2manybikes

I have a couple of bikes made from aluminum tubes. One was made by some guy named Fuji. The other by some guy named
Raleigh.

OH - Idea for the PVC bike. Have some stickers made that say PVC. A graphic or sign company can do that. Make a head tube badge of some kind.

Russ Roth

I'm impressed, don't ride it when it gets really cold out, that stuff gets brittle in the cold, and the strength of the tubes would have me worried to begin with. Has an interesting look and looks neatly done

wltr w8 

Personally, I am not as concerned with the PVC breaking. It certainly can break but only if bent past its point of flexibility and I agree that bitter cold will reduce that point. On a bike though, the stress points are at the joints especially at the head tube and bottom bracket. I did mention earlier I filled the chain and seat stays with epoxy to stiffen them up and I reinforced both the bottom bracket and head tube joints. This was done by heating the tube ends to promote adhesion and then wrapping them in epoxy soaked hemp ribbon. On the initial ride the were some creeks that were unnerving but since then I've about 20 miles in silence. This certainly is no race bike and I doubt that I will ever even try to sprint on it. But it is a good functional, casual bike that will be great for slow and pub rides. It definitely has a peculiar soft feel to the ride and it will take a while to get completely confident of it. Till then I'm glad I experimented with it cause it's kinda cool and unique.

2manybikes

It's always nice to ride a bike you built.

Jeff Wills

PVC pipe also gets more brittle with age and exposure to ultraviolet light. That's why you bury PVC sprinkler pipe.

wltr w8 

You are certainly right. I did not mention but I did paint the entire frame with a matte finish clear coat with a uv blocker. I thought that may help with the degradation but also keep the pipe from marring so easily. Need you guys to remind me in 10 years the bike may be more brittle before I will it to my son.

WizardOfBoz

I was skeptical (and still am about ability to handle shocks) but the result of the effort IS pretty cool looking. And it holds the OP up without breaking.

Something to show off, if not to ride a Century on.

aggiegrads

Thanks for doing this. It reminded me that I need to check and see that my health insurance and dental plan are up to date.

_ForceD_

Just wondering why you used (white) tape at the joints? Did you you consider using an adhesive for a cleaner look? I have made uniquely shaped PVC plumbing components using E6000. I don't know about the strength compared to layers of tape but it must be at least close.

Dan

Drew Eckhardt 

In other words, it's strong enough

wltr w8 

The joints are actually 3M fiberglass casting tape. Basically it is fiberglass ribbon with water reactive resin. Relatively easy to use. If you look at the drop outs, I did sand them smooth and painted them white. My plan was to do the same with the joints but after I was done I liked the rough look because you could the material. Plus, I saved myself a hell of a lot of sanding. As mentioned earlier, I did reinforce the head tube and bottom bracket underneath the fiberglass tape with hemp soaked in epoxy.

JanMM

Butted PVC tubing? Double-butted?

wltr w8 

I do know if that applies here. A picture of the frame assembly and the schematic that I used and slightly modified for this build.

wltr w8 

The pvc rings I included as hard stops for the fiberglass wraps.

Retro Grouch 

My advice is to start by figuring out how you are going to make the bottom bracket work with the tools that you have. That way you might not have to do the rest.

2manybikes

You don't normally miss things like this. He's been riding the bike. There are photos.
You're getting more like me.

zjrog

Now I'm intriqued! But, being a heavier rider, I'm not real sure this is a path for me. Still might be cool to hang on the wall!

AnkleWork

De-evolution at full speed. After so much investment in the development of stiff and light bike frames, certain personality types knowingly turn backwards. Some aspects of human nature hate progress.

Anyone who likes the failure modes of carbon fiber will absolutely love the failure modes of PVC. Invest in a full-face helmet and body armor first, and make sure your dental plan is current.

wltr w8 

Don't consider myself as one who turns backwards. And there is no comparison between PVC and Carbon fiber. Just an experiment to see what's possible and have a little fun doing so. Lighten up, my plan is not to de-evolution the bike industry. The ride characteristics alone and a healthy respect for crashes limit the use to casual cruising.

wltr w8 

zjrog, If you would to discuss any part of the bike build, PM me and i'll provide my cell so we can talk about it.

AnkleWork

It is not the bike industry de-evolving.

Retro Grouch 

wltr w8 doesn't need my advice. My comment was intended for the OP.

livedarklions

So we won't be seeing the kit for sale at Ikea?

Mazel tov on this remarkably silly and complicated achievement! The world needs more people like you.

BTW, I think you should put a H on the left side of the handlebar and a C on the right.

wltr w8 

Touch"e on the H/C suggestion. Had to laugh and am now thinking how to incorporate. Thanks

wltr w8 

Took a couple of attempts, but I was able to incorporate a kick stand. Did not want to clamp down on the chain stays.