Some friends and I are into fashioning some mutant bikes. We want to make a trike with those amazing plastic corrugated pipe wheels.
Here's a look at a heavier duty, double-wide version using a car rim (click the "View Full Size Image [+]" link to really check it out). We need to go smaller and thinner without anything as big as a car rim of course:
cliffypop.com/galleryhop/...2007-299.JPG
Problem is these pipes only come new in expensive 20 ft lengths. We probably need less than 3 ft.
Anyone have an idea about where to pick this pipe up for cheap? We've been calling around for scraps without much luck.
Would love any ideas for lightweight hubs and custom spoke ideas too. Thanks.
Here's a look at a heavier duty, double-wide version using a car rim (click the "View Full Size Image [+]" link to really check it out). We need to go smaller and thinner without anything as big as a car rim of course:
cliffypop.com/galleryhop/...2007-299.JPG
Problem is these pipes only come new in expensive 20 ft lengths. We probably need less than 3 ft.
Anyone have an idea about where to pick this pipe up for cheap? We've been calling around for scraps without much luck.
Would love any ideas for lightweight hubs and custom spoke ideas too. Thanks.
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SF Bay Area
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Re: Large Corrugated Pipe Wheels
Mon, December 10, 2007 - 12:22 PMSorry, I haven't been on tribe for a while....
go here for the "how to make 'em" stuff and there is a link to a spoke calculator... VERY key since it doesn't use drop downs for standard bike parts... you can enter 4 foot tire size if you want!
www.spontaneousfire.com/trikeofdeath.htm
If you find a place that actually INSTALLS the pipe, like a drainage construction company or dirt grading?? Anyway, tey will usually have small pieces left over from jobs.. they will GIVE to you if you print out a couple photos of what you're making! They love that stuff... also don't forget to bring 'em a thank you photo after with you and your machine.. it will get you all the free pipe you want!
Good luck! -
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Re: Large Corrugated Pipe Wheels
Tue, December 11, 2007 - 7:55 PMScott,
Nice work on the web link for construction of those wheels. It is way too easy to get in the creative zone and take zero pictures until you are done... Very cool.
Captain Chuck
Inspiratum 2008
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Re: Large Corrugated Pipe Wheels
Wed, December 12, 2007 - 6:06 AMThat's a fantastic design for the big wheel! Seeing that stuff tickles a funny erotic part inside me (which isn't the sex part necessarily).
Fuck you, I love you,
---Jason
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Re: Large Corrugated Pipe Wheels
Wed, December 12, 2007 - 8:29 AMBad ass dude!
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Re: Large Corrugated Pipe Wheels
Wed, December 12, 2007 - 10:45 AMOh! So amazing!
Thanks for sending such a thorough document. And good idea on having photos to show. That is essential to get a stranger interested.
Now, if we can find those strangers and their materials to do it...
Actually, we're well on our way to some major portions of construction. We have scavenged a number of bikes and other parts/scrap metal bits and have disassembled them for use. Next week is cutting bike frames and paint removal to prep for welding.
Hopefully, some good picts will be coming down the tube as we work. Thanks again to everyone for the help.
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Re: Large Corrugated Pipe Wheels
Wed, December 12, 2007 - 1:35 AMPerhaps a sewer and drain contractors dumpster might be your best bet.
Dumpster diving at general contracting companies.
We have a place called "Urban Ore" in Emeryville, CA. which has all kinds of eclectic things. Many items are from the building trades.
They are my #1 place for Burning Man art car supplies.
Happy hunting,
Roger -
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Re: Large Corrugated Pipe Wheels
Wed, December 12, 2007 - 10:49 AMYeah, I was talking about this a bit in another bike mod tribe. It's downright easy to find 24" double-walled corrugated pipe. The 36" is apparently quite rare. Still looking though...
Kinda leaning toward rolling our own at around 4' diameter since we have access to a good roller and it'll be lightweight. Can't use scrap though. We'd have to buy that steel new unfortunately. -
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Re: Large Corrugated Pipe Wheels FOUND!
Wed, April 9, 2008 - 10:15 AMWe managed to find the pipe we needed for free! It's taken a while to get started with busy lives and weather permitting in an outdoor (albeit covered) shop, but we're off and drilling away like mad.
Check my profile photos for some shots of the wheels and us in action plus a couple of press release photos too of our crew, Krank-Boom-Clank, to announce the upcoming "The Great West End & Railroad Square Handcar Regatta & Exposition (of Mechanical & Artistic Wonders)":
people.tribe.net/stache/photos
ITEM! We're looking for other crews of up to four people each to participate in what promises to be a ripping good race and much more In Santa Rosa, Sept. 28, 2008! I can be contacted through tribe if you're interested. Info soon here:
handcar-regatta.com/ -
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Re: Large Corrugated Pipe Wheels FOUND!
Thu, April 10, 2008 - 12:13 PMthank you for sharing this process - it's great to watch
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