Yet Another Cycling Forum

General Category => On The Road => Topic started by: clarion on 24 April, 2008, 06:04:56 pm

Title: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 24 April, 2008, 06:04:56 pm
I am a fan of the off-beat - vintage, recumbents, workbikes, and other alternatives.

If you've seen anything curious (i.e. not just another Trek hybrid in London ;D ), list it here - preferably with a photo.

NB:  This is not just a thread to discuss bling.  The old Triumph that that old woman pedals incredibly slowly across the village green every day is still Unusual and Interesting (well, it is to me|)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 24 April, 2008, 06:13:18 pm
First two from me (no photos I'm afraid :( ):

1.  Garratt Lane turning into Fountain Road.  I turned right into the road ahead of a bike turning left.  He passed me quite quickly, despite being an older bloke dressed in ordinary clothes.  Not a surprise, particularly - I've not been worrying any TT record holders today.  I noticed the man was riding an Airnimal - Chameleon, I think.  But it had a big rear hub, and something on top of the main tube.  It became apparent when he started to 'freewheel' - it had electric assist, which I thought was very interesting for a high-end folder.  He turned into the grounds of St Georges Hospital.

2.  Parked next to me at the Sheffield Stands east side of Tooting Broadway (OK, I didn't travel far today - what do you want - blood?).  A lichen green bike, with 531 stickers on the forks, and a mixture of Shimano components (RSX & Tiagra).  No head badge visible, and the rust was showing through the paint all over, but the conical seatstays looked pretty classy.  I'd resigned myself to not knowing what it was, when, from a distance, as the light caught it, I saw the faint remains of the lettering 'Witcomb'.  I smiled & rode away.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Jacomus on 24 April, 2008, 09:52:30 pm
(http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t299/jacomus-rides-Gen/Flying%20Gate/DSC00610.jpg)

(http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t299/jacomus-rides-Gen/Flying%20Gate/DSC00612.jpg)

(http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t299/jacomus-rides-Gen/Flying%20Gate/DSC00611.jpg)

Seen ages ago, but by far the most unusual bike I have seen out and about.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 24 April, 2008, 10:14:03 pm
Love those Flying Gates (not just cause Baines was a Bradford firm).  And TJ (Trevor Jarvis) is based near my parents' house.

Really really want one.

But...

but...

but...

...that colour scheme! :o
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: border-rider on 24 April, 2008, 10:18:45 pm
I dunno.  Interesting yes, but I've always felt they were just trying too hard to be interesting. 

 ;D

I'd prefer something a bit more understated meself. 

Good thread though
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 25 April, 2008, 09:17:36 am
(Note to self - download last Sunday's pix off camera)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wobbly John on 25 April, 2008, 11:19:03 am
I think this thread need a link to the XnTRICK Cycles  (http://xntrick.co.uk) website.  :o  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 25 April, 2008, 11:20:10 am
Oh - and now it has! :D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Chris N on 25 April, 2008, 11:25:03 am
I saw a Overbury MTB in Bristol a few months ago - set up with Bullmoose bars* bars, mudguards and racks, a very upright riding position with lovely fillet brazed joints.  A bit tatty now, but obviously a nice bit of kit back in the '80s.

*I think that's the right term - a one piece bar and stem combo, made from a vertical tube in the steerer with two angled tubes as the forward extension with a wide, sweeping handlebar.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 25 April, 2008, 11:34:14 am
I used to want an Overbury's sooo much.  The Cross Fell was cool, but the Pioneer was amazing!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 25 April, 2008, 11:36:02 am
I used to want an Overbury's sooo much.  The Cross Fell was cool, but the Pioneer was amazing!

Me too an' all.  But I could only afford a Roockhooper, so that's what I bought.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Notsototalnewbie on 25 April, 2008, 01:05:08 pm
I'm not sure how unusual it it, but the boyfriend is always getting compliments from random people on his vintage 3-speed Puch tourer that he commutes on. Will have to get a photo as it is currently hanging on my wall. I don't like the look of saddle and grips he's put on though, and it now has mismatched brakes because the original front one was broken in a crash.

He bought it from an old man who's wife was making him get rid of some bikes, who had kept it in lovely condition for its age. It's a bugger in the rain (chromed steel rims).
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Malandro on 25 April, 2008, 01:26:47 pm
The other day in Edinburgh I saw a couple on a tandem pulling one of those trailer's for kids to sit in.

Nothing unusual there you say....except the back half of the tandem was a normal upright bike while the front half was a recumbent.

I've never seen or heard of that before.  Wish I'd got a pic.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Spikey on 25 April, 2008, 01:28:18 pm
A (foot powered) adult scooter with a larger front wheel (approx 20inches) and smaller back wheel.
(Seen a couple of times on the downs in Bristol)

I'm not sure if it counts as a bike, but it does have 2 wheels and is human powered, and I understand someone completed PBP on one!

Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wendy on 25 April, 2008, 01:30:08 pm
The other day in Edinburgh I saw a couple on a tandem pulling one of those trailer's for kids to sit in.

Nothing unusual there you say....except the back half of the tandem was a normal upright bike while the front half was a recumbent.

I've never seen or heard of that before.  Wish I'd got a pic.

Hase Pino - google it.  I've seen one in Hyde Park, I was chuffed, pity the riders were so unfriendly.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: jellied on 25 April, 2008, 01:30:42 pm
The other day in Edinburgh I saw a couple on a tandem pulling one of those trailer's for kids to sit in.

Nothing unusual there you say....except the back half of the tandem was a normal upright bike while the front half was a recumbent.

I've never seen or heard of that before.  Wish I'd got a pic.

That will be a Hase Pino or Periscop. Amazing machines. Rode one  a few times with my 10 year old. Did the TdF and Hovis FreeWheel on it and it's perfect for Critical Mass.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 25 April, 2008, 01:43:26 pm
A (foot powered) adult scooter with a larger front wheel (approx 20inches) and smaller back wheel.

http://kickbike.com/
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Spikey on 25 April, 2008, 03:05:41 pm
Hase Pino - google it.
I want one of those.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wendy on 25 April, 2008, 03:09:50 pm
Totally, me too!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 25 April, 2008, 03:41:53 pm
A (foot powered) adult scooter with a larger front wheel (approx 20inches) and smaller back wheel.

http://kickbike.com/

They were racing those on TdF Prologue day  ::-)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 25 April, 2008, 03:44:16 pm
I saw a Overbury MTB in Bristol a few months ago - set up with Bullmoose bars* bars, mudguards and racks, a very upright riding position with lovely fillet brazed joints.  A bit tatty now, but obviously a nice bit of kit back in the '80s.

*I think that's the right term - a one piece bar and stem combo, made from a vertical tube in the steerer with two angled tubes as the forward extension with a wide, sweeping handlebar.

Overbury Pioneer (http://www.retrobike.co.uk/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=25454&g2_serialNumber=4) Only pic I can find, but I find myself shaking my head at what they've done to the paintjob... :(
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: itsme on 25 April, 2008, 06:19:34 pm
Some time back I saw a Pedersen in the Grassmarket in Edinburgh.  http://www.pedersenbicycle.dk/ (http://www.pedersenbicycle.dk/)
Whist stopping to investigate I noticed it had a loose front axle nut.  Not having anything to properly tighten said nut and considering it just may be an obscure anti theft technique I contented myself with leaving a warning note secured in the saddle support cable.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wibble on 26 April, 2008, 02:23:09 pm
Not quite electric assist...
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2270/2209486545_d7c7be3598.jpg)

A civilian version of the Kronan, a Swedish Army bike.  I like the way it carries babies, not bombs
(http://farm1.static.flickr.com/189/503753270_008578590e.jpg)

Want something a little lighter?
(http://farm1.static.flickr.com/221/503753212_21f6dd5a6f.jpg)

Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: rower40 on 26 April, 2008, 08:14:19 pm
 :) :) :)
I'm scared to click on that last one in case I burst it!
Totally brilliant.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cunobelin on 26 April, 2008, 08:28:48 pm
The other day in Edinburgh I saw a couple on a tandem pulling one of those trailer's for kids to sit in.

Nothing unusual there you say....except the back half of the tandem was a normal upright bike while the front half was a recumbent.

I've never seen or heard of that before.  Wish I'd got a pic.

It's a Hase Pino 


(http://www.pbwbikes.com/images/PINO800.JPG)


MY most unusual and one I woul love to have was tha Julianne Neuss Brompton Recumbent....

(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b60/Cunobelin/Brompton/PA040031.jpg)

(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b60/Cunobelin/Brompton/PA040038.jpg)

(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b60/Cunobelin/Brompton/PA040039.jpg)

Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: rower40 on 26 April, 2008, 08:42:58 pm
I've just found my n+1.  Where can I get a Recumbent conversion for my Brompton?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: TimO on 26 April, 2008, 09:00:25 pm
It looks like a Juliane Neuß conversion, but I don't know where you can get one.  The last time I looked, I couldn't find an English language page which looked like you could order one through (or which gave suitable contact details).  There are a number of sites which may be more helpful, but speaking German would probably be useful!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cunobelin on 26 April, 2008, 09:38:01 pm
I've just found my n+1.  Where can I get a Recumbent conversion for my Brompton?

You can't!

There ware a limited number which were home produced, and this was stopped.

The only chance is an ebay or similar find.

Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: alexb on 27 April, 2008, 09:49:26 am
The other day in Edinburgh I saw a couple on a tandem pulling one of those trailer's for kids to sit in.

Nothing unusual there you say....except the back half of the tandem was a normal upright bike while the front half was a recumbent.

I've never seen or heard of that before.  Wish I'd got a pic.

Hase Pino - google it.  I've seen one in Hyde Park, I was chuffed, pity the riders were so unfriendly.

I've seen that one, was it the wife riding or the husband? The wife is American and very chatty. The husband English and not even remotely polite. The child is an obnoxious brat.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: andrew_s on 27 April, 2008, 11:13:49 am
(http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t207/andrew_sw/tandem.jpg)
Double bouncy, schmidt and rohloff. Someone spent some dosh.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Gus on 27 April, 2008, 11:28:26 am
Not quite electric assist...
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2270/2209486545_d7c7be3598.jpg)


That's an old Velo solex (http://www.velosolex.co.uk/).

They still sell them here  ::-)    and they are quite funny to ride  :D

G
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: donpedro on 27 April, 2008, 11:41:04 am
A civilian version of the Kronan, a Swedish Army bike.  I like the way it carries babies, not bombs
(http://farm1.static.flickr.com/189/503753270_008578590e.jpg)

Wish people would stop referring to the Kronan as a incarnated military bicycle. It has borrowed some design features from the now dismantled Swedish bicycle regiment bike, that's all:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swedish_military_bicycle (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swedish_military_bicycle)

Kronan company was started in the mid 90's to fill the void of cheep, thiefproof bikes after the flood of old military bikes dried up. The company was then sold, coincidently at the same time as the Swedish consumer board found the bike to be of such low quality it was deemed as unsafe to ride!!! The fork on the cheep Chinese steel bike cracked in the test! Sorry, can't find the test english:
http://www.gp.se/gp/jsp/Crosslink.jsp?d=251&a=207024 (http://www.gp.se/gp/jsp/Crosslink.jsp?d=251&a=207024)
http://www.gelwel.se/cyklar/radran.pdf (http://www.gelwel.se/cyklar/radran.pdf)

The same two marketwizard's have now jumped on the singlespeed bike hype, go figure! 
  ;)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wendy on 27 April, 2008, 07:14:19 pm
I've seen that one, was it the wife riding or the husband? The wife is American and very chatty. The husband English and not even remotely polite. The child is an obnoxious brat.

I think it was husband and wife, it was either 2006 or 2007 summer, I can't remember.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wendy on 27 April, 2008, 07:15:42 pm
That's an old Velo solex (http://www.velosolex.co.uk/).

They still sell them here  ::-)    and they are quite funny to ride  :D

G

We used to have one, I hated being taken places on the back of it.  I do remember the days of ethanol petrol mix, and my Dad having to use water to separate the ethanol from the petrol, else it'd dissolve the plastic tank of the solex.
Title: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: Wobbly John on 16 January, 2009, 02:22:12 pm
As it's a CYCLING forum, I thought it would be a good idea to have a thread to compliment the one in vroom (http://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=76.0).

I'll start:

Saw a Mezzo (http://www.mezzobikes.com/) today - the first time I've seen one in the wild (not at a bike show)
Being riden, it didn't look as good as the brompton. He was shifting though.
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: токамак on 16 January, 2009, 02:40:44 pm
I've seen one of those in Braintree, a couple of times - the same guy, from a distance and in the dark (waiting at bus stop with my Brompton folded up), but you could tell it was decent quality - I reckon me and him must be the only people to ride round Braintree on folders!
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: ed_o_brain on 16 January, 2009, 02:47:19 pm
Continuing the folders theme:

Seen a few times in Sale on our commute: A white dahon folder emblazoned with the word Google in big letters.
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: Basil on 16 January, 2009, 04:53:51 pm
My son says that he saw a bike fitted with a steering wheel in the city centre recently.
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: nuttycyclist on 16 January, 2009, 05:04:43 pm
Continuing the folders theme, I had to move this in the cloakroom this morning so I could have a pee.

(http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q273/nuttycyclist/cycling/KIF_5638.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: Wobbly John on 16 January, 2009, 08:40:33 pm
I think we need to introduce an 'own bikes don't count' rule here.  :P
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: nuttycyclist on 16 January, 2009, 11:13:16 pm
I did wonder.  But then thought I remembered that somebody had commented on an own car on the other thread.



I won't mention a bike again.
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: matthew on 22 January, 2009, 09:28:02 am
Tandem Child back trailer, seen this morning in Earley, Reading.

As per a standard child back trailer but had two ~5 year olds on the school run behind mum on a MTB. Added respect for mum there was a third child (18 months) on a seat on the top tube.

Matthew
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: ed_o_brain on 28 January, 2009, 12:36:52 pm
A Hooger Booger Grinder mountain bike - the only other bike in the rack at work.

Green main frame with purple forks and rear triangle. Exage kit with STi shifters. Commuting tires and a rack.

Most the hits on Google seem to be for surf board with the same name.

Looks like a gnarly retro rig to me.
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: Tom M on 28 January, 2009, 01:10:27 pm
The LBS (Fred Williams, Wolverhampton) have built a curious thing that has some kind of funny clutch hub and a really long chain that runs under the BB (hard to explain...) that allows you to pedal forwards and freewheel as usual, but if you pedal backwards, will also propel you forwards.

No real use, but interesting.
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: Mr Larrington on 28 January, 2009, 01:56:42 pm
The LBS (Fred Williams, Wolverhampton) have built a curious thing that has some kind of funny clutch hub and a really long chain that runs under the BB (hard to explain...) that allows you to pedal forwards and freewheel as usual, but if you pedal backwards, will also propel you forwards.

No real use, but interesting.

Anything like this: clicky (http://lh5.ggpht.com/_rpopNdJsytc/RtMDgiVj1SI/AAAAAAAAAR0/YuWme7Z3gRc/P1030582.JPG)?

Edited wif apparently functional url...
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: Tim Hall on 28 January, 2009, 01:57:48 pm
404 here
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: nuttycyclist on 28 January, 2009, 02:18:39 pm
The LBS (Fred Williams, Wolverhampton) have built a curious thing that has some kind of funny clutch hub and a really long chain that runs under the BB (hard to explain...) that allows you to pedal forwards and freewheel as usual, but if you pedal backwards, will also propel you forwards.

No real use, but interesting.

Anything like this: clicky (http://lh5.ggpht.com/_rpopNdJsytc/RtMDgiVj1SI/AAAAAAAAAR0/YuWme7Z3gRc/P1030582.JPG)?

Edited wif apparently functional url...

Doesn't like hot linking.  Copy and paste jpg URL.
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: Mr Larrington on 28 January, 2009, 03:45:05 pm
Doesn't like hot linking.  Copy and paste jpg URL.

Odd.  Works for me in FF...

Anyway, http://lh5.ggpht.com/_rpopNdJsytc/RtMDgiVj1SI/AAAAAAAAAR0/YuWme7Z3gRc/P1030582.JPG

Drew Buck's mount for PDP '07.
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: Tom M on 28 January, 2009, 03:52:00 pm
Yep, was kinda like that I think. I seem to recall that the 'other' chain guide thing was more towards the bottom bracket though.
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: Mr Larrington on 28 January, 2009, 03:56:29 pm
Yep, was kinda like that I think. I seem to recall that the 'other' chain guide thing was more towards the bottom bracket though.

I think they're still quite common in places like China and Indiah, where the Tigers come from...
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: PhilO on 28 January, 2009, 04:39:51 pm
Mr L's link still isn't working for me. I presume it shows something similar to this (http://frankb.home.sonic.net/us/gears/gears-frontside.jpg)?
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: Tom M on 28 January, 2009, 05:06:00 pm
That was the chap. Quite curious it was to ride too.
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: clarion on 06 February, 2009, 12:16:18 pm
WTF?

Riding towards Clapham Common.

Overtaken by someone on a straight barred bike.  OK, so it happens now & again. 

But hold on.

They're not pedalling!

Eh?

And that scooter I heard coming up hasn't passed me but the sound has

Really?  A petrol powered bicycle?  Wonder if it's one of those BSA Cyclemaster jobs?

