Here are some pics of my latest project. I did a 6 mile test ride yesterday and I consider it a success. It started as a couple of bikes literally abandoned in my front yard a few years ago. Both had been ridden to destruction and abused to the point that about the only thing left was the frame. The front one is a Huffy and the rear (the only one I had to cut) is a Murray. Both American made. I believe it is going to become my regular ride.
Putting them together like this gave me a 51 inch wheelbase and a 28 inch seat height. I can sit on the seat with my feet flat on the ground and with the crank forward I still get the correct leg extension when pedaling. The glitch in my right thigh and knee that I get when riding my 1976 Schwinn shopper (picture enclosed) seems to be gone as is the hip glitch I get on the recumbent. The handle bars position my hands below my shoulders and in more or less a natural position so no trouble with my hands going to sleep so far at least. I sit pretty much upright so I can enjoy the scenery and also see the driver in the SUV that is on the phone and is about to turn me into another bothersome smudge on the bumper. The pedal position also seats me firmly on my big butt which has relieved the wreckage to my crotch that I get on a normal upright. The rack is a '60's vintage child's seat folded. It is set up with a 5 speed freewheel and a 36 tooth chainring which gives me pretty low gearing that I can live with but I would like it to be higher. Low is too low to be useful. It weighs 35lbs.
This was an original idea for me but since starting it I have come to find that many before me have done the same thing. I have seen pictures of at least two others. I got the idea from the new crank forward bikes that you can pick up for a mere 500 bucks. Total cash outlay for this one is $24.00 for high rise handle bars and and a new tire.

Here are some pics of my latest project. I did a 6 mile test ride yesterday and I consider it a success. It started as a couple of bikes literally abandoned in my front yard a few years ago. Both had been ridden to destruction and abused to the point that about the only thing left was the frame. The front one is a Huffy and the rear (the only one I had to cut) is a Murray. Both American made. I believe it is going to become my regular ride.
Putting them together like this gave me a 51 inch wheelbase and a 28 inch seat height. I can sit on the seat with my feet flat on the ground and with the crank forward I still get the correct leg extension when pedaling. The glitch in my right thigh and knee that I get when riding my 1976 Schwinn shopper (picture enclosed) seems to be gone as is the hip glitch I get on the recumbent. The handle bars position my hands below my shoulders and in more or less a natural position so no trouble with my hands going to sleep so far at least. I sit pretty much upright so I can enjoy the scenery and also see the driver in the SUV that is on the phone and is about to turn me into another bothersome smudge on the bumper. The pedal position also seats me firmly on my big butt which has relieved the wreckage to my crotch that I get on a normal upright. The rack is a '60's vintage child's seat folded. It is set up with a 5 speed freewheel and a 36 tooth chainring which gives me pretty low gearing that I can live with but I would like it to be higher. Low is too low to be useful. It weighs 35lbs.
This was an original idea for me but since starting it I have come to find that many before me have done the same thing. I have seen pictures of at least two others. I got the idea from the new crank forward bikes that you can pick up for a mere 500 bucks. Total cash outlay for this one is $24.00 for high rise handle bars and and a new tire.

I really like this one, very cool an practical project.

What a great way to re-use a Huffy and a Murray! Nice job.

Now I am wondering, why did you name yourself oldfool? You seem like a pretty smart dude, if you ask me!

East Hill

What a great way to re-use a Huffy and a Murray! Nice job.

Now I am wondering, why did you name yourself oldfool? You seem like a pretty smart dude, if you ask me!

East Hill

It came to me in a dream. I am getting old and I have a granddaughter that gives me clarity of vision. Being a fool doesn't mean you are not smart or even wise. Everyone is a fool about something and the name reminds me to not get to full of myself.
I love the bike. I can't stay off of it.

It came to me in a dream. I am getting old and I have a granddaughter that gives me clarity of vision. Being a fool doesn't mean you are not smart or even wise. Everyone is a fool about something and the name reminds me to not get to full of myself.


I see, it's like my reminder to TRY EMPATHY. It doesn't always work, and I can still get snippy, but that's why it's in my signature.

East Hill

I like it. Far from being radical, I would say that the design looks very sensible.