[Closed] WIP- balance bike fabrication

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Last Post by oink1 8 years ago

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breadcrumb

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For a long time now I've wanted to build my own frame, just never found the time to do so.

However now I'm a dad I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to have a go whilst making my daughter's first bike.

As with a lot of my projects it's fitting them in around everything else but it's taking shape now so I'll share a few photos.

I've acquired a donor bike for the wheels, grips and saddle.

For the forks I've shortened a set of old Kona Project 2 forks. I'll get a photo of them when I get chance.

Frame taking shape-

[URL= http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a333/boff1979/balance%20bike/IMG_20170421_203249038.jp g" target="_blank">http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a333/boff1979/balance%20bike/IMG_20170421_203249038.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]

[URL= http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a333/boff1979/balance%20bike/IMG_20170421_203258258.jp g" target="_blank">http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a333/boff1979/balance%20bike/IMG_20170421_203258258.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]

Excuse the crude jig, it was quickly knocked up to get the ball rolling.

And as it stands at the moment-

[URL= http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a333/boff1979/balance%20bike/IMG_20170424_155815451.jp g" target="_blank">http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a333/boff1979/balance%20bike/IMG_20170424_155815451.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]

Next job is bracing the seat tube to the top tubes, then the frame can be welded up.

I'll be adding some kind of steering limiter too.

Might see if can pick up a blingy headset when it comes to the build.

I'll update as I go, won't be the quickest build though.

Posted : 24/04/2017 9:23 pm

stevied

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Looks great! Keep the updates coming 🙂

Posted : 24/04/2017 9:54 pm

jamj1974

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Love it!

Posted : 24/04/2017 11:29 pm

BearBack

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Super.. but, I'd suggest not adding a steering limiter. Reason being that kids won't be able to do standing bar spins once they see the movies.
My two are 5 and 6... They still use the 12" run bike for pretending they can do slopestyle stuff 😉
They both ride 20" bikes on the trails,16" for much information a out on jumps but the 12" run bike isn't obsolete yet.

Posted : 24/04/2017 11:35 pm

kayak23

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Looks fantastic.. 🙂

Posted : 25/04/2017 3:50 am

CalamityJames

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Love this. Great work, just don't get too upset when the inevitable scrapes happen!

Posted : 25/04/2017 7:41 am

RustyMac

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Like this a lot. Top work.

Posted : 25/04/2017 7:50 am

hooli

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I love threads like this, please keep us updated.

Posted : 25/04/2017 7:50 am

mick_r

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I warn you now it won't end with one bike - this is just the beginning 🙂

My youngest is just growing out of his 26" wheel frame that I made (3 years ago so has lasted well). Bit sad that I don't need to make another as we have enough small adult frames for his next couple of MTBs.

Posted : 25/04/2017 11:49 am

monkeyboyjc

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Love threads like this - double thumbs up

Posted : 25/04/2017 2:17 pm

breadcrumb

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Thanks for the interest.

My idea for a steering limiter will be removable, so bar spins are still a possibility 😉

I'm hoping this will be the first of many frames.

Posted : 25/04/2017 5:23 pm

northernmatt

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If you do want to put a steering limiter on I have a spare Islabikes headset somewhere which has it built in. Not sure if that would work with your tube size though.

Posted : 25/04/2017 7:26 pm

breadcrumb

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Thanks for the offer Matt, I'll see how my plan pans out.

Got most of the welding done, just a little left.

[URL= http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a333/boff1979/balance%20bike/IMG_20170511_155932132.jp g" target="_blank">http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a333/boff1979/balance%20bike/IMG_20170511_155932132.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]

Posted : 11/05/2017 9:57 pm

Stoner

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*frantically smashes "Like" button*

Posted : 11/05/2017 10:03 pm

muppetWrangler

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Missed this on the original posting. Looks brilliant, I'll even forgive the partial destruction of the project II forks 🙂 Are you going to let your daughter pick the colourscheme?

Posted : 11/05/2017 10:35 pm

breadcrumb

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Don't think of it as partial destruction, more a second chance.

She's just turned 8 months, but by the time it's ready for paint she may be able to pick a colour. The wheels and saddle are? neon pink, so pretty much any bright colour a go I think.

Posted : 12/05/2017 5:37 pm

breadcrumb

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Project two forks welded up-

[URL= http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a333/boff1979/balance%20bike/IMG_20170531_160002303_HDR.jp g" target="_blank">http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a333/boff1979/balance%20bike/IMG_20170531_160002303_HDR.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]