Shame it was dark & I couldn't see as it toddled off into the distance.
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: Zipperhead on 06 February, 2009, 01:17:53 pm
you can buy them new, 50 or 80cc (http://www.zoombicycles.com/eShop/vmchk/1-Bicycle-Engine-Kits/118-PK-80-JETBLACK-FREE-SHIPPING-Jet-Stealth-80cc-Bicycle-Engine-Kit.html)
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: Torslanda on 22 February, 2009, 09:40:04 pm
On the way home last Friday evening.

A Viscount Aerospace. In 'raspberry ripple' finish, typical late 70s / early 80s 24 inch frame or bigger. Tastefully upgraded with moden wheels and tyres, aero levers.

Lusted after one of those but they had a poor, unreliable pressed-in bottom bracket so went for the Falcon instead.

J
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: clarion on 22 February, 2009, 10:25:08 pm
Ah.  You remind me.  Normally I comment on classic bikes, but last week I saw a Museeuw.  One of the flax ones. 
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: Mike r on 22 February, 2009, 10:40:09 pm
There's a guy riding a fully faired trike recumbent (hpv) to the building I teach in. I must bring my camera tomorrow to take a picture.
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: Riggers on 23 February, 2009, 08:28:30 am
I saw a chap on a scooter-come-bike thingy yesterday around the docks in Bristol. Normal bike wheel at the front with a Yak-bob-type wheel at the back, just scooting away. Very odd I thought. Neither one thing nor tuther.
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: TheLurker on 23 February, 2009, 08:36:08 am
I saw a Bickerton (Bickerton! Bickerton! Bickerton!  :) ) parked up on Broad St. in Oxford y'day lunchtime - near Morton's cafe.  Looked to be in pretty good nick too.
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: Wendy on 23 February, 2009, 09:35:32 am
A lady on a beautifully painted blue custom Roberts yesterday.  Eternity present from her husband.  How cool is that!!
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: Mr Larrington on 23 February, 2009, 11:49:51 am
Bickerton Californian (badge-engineered Dahon) the other w/e.  Had been on loan from Lt. Col. Larrington (retd.) to young Gavin next door, but young Gavin next door now has a proper bike (and has just returned to Singapore).
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: PeteB99 on 23 February, 2009, 07:39:06 pm
On the way home last Friday evening.

A Viscount Aerospace. In 'raspberry ripple' finish, typical late 70s / early 80s 24 inch frame or bigger. Tastefully upgraded with moden wheels and tyres, aero levers.

Lusted after one of those but they had a poor, unreliable pressed-in bottom bracket so went for the Falcon instead.

J

? Mine (bought in 77) had the normal screw in cups.
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: PrettyBoyTim on 24 February, 2009, 05:48:51 pm
Continuing the folders theme:

Seen a few times in Sale on our commute: A white dahon folder emblazoned with the word Google in big letters.

One of the guys at work has one of them. I forget how he acquired it.
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: MattH on 26 February, 2009, 08:21:27 am
Saw an unusual tandem today in Lund, but didn't get a photo :(
It had small wheels (brompton sized) and a frame made of thin bars (like a moulton). The odd thing was that this was a kiddie-front, with the kid (guess about 12 years old) having Raleigh Chopper-style handlebars to steer the rig with, and his mum stoking on the back.
At least I think the kid was steering and didn't just have dummy bars - I only got a brief glimpse as they were going the other way.
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 28 February, 2009, 03:54:26 pm
No photo, but many months ago now I saw a standard Indian "heavy roadster" from Hero or Atlas, but modified with a lever attached to the down tube to operate a handbrake on the rear wheel. That was his only brake.
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: mark on 01 March, 2009, 10:38:32 am
Saw an unusual tandem today in Lund, but didn't get a photo :(
It had small wheels (brompton sized) and a frame made of thin bars (like a moulton). The odd thing was that this was a kiddie-front, with the kid (guess about 12 years old) having Raleigh Chopper-style handlebars to steer the rig with, and his mum stoking on the back.
At least I think the kid was steering and didn't just have dummy bars - I only got a brief glimpse as they were going the other way.

The bicycle shop across the street from me has a few of those for rent. The stoker's handlebars are connected to the front wheel by a couple of long horizontal bars and the Chopper style handlebars are dummies.
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: Cunobelin on 01 March, 2009, 02:34:17 pm
A lady on a beautifully painted blue custom Roberts yesterday.  Eternity present from her husband.  How cool is that!!

There is a guy in Gosport who rides an original Radius Dino

(http://www.liegeradinfo.de/rad_dino.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: Wendy on 01 March, 2009, 06:54:18 pm

There is a guy in Gosport who rides an original Radius Dino


And that is supposed to be cool?
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: Cunobelin on 01 March, 2009, 07:36:30 pm
Retro - cool!
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: richie_b on 01 March, 2009, 08:19:05 pm
I saw a Storck Fascenario 0.7 (http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/bikes/road/product/fascenario-07-08-24132) with a carbon chainset.  I was allowed to pick it up & it's indecently light.  It can only be made of paper or cardboard & feels like it'd snap at the sight of a pothole....
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: Wendy on 02 March, 2009, 04:01:08 pm
Retro - cool!


Nah, it's the original ugly stick.
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: toontra on 02 March, 2009, 07:02:10 pm
Saw this today in Richmond Park.  Any guesses as to what sort of bike this is?


(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3540/3322751685_1d15a5c83d_o.jpg)

Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: Jurek on 02 March, 2009, 07:12:38 pm
Less of a bike and more of a scooter (http://www.pawtrekker.com/viewproductbottom.asp?id=31&catsel=51) for err..... walking your dog...
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: toontra on 02 March, 2009, 07:23:34 pm
Less of a bike and more of a scooter (http://www.pawtrekker.com/viewproductbottom.asp?id=31&catsel=51) for err..... walking your dog...

Quite right.  Obviously more common than I thought.  Just after I took the pic the owner came back and lashed a massive husky to the front and was pulled down the hill at a rapid rate.
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: Jurek on 02 March, 2009, 07:29:02 pm
Something for the urban Amundsen in all of us.  ;D
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: clarion on 02 March, 2009, 08:20:44 pm
I saw an interesting set up near Clapham - a Pearson Touche with a very high stack height at the front for an unusually upright position.
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: clarion on 03 March, 2009, 10:25:53 pm
Another interesting bike today near Clapham Common.  A Falcon framed cruiser, with fat 'phat' tyres, a 3-speed SA hub, and ape hanger bars.  Got a fair speed on too, once he was moving.
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: clarion on 04 March, 2009, 01:44:13 pm
I spotted an electric bike going up past my office window.

Made me realise that it's still an unusual sight, despite the big advances of the last few years.
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: bikenerd on 04 March, 2009, 02:25:51 pm
A carbon Fuji spotted outside the Post Office when I was collecting a parcel.
Interesting as I didn't think they were distributed in this country, apart from the track bikes.
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: clarion on 04 March, 2009, 02:34:53 pm
That is interesting.

As was the absurdly lo-pro fixie that just went past with bars not wide enough to fill the rider's hands.

I've seen it before.

He was wobbling then, too. ::-)
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: Greenbank on 04 March, 2009, 02:39:36 pm
Saw this today in Richmond Park.  Any guesses as to what sort of bike this is?


(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3540/3322751685_1d15a5c83d_o.jpg)

It's a kickbike (although that's a generic term like bicycle).

One did PBP in 2003: http://www.machka.net/pbp/pbp/kickbike.jpg
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: ed_o_brain on 04 March, 2009, 02:41:44 pm
[
<snip>

It's a kickbike (although that's a generic term like bicycle).

One did PBP in 2003: http://www.machka.net/pbp/pbp/kickbike.jpg

It's more akin to a scooter, is it not?
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: Greenbank on 04 March, 2009, 02:46:03 pm
I missed the subsequent posts pointing to the appropriate website (I blame hitting End instead of Page Down on the keyboard).

You're right, it's more of a scooter (two equal sized wheels) than a kickbike (large front wheel and small rear wheel).

85h03 was Alpo Kuusisto's time in the 2003 PBP.
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: Wendy on 04 March, 2009, 05:28:42 pm
I spotted an electric bike going up past my office window.

Made me realise that it's still an unusual sight, despite the big advances of the last few years.

Quite a few come through the park when I'm working there, making gronking noises.  Maybe 1 in 200 though, so not very common!
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: clarion on 18 March, 2009, 10:04:08 am
This morning, I saw a B.E.A.Uuutiful Colnago.  Late 80s, judging by the old-skool tubes and the, er, distinctive colourscheme.

Chromed lugs, metallic red/white fade paintjob.  Looks purposeful, and went like shit off a stick.*



* This last observation may have something to do with my sluggishness and the Colnago rider's fitness, speed & skill, but it was still a gorgeous bike.
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: Tim Hall on 22 March, 2009, 06:52:14 pm
On the TC run today, this rather lovely Flying Gate:
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3615/3376154820_7b6b26ce86.jpg?v=0)
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: Chris N on 22 March, 2009, 10:31:23 pm
Jim Hopper's Longstaff trike (not that unusual round here, admittedly) and a Kingcycle.
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: clarion on 23 March, 2009, 10:02:48 am
TimH, that's very cool.  Never been sure of the point of FGing the front seatpost, but it's cool nonetheless.
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: clarion on 23 March, 2009, 10:25:06 am
I have had a weekend of seeing interesting and unusual bikes, and have had the privilege of visiting two sheds which might make owners of SEEKRIT BUNKERS squeal with delight.

We were out with the Easst Sussex DA of the CTC, camping in the garden of some friends, with the unexpected but nice addition of Superstoker.

So - where to start?  On Saturday's ride, we saw the following bikes, inter alia:

Ephgrave
The Leader
Barry Hoban
Mercian
Hetchins (Curly)
Viscount
Cinelli
Carpenter
Moulton
etc etc

We rode to someone's house, where we saw the biggest collection of Leaders anywhere - including a USWB tandem frame that had been in store for about fifty years, and is about to be built up.

In his shed, he also had, (among others - I have no chance of recalling them all):

Couple of Raleighs
Allin
lovely kids bikes
An ordinary
A child's ordinary (built by one of the other members of the party with his dad many years ago)
Moulton F Frame
Dawes Kingpin & Raleigh Twenty ???
... I'm sure some more will come back to me, but it was a cornucopia of delights.

And some PTWs, including a Vespa and a gleaming Royal Enfield

In another shed, 'somewhere in the Home Counties', we saw:

Roberts tandem
Roberts solo
Two homebuilt lightweights
A 1950s French frame with a working Osgear
Granby
Trice
Moulton spaceframe

This shed was also fitted with a fully equipped workstand, toolboards, toilet & sink, parts washer, oxy-acetylene, wheel jig, the biggest index of nuts, bolts & spokes I have ever seen (including a box of Philips spokes!), rims & hubs hanging on the wall, and a rod holding every sort of axle nut you could possibly imagine.

Oh - and, above the row of bikes, there was another mezzanine storage area, which has been used as a sleeping platform, but now contains more stuff.

Simply heaven!

Oh - I almost forgot to mention that Sunday's ride brought out kids on a Mercian and another classic lightweight I'm ashamed to say I can't remember, a Les Rigden :o , a TJ Quick, and a small posse of others.

Classic heaven.  Shame we had to come back to the 21st Century via a long motorway drive straight after before we got home & flopped into bed.  I'm glad Butterfly isn't in work today, so she can unload the car.
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: Tim Hall on 23 March, 2009, 01:04:12 pm
TimH, that's very cool.  Never been sure of the point of FGing the front seatpost, but it's cool nonetheless.

It is, isn't it. Chrome plate lugs round the headtube, lined with gold paint too.

It lives up your way.
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: clarion on 23 March, 2009, 02:33:46 pm
My way as in where I'm from, or my way as in my place of temporary exile? ;D
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: Tim Hall on 23 March, 2009, 05:45:46 pm
Temporary exile. You don't think I'd go as far as the Frozen North do you?
It was a SE London TC ride.

See here (http://www.tandemclub-southeastlondon.org.uk/_evnts09.htm) and scroll down to March.  Family ride April from Redhill.

Gwan, gwan, gwan.

Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: clarion on 24 March, 2009, 09:20:51 am
Mmmm...maybe... ;)
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: Sergeant Pluck on 28 March, 2009, 03:32:42 pm
Some kind of Dursley Pedersen machine on the King's Road - a quick phone pic. Very tidily turned out. I should have taken a closer shot of that saddle.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v138/Chickenhawk66/DSC00007.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: Tim Hall on 28 March, 2009, 06:59:09 pm
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3560/3392277567_4df4117e22.jpg?v=0)

Outside the library today, a non descript utility bike with marvellous home made chain guard. It appears to be the lid of a bucket.  Just after I took the photo, the owner came along - an old guy wearing salwar (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salwar), which explained the need for the guard.
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: Tim Hall on 29 March, 2009, 08:09:17 pm
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3659/3395397289_db25c4468d.jpg?v=0)

One of two Bates seen on the East Sussex CTC 50km run today.
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: clarion on 30 March, 2009, 10:03:46 am
Passing Hyde Park Corner, on Friday night, my passenger got awfully excited as she spotted an Ordinary! :D
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: clarion on 01 April, 2009, 02:39:08 pm
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3659/3395397289_db25c4468d.jpg?v=0)

One of two Bates seen on the East Sussex CTC 50km run today.

Cool.  We saw a Bates implausibly among a load of BSOs on a ride near Kinver at the weekend.  I suspect one of the Bates you saw was with us on our rides the weekend before :)

And - I'm not sure how I forgot, but I don't think I mentioned it - last time I dropped into Brixton Cycles, I saw a tallbike just locked to the racks outside.  No idea whose, or why.  But I did think that locking it is less than essential for such a beast, since most Fievs are likely to hospitalise themselves within seconds of the attempt...
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: clarion on 01 April, 2009, 04:54:10 pm
Just on the basis that they are a pretty new entrant to the market, and there aren't a lot around at the moment, I guess that a sighting of a Salsa Casseroll at Elephant & Castle qualifies here. 

I'm afraid it looked nothing special, and the colour scheme/graphics did it no favours (mind you, it is mainly the beige that I object to on the Kaffenback ;D ).

Hey ho.  The rider looked happy, and that's what counts for me! :)
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: Deano on 04 April, 2009, 08:22:50 pm
Anyone need a fleet of cargo bikes?

Swedish Post Office bikes for sale outside the army surplus shop:

(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3594/3411408685_350b4be876.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3394/3411408703_80ac42ecee.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3401/3411408699_55138820d3.jpg)

£140 to you, sir or madam.
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: DrMekon on 05 April, 2009, 01:35:42 pm
Very tempting - whereabouts are they?
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: DrMekon on 05 April, 2009, 09:55:46 pm
Saw a Cliff Shrubb frame this afternoon. Didn't know anything about him, but the bike looked lovely. Seems like Mr Shrubb is an esteemed fellow.

sgcyclery (http://www.sgcyclery.com/CLIFF%20SHRUBB.htm)
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: Deano on 07 April, 2009, 07:48:32 am
Very tempting - whereabouts are they?

They're up here in Darlington.  I may go and see if I can have a test ride ;D
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: PhilO on 07 April, 2009, 09:13:40 am
They look good... I have no use for one, but I'm sure there'll be plenty of people who would be interested.  :)
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: Dutchman on 07 April, 2009, 01:52:25 pm
My very unusual Litespeed with S&S Couplings was stolen on Saturday. See my post here:

London: Litespeed with S&S Couplings Stolen (http://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=17408.0)

Please keep an eye out for it.
I am offering a reward for return of the bike. Mobile: 07872032043
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: Mike r on 07 April, 2009, 08:11:58 pm
A guy rides this to work every day

(http://photos-d.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v2633/218/95/595096462/n595096462_2160155_3826313.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: Wendy on 07 April, 2009, 10:27:05 pm
A mango I think.
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: Mike r on 07 April, 2009, 10:58:13 pm
Yeah, it says mango on the side
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: Torslanda on 07 April, 2009, 11:26:54 pm
Yeah, it says mango on the side

So why ain't it orange
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: Wendy on 07 April, 2009, 11:34:23 pm
Yeah, it says mango on the side

So why ain't it orange

JFGI.com - for images of mangos.  LOL!
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: clarion on 22 April, 2009, 01:55:07 pm
A Burrows Ratcatcher at Amen Corner, Tooting.

I hardly ever see recumbents on my commutes, and I've seen three in the last week!

The others i couldn't identify for sure, but one was at Stockwell, and the other was, er....er...somewhere between Elephant & Castle & Carshalton! ;D
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: clarion on 24 April, 2009, 09:32:02 am
Moulton Standard yesterday in Tooting Common.  Bit shabby & rattly, but the (female) rider seemed to be managing OK.
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: clarion on 24 April, 2009, 05:22:26 pm
Alpinestars MTN Xross on Borough High Street.

Not a great bike - but the only other one I've seen.  it was by far the worst bike I have ever owned (and one of only two I have ever bought new).
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: Wendy on 24 April, 2009, 06:38:29 pm
On youtube, a duoquest:

YouTube - Duoquest (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kc6b94NdS6s)

I want!!!
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: rower40 on 24 April, 2009, 08:56:34 pm
A work colleague has just bought one of these (http://www.pashley.co.uk/products/double-scoop.html) on a bike-to-work scheme.

It's ver' nice.
[Wave Union Jack Smiley]  It has Sturmey-Archer gears, brakes and cranks, and a Brooks saddle. In fact, in the 5 mins I spent looking at it, I couldn't find anything Sh*m*n* on it at all.

She's complaining that her rear hasn't yet reached that state of Brooks Nirvana that we all aspire to.
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: nuttycyclist on 24 April, 2009, 11:13:20 pm
...
She's complaining that her rear hasn't yet reached that state of Brooks Nirvana that we all aspire to.


