Can't decide on top tube

[killercanuck]

Hi guys, so I was cutting and grinding on an old frame today, adding rake and having fun. But I can't decide on which way I should put the top tube...

I started with this bike here:

What do you think:

Curve up?

or Curve down?

I'm hoping to get'r welded up this weekend, so I've got a couple days to scratch my chin...

What do you guys think?

 

[2door]

Greg,
The top tube 'up' looks better. With it down it makes the bike appear bent in the middle.
But that's just my opinion. You need to do what looks good to YOU.
Keep us posted on the project.

Tom

 

[BikeBerryJen]

Greg,
The top tube 'up' looks better. With it down it makes the bike appear bent in the middle.
But that's just my opinion. You need to do what looks good to YOU.
Keep us posted on the project.

Tom

I agree that "up" looks better! However, beauty is in the eye of the beholder and since you're the one riding around on it, go for what looks spiffy to you!

 

[BikeBerryKelci]

I think curved down looks dope! But I agree w/ Jenn ( my sista from anotha mista!) beauty is in the eye of the beholder so go w/ your gut and do what you think is the best look for your taste.

 

[MotorBicycleRacing]

Gotta be top tube up to look right....
What kinda motor are you slamming into that puppy?

 

[bigbutterbean]

I agree with Tom, up would look best in my opinion.

 

[culvercityclassic]

Be different and make it flat. Bmx style...I did vote for curved down tho.

 

[BoDean_LP]

Tube down looks cool, but it's all up to your taste.

That's just looks though. Tube up would be more practical. I'd test fit the motor to verify minimum necessary clearance before going with tube down.

 

[dracothered]

Curve down?

I'm hoping to get'r welded up this weekend, so I've got a couple days to scratch my chin...

What do you guys think?

It looks like a broke back horse this way to me... don't like it one bit.
In the end though you have to live with it.

 

[killercanuck]

Thanks guys and girls Hm, I didn't even think of it looking "broke back" down. Maybe I'll Nickname it "Broke Back Bikin'" and paint'r pink, lol, no way. Straight could be another option, maybe square up top might work. I'll dig out a piece when the sun comes up.

I've got an HS49cc to go in this bike. Helical gear Hoot till it dies and a 4G(maybe ezm) goes in. I like the looks of the 4G. Lots of engine clearance either way, it sits nice and low.

One thing I like about it turned down is how the tank sits, but a straight tube could give me that look too.

Took more pics while the coffee was brewing, check 'em out:

See what I mean about the angle of the gas tank?

 

[dracothered]

With the tank on it looks a little better (not as broken looking), but a straight tube might just be the ticket... no pun intended. hahaha

 

[azbill]

try a straight and see how she looks (I voted classic BTW )

 

[Ludwig II]

Well, there's always this for comparison: http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa345/harry761/Briggs Ladies bike/Picture661.jpg

 

[Technocyclist]

i also prefer curve upwards... it looks better, and you'll have more space for a bigger engine...

 

[killercanuck]

Hmm, it does give it a different look altogether, eh? Its a little larger tube than the bent one too.

 

[Ludwig II]

The tube is ok, but putting the tank on changes the harder visual dynamic that it gives. I suppose there's no chance of putting a cylindrical/barrel tank crossways behind the seat?

 

[killercanuck]

Yea that's a thought, but then I gotta build one worth thinking about though Was thinking of a lay-back post too, hmm

 

[killercanuck]

Sorry to all the "up" voters, but like peeps said, gotta go with what I like eh. Decided to go with the down style after all. Wasn't crazy about the straight tube either, but had to try one. Don't know if it was the diameter of the tube, but something threw me off it.

So yea, got'r brazed up today:

Going to add a huge gusset up front, coming back a good 5-6"(or more) from the head tube. And a smaller one at the top-back for some of mind and looks.

I'll keep pics coming as I go.

Even if I'm not happy with the end result, its still good practice... Plus the motor/forks/crank can always go on something else

 

[thegnu]

down was the way to go

 

[GAS+RIDEZ]

That's the way it should be if you want to be different from the pack,is my humble opinion.

 

[BoDean_LP]

Oh yeah, down definitely looks better than straight. It's got good lines that way.