I saw this parked outside of a mental health facility today, I'm not kidding...

I wonder if that hinge is holding a split top tube together.

Also, call Grant Peterson. Someone's being innovative with shifters.

Honestly, there's some things here (fender, Q/R lever sliced off the front wheel, high-end tires, using actual bike parts to make that crazy - but workable - handlebar setup) which makes me wonder if someone's being grossly underestimated here.

-Kurt

That V-brake noodle to the RD...let me think about that. I think it just might be genius.

-Kurt

I never underestimate a creative mind, whether a worker or resident of such a facility.

I don't understand the hinge, or the desire to ride with that hand position, but I've come to the conclusion that this pile is genius.

I wouldn't be surprised if that freewheel (which appears to be Uniglide) is indexing correctly.

-Kurt

In the first photo you can see black electrical tape wrapped around the top-tube precisely where the tube rests against the street pole. It's there to protect the paint job...genius for sure.

.....

Over the years, it has occurred to me that the Raleigh vintage road bicycle is an excellent place to begin those modifications known to render the steeds more comfortable or competitive on the racing circuit. This wonderful old Raleigh has been modified for wind tunnel testing. In addition to the frame, note the unusual set-up of the more visible componentry...

Yes, the open forward facing handlebar ends are an indication of it's testing pedigree.

They put the airflow measuring equipment in there. Pressurized air flows in both sides and exits through a hole in the stem. In the stem, the mass molecular velocity is read by a series of variable pitch aeroscoptic vanes. The air then exits through the steerer tube and out the bottom of the fork.

It has been observed that some less-aerodynamic frames exhibit a phenomenon known as sine wave gaseous discharge. This is caused when the exiting air becomes turbulent in the steerer tube. As such, a noise resembling flatulence may be emitted at the fork crown. Many believe this is why Columbus steerer tubes are rifled; an early attempt at minimizing harmonic airflow pulsations through the steerer tube.

-Kurt

Shifted into neutral for fast descents.

Thanks for the inside scoop..!...

Good thread.