Welcome her to the club, then tell her to buy a proper saddle.
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: nuttycyclist on 24 April, 2009, 11:17:29 pm
On youtube, a duoquest:

YouTube - Duoquest (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kc6b94NdS6s)

I want!!!

Why do you want to queue in traffic?

Get a 2 wheeler* and flow past.




* preferably an upright so you can see over the traffic
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: clarion on 01 May, 2009, 04:38:32 pm
I looked out my office window and saw a young girl riding confidently on the road.  Then I saw an adult woman on a decent hybrid riding in front.  Then I saw a man bringing up the rear on an 8Freight! :)
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: tiermat on 02 May, 2009, 08:37:38 am
An old Carrera steel framed road bike, looking worse for wear with upturned bars, guess the eighties are back with a vengence :)
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: Sigurd Mudtracker on 02 May, 2009, 07:41:56 pm
In Edinburgh yesterday:
a shiny and new-looking Pashley Princess being pushed along the pavement
a Bacchetta Cafe heading west along Haymarket.  Having seen one, I think  prefer it to the Giro... and it's cheaper...
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: clarion on 05 May, 2009, 09:49:13 pm
Yesterday, we were driving :-[ through Clapham, and spotted a couple in mufit on a small-wheeled tandem making decent progress up the hill.

It was a Graziella.

No.  Me neither. ;D
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: DrMekon on 06 May, 2009, 12:50:23 pm
I went over to the School Run Centre to (new shop in Cambridge run by the guy who runs dutchbike.co.uk) to try out a couple of electric bakfietsen. Whilst I was there, a couple of guys from the Cambridge Cycle Campaign turned up, and one had a bakfiets.nl Biporteur:

(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3385/3492376530_8de9b540b5.jpg)

It was a bit shonky; didn't feel like it had been maintained much. Rode like a light Cargobike short. Didn't try it with the basket loaded up. The stand setup was a bit iffy too.

I also had a go on an Onderwater child-forward tandem, which was a great laugh, albeit a bit nervewracking compared to the cargobike I usual take my 3-year old around in. He thought he was steering, and the reduced width and lower weight, we threw it around a bit, despite my lack of trust that he would actually hold on. Forrtunately, he did, but I definitely prefer the bakfiets in traffic. I would think about getting one when he's older. Didn't get a pic, but here's what it looked like (and I wouldn't be surprised if it's the same demo bike that does the rounds at all the Azor stockists.

(http://www.velorution.biz/images/Bikes%20-%20Ronald%20Tandem%20-%20Stefano%20&%20Sebi%20small.jpg)

Obviously electric bakfietsen are pretty novel too.

(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3599/3492385186_7098643ece.jpg)

(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3390/3491575723_d51dd6627f.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: clarion on 06 May, 2009, 12:53:42 pm
That's a good idea - and you remind me that I saw a bakfiets near Stockwell last night. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: Sergeant Pluck on 11 May, 2009, 09:06:34 pm
Ogled one of these (stationary) in Richmond Park on Sunday:

(http://www.jacksbikes.com/contents/media/specialized%20transition%20comp%202008.jpg)

A most interesting machine. I've never really understood why tri bikes are so different from road bikes; I know it is do with certain positions preserving muscle strength for the run or swim. 
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: Wobbly John on 19 May, 2009, 12:45:38 pm
Spotted yesterday evening heading from the Station and this morning going towards the station in my sleepy Cambridgeshire village:

A Strida (http://www.curbside.on.ca/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/12/strida-folding-bike.jpg)   :thumbsup: (a Mk 2 I think)

Good to see a design from the 80's still in use as intended - as a link to other forms of transport.
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: Mr Larrington on 19 May, 2009, 12:49:35 pm
Saw two Stridas in the space of one fag break in Lambs Conduit Street last week.
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: clarion on 21 May, 2009, 05:00:46 pm
Carshalton's normally a zero bike zone, 'cept for us.

But this morning, I saw a shiny Bianchi Pista (not fixed, I'm sorry to say) a couple of streets from home, and a bloke on a Raleigh Chopper on London Road.  It's scary enough on a normal bike...

But that reminds me.  When I was pottering around a closed-to-motor-traffic Tooley Street last week, I saw a gold LowRider in shiny shiny condition.  Looked incredibly heavy, but that's they way they go...
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: PrettyBoyTim on 21 May, 2009, 06:39:49 pm
In the last week I've seen two shaft-driven bikes on my rides to and from work.
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: Butterfly on 22 May, 2009, 02:15:46 pm
A Strida on Bellevue road yesterday. A recumbent, maybe a Ratcatcher, on Nightingale lane near Hackbridge. A cruiser of some description (Schwinn I think) suspended on the wrong side of the railway railings by it's wheel being pushed through same, on Wandsworth Common ???.
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: clarion on 22 May, 2009, 02:17:28 pm
Don't you know that you should adopt bikes abandoned by railways? ;D
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: Butterfly on 22 May, 2009, 02:21:02 pm
Don't you know that you should adopt bikes abandoned by railways? ;D
I couldn't fit it on the pushchair, and since the fence is about 10 feet high at that point, I have no idea how they got it over there, let alone how I could lever it out and get it back!
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: clarion on 22 May, 2009, 02:22:36 pm
Quitter! ;) :-*
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: Moloko on 22 May, 2009, 02:34:21 pm
In the last week I've seen two shaft-driven bikes on my rides to and from work.

What's the bike that won't get flak
When YACF shouts "Your chain is slack!"
SHAFT!
Ya damn right!
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: clarion on 22 May, 2009, 02:35:28 pm
POTD! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 28 May, 2009, 12:59:12 pm
Saw two Stridas in the space of one fag break in Lambs Conduit Street last week.
A friend has just imported several here.

On Tuesday I saw something a bit like a Dursley Pedersen frame, but with "normal" saddle, outside the office. Hand-painted in light blue, no stickers or badges but Hercules stamped into the stem (Hercules make bog-standard Indian roadsters).
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: Greenbank on 28 May, 2009, 01:08:42 pm
I see a Strida quite often on my commute, usually on Cheyne Walk near the turn off for Lots Road.

I also saw a Dursley Pedersen-esque bike crossing over York Road from Waterloo station earlier this week, this thread just reminded me of it.
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: grhm on 28 May, 2009, 01:26:37 pm
Saw odd one of my way in to work this morning.

Had very long forks (reminded my of the sort in "Easy Rider") down to a front wheel with a full mudguard.

Forks were two shiny silver poles, Frame and front guard a nice metallic blue.  No rear guard - which struck me as own given the front guard was obviously part-and-parcel of the build.

(Not a great description - but it was going t'other way at a junction)
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: Tim Hall on 28 May, 2009, 10:43:43 pm
A muni (http://www.unicycling.com/muni/) riding through Copthorne as I drove home this evening.
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: Butterfly on 12 June, 2009, 06:18:22 pm
A wheelchair with a hand cycle attachment going up Magdalen Road from Earlsfield at some speed today. :)
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: ed_o_brain on 14 June, 2009, 09:08:20 am
Last weekend outside Unicorn Grocery in Manchester:
 a Bakfietsen!!!  :o


Last Thursday night outside Euston Station right opposite the Travelodge I was staying in:
 A blue Yuba Mundo
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: Chris N on 14 June, 2009, 11:35:35 pm
Hanging off the back of a Discovery near Cannock Chase: an early 90's Klein MTB with a pink-purple linear fade paint job. 8)
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: Tim Hall on 16 June, 2009, 08:05:01 am
A Pedersen (and not the one I look after!), coming off Pewsey Hill, Guildford.
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: chris on 16 June, 2009, 11:28:41 am
In my garage a few minutes ago, the YACF bike (http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p23/chris415700/acfpics/IMG_1278.jpg). Its been there for a couple of weeks now, waiting for its first propper outing. Any volunteers?
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: rower40 on 16 June, 2009, 08:35:43 pm
In the bike racks at Bristol Temple Meads station; FIVE Bromptons.

My work colleagues were perplexed, with quotes like "What's the point of a folding bike if you leave it at the station?", to which all I could suggest was that if a Brommie was your only bike, and you didn't need it at the far end, then leaving it at the station would be easier on the arms than lugging it onto and off the train.

But from a security POV, I'd take mine with me, rather than leaving it somewhere public like that.
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: ed_o_brain on 16 June, 2009, 09:25:30 pm

A yellow Moulton outside work today!
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: clarion on 17 June, 2009, 10:00:38 am
I saw a completely gold bike yesterday at Clapham Common.  Everything was gold, including spokes, tyres, saddle etc.  It wasn't that interesting otherwise...

A very nice Witcomb (albeit with yellow tyres :sick: ) was locked outside Clapham Sainsburys yesterday.

And the Southward march of fixed continues.  Last night I was in a bunch that included a Pomp, a Spesh Singlecross, an old Raleigh (with the strange tubular fork crown), and a Bob Jackson - the last two brakeless (or at least rear-brakeless.  I didn't see the front when I passed)
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: Adrian on 17 June, 2009, 10:25:24 pm
I was passed by someone on a Lotus pursuit bike on my way home this evening, very noisy wheels
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: DrMekon on 20 June, 2009, 06:58:13 pm
Was at the town and country thing at cambridge. I tried a Taga, a Zigo Leader, a Christiania Trike, an Onderwater, and a Burrows 8-frieght. Highlight was the Christiania.
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: clarion on 20 June, 2009, 07:05:47 pm
When I was returning to work from Millwall's ground, I saw a guy chatting with some yoof.  He was sat on a delivery trike that looked like a modern version of this one (http://buyvintage.files.wordpress.com/2008/02/02p.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: RichMoss on 21 June, 2009, 10:01:23 pm
Last weekend outside Unicorn Grocery in Manchester:
 a Bakfietsen!!!  :o
Just to be pernickety, I'm sure bakfietsen is the plural, if you saw only one then it was a bakfiets. Hope you don't mind the correction.
R
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: Adrian on 21 June, 2009, 10:38:16 pm
I saw someone riding the L2B today on a  Kirk Precision (http://www.firstflightbikes.com/KirkPrecision.html)
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: Andrij on 21 June, 2009, 11:41:17 pm
I saw someone riding the L2B today on a  Kirk Precision (http://www.firstflightbikes.com/KirkPrecision.html)

Did he, by chance, have a bandaged knee?
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: Adrian on 22 June, 2009, 07:09:42 am
I saw someone riding the L2B today on a  Kirk Precision (http://www.firstflightbikes.com/KirkPrecision.html)

Did he, by chance, have a bandaged knee?

Riding the L2B? Not a chance.
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: Andrij on 22 June, 2009, 08:54:51 am
I saw someone riding the L2B today on a  Kirk Precision (http://www.firstflightbikes.com/KirkPrecision.html)

Did he, by chance, have a bandaged knee?

Riding the L2B? Not a chance.

He did recently raise the possibility of doing the next FNRttC on his Kirk.  I think I shall give him a nudge...
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: Adrian on 22 June, 2009, 07:54:20 pm

He did recently raise the possibility of doing the next FNRttC on his Kirk.  I think I shall give him a nudge...


Good idea, although I think that he is keener that someone else should ride it.
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: Wendy on 26 June, 2009, 09:07:27 pm
A gocycle in Hyde Park, as seen on the latest Velovision cover.
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: Andrij on 28 June, 2009, 08:44:14 pm
Yesterday outside Tesco in Becton I saw an ADAC Winora (http://www.bikeshops.de/bikeshops/BikeInfo/ModellDetail.asp?frmIDBikes=13041&frmMarke=WINORA&frmModell=ADAC+Foldingstar) folding bike.  Can't quite figure out how it folds but I plan to do some more googling.
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: rower40 on 10 July, 2009, 12:10:02 pm
Thread bump! (I had to look on the second page to find it :-\)

A Windcheetah, with tailbox, at speed under St Alkmunds Way bridge, Derby, next to the river.  And no, it wasn't mine.  I was in the middle of the river at the time.  (In a boat, obv.)
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: mike on 10 July, 2009, 12:29:14 pm
the bike wasnt that notable, but Michael Hutchison, UK TT supremo was riding it. In Jeans.  Probably going much faster than I was, lycra'd up in the opposite direction through Harston.
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: Wobbly John on 10 July, 2009, 07:50:34 pm
A Windcheetah, with tailbox, at speed under St Alkmunds Way bridge, Derby, next to the river.  And no, it wasn't mine.  I was in the middle of the river at the time.  (In a boat, obv.)


There's likely to be a lot of strange bikes about in Derby this weekend - It's Hilldodger's Big Cycle Weekend and CycleChat get-together (http://www.cyclechat.co.uk/forums/announcement.php?f=22&a=49).
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: robbo6 on 11 July, 2009, 09:22:29 pm
An old Rudge lightweight roadster, Coventry headbadge so pre-1936, with small diameter bottom bracket, hubs and headset.
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: Deano on 12 July, 2009, 11:16:22 pm
Spotted in Freiburg im Breisgau.  I didn't have time to linger, cos it started raining, but I loved the blinging wheels  :thumbsup:

                                                  (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3435/3714662862_ab305711b1.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: clarion on 14 July, 2009, 08:42:28 pm
On top of a car approaching E&C along New Kent Road, I saw a load trike made from a basic full-susser welded to a wide flat frame behind.
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: her_welshness on 23 July, 2009, 11:18:41 am
One cyclist, all in fluorescent yellow flew past me on his green racer on London Bridge. He had one leg. Fitter than anything on that bridge today.
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: David Martin on 23 July, 2009, 01:35:24 pm
Damien Hirst | The Bikes of Stages | Trek Bikes (http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/stages/hirst/)

I don't think I can add more..
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: ed_o_brain on 23 July, 2009, 02:51:10 pm
Freight 8
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: Paul Smith SRCC on 23 July, 2009, 06:58:10 pm
Cliff still does a few frames, here he is with Louisa (not on a Cliff Shrubb)

(http://forum.ctc.org.uk/userpix/808_Cyclechat2_1.jpg)

Cliff has made some unusual frames in his time including one that broke the British speed record (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmpxJWAJbFM) was done behind a car, the frame built by  Cliff Shrubb  (http://www.sgcyclery.com/CLIFF%20SHRUBB.htm), maximum speed 110mph, gear so large that he had to be towed behind the car to get the gear going

(http://www.philvarner.com/photos/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=2578&g2_serialNumber=2)

Cliff still owns the bike as he never got paid for it, although he has not got a clue where it is, or who now has it, as he never got it back! More recently he has made a fixed (http://www.roadcyclinguk.com/news/article/mps/uan/3985) with an unusual rear end

(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3503/3750048310_20ab4e041a_o.gif)


Paul_Smith (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3026/2817796028_c6b2113f3e.jpg?v=0)
www.corridori.co.uk (http://www.corridori.co.uk/gbu0-display/Home_Page.html)

Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: clarion on 23 July, 2009, 08:20:54 pm
Looks very similar to the BJ Rohloff rear end.  Exactly what I want to use on the commuter project I keep bleating about and don't get closer to :-[
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: DuncanM on 24 July, 2009, 08:21:50 am
It might be mundane compared to the others on this thread, but I saw a rather nice De Rosa today just outside Cirencester... :)
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: PhilO on 24 July, 2009, 08:41:07 am
Quote
...an unusual rear end

That's quite a common arrangement on MTBs (See Kona Explosif, Orange P7, Voodoo Wanga, etc), mainly because it's difficult (but not impossible) to use disk brakes with anything other than vertical dropouts. It makes a lot of sense for fixed+mudguards too, I'd have thought.
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: her_welshness on 27 July, 2009, 10:06:53 am
Saw one dude sitting on a red bike frame on top of another red bike frame with wheels (poor description) but he must have been about 12 foot in the air. I gave him the old  :thumbsup: and cried out 'Love it'. Is there a name for this sort of amazing bicycle set-up?
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: clarion on 27 July, 2009, 10:08:49 am
Tallbike!

We saw one at the start of the Dunrun, but I don't think he rode it to the seaside ;)
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: PhilO on 27 July, 2009, 10:09:46 am
That'd be a tallbike (http://www.tallbiketourbritain.com/).

 :thumbsup:

ETA: Too slow...
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: clarion on 27 July, 2009, 10:11:40 am
Less dramatic, but interesting, I saw a Villiers Velo bike frame today.  Surprisingly, it was not built into a retro tourer, but a full-on fakenger machine.

Oh - and if the rider of that machine is reading, stop at red lights, would you?  I realise that the only way you could keep up with an asthmatic fat old bloke on a tourer was to run every set from Balham to Kennington, but I think you've pissed off a record number of pedestrians who might have expected to cross the road in safety.

Still, nice frame.
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: clarion on 27 July, 2009, 10:12:01 am
That'd be a tallbike (http://www.tallbiketourbritain.com/).

 :thumbsup:

ETA: Too slow...

..but more helpful ;D
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: Wowbagger on 27 July, 2009, 10:16:10 am
A chap at Norwich Station on Friday who had a Lyons frame, beautifully restored. It looked very like a King of Mercia with a pronounced fork rake and nicely cut-out lugs.
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: clarion on 27 July, 2009, 10:18:16 am
Never heard of Lyons.  Not on Classic Lightweights, either*.  Interesting.  Shame you don't have a photo.



* Who could have guessed that I would have this bookmarked? ;D
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: her_welshness on 27 July, 2009, 10:19:30 am
Tallbike!

