Handlebar Stem Extender (Bicycle)

MOTIVATION: I desired “tall handlebars” for an artsy bike project - something more ingenious than ordinary ape-hangers.  A local event (Visalia Bike Project) desired to recycle discarded bikes into kinetic art, then race, display, and auction them to benefit the arts. Since I mostly work with wood projects, my principal criteria were straightforwardness, creativity, and utility.

DESCRIPTION: This is a “stem extender” to substantially raise the handlebar height of my project-bicycle utilizing (a) the handlebars+stem and (b) the front fork of a child’s 16” bicycle. The child's crossbar-style handlebar is the essential component of this project.

As with any 'Instructable', be sure to read everything before doing anything. Take photos of your own creation, and share them with the community. Be safe, ride tall, and have fun!

[[ This article is my only entry in the ShopBot Challenge, which closed February 29, 2012. The Woodworker Association (SJFWA) makes thousands of toys each year for holiday giveaways, and the ShopBot would really be an asset. Thanks to all of you viewers - I appreciate your votes of support and encouragement. ]]

Step 1 - Material & Tools

My creative juices were racing as I looked at discarded child's bikes. I rearranged a few parts in my mind's eye and saw this relatively simple design. Follow along, but always be open to your own innovation!

MATERIAL:
child’s handlebar with crossbar, quill-type stem, child’s front fork
(An outrageously tall extender is possible by substituting a 26" fork, but it would likely be dangerous and possibly illegal in some locations.)

TOOLS:
(a) adjustable wrench to assemble and disassemble bicycle parts
(b) sandpaper to remove paint
(c) c-clamps to hold the parts while welding
(d) welding gear or in my case, a friend with a small wire-feed MIG setup

(e) optional: sized-wrench set, hacksaw, metal file, paint, ornaments, beverage

Comments

[irishmail]

Two additional photos were added to the first screen today - to demonstrate more examples - one of them adds a whopping 24" to the handlebar height!

[caarntedd]

This would be a good steering extension for a "tall" bike. Nice.

[irishmail]

Thanks! On a 20" BMX with an extended seat post, it's an easy yet 'high' ride. I believe that this is a stronger and safer solution than I've seen on some tallbikes.