problem with my bike is that I used a 25-inch frame and the bike is very tall. I am 6ft 2in. tall so the bike fits me fine, but it eliminates a lot of people from riding it that want to try it out.

Looking at the pictures of the original bikes, I am curious about the long round object under the lower tube. Is this a spring, a dampener, or what? Also, what size are the wheels? There is really a big difference in the design of the original frame and the new one. I may build another one and make it like the original. They are certainly cute little things.

Carl Hoots
chtz@shasta.com

Webmaster's Note: The photos show Carl's daughter Carla riding the bike. The original bikes were "controlled" by a spring under the top tube(s) that forced the bike to return to center from the swinging position. The original wheel sizes are 20" rear and 16" front. Thanks Carl for the story and pics!

Swing Back Home

This page hosted by Get your own Free Home Page