We saw one at the start of the Dunrun, but I don't think he rode it to the seaside ;)

Thanks chaps! He was going around by St Pauls at a heck of a speed!
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: Wowbagger on 27 July, 2009, 10:20:20 am
Never heard of Lyons.  Not on Classic Lightweights, either*.  Interesting.  Shame you don't have a photo.



* Who could have guessed that I would have this bookmarked? ;D

On Googling, I think it's actually a Lyon, made in London some time. I made a comment about corner houses.
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: Wobbly John on 27 July, 2009, 10:38:11 am
Seen in the grounds of Holkham Hall, during the Gentle Norfolk Ride (http://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=21732.30): a pair of Stridas.

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y252/wobblyjohn/Gentle%20Norfolk%202009/stridas.jpg)

They were being riden by a dutch couple who had a yacht - makes the toothed belt drive a sensible option. They said that the 'Streee-ders' were the best buy they had made, and loved them.
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: domesticated ape on 27 July, 2009, 09:08:16 pm
I saw a pristine white Strida in Waterloo station the other week, it actually looked pretty nice and I was quite surprised when I saw what it was.

Also in Waterloo, I saw a tall guy in a smart pinstripe suit and sunglasses pushing a Dursley Pedersen, he had a smart leather bag (or briefcase - can't remember which) over one shoulder, and a big-ass bike lock over the other. He looked seriously cool!
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: Speshact on 27 July, 2009, 09:19:29 pm
A beautiful, original (minus saddle) Vitus 979 Duralinox amongst a pile of nasty mongrel bikes on a Dr Bike held for yoof at a London estate community hall.  Beautiful. I was tempted to offer £20 for it and the lad who owned it would probably have been delighted.
 
Vitus 979 Duralinox on velospace, the place for bikes (http://velospace.org/node/9480)
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: Ian H on 27 July, 2009, 09:27:41 pm
Someone rode the Mersey Roads on a Hotta (http://www.bikebrothers.co.uk/hotta.htm). But a black one.
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: Andrij on 27 July, 2009, 09:29:26 pm
A beautiful, original (minus saddle) Vitus 979 Duralinox amongst a pile of nasty mongrel bikes on a Dr Bike held for yoof at a London estate community hall.  Beautiful. I was tempted to offer £20 for it and the lad who owned it would probably have been delighted.
 
Vitus 979 Duralinox on velospace, the place for bikes (http://velospace.org/node/9480)

I spotted a Vitus (don't know what model) chained up near SEESS in London.  At first my attention was caught by the bling wheels - gold hubs and aero-spokes.  Then I noticed the unique (?) rear triangle.
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: clarion on 28 July, 2009, 11:21:06 am
Raleigh Randonneur near Mitcham.  Several times.

OK, so I know that, interesting tourer though that is, it doesn't really qualify as unusual, but the rider certainly does.

That there london village, for all its faults, is a pretty multi-cultural place.  Yet there are a disproportionate number of white blokes on bikes.  A few black people (though mainly on BSOs IME), and a very few Asian guys - on a range of bikes from carbon fibre to old knacker to get to work.

What I don't think I've ever seen is an Asian woman on a decent bike.  And this Randonneur is ridden by a young woman who seems to know what she's doing.  I've seen her often enough to believe she's commuting daily.  Oh - and she seems to be enjoying her cycling :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: Tim Hall on 28 July, 2009, 10:36:37 pm
On Chiswick Mall, wot is ded posh, a v. pretty Bright Young Thing,on a Peugeot fixie, complete with courier bag containing a small dawg. Or the head of a small dawg.

She was exceedingly cool. And the bike was nicely restored.
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: citoyen on 28 July, 2009, 10:40:29 pm
Back-to-back upright tandem...
Would YOU have hired this bike? (http://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=21996.0)
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: Tim Hall on 29 July, 2009, 10:01:04 pm
A trike, complete with wicker basket, ridden by Joe Armstrong, playing Norman Heatley in "Breaking Mould" on BBC4.
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: clarion on 06 August, 2009, 04:10:38 pm
Sarf Lahndan, not known for it's velocipedal diversity, seems to have grown a regular recumbent commuter on my route.  He rides an orange Challenge, though I couldn't identify which model.  :)
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: Wendy on 06 August, 2009, 06:44:04 pm
A tandem trike of the upwrong persuasion here in the New Forest.
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: matthew on 08 August, 2009, 05:11:19 pm
On the train to the FNRttC I saw an old 1940s/50 steel framed bike. Unfortunately I couldn't make out the head badge.

Specs,

Rod brakes, fully enclosed chain, Sturmy Archer 4 speed hub with built in hub dynamo. built in battery standby for the lights.

Being well used by gent from cambridge. who likes the simplicity and the anonimity of it.

Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: Mr Larrington on 13 August, 2009, 10:39:58 am
During the opening credits of this week's Wallander, one of the bikes had its drivetrain on the left.  I watched this in slomo a Several of times, and it was definitely a leftie.

Curiously, it had switched to a conventional layout in the next shot, doubtless a victim of the same gremlin which had the Famous Detective introduce himself to a suspect as "Kurt Wallenberg" ;D
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: Bledlow on 13 August, 2009, 10:52:58 am
A beautiful, original (minus saddle) Vitus 979 Duralinox amongst a pile of nasty mongrel bikes on a Dr Bike held for yoof at a London estate community hall.  Beautiful. I was tempted to offer £20 for it and the lad who owned it would probably have been delighted.
 
Vitus 979 Duralinox on velospace, the place for bikes (http://velospace.org/node/9480)
Did you tell him how lovely it was?
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: Bledlow on 15 August, 2009, 03:12:56 pm
This -
(http://www.freshtripe.co.uk/Freshtripe/Bikes/735DDAB9-E641-48CF-8664-CC4E6B414D83_files/Pompino%201.jpg)

Locked up in Market Place, Reading, half an hour ago.


Rompy Pompy (http://www.freshtripe.co.uk/Freshtripe/Bikes/735DDAB9-E641-48CF-8664-CC4E6B414D83.html)

Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: Diver300 on 16 August, 2009, 10:07:12 pm
On a bike rack on the back of a car, an ordinary bicycle,







along with two safety bicycles.
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: Bledlow on 16 August, 2009, 11:22:48 pm
Parked outside the Bell at Aldworth (Berkshire) today -

An HP Velotechnik Scorpion FX
A Trice T
An Omega Xerxes Ti


And two Enigmas.
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: DrMekon on 29 August, 2009, 08:30:09 pm
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2472/3867804664_5351ae707e.jpg)

Christiania Trike with my son in - the bakfiets is being serviced, and the nice man at The School Run Centre in Cambridge offered me a loan of it over the weekend. Took it to Lammas Land, where among other child carrying bikes, there was a lesser spotted blue Winther Kangaroo.
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: Wendy on 29 August, 2009, 09:12:10 pm
A pederson in Hyde Park.  Didn't stop to take a pikcha though.
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: PaulF on 29 August, 2009, 09:27:20 pm
An Ordinary on Broadway
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: Tom B on 11 September, 2009, 08:48:14 pm
FS at LBS (Ken Foster's in Chorlton) but outside on rack for all to see, so I thought post belongs here - a 'vintage' German NSU roadster.
Like any nice, practical ladies bike (step-thru frame, single speed, north road bars, sprung saddle)
but with a roller dynamo by the BB and - never seen before, an ordinary-style 'spoon' brake that pushes down on the front tyre. I don't quite get this, ok, mechanically it couldn't be simpler but it looks ineffective and potentially heavy on tyres. How curious! I wonder if anyone will pay £199 for a bike that shares its name with an STD  :-\
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: clarion on 21 September, 2009, 09:58:38 pm
Raleigh Arena

Not so interesting or unusual, but it's ridden by an old boy I see in E&C, who may have been riding it for ever.

I also saw a very smart Eclipse gent's machine in a teal blue.
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 22 September, 2009, 10:50:41 am
I saw a very peculiar-looking bike in Greece but unfortunately I was sitting in a restaurant and couldn't get out in time to take a photo. It was probably nearly as long as a recumbent, but it wasn't a recumbent. The pedals seemed to be set a lot forward of the saddle so the bloke seemed to be pedalling very inefficiently with his feet in front of him and his knees up towards his chin, and the top tube was so long that the distance between the saddle and the head tube was reaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaally long. The handlebars weren't drops, the cyclist was sitting quite upright.

I've never seen anything like it before. It was just so much longer than it should have been.
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: Bledlow on 22 September, 2009, 10:27:57 pm
A tricycle. Proper one, not a recumbent. Heading into town past the Gospoda (Polish pub) in Reading yesterday ca 7pm. Bloke with hi-viz top. I wasn't close enough to see more.
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: ed_o_brain on 22 September, 2009, 10:45:00 pm
I don't know what the bike was, a Kona MTB or something of the elk.
But it had a fixed gear conversion using a cog attached to the rotor mounting on the rear disk hub.

It was straing to see the exposed freehub body on the drive side of this bike. On the morning commute it took a few seconds for me to realise the chain was on the wrong side!! For a short while I was bamboozled by what was propelling this bike.
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: clarion on 23 September, 2009, 09:59:52 am
Unusual loads rather than bikes:

A couple of days ago, I saw that overtaking cars were giving a reasonable space to a cyclist they were passing.  When I got to see what was happening, I realised that it was a Fire Officer on his commute, carrying what appeared to be a large holdall-style toolbag with a solid base slung across his back.  At the bottom right hand end of this bag hung a bright yellow helmet. 

Last night, riding across Figges Marsh, I had difficulty passing a woman cyclist who had a small bookshelf slung sideways across her rack, rather wider than her bars.

This morning, I saw a rider on a disguised Spesh MTB, carrying an unusual load vertically in a rear pannier.  I've seen him a couple of times, and the load, while looking quite heavy, didn't stop him riding at a decent pace.

We stopped alongside near Kennington, so I disturbed the 'no talking' etiquette (fortunately he didn't mind) as curiosity overcame me.

It's a trombone, and he rides up to town regularly (for rehearsals? teaching? not sure).

:thumbsup:
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: Wendy on 23 September, 2009, 10:28:41 am
...so I disturbed the 'no talking' etiquette (fortunately he didn't mind) as curiosity overcame me.

No talking etiquette?  Never heard of that one before.  I love to chat to people at the lights, it's what makes a big part of the enjoyment of riding a bike.

OT, but did you ever hear the saying that etiquette is what is used to exclude people from your social group, whilst manners are used for including people?
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: Wendy on 23 September, 2009, 10:29:08 am
p.s. that last isn't a dig at you, Clarion!
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: mattc on 23 September, 2009, 10:35:08 am
A couple of days ago, I saw that overtaking cars were giving a reasonable space to a cyclist they were passing.  When I got to see what was happening, I realised that it was a Fire Officer on his commute, carrying what appeared to be a large holdall-style toolbag with a solid base slung across his back.  At the bottom right hand end of this bag hung a bright yellow helmet
You see? They DO prevent you from being hit by cars!

Quote
It's a trombone, and he rides up to town regularly (for rehearsals? teaching? not sure).
A student friend of mine transported his tuba on his back while riding. Quite a sight.
[I don't know any other tuba players, so maybe they all cycle?]
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: clarion on 23 September, 2009, 10:52:44 am
A couple of days ago, I saw that overtaking cars were giving a reasonable space to a cyclist they were passing.  When I got to see what was happening, I realised that it was a Fire Officer on his commute, carrying what appeared to be a large holdall-style toolbag with a solid base slung across his back.  At the bottom right hand end of this bag hung a bright yellow helmet
You see? They DO prevent you from being hit by cars!

I should have mentioned it was a Fireman's helmet, not a magic hat ;D

Quote
A student friend of mine transported his tuba on his back while riding. Quite a sight.
[I don't know any other tuba players, so maybe they all cycle?]

I knew a harpist who carried hers on a trailer.  A magnificent sight! :o
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: PhilO on 23 September, 2009, 11:28:52 am
Velovision has featured a chap calling himself Inner Tuba (http://www.innertuba.org.uk/) a couple of times...  :thumbsup:

I think I've recounted before the tale of a friend who cycled across Bradford at dusk with a garden fork cross-wise on his rack. Prongs to the right. He got given lots of room dispite the fork not exactly being hi-vis!  ;D

Some years ago I passed a bloke cycling past Newark Castle with a large, heavy, antique wheelbarrow carefully balanced on his handlebars.  ???
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: clarion on 23 September, 2009, 02:27:04 pm
Spotted an interesting bike yesterday.  I've seen a couple of commuting bikes with drop bars & discs, and thought that was a pretty good combination.  But I think they were both hybrid conversions, or Roadrats.

The one last night was a Marin Toscana.  Checking it out on the Marin website shows a v-brake model.  But I wonder if this might be the way forward for commuters.

Historical note:  The first hybrids were such as the original Orbit Frontier, which was basically a rigid forked (there were no other types) MTB with randonneur bars.
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: Zipperhead on 23 September, 2009, 03:05:47 pm
Spotted an interesting bike yesterday.  I've seen a couple of commuting bikes with drop bars & discs, and thought that was a pretty good combination.  But I think they were both hybrid conversions, or Roadrats.

Occasionally I meet a guy on a Pompino with a disk brake. I think that's his only brake (apart from the drivetrain)
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: PaulF on 23 September, 2009, 03:27:46 pm
I use my Peregrine as a commuter with discs and drops (but I'm going to lose the drops when I return to the UK)
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: PhilO on 23 September, 2009, 04:01:26 pm
Spotted an interesting bike yesterday.  I've seen a couple of commuting bikes with drop bars & discs, and thought that was a pretty good combination.  But I think they were both hybrid conversions, or Roadrats.

The one last night was a Marin Toscana.  Checking it out on the Marin website shows a v-brake model.  But I wonder if this might be the way forward for commuters.

Historical note:  The first hybrids were such as the original Orbit Frontier, which was basically a rigid forked (there were no other types) MTB with randonneur bars.

It's certainly the kind of thing I would be looking at for a longish urban commute. You can't beat disk brakes for low (practically zero) maintanance, reliable all-weather braking!  ;D

(Can you tell I like disk brakes?  ;) )

Unfortunately, nobody makes hydraulic ones, yet, and the only drop-bar lever compatible ones I know of are Avid BB7s. Not that that's a bad thing, given that Avids are far-and-away the best cable disks out there...
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: Oaky on 25 September, 2009, 09:39:45 am
Whilst locking my bike up outside the post office yesterday I saw on the adjacent stand a mountain bike sporting several "6x4" logos on the top tube.  I started wondering what they were (brand? model? etc.) until I noticed the quad chainrings  :o (and the 24-speed logo elsewhere on the frame).

I'd quite forgotten that such things once existed.
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: clarion on 28 September, 2009, 10:04:20 am
Rather lovely Colnago Master this morning.  I'd guess early 80s before they got into the fancy airbrushing.  It was orange, with chromed stays (not dropout) and fork.  Slightly incongruous Brooks saddle, and leather bar tape, and unfortunately it was equipped only with Centaur, but it was a lovely machine nonetheless.
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: John Henry on 28 September, 2009, 06:29:28 pm
Whilst locking my bike up outside the post office yesterday I saw on the adjacent stand a mountain bike sporting several "6x4" logos on the top tube.  I started wondering what they were (brand? model? etc.) until I noticed the quad chainrings  :o (and the 24-speed logo elsewhere on the frame).

I'd quite forgotten that such things once existed.

One parks in the cycle shed at work. I had to do a double-take the first time I saw it. Bizarre.

Not a particularly unusual sighting, but rather a satisfying one - an immaculate BSA roadster: SA 3-speed, rod brakes, Miss Marple basket, full chain case etc. Also in the bike sheds at work.

JH
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: DrMekon on 29 September, 2009, 10:48:45 am
Spotted a Trikidoo yesterday and today, in Harston. The lass on it appears to be using the A10 briefly to get her kiddies to school. Plastered in hi-viz stickers. She seemed very happy when I said I liked it. Looks more stable than a Pashley. Celeb pic below.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2008/09/19/article-0-02B9E37A00000578-449_468x580.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: clarion on 29 September, 2009, 10:49:58 am
Kewlest Skool Run 8)
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: citoyen on 29 September, 2009, 03:51:25 pm
Spotted a Trikidoo yesterday ... Celeb pic below.

For a moment, I thought you'd spotted HBC...

Nice trike, though. Bet the kids love it.

d.
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: clarion on 02 October, 2009, 12:30:50 pm
Unusual loads rather than bikes:


Another unusual load.  A young man zooming around E&C RAB with an orange bike frame shrouded in bubble wrap over his left shoulder.  Unfortunately, it took some time before the lights changed, so I didn't catch him before he turned off :(

I imagine it was a new purchase, and I hope he will be very happy with it :)
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: Wobbly John on 02 October, 2009, 12:38:32 pm
Unusual bike for the school bike shed yesterday - a Moulton APB  :)
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: Bledlow on 04 October, 2009, 12:47:48 am
An Xtracycle rear end on a bike the model name of which I forget [now remembered - Caloi Team something], apparently sold by Aardvark Cycles. There was a cycling aardvark transfer on the head tube.

Locked up opposite John Lewis, in Broad Street, Reading. If only I'd had my camera!

 Xtracycle Products & Accessories | Xtracycle, Inc. (http://www.xtracycle.com/cargo-utility-bicycles.html)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: woollypigs on 06 October, 2009, 12:09:08 am
I spotted this one today

(http://www.vanmoof.com/images/vanmoof_pictures.jpg)

VANMOOF bicycles - Redesign of one of the iconic backbones of Dutch culture (http://www.vanmoof.com)

Looking on their site it have solar powered light.
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: alexb on 08 October, 2009, 10:13:00 am
Spotted an interesting bike yesterday.  I've seen a couple of commuting bikes with drop bars & discs, and thought that was a pretty good combination.  But I think they were both hybrid conversions, or Roadrats.

