Author Topic: A father/son tandem bike for less than 40 dollars.  (Read 2701 times)

Offline strik9

  • X
  • Hero Member
  • *
  • Posts: 623
A father/son tandem bike for less than 40 dollars.
« on: February 09, 2020, 10:18:28 AM »
It was an experimental thing to see if two frames joined could make a rideable bike.  It can.
Sadly I had used all worn out junk to make it and now am replacing all but the frame.

Its a blast to ride despite some bad bearings and crooked wheels.

Offline jabberwoki

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2633
Re: A father/son tandem bike for less than 40 dollars.
« Reply #1 on: February 09, 2020, 11:27:00 AM »
I like it...cue the thumbs up icon.
Is the need enough? Or does the want suffice?

Offline DeadNutz

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2985
Re: A father/son tandem bike for less than 40 dollars.
« Reply #2 on: February 09, 2020, 01:57:02 PM »
That looks great. How are you doing all your welding?

Offline bonneyman

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3953
Re: A father/son tandem bike for less than 40 dollars.
« Reply #3 on: February 09, 2020, 02:39:29 PM »
Great! You need to install a little gas engine so you can keep travelling when daddy gets tired.  :))

Offline strik9

  • X
  • Hero Member
  • *
  • Posts: 623
Re: A father/son tandem bike for less than 40 dollars.
« Reply #4 on: February 09, 2020, 02:44:04 PM »
The frames are not welded to each other.  Hose clamps hold the head tube of the rear bike to the seat post of the front and the rear stays are bolted through the down tube of the rear bike.  Just in front of the 2nd crankset.

I have access to a sweet triphase stick welder now and can use it at will.  But as long as the clamps keep yhis one together that is all it needs.

The real spending comes slowly, the entire front wheel needs replaced, axle to tire.  Both crank bearing sets are shot and the rear wheel was made of two wrecked coaster brake hubs and two ruined rims.  But it was near free!  I paid two bucks for a used rear tire.

Offline strik9

  • X
  • Hero Member
  • *
  • Posts: 623
Re: A father/son tandem bike for less than 40 dollars.
« Reply #5 on: February 09, 2020, 02:54:41 PM »
The issue that this wreck has is the gearing is way too low.  Just me on it in loose sand i can throw up rooster tails.  I have never before had a bike i could spin the rear wheel. 

I have a complete harness and 12v electric motor off a old electric scooter.  It could be adapted to this thing but I was holding out for the next version with a better frame.  An Ebike has been on my radar a few years now.

Offline muddy

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3467
Re: A father/son tandem bike for less than 40 dollars.
« Reply #6 on: February 09, 2020, 07:41:28 PM »
I definitely want to see that scooter motor tadem bike build!

Sent from the twisted mind of the Mudman