Tall Bike Buidling

Here are the steps I used to build a tall bike. This one does require welding and some blood sweat and tears, but it is worth it.

I constantly hear "nice bike", or "how do you get up on that thing". It's not a bike for an introvert.

Step 1: Parts and equipment needed.

Start hitting garage sales and find yourself some equally sized tall bikes. I picked mine up for $5 - $10 each. Bring a magnet to make sure you are buying steel frames.
Avoid Chrome molly frames as it is wickedhard to weld.
Measure from the head tube to the seat post. The matching bike frames should be within 1/2 inch of each other. If they aren't close your top bike won't sit very well.

I recommend using a girls bike on the top, so when you dismount the bike, your foot doesn't get caught on the top bar.

Optionally, you can chop off the back triangle of the top bike. This assists with mounting.
If you leave the triangle on, you can add a third wheel, for looks.

Parts needed:

2 bikes of equal size. A girls bike on top, is preferable.
Extra long bike and gear cables.
1 black pipe for steering shaft (should match the inner diameter of your forks.)
1 smaller front tire, or else you'll have a UPD (UnPlanned Dismount).
1 smaller front forks to help with the center of gravity problem.
Chain link set (new or used)
Chain breaker (AKA chain link remover) ($5-$25)

Equipment needed:
Welder. I bought a cheap $100 110v arc welder.
Welding helmet, gloves, slag hammer and welding rods (I used e7014 on 45 amp setting)
Spray paint
Bike grease
Chain oil
Sanding attachment on portable drill. You have to grind the paint off the areas you are going to weld.

Optional Equipment:
Hacksaw, Sawzaw and/or chop saw.
Bench grinder, with steel brush attachment
Blow torch for sticker removal
Paint thinner for sticker removal
Glass beader for paint removal (if you're a perfectioninst)

Comments

[voyageur10]

This is a fantastic design. I have used the same model to now build both a "double" tall and a "triple" tall! I thought the triple was insane at first, but now that I am so used to it, I am beginning to think even bigger! Have you made a 4 bike frame tall?

[soldeir 9]

ew..all done and said.

[kadenbohn]

hey great instructable how do you like that welder i have been looking to get that same one.

[jgustafson]

What might be better where you welded, is bevel each end that you are connecting. Then you get better penetration with the weldment, and you can grind it all the way down flush and still have a solid weld that looks clean. And also too, anyone who has never stick welded before. Do not try it on a bike, much easier to use MIG Hardwire (which you must clean all paint and rust away or it will cause porosity), or Flux cored wire, pref dual shield in which case it is clean clean clean.

[la-main]

More wind résistance :(

fun project though

[gtarplaya06]

so true about the excuse to learn to weld I actually just started my own tall bike but i had an severe accident at work which electrocuted me leaving me in the hospital for 2 months where i am at now but b4 i was in here i had just got the frame welded first time welding i had a buddy with a welder so i learned how to do it. can't wait to get better and finish it

[uncertaindoom]

did you ever get better? hope so

[carpe_noctem]

ummm lol

(not at gtarplaya)

[Circus Bear]

Are you selling these? If so, for how much?

[Zlash]

That red, white and blue one looks dumb but cool. I was like "lol" when I saw it.

[Yerboogieman]

My friend used to ride a unicycle to school, he was pretty good at it.

[Ideal_Ideas91]

it looks like all you did was weld 2 bikes together.... My friend is a bike nut and has accomadated over 12 or so bikes, he might be able to make one without the need for welding as he has no welder, all he would need is jb weld and some bolts.

[breadman12]

thats a big bike

[budgetbiker78666]

Do you sell them? Like why so many?

[schmillin]

your instructable helped a lot. I built one with my friends this week and it turned out great. We made a few changes, but you gave us a general idea thanks

[dombeef]

WHOH!!!