The one last night was a Marin Toscana.  Checking it out on the Marin website shows a v-brake model.  But I wonder if this might be the way forward for commuters.

Historical note:  The first hybrids were such as the original Orbit Frontier, which was basically a rigid forked (there were no other types) MTB with randonneur bars.

Kona Dew Drop also has discs and drop bars, very cheap too at the moment from Wiggle.
I'm rather taken by the possibilities of hub gears, discs and a dynamo hub - a modded Alfine hubbed MTB would be a fantastic commuter.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: nicknack on 08 October, 2009, 10:18:04 am
I spotted this one today
VANMOOF bicycles - Redesign of one of the iconic backbones of Dutch culture (http://www.vanmoof.com)

Looking on their site it have solar powered light.

Would that be legal here? It only has a rear coaster brake.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 08 October, 2009, 10:29:31 am
Spotted an interesting bike yesterday.  I've seen a couple of commuting bikes with drop bars & discs, and thought that was a pretty good combination.  But I think they were both hybrid conversions, or Roadrats.

The one last night was a Marin Toscana.  Checking it out on the Marin website shows a v-brake model.  But I wonder if this might be the way forward for commuters.

Historical note:  The first hybrids were such as the original Orbit Frontier, which was basically a rigid forked (there were no other types) MTB with randonneur bars.

Kona Dew Drop also has discs and drop bars, very cheap too at the moment from Wiggle.
I'm rather taken by the possibilities of hub gears, discs and a dynamo hub - a modded Alfine hubbed MTB would be a fantastic commuter.

Ah yes.  I sat next to a Dew Drop at the lights yesterday.  Quite nicely set up.

My ideal commuter would be pretty much as you describe, though I might prefer Rohloff or SRAM iMotion9 to an Alfine.

Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: PhilO on 08 October, 2009, 10:44:40 am
Spotted an interesting bike yesterday.  I've seen a couple of commuting bikes with drop bars & discs, and thought that was a pretty good combination.  But I think they were both hybrid conversions, or Roadrats.

The one last night was a Marin Toscana.  Checking it out on the Marin website shows a v-brake model.  But I wonder if this might be the way forward for commuters.

Historical note:  The first hybrids were such as the original Orbit Frontier, which was basically a rigid forked (there were no other types) MTB with randonneur bars.

Kona Dew Drop also has discs and drop bars, very cheap too at the moment from Wiggle.
I'm rather taken by the possibilities of hub gears, discs and a dynamo hub - a modded Alfine hubbed MTB would be a fantastic commuter.

To-date, the nearest off-the-peg bike I've seen to that is...

*Whispers*

...the Carrera Subway 8 from Halfords. Roller-braked Nexus, rather than Disk-braked Alfine, but pretty close.  :thumbsup:

Kona Dew Drop also has discs and drop bars, very cheap too at the moment from Wiggle.
I'm rather taken by the possibilities of hub gears, discs and a dynamo hub - a modded Alfine hubbed MTB would be a fantastic commuter.
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: TimO on 08 October, 2009, 11:48:08 am
Kona Dew Drop also has discs and drop bars, very cheap too at the moment from Wiggle.

...but only in stupidly small sizes, which is probably good otherwise I'd be very tempted!

I'm rather taken by the possibilities of hub gears, discs and a dynamo hub - a modded Alfine hubbed MTB would be a fantastic commuter.

That's exactly my thinking, and whilst I can see where Clarion is coming as regards the hub, I think the Alfine may be an acceptable compromise as regards keeping the cost down.  My commuters end up getting rather shagged through heavy use in foul weather, spending £800+ on the hub alone is probably a bit excessive! (Actually probably £1000+ for a disc compatible one. :o)

The Carrera Subway 8 has straight handlebars, and I think I'd prefer to go back to drops for my next commuter.  I need to find someone selling a plausibly acceptable steel frame.  Singular are a possibility, although they're mostly out of stock at the moment.
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: alexb on 08 October, 2009, 02:08:58 pm
Kona Dew Drop also has discs and drop bars, very cheap too at the moment from Wiggle.

...but only in stupidly small sizes, which is probably good otherwise I'd be very tempted!

I'm rather taken by the possibilities of hub gears, discs and a dynamo hub - a modded Alfine hubbed MTB would be a fantastic commuter.

That's exactly my thinking, and whilst I can see where Clarion is coming as regards the hub, I think the Alfine may be an acceptable compromise as regards keeping the cost down.  My commuters end up getting rather shagged through heavy use in foul weather, spending £800+ on the hub alone is probably a bit excessive! (Actually probably £1000+ for a disc compatible one. :o)

The Carrera Subway 8 has straight handlebars, and I think I'd prefer to go back to drops for my next commuter.  I need to find someone selling a plausibly acceptable steel frame.  Singular are a possibility, although they're mostly out of stock at the moment.

The Ridgeback Nemesis looks to be pretty close to that perfect spec. It even comes with decent tyres.
Specialised do a Globe with an 8-speed hub.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Butterfly on 13 October, 2009, 02:19:48 pm
This morning I saw 2 Trikidoos at different points near Clapham Common. One was escorting 2 children on bikes and had no passengers :).
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: rogerzilla on 17 October, 2009, 04:22:22 pm
Being pushed up Callas Hill (or Callous Hill, as iddu calls it) out of the village: a touring bike with a spare wheel* on each side of the rear rack!  The rider - or pusher - looked like an old CTC type. 


*although with no tyres or tubes fitted, so either he was delivering them somewhere or he has more spoke failures than p*nct*r*s...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 18 October, 2009, 08:26:59 pm
I spotted a very upright Mission load trike in Elephant & Castle.  Large rear low loadbed.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Oaky on 19 October, 2009, 08:42:42 pm
Spotted a fairly well loaded Thorn, with a trailer (of the one-wheel, Bob Yak type) riding along Fenchurch Street at lunchtime today.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 19 October, 2009, 09:05:23 pm
I saw a classic LWB recumbent - probably a Peer Gynt - in Herne Hill near Brockwell Park.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: alexb on 26 October, 2009, 10:19:40 pm
Saw a Pashley Governor at lunchtime today.

The riding position looks every bit as ungainly as I thought it would.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: LaidBack on 27 October, 2009, 06:26:04 pm
(http://img300.imageshack.us/img300/5818/091015160644.jpg)

Really a box with a bike attached. Oddly enough it works. Of course no use on bike paths but luckily we have roads in the city for this sort of thing ;)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Butterfly on 01 November, 2009, 11:43:58 am
A tandem heading North at Tooting Bec last night at 12.45 AM :D! They looked as though they had got started early for the Sunday run. It was a little surreal, I nearly crossed the road to see what sort it was and ask where they were going, but I thought they might think I was strange :-X.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: PeteB99 on 01 November, 2009, 12:31:42 pm
This last month one of these has been appearing in the bike shed at work

http://www.pashley.co.uk/products/tube-rider-pintail.html (http://www.pashley.co.uk/products/tube-rider-pintail.html)

Don't know if it's unusual enough for this thread but it's the first one I've seen.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Gus on 01 November, 2009, 12:37:28 pm

I saw and tried An Itera  (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plastic_bicycle) yesterday, it was the most flexible and horrible bike I've ever ridden .
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 01 November, 2009, 12:42:21 pm
There's two of those for sale in a shop near my work.  I haven't bothered making an offer ;D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: TimO on 01 November, 2009, 01:13:46 pm
I saw and tried An Itera  (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plastic_bicycle) yesterday, it was the most flexible and horrible bike I've ever ridden .

Interesting to see that they were popular in the West Indies for their relative rust proofness.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 20 November, 2009, 10:17:00 pm
I saw a Strida today near Borough High Street.

I say 'saw', but I heard it first.

And I say near Borough High Street, but I sincerely hope he didn't try to ride that graunchy abomination up there...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: ian on 21 November, 2009, 12:21:05 pm
Marvellous family-carrying Christiania bike locked up outside the local pool. Always makes me smile, in a place where nearly everyone else rolls up and deposits their kids out of increasingly large 4x4s. It's Bromley, ffs, not the Rockies.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Zipperhead on 26 November, 2009, 09:48:53 pm
I saw a lovely gold Brian Rourke today, gorgeous old campag on it. It looked like it had originally been built up that way, rather than rebuilt with old stuff.

Lovely lugs with heart shaped cutouts, but very long points on them. The only other ones I've seen like it are on my Bob Jackson.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Sergeant Pluck on 12 December, 2009, 09:35:35 pm
Today, King's Road - a mint Eddie Merckx, just like this, except with a black Brooks Swallow.

(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_SHsJMSzzWlU/SxgcED6jFHI/AAAAAAAALXM/7qGctmEc2qA/s1600/ShifterBikes_DHMerckx.jpg)

As depicted in http://markfunkyhoward.blogspot.com/2009/11/fixie-confusion.html (http://markfunkyhoward.blogspot.com/2009/11/fixie-confusion.html)

Very very nice indeed.

Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Torslanda on 13 December, 2009, 12:43:57 am
Never really looked before but my LBS has a couple of Pashley tandems -  one with Maguras and flat bars - and in the corner a dusty lugged Mercian in bronze with Weinmann sidepulls and perforated levers.

Last Saturday in Chester a very purposeful and 'European' looking adult trike with electric assist and 406 wheels all round.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Steve GT on 15 December, 2009, 08:12:30 am
A shaft driven bike by Danish bicycle makers Viva.
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2529/4187185544_099fdef66e.jpg)

This model seems to have been a special edition. Only 120 were made and this one was a little plaque stating that it was the 115th made.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Gus on 21 December, 2009, 07:27:11 pm
A shaft driven bike by Danish bicycle makers Viva.
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2529/4187185544_099fdef66e.jpg)

This model seems to have been a special edition. Only 120 were made and this one was a little plaque stating that it was the 115th made.


That picture is shot at my working place  ???
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Steve GT on 23 December, 2009, 02:52:39 pm
A shaft driven bike by Danish bicycle makers Viva.
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2529/4187185544_099fdef66e.jpg)

This model seems to have been a special edition. Only 120 were made and this one was a little plaque stating that it was the 115th made.


That picture is shot at my working place  ???

It's the 'A' train that runs between Køge and Copenhagen.. The Pompino's bottom backet is kaput, So I had to use the train / Bus to get to work and back.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 23 December, 2009, 02:55:58 pm
It's the 'A' train... The Pompino's bottom backet is kaput, So I had to use the train / Bus to get to work and back.

You must take the A Train... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhK-zYfFsIY) ;)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Bledlow on 25 December, 2009, 07:32:16 pm
Yesterday, locked up in central Reading - a dark green Kona Ute.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 26 December, 2009, 02:54:18 am
Passing through Brixton yesterday Christmas Eve, I spotted a BSA locked outside the station.  Very distinctive headbadge :)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: andrew_s on 29 December, 2009, 12:26:11 am
Not so much an unusual bike as an unusually kitted out touring bike.
Photo taken in Lerwick, and posted on a CTC discussion on touring luggage. This prompted someone to pm me saying he'd met the same bike on its way back from Portugal

(http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t207/andrew_sw/bike_load.jpg)[/quote]
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wendy on 29 December, 2009, 11:17:12 am
Skanky!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: TimO on 29 December, 2009, 11:25:40 am
I like the small leather bag (briefcase?) on the front. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: andrew_s on 29 December, 2009, 05:51:31 pm
My interpretation was that it was a handbag, though apparently the rider was an elderly bloke.

Have you seen the supplementary wheels, a microscooter I think?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Zoidburg on 29 December, 2009, 06:22:16 pm
I think that bike crosses the line between "touring" and "being a homeless tramp with a bike".
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Gus on 30 December, 2009, 10:35:38 am

I saw another Itera yesterday this time it was the kitchen blue model  ???

That's 2 in 2 months, I thought these bikes was rare.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Sparky on 04 January, 2010, 11:41:22 am
[img=http://stopreadingthisandrideabike.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/img_0724.jpg][/img] (http://stopreadingthisandrideabike.wordpress.com/2009/07/25/bmx-homage-to-the-penny-farthing/)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Butterfly on 05 January, 2010, 03:25:22 pm
Yesterday I saw 2 interesting set-ups. The first was on St. John's Hill in Battersea - a pavement cyclist leaning at an odd angle - it was only as the bus I was on was alongside that I could see the sidecar arrangement with his ladders on - maybe a window cleaner? The second was a beautiful Indian Rickshaw - fully decorated - near Wimbledon Park - my charge said "what's that shiny thing?" ;D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Hilldodger on 05 January, 2010, 04:47:10 pm
The second was a beautiful Indian Rickshaw - fully decorated - near Wimbledon Park - my charge said "what's that shiny thing?" ;D

To which I hope you said " a death trap" All the ones I've ever seen have been.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: RJ on 04 February, 2010, 02:03:52 pm
A Bakfiets Cargobike  (http://www.bakfiets.nl/eng/models_cargo_bike.php)(or more likely the long version (http://www.bakfiets.nl/eng/models_cargo_bike_long.php)) in the school playground this morning, with the box fully-faired (see here (http://www.bakfiets.nl/eng/models.php)).  As another parent said to me: "Those things are great, but they're built for the Netherlands, not Edinburgh!"
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Salvatore on 15 February, 2010, 08:23:26 pm
I saw this 11-wheeler 12-wheeler at a protest outside AWE Aldermaston today

(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2424/4359665443_e232b313f1_m.jpg) (http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2424/4359665443_8532aca05c_o.jpg)

Interesting brake blocks (and chocks).
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2719/4359676787_3d17b1f4ef_m.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnspooner/4359676787/)

Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: DrMekon on 22 February, 2010, 04:22:15 pm
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4002/4379523528_b5bb985844.jpg)

DF tadpole trike, if that's the right term. I've never seen anything like it before. Spotted in Newton.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: citoyen on 22 February, 2010, 04:37:35 pm
Bonkers. What's steering like on one of those things?

d.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 22 February, 2010, 04:39:26 pm
Pretty good, generally.  Someone on this forum has a partner with a nice example.  Zipperhead & Charlotte both rode it on two wheels, ISTR

Not sure where Newton is, but they are generally known as Newton trikes - ISTR some connection with Roman Road Cycles (at Llanwrda)

EDIT: Linky (http://www.roman-road.co.uk/trikes/index.htm) for custom-built Newton trike, but that looks like a conversion (http://www.roman-road.co.uk/conversions/index.htm)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: DrMekon on 22 February, 2010, 05:55:43 pm
Thanks for the link.

It was Newton, just south of Cambridge.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: mike on 22 February, 2010, 08:18:38 pm
Lovely looking bike, that. It's ridden by a bloke called Steve who lived next door to me when he built it.  The handling is pretty good but it took some getting used to (practicing missing potholes, mainly)

He'd never owned a car and used to commute to addenbrookes 20 miles each way on it all year round, aged about 60.  I picked him up a couple of times as I drove past him on the way home.

He moved to Newton about 7 years ago because the distance and the hill up to Great Chishill was too much for him. He now drinks in the queens head, as most sensible people do at some point.

/local info.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 02 March, 2010, 11:02:09 am
Yesterday, I saw a shiny Schwinn Cruiser (Brooklands green & beige) at Walworth Road.  Very cool, but it looked like a heavy beast to ride.  I was glad to be on my Orbit.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: The Seldom Killer on 02 March, 2010, 11:23:37 am
About five years ago when I was in Sofia, I saw an old guy riding around on a Raleigh Twenty type folding bike. The handlebars had been replaced with a leatherbound steering wheel and had the brakes and Sturmey shifter attached with union clips.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: tiermat on 03 March, 2010, 09:21:46 am
Last night when I went to get my bike from the stands at work, a Holdsworth Mistral in a lovely green colour, wivva Brooks!!!

I stood drooling at it for a good mins :)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 03 March, 2010, 09:35:23 am
So there's another cyclist about :thumbsup:

This morning, in Clapham, I saw an unusually big cruiser bike (second one this week - are they newly fashionable or summat).  This was a real tank.  I thought it might be a Pugsley, but, getting closer (as i rapidly did), I could see it wasn't the quality of a Surly frame.  Big fat tyres, though - must have been scooter wheels on that thing.  Rider seemed happy, so all is good :)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 05 March, 2010, 02:21:27 pm
In Southwark I saw a couple of advertising Broxes.  They were parked near the Island Cafe last Friday, but this week, I saw one of the riders.  My, he didn't look happy :-\
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Martin109 on 06 March, 2010, 12:46:20 pm
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4002/4379523528_b5bb985844.jpg)

DF tadpole trike, if that's the right term. I've never seen anything like it before. Spotted in Newton.

Strangely, that's probably a Newton trike!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 06 March, 2010, 12:48:07 pm
I saw yet another cruiser.  This one was an Electra, and it was so curly the tubes seem to have got lost on the way from one joint to another.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: dave r on 06 March, 2010, 08:50:22 pm
Over at Shenton yesterday in Whitemore's antiques and tea room this was languishing round the back out side one of the units with a £35 price tag on it

User Media - TinyPic - Free Image Hosting, Photo Sharing & Video Hosting (http://tinypic.com/usermedia.php?uo=2099HrFb%2Fqtzt%2BEFCuOQLYh4l5k2TGxc)

looks in need of a little TLC.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 06 March, 2010, 09:01:43 pm
Terrible things, but interesting.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: dave r on 06 March, 2010, 09:17:17 pm
Terrible things, but interesting.

