I See Springers...

UncleKudzu · #1 (**permalink**) 11-08-2008, 07:20 PM

OK, below you will see the hind quarters of a 20" BMX bike that fell under the influence of my jig saw this afternoon (yes, it's upside down). now, i see parts for some homemade springer fork parts there; does anyone else see potential there? maybe cut off the bottom tubes and save the other part, complete with dropouts? (that rusty section is part of the seatpost tube)

feel free to help me visualize.

wheelbender6 · #2 (**permalink**) 11-09-2008, 10:04 AM

That sounds like fun. I was considering a simpler version, a soft tail for an old cruiser.
I want to cut out a 2" length of the seat stays near the seat post and replace with springs. Instead of creating a pivot, I would just rely on the flexing of the chain stays to yield an inch or so of wheel travel. I have a KHS mountain bike that has an elastomer sof tail like that. LOL.

VENICE BOY · #3 (**permalink**) 11-09-2008, 10:34 AM

I love the spirit of invention that everyone has about customizing their MB's... but I really want to caution everyone about trying things like welding your own frames & forks, (or anything else for that matter)

DON'T TRY THIS UNLESS YOU REALLY KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING!

Having the fork (or frame)break @ 35 MPH is very serious...

I don't want to stomp on anyones fun here, & I love seeing all the new crazy inventions everyone here comes up with, but seriously... be careful! (& post a lot of pics when they're done!!)

UncleKudzu · #4 (**permalink**) 11-09-2008, 01:33 PM

thanks, VB, for your concern and good advice.

i'm really just thinking out loud in this post. i wouldn't trust anything that i put together :-)

UncleKudzu · #5 (**permalink**) 11-09-2008, 05:36 PM

OK, below shows the top rear triangle (with section of seat tube still attached) from the 20", separated from the chainstays.

20" frame is a bit short, but can you see where my thinking is going on this? ideas from the fab geniuses are welcomed.

chainstay removed.

VENICE BOY · #6 (**permalink**) 11-09-2008, 05:59 PM

First thing I would say is, use a different BMX frame; one that has the rear dropouts that face towards the rear. (This way they will face down on your new fork!)

UncleKudzu · #7 (**permalink**) 11-09-2008, 06:06 PM

good point, VB!

UncleKudzu · #8 (**permalink**) 11-15-2008, 07:49 PM

AussieJester, thanks for your input.

i was thinking of something like a cross between forum member Jak Stoll's homemade fork (see attachment) and the old Sears Spaceliner forks.

i'm thinking seat stays or chain stays would be plenty strong. i found a rear suspension spring from a junked thrift store kid's bmx bike (only $2.99USD!) and i'll take some more pictures when i get the mock-up further along.

thanks again for your interest!

Saddletramp1200 · #9 (**permalink**) 11-15-2008, 08:05 PM

But, But, where's the length, the rake, springers are for choppers. well cheap suppension for bikes. Man I would listen, Front forks are nothing to play with!
We don't have a "Obit" thread, yet. Front forks are not a game.

UncleKudzu · #10 (**permalink**) 11-16-2008, 03:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saddletramp1200

Man I would listen, Front forks are nothing to play with!
We don't have a "Obit" thread, yet. Front forks are not a game.

man! how am i ever gonna have any fun with you and WalterF always going around concerned about my well-being? sheesh! senior citizens... can't live with them, can't shoot 'em... what's a fella to do?