very nice RR. I would be tempted to just ride it like that. It looks cool :)

How is the ride? Can you even tell its back there?

Thanks alot, you got me wanting to build one now :( Another bike (and a half) in my living room will be coming soon

I can hardly tell it is back there. I have to take corners a little wide, everything else feels the same!

One last picture with the rack on. Before I put a coat of shellac on it I was able to sit on it. I am 210 and it took my weight just fine. All that is left to do is put some hooks on it for bungee chords.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i2...4/PICT0110.jpg

You gotta make some kind of panniers for it.

Yeah, I bolted up an old messenger bag to the right side last night. It could fit four of them. :lol:

id have to say the rear ends off those cheap ds mtb sure come in handy

great job and clean look

does the chain have/need any knda of midway "support" system?

Almost. It has a little bit of clearance over the second chainstays while pedaling. With a larger chainring you would have even more room. My chainring is just tiny.

I saw that Instructables (http://www.instructables.com/id/Home...lity-Bike-SUB/) many months ago and was intrigued, but he didn't finish it off to show what he really had accomplished. Your bike is wonderful proof of a brilliant idea.

One question though, so I can build one up. What is securing the support rod to the bottom bracket? Could you show a photo of that?

Nothing, actually. I have plans for drilling a hole through the rod near the bottom bracket and using a kickstand plate soon. It works just fine the way it is, but the plate would be little extra security.

One of these might be handy securing that rod.
http://www.lakewoodconferences.com/d...785/U_Bolt.jpg
But I can see how the weight of the bike pushes the rod into the bottom bracket. Add a rider and its not going anywhere, unless you take the bike out on the dirt jumping track.

Here is my Xtra that I ride daily to work and everywhere. Set up with just a 9spd rear derailer.
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o...0712071922.jpg
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o...0522071704.jpg

Here's my grocery-getter after a bank-Borders-Whole Foods run last weekend.

http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/e...ixteloaded.jpg

Where do you get those roomy bags?

If you're asking me, REI.

definatly like those bags! Looks like a really fun bike also.

Yes i was, and now i am thanking you. They seem to go much deeper than the folding wire baskets that i have used. Looking at the specs: milk crate height and length, but skinnier than a milk crate. Do you know if they make these bags any bigger?

Rock on cman! I'm in New Meadows. Here's mine. I need to get it ready for snow duty.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2325/...ca8698.jpg?v=0

roughrider504 - Any updates on that custom long bike? Panniers? Baskets? The possibilities!

Sorry, no, I don't know. They're the perfect size for a grocery bag, and go on and off easily.

Wow, I bet you are the only one in New Meadows that has an Xtra. you might get studded tires for up there. My sister -in-law lives in (old) Meadows and I used to live in McCall.

Homemade bicycle trailer
 

I'm not really sure about posting on forums, but (hopefully) I've attached a photo of my lovingly made bicycle trailer that I built over a few weekends. A few bits are recycled; the wire mesh bed and the golf-cart universal joint. It is used primarily for shopping, although when I'm convinced it's sufficiently durable I may take it on a tour.

I also made a short film to demonstrate to my friends that it works.

_________________________________________
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UaQJIdpVRYc
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Usually my constructions fall a little short of my expectations, but for some reason this worked out perfectly. If you remove the wheelguards it even runs upside down.

More recently I've added two dynamos, rectified, smoothed and regulated to produce a total of 18volts and 1amp. This drives some surprisingly bright 10mm LED arrays I put together (even at 5mph), or a small bank of electronics which supplies regulated USB power and firewire for charging ipods etc, diode-protected NiMH cells. It also takes power in from a nice 8.1volt solar panel I found on ebay, which may prove useful on a tour.

Since it has been such a boon to my life, I think I may eventually make a follow-up video more concisely following the trailer's development.

This is not just nice or good it's excellent. The video is a really professional touch. If I sound impressed it's 'cause I am. The sound track made me laugh. I'm looking forward to the construction video. Please don't fail.:):)

Mine.

http://www.bikerubbish.com/rubbish/n.../halloween.jpg


My wife's :D

http://www.bikerubbish.com/rubbish/nov2007/po4.jpg

Oldfool, thankyou for your kind words. I'll certainly make a follow-up film, perhaps a little less indulgent this time.

It has been a real pleasure finding these utility bike threads.

astronomerroyal - Your movie was enthralling and your trailer is a DIY masterpiece. Thanks for sharing.

BAH - your photography is exquisite.

Here is my Raleigh mtb convert. Soon I'm going to get some panniers, fenders, and a basket for it. Rite now I just strap backpacks to the sides of the rack.
http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s...RaleighM20.jpg