I must admit to knowing nothing about them, it looked like restoring it might make an interesting project for someone with the time to do it.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: TimO on 06 March, 2010, 09:23:25 pm
I suspect the big problem with doing work on an Itera would be getting the spares, since a lot of it is incompatible with other bike bits.

According to the Wikipedia entry, someone has actually bought up the IP to use in the design of a recycled/recyclable bike, but since that was slated for 2009-2010, and I've heard nothing about this (has anyone?) I wouldn't be surprised if nothing ever happens.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 06 March, 2010, 09:33:03 pm
You could buy the two Iteras at Re:Cycling in Elephant & Castle for spares ;D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: TimO on 08 March, 2010, 02:40:35 pm
A brand new Moulton in the bike store at work.  It didn't look like the components were massively expensive, but it did have a Nitto seat post and Brooks saddle.

(http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/NewMoutlonBikeStore_Thumb480.jpg)

It just seemed curiously apposite, since this morning I watched an episode of Country Tracks (http://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=30337.0) with fairly extensive coverage of Alex Moulton and his bikes.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: jezhiggins on 08 March, 2010, 02:48:56 pm
Rode with the kids to school today (and broke a spoke :facepalm:), but was massively cheered up seeing a little lad unicycling his way across the playground and into the bike shed.  What a star.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: CrinklyLion on 08 March, 2010, 09:54:55 pm
Whereas I got to school and played an entertaining round of bike jenga in the sheds to try and help all the late kids fit their bikes in.  A really shocking number of the bikes I moved where just plain unsafe.  I think a word in the head's ear might be due... bit less emphasis on helmets, bit more on brakes.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: TimO on 08 March, 2010, 10:09:05 pm
When I was at school, the local plod would periodically check the bikes in the bike sheds, and since in that era we didn't seem to lock our bikes to anything (just a lock around the rear wheel and frame), they'd then remove all the unsafe ones, and require whoever they belonged to, to come and pick them up.

Presumably they then explained to them what was unsafe, and told them to walk home.  Mine never got taken away, so I'm not sure exactly what happened!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: ed_o_brain on 11 March, 2010, 12:49:25 pm
(http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p96/edd_o_brain/IMG00033.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 11 March, 2010, 01:08:50 pm
Chain's a bit slack.

With a derailleur?! :o
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: ed_o_brain on 11 March, 2010, 05:23:39 pm
Chain's a bit slack.

With a derailleur?! :o

I know.

It's a Raleigh Dyna Tech, bonded construction!
The lady owner said it didn't ride very well.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: TimO on 11 March, 2010, 05:45:51 pm
As I recall the DynaTechs had a tendency to come apart when the glued joints failed.  I can't imagine that there are that many still in use for that reason.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Oaky on 14 March, 2010, 07:11:28 pm
Saw a Mercian today at the park in Witham.  Was quite pleased that I identified it across the park, on the basis of frame geometry and the dark blue colour.

Not unusual in itself, but the stem was pretty odd.  it seemed to be 50mm or less.  I also believe ti was angled down about 45 degrees.  From the distance it almost looked like there was no stem at all and the bars were lashed directly to the steerer. ???  I didn't get a close enough look, but I assume it was a quill-type stem.

I've never seen the like of it before.  Are they more common than I imagine?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Zoidburg on 14 March, 2010, 07:20:27 pm
Chain's a bit slack.

With a derailleur?! :o

I know.

It's a Raleigh Dyna Tech, bonded construction!
The lady owner said it didn't ride very well.
A lot of late 80s early 90s MTBs rode like dogs.

The huge top tube length, coupled with a lot of trail and a huge stem.

They turn like oil tankers, they do make OK tourers though.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: recumbentpanda on 14 March, 2010, 07:29:59 pm
You could buy the two Iteras at Re:Cycling in Elephant & Castle for spares ;D

All this loose talk of buying and restoring Iteras is dangerous dalliance with the
 :demon: Forces of Evil :demon:. I had to ride one once. The front wheel takes a full three seconds to respond to any movement of the handlebars while the torque works its way down the steerer. The wheels rims flatten between the spoke ends and give you a weird out of phase vibro-massage. One poor soul actually rode a jogle on one: he said the brake-blocks caught fire on long downhills. If you are ever tempted by an Itera, get a friend to lock you to a sheffield rack until the fit passes . . .

The recumbent panda
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 16 March, 2010, 10:58:12 pm
There was a Dawes tandem locked to the bike racks when I was at my evening class tonight. I've been going to that class for nearly 2 years and I've never seen the tandem before. I wonder who it belongs to.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: MattH on 25 March, 2010, 08:01:16 am
Saw a Calfee (http://www.calfeedesign.com/bamboo.htm) locked to a bike rack in Sainsburys somewhere on the south coast (I'd popped in for water on a 260K DIY)
(http://haigh.org/bamboo/bamboo-1.jpg)
Bamboo frame, with full Dura-Ace (including wheels), Brooks saddle and bar tape.
(http://haigh.org/bamboo/bamboo-2.jpg)
The tubes are connected using resin soaked hemp
(http://haigh.org/bamboo/bamboo-3.jpg)
The dropouts are metal, not wood.

The owner (Keith?), who'd just been out on a club run, said that it rode better than his carbon or steel bikes, soaking up the vibrations nicely, but being light and responsive. It cost him close to £4000.
I lust that bike!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: tiermat on 25 March, 2010, 08:05:59 am
MattH, that is a thing of beauty!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: fred the great on 25 March, 2010, 08:26:29 am
Saw a Royal 12 speed parked outside our Clinic. A road bike with no grips or bar tape and an imitation Brooks saddle.

I'm guessing it has come from China though generally it was in good condition. 12 speed suggests a very old bike to me.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Deano on 25 March, 2010, 08:40:33 pm
Spotted an offroad tandem outside a bike hire place in Keswick on Saturday.  Had we not been halfway through a 300km audax, I might have been tempted to ask if it was for hire...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: oncemore on 25 March, 2010, 08:50:04 pm
And when feeling a bit down just hold a flame under the "resin soaked hemp" and breathe in.

But yes it's very nice!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: DrMekon on 26 March, 2010, 10:07:12 pm
Had a nosey round the cycle shed.

Very old Brooks fitted to a new Dawes (and an Add a bike next to it)
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4058/4465073705_17b0f307d0.jpg)

A badly resprayed Woodrup
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4017/4465073783_cacec38ff3.jpg)

A plastic Brooks fitted to a old Indian bike - not one I've seen in their Heritage Collection.
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2778/4465073889_de42320680.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 31 March, 2010, 10:05:36 pm
Last night, there was a woman on a cool Hetchins in Wallington. :)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Torslanda on 01 April, 2010, 04:31:27 pm
Last night, there was a woman on a cool Hetchins in Wallington. :)

Charlotte doesn't usually get lost, does she?  ;D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wendy on 04 April, 2010, 07:51:31 am
Saw a Google bike yesterday at work!!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Bledlow on 05 April, 2010, 01:30:11 pm
A few days ago, a bloke on an immaculate but impractical fixie in the bus lane on Kings Road, Reading. The (bare metal) bars were so narrow he could barely fit his hands on them, & he looked a bit wobbly.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 06 April, 2010, 08:50:26 pm
On Saturday I was on t'bus from Dublin airport into Dublin when I say this very strange contraption proceeding into the city centre.  The rider was obviously highly skilled and dealt with the traffic with complete confidence.  Having arrived in the city we saw him several times after that.

On the frame it said that it was a 'Sideways bike' and from the wikipedia article (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sideways_bike), the rider we saw was also its inventor.  The version we saw was the small wheeled one. Sadly I wasn't able to take a picture.

Quote
The sideways bike is different in many ways from a conventional diamond-framed bicycle. The rider controls direction by steering with both front and back handlebars. This means that the bicycle can maneuver manoeuvre effectively in congested conditions, weaving in and out of cars and performing tight turns. It also means that the rider can move the bike sideways, as the name suggests, such that the movement is perpendicular to the direction in which the frame points. Although this is possible, it is very difficult, as it is necessary for the rider to have extremely good balance and coordination.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wendy on 06 April, 2010, 08:51:18 pm
I've met the chap, and had a go on his bike.  It was fun!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Clandy on 06 April, 2010, 09:53:06 pm
Here's his Youtube channel:


      YouTube
            - Kanal von sidewaysbike
    (http://www.youtube.com/user/sidewaysbike?blend=2&ob=1)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wobbly John on 07 April, 2010, 07:57:40 am
I've met the chap, and had a go on his bike.  It was fun!

Me too. He had a go on the Wobblebike (http://homepages.nildram.co.uk/~talizmar/xntrick/wobblebike.htm) too.

...and while I'm here: Spotted this morning: a commuter on a Sinclair A-bike (http://www.abikecentral.com/). I wonder how he coped with the hill down to the station?  :facepalm:
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: her_welshness on 07 April, 2010, 11:40:00 am
I saw one chap in his army trousers cycling his 'Mad Max' labelled bike (on the A202 this morning). It had black spikey bits sticking out from all sides of the frame, with what looked like 3 plasticated boxes that had been glued together and which acted as his panniers, and painted in red and black scrawls. Myself and other cyclists were all  :o Anybody else spotted him before?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 07 April, 2010, 04:27:16 pm
Not normally many bikes around near work, so I was surprised to see four within 50m of work this lunchtime.

'Champion' 5-speed with cottered chainset, and frame lugs like plumbing joints.
Raleigh Pioneer
'Oklahoma' 'Dutch' bike with vast sweeping bars and a double top tube
Blue 70s sports bike alongside the Oklahoma.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 09 April, 2010, 03:47:35 pm
They're all still there.  Perhaps related to the community arts project in one of the shop units.

The Oklahoma is actually an Azor, on closer inspection, and has a Fortnum & Mason hamper as a front basket.

What I thought was a Pioneer was actually a Raleigh Mirage in that unusual pale green & white colourscheme

There's a 70s? brown Raleigh roadster of some kind there as well today.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: andrew_s on 19 April, 2010, 07:01:48 pm
An occupant of the bike lockup at work, with the most eccentric bar end positioning.
(the other side is the same)
(http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t207/andrew_sw/bar_end.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: TimO on 19 April, 2010, 07:03:18 pm
That's a bit weird, it must make it difficult and/or uncomfortable to use the shifter. :-\

(...and more worryingly, the same could be said of the brake lever).
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: woollypigs on 19 April, 2010, 07:07:26 pm
So it wasn't my eyes playing up when I saw it. Honestly there can only be one person doing this. So please do tell me that this was in London you found this.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: spesh on 19 April, 2010, 07:25:06 pm
Chain's a bit slack.

With a derailleur?! :o

It can happen with sticking freehub pawls - freewheel or backpedal slightly, and the jockey wheel cage gets pulled forwards, resulting in slackness.

Alternatively, the jockey wheel cage spring is FUBAR, but my money's on the former problem. Those DynaTechs were around some 18 years ago, if not longer, and it looks like nothing's been replaced on the one pictured above.

Never seen a yellow one before - I always thought the ones with blue lugs and rear triangle looked the nicest.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Ian H on 19 April, 2010, 08:13:32 pm
A well-used Stan Pike in Dorchester during the Dorset Coast last week. He was a West Dorset frame builder who died young.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 19 April, 2010, 09:17:17 pm
Sutton CC have a lovely Stan Pike track bike that Superstoker rode to good effect.  It's kept at Herne Hill, but I'd never heard of him before.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Ian H on 19 April, 2010, 11:30:45 pm
Sutton CC have a lovely Stan Pike track bike that Superstoker rode to good effect.  It's kept at Herne Hill, but I'd never heard of him before.

He worked from a lock-up in Crewkerne. As I recall he was in his 40s when he died. Son took over, but hated it and shut up shop.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: andrew_s on 20 April, 2010, 12:52:15 am
So it wasn't my eyes playing up when I saw it. Honestly there can only be one person doing this. So please do tell me that this was in London you found this.
It is in Gloucester. A dark green Claud Butler.
I'd be surprised if it had travelled to London, so there must be two.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Marco Stefano on 20 April, 2010, 01:06:37 pm
What looked like a real old ordinary (i.e. not a mock-up) on top of a disused garage or motor factors on the main road south out of March, Cambs. I think it needs rescuing. I'd post a picture if I could, but I can't...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wobbly John on 20 April, 2010, 02:45:22 pm
What looked like a real old ordinary (i.e. not a mock-up) on top of a disused garage or motor factors on the main road south out of March, Cambs. I think it needs rescuing. I'd post a picture if I could, but I can't...

I'll have to ride over there tomorrow and investigate.  :)

I think there used to be one that hung over a cycle shop in March as a shop sign, but i'm pretty sure it was just a mock-up.

March does have a strong VCC so I expect the bike you saw is already known about.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Bledlow on 20 April, 2010, 09:26:22 pm
A Strida. Central Reading, shortly after 7 pm.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 21 April, 2010, 09:57:34 am
Saw a LWB recumbent on Monday.  Looked like a Peer Gynt.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Torslanda on 21 April, 2010, 02:20:45 pm
Today, at CenterParcs, a Kona Cinder Cone of uncertain heritage, probably mid90s, locked to an Orange G2(?) a bike I've never heard of and, yesterday, two Bromptons of which #1 son asked if they were 'as good as our folders'  :o

Never mind, he's only 9, he's got a lot to learn . . .
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Sigurd Mudtracker on 21 April, 2010, 09:55:37 pm
At the weekend saw a youff riding a 36" Ordinary of the modern variety.  He wasn't making much progress with his 36" fixed wheel, and I did wonder if a Schlumpf unicycle gear would improve matters.  I know that there used to be "dwarf" ordinaries with two chain drives each side to increase the gearing of a small front wheel.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Torslanda on 21 April, 2010, 10:20:48 pm
Spotted another one today, Schwinn Cruiser in powder blue, springer forks and coaster brake. Ideal for CenterParcs really.

Also a badass chopper bike, like a beach cruiser but stretched and lowered. 96 (count 'em!) spoke wheels with steel rims, almost a recumbent feet forward pedalling position, huge chrome pullback bars, sprung saddle and springer forks. Chrome and black. Useless but cool.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Ian H on 23 April, 2010, 10:37:00 am
An elderly (30s, 40s?) Singer Amsterdam locked outside a West London Tescos last night. It was still there this morning. Full chaincase, single-speed, a traditional roadster in slightly rusty condition.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 23 April, 2010, 11:05:58 am
A Pacific Reach, seen in York. Quite fancied one, until the uk retailers told me the suspension isn't that durable.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Sigurd Mudtracker on 24 April, 2010, 08:53:05 pm
A Pacific Reach, seen in York. Quite fancied one, until the uk retailers told me the suspension isn't that durable.

I'll cross that off my wish list, then!

(especially as the trailing link suspension on my Moulton is still going fine after 20 years)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 25 April, 2010, 07:45:31 pm
A few interesting bike spotted today including an 1888 Columbia Ordinary, an 1898 Alpha Bantam and a 1910 fixed wheel trike.  It helps when you are taking part in the Veteran-Cycle Club's Memorial Ride.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: woollypigs on 25 April, 2010, 08:04:19 pm
A Hungaria bicycle called Pannoia looked like it was around 25 years old. Never heard of them before.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: pdm on 25 April, 2010, 09:41:21 pm
I saw a very unusual recumbent Delta Trike on the Baslow road going out of Sheffield this afternoon.
Really wide (about 1.5m) rear wheels spacing with a huge rear netted area for load carrying.
Not seen anything similar before!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 26 April, 2010, 11:49:21 am
Our bikes shared trainspace with a shiny stainless Moulton Pylon (http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/bikes/road/product/twin-pylon-8878) yesterday.

Brooks saddle and leather bar tape on bullhorns.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Aidan on 26 April, 2010, 11:58:37 am
Our bikes shared trainspace with a shiny stainless Moulton Pylon (http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/bikes/road/product/twin-pylon-8878) yesterday.

Brooks saddle and leather bar tape on bullhorns.

Sounds quite lovely :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 26 April, 2010, 12:46:48 pm
I saw a very unusual recumbent Delta Trike on the Baslow road going out of Sheffield this afternoon.
Really wide (about 1.5m) rear wheels spacing with a huge rear netted area for load carrying.
Not seen anything similar before!

They are made in Sheffield. Last saw one at the northern green gathering.

Very interesting design, but I'd hate to corner at speed with a load.

http://trikes4transport.co.uk/pictures.htm (http://trikes4transport.co.uk/pictures.htm)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: pdm on 26 April, 2010, 01:09:03 pm
Yup... This was the trike in question!

(http://trikes4transport.co.uk/images/recycle/DSCF0012.JPG)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Karla on 26 April, 2010, 10:52:27 pm
So that's from the bike recycling place in Heeley?  Last time I went there, it was a up a steep hill from the A61.  I bet they have fun riding up there with a trikeload  :demon:

In other news, did the well-used recumbent trike I saw parked in Langwith College at York University belong to anybody here?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Clandy on 28 April, 2010, 07:19:06 am
Briefly glimpsed riding on Southend seafront. Poor quality grab from low res video footage:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/Minitar1/ClipartEtc/unusualbike2.jpg)

I think it was one of these (http://www.ridelow.co.uk/20-chrome-classic-lowrider-bike-p-49.html?zenid=512108a6dfdbcd737b5c4796124742fb).
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Tim on 28 April, 2010, 09:43:54 am
Saw a hand trike powering along near Headley this morning with a rather large flag flying behind it (George's cross). Don't know whether it was someone rehabbing at Headley Court, but the thought did cross my mind.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 05 May, 2010, 10:37:13 am
Forgot to mention it before, but I saw a tallbike on Union Street in Southwark on Friday evening, heading towards Borough.  Unfortunately, he went through a red light as there was nowhere to lean to stop.  The woman cyclist near (with?) him was giggling a lot.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 05 May, 2010, 10:40:25 am
Oh, and last night, I saw an unusual arrangement.  There was a chap on a Giant with two large panniers up front and nothing at the rear.  Not even a rack.

