Built a SUB (stand up bike)
09-14-19, 06:26 AM
#1
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Thread Starter
Built a SUB (stand up bike)
I was given a 24" wheel MTB in decent condition and wanted to try and make a SUB (stand up bike) Removed the top tube and most of the seat tube. Dropped the top of the rear triangle and braced to the main tube. Made a stem from 30mm stainless tubing and a hinge to fold the bars, fits easily in the back of my car. All gear mech removed and chain tensioner made. Cranks cut down to 90mm, gives a much better pedalling action. Technique is a bit different than riding a normal bike, like climbing stairs but you're getting somewhere, I tend to pedal and coast, head wind is a killer. I use it on the local bike trails which are quite flat (old train tracks) so single speed works. Turned out better than I thought it would.
Original frame
Frame cut down
Painted black
Folding bars
Hinge
On the trail
Original frame
Frame cut down
Painted black
Folding bars
Hinge
On the trail
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09-15-19, 12:51 PM
#2
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Real nice work there, Foxonabike. 
90mm cranks sure seem short and low on leverage to me. Is that a common crank length for stand up bikes?
90mm cranks sure seem short and low on leverage to me. Is that a common crank length for stand up bikes?
09-15-19, 01:04 PM
#3
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Originally Posted by FiftySix
Real nice work there, Foxonabike.
90mm cranks sure seem short and low on leverage to me. Is that a common crank length for stand up bikes?
90mm cranks sure seem short and low on leverage to me. Is that a common crank length for stand up bikes?
https://www.ebay.ca/itm/SUNLITE-FORG...0AAOSws8Zad4sc
09-15-19, 01:18 PM
#4
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Originally Posted by Foxonabike
I don't think so, but the action is really good. And they are a thing.
https://www.ebay.ca/itm/SUNLITE-FORG...0AAOSws8Zad4sc
https://www.ebay.ca/itm/SUNLITE-FORG...0AAOSws8Zad4sc
True, they are a thing. I thought that size of crank was originally designed for kid's bicycles.
The real question is how it works with your sprocket gearing and if the short cranks make stand up pedaling more stable for the rider? And what speed range is that bike able to cruise at?
I have no idea personally, but I am curious how well it works for you?
Last edited by FiftySix; 09-15-19 at 01:42 PM. Reason: typo
09-15-19, 01:36 PM
#5
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I must have short legs or something but it feels good, it did raise the gearing a lot so I increased the rear sprocket by 2 teeth. Definitely makes it more stable for me. I'm not sure on the speed, maybe 15k ? not high speed but a real hard workout on the legs.
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09-16-19, 04:19 PM
#10
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No, never tried trials, but the bikes do look neat. Going to try a bigger rear sprocket (+ 3 teeth) just to see what it feels like, got to add a link to the chain though for that 
And I do have another 24" wheel MTB, it has an alloy frame so is pretty light, I would have used it for the stand up but wouldn't be confident doing any welding on it, might be time to try a trials
And I do have another 24" wheel MTB, it has an alloy frame so is pretty light, I would have used it for the stand up but wouldn't be confident doing any welding on it, might be time to try a trials
Last edited by Foxonabike; 09-17-19 at 03:52 AM.
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02-17-20, 04:07 PM
#13
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Yes, a bit like this
I can keep my upper body completely still but it is much harder on the legs and core, certainly a good workout, got some riser bars to try as well to see if higher bars feels better.
07-30-20, 10:10 AM
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Originally Posted by Foxonabike
I was given a 24" wheel MTB in decent condition and wanted to try and make a SUB (stand up bike) Removed the top tube and most of the seat tube. Dropped the top of the rear triangle and braced to the main tube. Made a stem from 30mm stainless tubing and a hinge to fold the bars, fits easily in the back of my car. All gear mech removed and chain tensioner made. Cranks cut down to 90mm, gives a much better pedalling action. Technique is a bit different than riding a normal bike, like climbing stairs but you're getting somewhere, I tend to pedal and coast, head wind is a killer. I use it on the local bike trails which are quite flat (old train tracks) so single speed works. Turned out better than I thought it would.
Original frame
Frame cut down
Painted black
Folding bars
Hinge
On the trail
Original frame
Frame cut down
Painted black
Folding bars
Hinge
On the trail
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09-27-20, 06:23 AM
#17
Ups!
Fun! As a fan of Fixed Gear, I would recommend trying Fixed Gear. Without a run - out, it would be even more fun!
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