 A modern home constructed tall bicycle A Tall Bike is an unusually tall bicycle, typically built for the purpose of fun and recreation, though with occasional practical use. Image File history File linksMetadata Download high resolution version (480x640, 91 KB) Summary A home-made tall bicycle constructed from two bicycle frames, and scavenged parts from 9 other bicycles. ...
Image File history File linksMetadata Download high resolution version (480x640, 91 KB) Summary A home-made tall bicycle constructed from two bicycle frames, and scavenged parts from 9 other bicycles. ...
This racing bicycle is built using lightweight, shaped aluminium tubing and carbon fiber stays and forks. ...
Modern tall bikes are most commonly constructed by individuals from spare parts. Two conventional bicycle frames are connected, by welding, brazing, or other means, one atop the other. The drivetrain is reconfigured to connect to the upper set of pedals, and the controls are moved to the upper handlebar area. Welding is a fabrication process that joins materials, usually metals or thermoplastics, by causing coalescence. ...
Brazing is a joining process whereby a non-ferrous filler metal and an alloy are heated to melting temperature (above 450°C / 800°F) and distributed between two or more close-fitting parts by capillary action. ...
Alternatively, a bicycle can be built by inverting the frame, and inserting the forks from the 'wrong side', flipping the rear wheel, and adding a long gooseneck and tall handlebars, then welding a long seatpost tube to the 'bottom' (now the top) of the frame. This type of tall bike is made with only one bike frame, and is often called an upside-down bike rather than a tall bike, though the seat can be quite high, depending on the frame shape used. This type can be somewhat safer, as there is less tubing between the rider's legs and dismounting in a hurry can be easily accomplished.
Tall bikes are a popular mode of transportation for modern 'bicycle gangs' (SCUL, Rat Patrol, Zoobomb,Black Label Bike Club, CHUNK 666, etc.) and activist groups. They are also a mainstay among builders of Clown bikes, art bikes, Clown alleys and parade groups. Bicycle modification is considered a fun and cheap hobby, and never fails to attract a lot of attention. Most modern cities contain large quantities of unused or abandoned bicycles that provide the raw materials for tall bikes and other mutant cycles. The Subversive Choppers Urban Legion (SCUL) is a Boston based modified bicycle gang that primarily rides home-made bicycle choppers and tall bikes. ...
The Rat Patrol is a trash and chopper club which began in 1999 in Chicago, and now also has chapters in Ghana; New Orleans; Ross-on-Wye, England; Canberra, Australia; Tanzania; Nashville, Tennessee; and Lafayette, Louisiana. ...
Zoobomb is a bicycling activity in which participants ride small childrens bicycles downhill rapidly, with the aid of gravity. ...
A clown bicycle or clown bike is designed for comedic visual effect or stunt riding. ...
An art bike at the Burning Man Festival, Nevada USA An art bike is generally considered to be any bicycle modified for creative purposes while still being ridable. ...
The Clown Alley, in a circus is a backstage area, usually very near the animal pens, in which the clowns change into costume and apply their makeup. ...
Practical Uses
 A Giraffe Lamplighter Bicycle, manufactured in 1898 The only known practical use of the tall bike is a late 1800's lamp lighting system by which a worker would mount a specialized tall bicycle while equipped with a torch for lighting gas lamps. As the worker rode to each lamp, they would lean against the lamp post, light the lamp, and then ride to the next. Upon completing the circuit of lamps, an assistant would help the rider dismount. Image File history File links Download high resolution version (800x1085, 227 KB) Summary A Giraffe Lamplighter Bicycle from 1898. ...
Image File history File links Download high resolution version (800x1085, 227 KB) Summary A Giraffe Lamplighter Bicycle from 1898. ...
Sporting Tall bike jousting is a popular sport among bicycle hackers. Combatants arm themselves with lances, and attempt to score points by dislodging the other rider. Rules vary by area, and with the mood of the combatants. Like the ancient sport of jousting, this is a sport where honor plays a role and dishonorable wins are frowned upon.
Gentle rules: Foam pool noodles can be used as lances, and points may be scored by delivering a touch to the chest.
More intense rules: PVC pipe with foam covering can be used as lances, and points may be scored by causing the other rider to fall off their tall bike.
Very intense rules: Metal pipes or pieces of wood may be used as lances, and points may be scored by knocking the other rider off their bicycle, and/or damaging their bicycle or causing an injury.
Fire jousting: The foam ends of the lances are set alight. A dangerous and spectacular variation.
Jar Rules: Riders mount tall bike with a lance, metal or wood, with a jam jar placed on the tip called a jarry. Points are scored when the jar is broken. Riders then can choose to battle with the broken jam jar, or replace it. Battle continues until all the jars are broken, or an opponent in retired.
PVC Tall bike joust slideshow [1]
Design Considerations Tall bikes present some interesting design considerations, and different localities tend to have different methods of dealing with them.
One consistent issue is that the seat tends to end up in line with, or behind, the rear axle, which creates a powerful tendency to lift the front wheel of the bicycle on acceleration. Some bicycle builders simply accept with this tendency, but others solve the problem by moving the seat post forward, lowering the handlebars, or by using a smaller wheel in front, typically a 24" instead of a 26".
Stability can also be negatively affected, and enhancements such as extended wheelbase by welding extensions on the front and rear dropouts can benefit stability. Contest holders often place restrictions on such modification to prevent unfair advantages.
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