I used to ride with just front panniers when I had a babyseat on the rear rack, though I'd remove the seat & use the rack for commuting.  To carry all your luggage up front for no apparent reason other than personal preference is a bit unusual.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: citoyen on 05 May, 2010, 11:11:19 am
Briefly glimpsed riding on Southend seafront. Poor quality grab from low res video footage:

I think it was one of these (http://www.ridelow.co.uk/20-chrome-classic-lowrider-bike-p-49.html?zenid=512108a6dfdbcd737b5c4796124742fb).

One of those will be appearing in next week's issue of the silly magazine I work for. I could post a pic here but it would be somewhat NSFW...  ::-)

d.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Pingu on 12 May, 2010, 04:02:34 pm
Saw what appeared to be a Land Rover branded Moulton on my commute this morning. It looked like this (http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2177/2286503027_8be83c2aca.jpg).
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Clandy on 12 May, 2010, 04:04:58 pm
Looks like an old APB. Front suspension needs an adjust, those chrome links at the wheel hub should be parallel with the ground with the rider's weight on the bike.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Regulator on 13 May, 2010, 10:42:58 am
GoCycle #528 is parked outside our offices  :thumbsup:

However the owner has locked it, using a feeble cable lock, in the most unsecure manner.  I'm almost tempted to nick it to teach them a lesson*...  :demon: ;D








*And possibly have a go as well...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wobbly John on 13 May, 2010, 12:21:34 pm
Gocycle - I saw one ride through Ely last week - looked nippy but noisy.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: PaulF on 13 May, 2010, 12:24:27 pm
Saw a 'tall bike' in Kingston this morning - need to be good at trackstanding to ride one of those in traffic (or have great anticipation)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: hubner on 13 May, 2010, 06:15:54 pm
Pink Roberts tandem in Hyde Park at the Tour de France prologue in London:

(http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o181/fixerr/Robertstandem.jpg)

Cinelli steel stem:
(http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o181/fixerr/Robertstandemheadtube.jpg)

Curved and double seat tube:
(http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o181/fixerr/Robertstandemtwinseattubes.jpg)

Track ends, Mavic Mod3 rims and Mavic hubs:
(http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o181/fixerr/Robertstandemtrackends.jpg)

Stronglight cranks, early Shimano Dura Ace brakes:
(http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o181/fixerr/RobertstandemtwinseattubesDura-Aceb.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Bledlow on 17 May, 2010, 01:01:14 pm
A Newton tricycle in Broad Street, Reading on Saturday. Rather like this, but dark green -

(http://www.roman-road.co.uk/C21_side.jpg)

I wish I'd had my camera.

There was a Christiania cargo trike (low-loader front) last week, with a trailer-style child compartment on the platform.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wobbly John on 17 May, 2010, 03:09:01 pm
Yesterday, 3 lads on unicycles riding along the pavement.  :D

When they got to the traffic lights, they all grabbed the pole with one hand and did a couple of laps of it 'roundabout stylee' while waiting for the pedestrian crossing lights.  ;D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 17 May, 2010, 03:33:16 pm
On Saturday, I saw a chap riding a hybrid with a small lass on a trailerbike in Quorn.  It made me :)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Clandy on 17 May, 2010, 05:52:51 pm
I see this vintage (note the rod operated brakes) Raleigh with some interesting modifications quite regularly:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/Minitar1/Dg/Raleigh.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 18 May, 2010, 12:37:36 pm
Yesterday, I saw a chap on a hybrid near Kennington.  He had short handlebars, with, it seemed, one brake attached.  But he also had half a riser bar attached to them, pointing forwards and up.  It had a grip and one brake lever.  Some kind of bodged homebrew tri-bar? ???
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 18 May, 2010, 12:39:48 pm
Not sure if I mentioned this before, but we spotted another interesting handlebar arrangement on the cyclepaths near Lufbra. 

He had drop bars with tri extensions on.  But, underneath the extensions, there seemed to be a short straight bar with ergonomic grips each end.  Couldn't see how it was attached.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: MattH on 18 May, 2010, 12:55:39 pm
How long was the bar under the tribars? Could it have been one of these (http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/product.asp?pf_id=11040) accessory bars that replaces a headset spacer?

(http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/images/products/11040thorn_l.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Marco Stefano on 18 May, 2010, 01:20:15 pm
Gocycle - I saw one ride through Ely last week - looked nippy but noisy.
A colleague reports that they are based in Shearline Engineering in Ely - Shearline were making so many components for them that they decided to move in. If Shearline's usual quality is applied, they will be made out of good bits.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 18 May, 2010, 08:40:30 pm
How long was the bar under the tribars? Could it have been one of these (http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/product.asp?pf_id=11040) accessory bars that replaces a headset spacer?

(http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/images/products/11040thorn_l.jpg)


Probably was.  Good call.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Regulator on 19 May, 2010, 11:26:46 am
Gocycle - I saw one ride through Ely last week - looked nippy but noisy.
A colleague reports that they are based in Shearline Engineering in Ely - Shearline were making so many components for them that they decided to move in. If Shearline's usual quality is applied, they will be made out of good bits.


Hmm.... possible Reggie Ride.  Cambridge to Ely, visit to the GoCycle workshop and back to Cambridge.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 21 May, 2010, 04:13:52 pm
Saw an empty trailerbike this morning.  After the school run, no doubt. :)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Oaky on 21 May, 2010, 04:37:26 pm
Saw a fixed (or could be singlespeed - it was stationary when I saw it) bike stopped at a red light on High Holborn earlier.  It looked like it was made entirely out of rust.  (I think this was a deliberate effect). 
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: CrinklyLion on 22 May, 2010, 12:53:14 am
Eldest cub went for tea at a friend's house tonight.  I went to collect him a bit after 8 on my way home from work (after a somewhat unnecessarily circuitous route :) ) and, after having stopped for a bit of a gossip, was just in the process of manoeuvring my bike (with fairly full panniers) backwards out of the narrow front path at his friend's house.

"Mum, look!"
"Not right now, I'm trying to do this..."
"No but Mum, look!"
"In a min..."
"But Mum, it's a UNICYCLE!"

It was indeed the largest unicycle I have ever seen, whizzing past the parked cars on the road and going at some considerable speed.

My boy knows what he's can get away interrupting his mother for. 
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 22 May, 2010, 11:02:30 am
I saw a Windcheetah near Elephant & Castle (quite close to the University)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 22 May, 2010, 10:02:01 pm
Not an unusual bike, as such, but TGL spotted a couple of blokes cycling past Mellows Park carrying kitchen sinks.  No, I don't mean that they had a lot of luggage.  They really did have large stainless steel sink units under their arms.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: rogerzilla on 22 May, 2010, 10:05:58 pm
On the CTC run today, a Thorn something equipped with a Rohloff, a SON, big tyres, a SpaceGrip to fit even more crap on the handlebars (GPS, two computers, lights, mapholder) and panniers.  Its gravitational field was pulling small animals out of the hedges as we passed.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 02 June, 2010, 09:15:28 am
Page 3?  Don't we see many interesting or unusual bikes, then? :(

Yesterday, I saw a nice maroon Moulton.  Not sure what it was -  a spaceframe of some kind.

Today, I spotted a fastish chap (well, as fast as me ;D ) on a beige Bianchi flat-barred singlespeed, wearing a retro h*lm*t like the one Wobblyjohn's got.

I also saw a very tasty Ellis Briggs fixed.  The frame was red, with chromed forks and rear triangle.  Lovely.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wobbly John on 02 June, 2010, 12:36:58 pm

Today, I spotted a fastish chap (well, as fast as me ;D ) on a beige Bianchi flat-barred singlespeed, wearing a retro h*lm*t like the two Wobblyjohn's got.

Like this one?

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y252/wobblyjohn/helmet1.jpg)

Must have been a bit warm if he was riding fastish.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 02 June, 2010, 01:17:54 pm
Just exactly like that.  'Cept it was brown.  Made him look like a half-sucked malteser.

And apologies for underestimating your helmet.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: MattH on 02 June, 2010, 01:47:51 pm
This is a rather nice bike.

(http://haigh.org/tout.jpg)

Tout Terrain frame with integrated rack (not sure how well the paint will stand up to panniers though).
Rohloff gears, Magura hydraulic brakes, SON front hub, B17 saddle.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 02 June, 2010, 02:05:35 pm
Lunchtime at the Island cafe.  Usual couriers on fixed with dinky bars.  But there was a smart Holdsworth in 531c double locked at the rear (front wheel presumably taken away).  It had a Shimano 600 groupset (the three rectangles edition), with Campag band-on levers.  Oh - and there was no mech hanger, so the derailleur was in the dropout, which I didn't think was still current with that version of 600, but I must be wrong.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: fruitcake on 02 June, 2010, 02:13:31 pm
Chain's a bit slack
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: woollypigs on 02 June, 2010, 04:06:36 pm
This is a rather nice bike.
(http://haigh.org/tout.jpg)
Agree with you, though it is rather sad to see such a good bicycle only locked with a cable lock, it will go walkies very soon.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: MattH on 02 June, 2010, 04:07:59 pm
Agree with you, though it is rather sad to see such a good bicycle only locked with a cable lock, it will go walkies very soon.

I agree, which is why I didn't say where it is!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 02 June, 2010, 08:57:13 pm
Saw another Moulton.  This time in Clapham.

And a Rockhopper.  Not so interesting in itself, but the woman riding it kept pace with me from Oval up to Clapham Common, and even pulled away before turning off.  And I wasn't slow tonight.  Respect. 
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: alexb on 03 June, 2010, 07:29:54 am
I saw a bright red Dursley Pederson last night, unusual enough, but usually when I see them (and there are a few around) they're being ridden by people dressed in tweed at a relaxed pace. This one was being caned by a guy wearing an AG2R lycra top, lycra shorts and proper cycling shoes, still sitting up and "begging" as per the riding position. It looked very odd.

www.pedersen-bike.dk (http://www.pedersen-bike.dk/pedersenbikes.htm)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: tiermat on 03 June, 2010, 08:38:30 pm
A Colnago Master Olympic whilst sat enjoying a pint of Badger @ The Black Horse at Iver Heath
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: woollypigs on 03 June, 2010, 08:48:05 pm
Ok of the target I know but today I saw a German motorcycle with side car from WWII with one diver and the side car loaded up with camping gear :)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: alexb on 03 June, 2010, 09:14:59 pm
A diver eh? Did he have one of those big brass helmets on?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: woollypigs on 03 June, 2010, 09:23:22 pm
A diver eh? Did he have one of those big brass helmets on?
Doh :)

No but it had one of the old German helmets though.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Deano on 03 June, 2010, 10:59:44 pm
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4049/4667570722_151acfc694_b.jpg)

Spotted outside GLG Cycles in Thornaby.  I didn't have chance to speak to the owner, so I'm not sure if it's a converted GT frame, or completely handbuilt.  The fittings for the front rack are welded on, and all the welds look similar, so I wondered if it was wholly self-built.  He looked mad enough to have done it all himself :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: tiermat on 04 June, 2010, 06:39:30 am
I would say hand built, the triangle at the top of the seat tube seems too big for a GT, and the seat tube angle is way out!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: DrMekon on 04 June, 2010, 06:56:33 am
Not a GT (wrog dropouts, lugs, etc), but it does look like oe of the cheap Trple Triagle copies you get it £89 MTB car spares shops.

I am off to DTEK today, so am expecting to see lots of interesting ad uusual bikes.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Clandy on 04 June, 2010, 08:04:40 am
Glimpsed briefly in passing on Southend seafront yesterday:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/Minitar1/Dg/unusualbike2.jpg)

Looking at the picture what I find interesting is the front crank doesn't appear to be linked to the drive train.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: DrMekon on 04 June, 2010, 09:04:52 am
It's an Onderwater family tandem. I think the front cranks are connected (I tried one a while back), I guess via shaft drive. They are made by Azor, and dutchbike.co.uk bring them over. Great fun, but not cheap.

 | Fietsenmakerij Onderwater |  (http://www.onderwaterfiets.nl/)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 04 June, 2010, 09:47:33 am
ISTR it is a shaft drive to keep chains away from the kid.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 04 June, 2010, 10:26:53 pm
This evening, I rode with a young Japanese lad who was on a cyclo-cross bike called a Bruno.  Looked nice, being a gold colour with cream tyres, and, interestingly, had dt levers on the top tube.

I've never heard of Bruno, but there was a small Swiss flag on the back of the top tube, with a signature that looked like Bruno...something.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: corshamjim on 04 June, 2010, 10:40:57 pm
Always interested to see different bike designs I eventually found it on page 4 of a google search .. http://brunobike.jp/collection.html  .  As a Moulton fan, those 20" bikes look strangely familiar yet weird.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 04 June, 2010, 10:43:27 pm
This one (http://brunobike.jp/700c_tour.html) Anyone know how much 77700Yen is?  I'm guessing not cheap.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: TimO on 04 June, 2010, 10:52:53 pm
This one (http://brunobike.jp/700c_tour.html) Anyone know how much 77700Yen is?  I'm guessing not cheap.

As ever, Google (Calculator) (http://www.google.co.uk/#hl=en&source=hp&q=77700+yen+in+gbp&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai=&fp=823a29e425d505ae) is your friend.

A touch under £600.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: corshamjim on 04 June, 2010, 10:53:15 pm
This one (http://brunobike.jp/700c_tour.html) Anyone know how much 77700Yen is?  I'm guessing not cheap.

Depends if £584 is what you would call cheap.  77,700 yen seems like a very lucky price though!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: TimO on 04 June, 2010, 10:55:03 pm
Some of their small wheeled bikes look a little odd.  I wonder how well they ride?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 04 June, 2010, 10:58:00 pm
That's rather cheaper than I expected for a pretty bike. 

Small wheeled bikes are very popular in Japan & HK apparently, partly for riding on pavements :-\

I couldn't find a non-Japanese version of the website to read. :(
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 05 June, 2010, 03:02:34 pm
Not an unusual bike in itself, but an unusual sight to see a Cervelo in India. First went past the rider, having presumably finished a ride, putting it on top of a suv just outside ond of the big parks in the centre of Bangalore. Then said suv, with Cervelo and another bike on top - I think it was a Trek - came past the auto I was in.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 06 June, 2010, 08:33:24 am

Small wheeled bikes are very popular in Japan & HK apparently, partly for riding on pavements :-\


Legal in Japan, as in some other parts of the world.  No need for :-\
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: ian on 06 June, 2010, 01:09:45 pm

Small wheeled bikes are very popular in Japan & HK apparently, partly for riding on pavements :-\


Legal in Japan, as in some other parts of the world.  No need for :-\

It's a very common Japanese thing for a mother to load approximately eighty-two children on a bike and wobble down a crowded pavement. Oddly, whilst this behaviour in the UK would undoubtedly be indistinguishable from at attempt at pedestrian genocide, it seems to proceed without casualty or the gnashing of teeth. With a small degree of commonsense, cycles and pedestrians mix fine.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: DrMekon on 06 June, 2010, 04:43:16 pm
Saw a HPV grasshopper being sat on at a trailhead in Barton by a european lad, accompanied by some chaps on tourers from Cambridge Cycling Club. It' looked like they'd been riding bridalpaths.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: citoyen on 07 June, 2010, 12:08:56 am
Saw a not very unusual bike yesterday, a bog-standard BMX, but with a rather unusual rider - a chap who from his less than pristine appearance I would surmise was a gentleman of no fixed abode, and probably in his 60s.

d.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 07 June, 2010, 09:02:08 am
Saw a good few bikes yesterday, including a Raleigh Chopper being ridden with the Pollards Hill Cyclists

This morning, I spent a lot of time in the company of a chap on a Colnago Arte.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: itsbruce on 07 June, 2010, 09:40:51 am
Yesterday afternoon, walking down Coldharbour Lane, I was passed by a genuine lowrider bike.  Tiny kid on a tourer frame that had been lowered and lengthened (by a good 18 inches or so), sprayed gold all over and decked out with chains and bling.  Wish I'd had a camera.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: mike on 07 June, 2010, 08:47:27 pm
went past a tandem moped today, I think it was one of these:
http://motorbike-search-engine.co.uk/classic-bikes-2/eysink-renata-tandem-moped.JPG

it'd broken down :)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 07 June, 2010, 09:00:13 pm
I saw an interesting electric bike Friday evening and this morning near Mitcham.  It was branded as an 'Alien'.  I thought they were limited to 15mph, but this one was doing upward of 30kph, which by my reckoning is a bit over.  Somewhat galling to find myself struggling to keep up with an old bloke on a rathr 'sturdy' bike ;D

Still, it looked rather better than a lot of older electric bikes, such as the Powabyke we saw on the Wandle Trail yesterday.

Bizarrely, after seeing a Colnago this morning, I saw another this evening - an orange/chrome Master.  Shame the rider was less cautious than this morning's, and ran a red light.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Ham on 07 June, 2010, 11:18:08 pm
went past a tandem moped today, I think it was one of these:
http://motorbike-search-engine.co.uk/classic-bikes-2/eysink-renata-tandem-moped.JPG

it'd broken down :)

Not today, but ....http://londondailyphoto.blogspot.com/2008/10/stretch-limo-nette.html (http://londondailyphoto.blogspot.com/2008/10/stretch-limo-nette.html)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: greenmeansgo on 08 June, 2010, 09:54:17 am
I saw this in Berlin a few years ago and just stumbled across the photo again. I wonder how fast this would be with 4 people pedalling...
(http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv40/notwhatucallanatural/Bike%20stuff/DSCN0064.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 10 June, 2010, 04:16:03 pm
Last night, I spotted a lovely deep red Carlton at Clapham Common.

And this morning, an unusual bike with red tubes and unusual cast lugs.  I think it was an Alan.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: tonycollinet on 11 June, 2010, 06:03:58 pm
And from the 72 tooth chainwheel thread,....... (http://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=33781.msg643499#msg643499)

A double bouncing folder. Wivva big chainring.

(http://www.collinet.plus.com/photos/birdy1.jpg)

(http://www.collinet.plus.com/photos/birdy2.jpg)

Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 12 June, 2010, 08:16:14 pm
We saw a Dahon Mu on the train.  It was folded, and had drop handlebars! :o
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: hatler on 16 June, 2010, 10:34:42 am
No photo, but I saw what looked like an MTB version of a Kirk Precision this morning.

The frame was certainly a casting and it had 'magnesium' in decals on it.

Was I imagining this ?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 16 June, 2010, 10:40:22 am
You may have been imagining it, but Kirk did make an MTB.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 16 June, 2010, 11:02:35 am
No photo, but I saw what looked like an MTB version of a Kirk Precision this morning.

The frame was certainly a casting and it had 'magnesium' in decals on it.

Was I imagining this ?

Kirk Magnesium on Flickr - Photo Sharing! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/10954782@N00/432510568)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: hatler on 16 June, 2010, 11:04:02 am
That's the fella !

Thank you.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: RJ on 16 June, 2010, 12:55:51 pm
A triplet, heading up Argyle Place as I was heading down with the empty tagalong rattling and bouncing behind me.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Adrian on 16 June, 2010, 06:44:23 pm
That's the fella !

Thank you.

Still doesn't mean you didn't imagine it though.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: hatler on 16 June, 2010, 07:12:12 pm
That's the fella !

Thank you.

Still doesn't mean you didn't imagine it though.

 ;D

I don't think my imagination is that creative.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 17 June, 2010, 11:48:49 am
Unbadged fixer outside The Lamb last night.  Looked like the frame was bamboo with the joints made by wrapping kit and kaboodle in carbon, but may just have been a poncey paint job.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Ham on 17 June, 2010, 01:39:27 pm
Unbadged fixer outside The Lamb last night.  Looked like the frame was bamboo with the joints made by wrapping kit and kaboodle in carbon, but may just have been a poncey paint job.

Or one of these http://bamboobikestudio.com/ (http://bamboobikestudio.com/)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wobbly John on 18 June, 2010, 10:13:18 am
Scalped Overtook on the way to work this morning, a Giant Clip folding bike (http://www.fudgescyclestore.com/index.php?p=57837).

Not seen one before. I got stopped at the traffic lights, and it just caught up as they changed so got a second cahance for a quick look for a name on it as I wasn't sure what it was.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 18 June, 2010, 10:19:16 am
I was overtaken by a Strida today :-[
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 19 June, 2010, 01:22:46 am
A non-descript bike in itself - didn't even see quite what it was - but with a number plate afixed to the rear rack, with the word DEAF on it.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Pippa on 19 June, 2010, 09:35:06 am
There was a bike in the racks at work yesterday that had two top tubes, one below the other. It was a diamond frame and the tube underneath the "main" top tube was narrower with a slight curve. It wasn't a modern bike. I did take a closer look and made a note of the name that was embossed on the frame, but promptly forgot it  :facepalm:

Any ideas?  ???
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Ham on 19 June, 2010, 01:00:34 pm
There was a bike in the racks at work yesterday that had two top tubes, one below the other. It was a diamond frame and the tube underneath the "main" top tube was narrower with a slight curve. It wasn't a modern bike. I did take a closer look and made a note of the name that was embossed on the frame, but promptly forgot it  :facepalm:

Any ideas?  ???

I may be imaging it, but  I thought there was a German make (whose name escapes me) that makes a feature of the dual top tube.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: alexb on 19 June, 2010, 10:27:05 pm
Scalped Overtook on the way to work this morning, a Giant Clip folding bike (http://www.fudgescyclestore.com/index.php?p=57837).

Not seen one before. I got stopped at the traffic lights, and it just caught up as they changed so got a second cahance for a quick look for a name on it as I wasn't sure what it was.

I had a long chat with the owner of one one morning. He loved it. It looked great fun actually.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: gordon taylor on 20 June, 2010, 04:36:20 pm
On this morning's Bike Week ride:

(http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c22/gordon1314/IMG_0690-1.jpg)

The guy who was riding it wasn't sure what it was - other than it is called  C4 Joker and is Italian; he'd had it for years. Record brakes, Dura Ace drivetrain.

Any ideas?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Gus on 20 June, 2010, 04:41:45 pm
It's a Joker from C4 carbon, an italian company
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: NickM on 21 June, 2010, 06:05:04 pm
On this morning's Bike Week ride:

(http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c22/gordon1314/IMG_0690-1.jpg)

The guy who was riding it wasn't sure what it was - other than it is called  C4 Joker and is Italian; he'd had it for years. Record brakes, Dura Ace drivetrain.

Any ideas?

Ah, I saw two of those on the L2B ride yesterday. The two chaps on them seemed to be motoring along quite nicely. I intended to ask them about the bikes but couldn't keep up.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Hilldodger on 22 June, 2010, 10:11:27 am
A Renault bike in Walthamstow on sunday. It was actually a decent looking bike for a car manufacturer but obviously just a badged far east made thing.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Andrij on 22 June, 2010, 11:49:26 pm
Well, not a bike.  But one doesn't expect to see someone on a unicycle in East Ham at 23:00.  Or any time of the day/night, TBH.  And it wasn't an Aldi/Lidl one, either.
 
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 23 June, 2010, 11:44:17 am
'fashion fixie' in holgate.

deeper than a deep thing rims.

Handlebars cut down so they were narrower than the rider's shoulders . . .

It didhave a brake.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Pippa on 23 June, 2010, 08:40:29 pm
A dreamslide (http://www.dreamslide.com/SITE/ENG/index.html) in the racks at work today. Does that qualify as a bike  ???
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Butterfly on 23 June, 2010, 08:46:39 pm
A tandem coming up Burntwood Lane in Wandsworth today. It loooked fairly elderly with a mixte style back. The stoker was wearing a pretty dress and had a huge grin 8).
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: oncemore on 23 June, 2010, 08:57:05 pm
A dreamslide (http://www.dreamslide.com/SITE/ENG/index.html) in the racks at work today. Does that qualify as a bike  ???

For 1250 euros....one would think they could afford a saddle...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Jurek on 23 June, 2010, 09:13:43 pm
A dreamslide (http://www.dreamslide.com/SITE/ENG/index.html) in the racks at work today. Does that qualify as a bike  ???

Well, looking at the vids of it 'in action'.... the pedals do go round and round - not the pumpy-pumpy action we thought it might be.
Looks like plenty of upper body workout too, whilst you get from A to B.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: MattH on 24 June, 2010, 10:51:48 am
A tandem coming up Burntwood Lane in Wandsworth today. It loooked fairly elderly with a mixte style back. The stoker was wearing a pretty dress and had a huge grin 8).

There is something truly excellent about seeing ladies in pretty dresses enjoying a bike ride. It just screams "happy, laidback, sunny, warm days are here!", and brings a smile to my face  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 24 June, 2010, 11:06:58 am
A tandem coming up Burntwood Lane in Wandsworth today. It loooked fairly elderly with a mixte style back. The stoker was wearing a pretty dress and had a huge grin 8).

There is something truly excellent about seeing ladies in pretty dresses enjoying a bike ride. It just screams "happy, laidback, sunny, warm days are here!", and brings a smile to my face  :thumbsup:

Oh yes.  Absolutely.  And I should know, as I share many bike rides with the most elegantly dressed woman on the road! :-*

Mind you, she didn't say that the stoker on the tandem she saw was a woman, just that they were wearing a pretty dress and were grinning.  It could have been Grayson Perry on the way back from picking up yet another award.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 25 June, 2010, 10:12:06 am
I saw a Nihola (http://nihola.info/en/nihola+bikes/) with two kids in it this morning in Newington. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wendy on 25 June, 2010, 11:02:50 am
I see plenty of these in the Park, I didn't think to mention them.  Also a Pederson on Tuesday, the rider was very pleased I recognised it.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Gus on 25 June, 2010, 12:06:14 pm
Plenty of Nihola in this part of the world, but I saw a couple of Bullits (http://www.larryvsharry.com/english/) today.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 25 June, 2010, 12:15:49 pm
Don't see many in Southwark.  And, if it hadn't had the name across the front, I wouldn't have known what it was.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Exit Stage Left on 27 June, 2010, 09:22:45 pm
It should be possible to guess who rides a bike like this as a general purpose hack.

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4117/4739256441_310db55b76.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Torslanda on 27 June, 2010, 09:29:29 pm
It should be possible to guess who rides a bike like this as a general purpose hack.


Graeme Obree? Chris Boardman? Gethin Butler?

Am I being too literal??
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Sergeant Pluck on 27 June, 2010, 09:37:29 pm
Don't know but it is an unusual gathering of bits! I didn't know Enigma (I'm guessing that's what it is?) made a cyclocross or V-brake frame.

That front guard though  :hand:
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Exit Stage Left on 27 June, 2010, 09:45:01 pm
It should be possible to guess who rides a bike like this as a general purpose hack.


Graeme Obree? Chris Boardman? Gethin Butler?

Am I being too literal??

A rider of that calibre certainly, and one who was very much associated with Mike Burrows in the mid 90s.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 27 June, 2010, 09:59:38 pm
Pegg!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Exit Stage Left on 27 June, 2010, 10:23:17 pm
This guy made a comeback last year and did over 300 miles in a 12 hour.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: redshift on 27 June, 2010, 10:44:17 pm
It should be possible to guess who rides a bike like this as a general purpose hack.


Graeme Obree? Chris Boardman? Gethin Butler?

Am I being too literal??

A rider of that calibre certainly, and one who was very much associated with Mike Burrows in the mid 90s.

Wilko?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Exit Stage Left on 28 June, 2010, 12:01:41 am
It should be possible to guess who rides a bike like this as a general purpose hack.


Graeme Obree? Chris Boardman? Gethin Butler?

Am I being too literal??

A rider of that calibre certainly, and one who was very much associated with Mike Burrows in the mid 90s.

Wilko?


That's the man, I saw him at the National Road Race just outside Barley earlier, that's the Barley that gives its name to the Carradice bag, incidentally, I'm just editing up some footage, including an interview with him.
It shows the truth of the advice that your training bike should have the same position as your race or indeed Audax bike.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: itsbruce on 28 June, 2010, 01:12:06 am
A couple across the road from me have several bikes but the one that always catches my eye is this lovely vintage Schwinn with the eye-catching tires:

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4134/4739973991_622abc3986_b.jpg)

Apologies for the resolution: crap old phone camera.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Exit Stage Left on 28 June, 2010, 12:56:51 pm
I hadn't appreciated that Andy Wilkinson rode the same bike as above to win last year's 12 Hour National Championship at a record breaking 302 and a bit miles, he did have different wheels and took off the mudguards and rack and carried only one bottle. Versatile bike that.

(http://cdn.mos.bikeradar.com/images/news/2009/08/17/1250505596370-1wrdd49831hqe-798-75.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wendy on 28 June, 2010, 02:57:21 pm
You guys know that LeeW rode just over 300km in six hours recently, 187 miles?  Didn't even make 1st place with that, either.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 28 June, 2010, 03:03:21 pm
Those v brakes . .

They perfectly cover the top of the forks. Prob more aero than any dual-pivot.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Exit Stage Left on 28 June, 2010, 03:12:02 pm
You guys know that LeeW rode just over 300km in six hours recently, 187 miles?  Didn't even make 1st place with that, either.

Wilko's 20 year old End to End record on a Windcheetah still stands, versatile rider on a versatile bike. I reckon he did well to set a new competition record at 45.
The official site of the Windcheetah HPV, the world's most advanced recumbent tricycle (http://www.windcheetah.co.uk/record.htm)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 01 July, 2010, 11:24:08 pm
Saw a Kona Ute in Southwark.  Saw a cargobike a couple of days ago in Balham.  I think that may have been a Yuba Mundo.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Andrij on 02 July, 2010, 08:46:09 am
A few days ago on the commute home I thought I saw yet another fakenger - bling purple front wheel.  Then I noticed gears... and no pedals!  It was some type of 'step' bike.  The guy riding it could certainly get it up to a good speed (he was keeping up with me) but he cycled like a prat.
 
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 04 July, 2010, 09:33:28 pm
First tine out on my Carlton in ages, and we spotted this parked up against a pub in the town:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/ado15/P1000811.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/ado15/P1000812.jpg)

It's a Carlton of a similar vintage to mine or a bit earlier (late 70s, I'd guess) with the distinctive wrapround seatstay and slightly fancier lugs than mine.  It bears a Brooks which appeared to have been laced at some time.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 05 July, 2010, 08:20:28 am
some sort of Cannondale with a mono fork.

A Dawes Elite. Didn't even know there was such a thing.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Adrian on 05 July, 2010, 08:28:47 am

It's a Carlton of a similar vintage to mine or a bit earlier (late 70s, I'd guess) with the distinctive wrapround seatstay and slightly fancier lugs than mine. 


That looks like an early 70's Carlton Corsa to me. My one was orange in colour rather than the purple.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 05 July, 2010, 09:17:20 am
Could be early 70s.  My Carlton is one of the last (and we think a Corsa), and, though there are similarities, you can see a deeper fork curve in the purple one.  Remarkably similar to the one that got me back into cycling back in the 80s.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: citoyen on 06 July, 2010, 11:34:14 am
For Clarion: this was parked outside the office this morning - a Carlton Corsair...

(http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k170/smutchin/315e3ee9.jpg)

Its owner even likes his brakes in the same funny position as you (though unlike you he has them the right way round ;) ).

Might still be there if you want to pop over and ogle.  ;D

d.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 06 July, 2010, 11:52:12 am
His bars are even higher than mine! :o

I have to have the tops flat and the hoods as a continuation, which doesn't work so well with my current levers, but they are Carlton branded hoods, so how could I change them? ;)

Good spot, Smudgers :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: NickM on 06 July, 2010, 12:11:35 pm
Speaking of Carltons, I noticed a rather sad example on Ken High St. The fork has had a nasty knock.

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4077/4767023761_c58d4d5929_z.jpg)

I can't help but think it might have been a result of this...

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4123/4767662146_15e88ca0ec_z.jpg)

I find brake levers work much more effectively when they are connected to the brakes.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 06 July, 2010, 12:13:52 pm
I find brake levers work much more effectively when they are connected to the brakes.

Can't see your pics, but that's a Top Tip! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: NickM on 06 July, 2010, 12:56:29 pm
Fixed it.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: citoyen on 06 July, 2010, 01:13:50 pm
Invisible mudguards. Nice!  ;D

d.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 06 July, 2010, 02:46:46 pm
I'm not much of an expert, but I don't think the forks are meant to be that shape.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wobbly John on 06 July, 2010, 02:59:12 pm
I'm not much of an expert, but I don't think the forks are meant to be that shape.

Rebadge it as a Bates (http://www.classiclightweights.co.uk/builders/bates3.html) & get it on ebay.  ;)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 06 July, 2010, 03:01:11 pm
I did think that too ;)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: ian on 06 July, 2010, 06:57:52 pm
I think I can probably just about see why the front brake is disconnected. That's forethought for you.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: robbo6 on 06 July, 2010, 07:43:55 pm
... It bears a Brooks which appeared to have been laced at some time.

Probabably a B5, like the B17 but low-quality leather, so they came pre-punched for tying.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: greenmeansgo on 07 July, 2010, 09:44:14 am
A red Trice 20" wheels, rear Avid disc, front Sturmey Archer hubs, M+, big front reflector, little Knog-style LEDs on the back, computer left on the bike, mirror....locked up on the University Of Manchester campus this morning - anyone on here?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: fruitcake on 08 July, 2010, 06:39:13 pm
Just stumbled upon a picture of this tadpole trike with a child seat at the front.  Looks like fun for rider and passenger.

Zigo Leader Carrier Biycle System (http://www.myzigo.com/)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Gus on 09 July, 2010, 12:12:28 pm
There was a bike in the racks at work yesterday that had two top tubes, one below the other. It was a diamond frame and the tube underneath the "main" top tube was narrower with a slight curve. It wasn't a modern bike. I did take a closer look and made a note of the name that was embossed on the frame, but promptly forgot it  :facepalm:

Any ideas?  ???

I may be imaging it, but  I thought there was a German make (whose name escapes me) that makes a feature of the dual top tube.




This have being bugging me some time, because I knew what manufactur it was, but I couldn't remember the name.
But suddenly I remembered it was most likely a Corratec Superbow (http://www.corratec.de/en/bikes2010/mtb/superbow/overview.html) :D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: itsbruce on 09 July, 2010, 12:22:52 pm
There's a bike with a double top-tube regularly locked up near Brixton tube.  Remembering this post in this thread, I took a pic.  And here it is:

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4099/4776573623_db6a86c134.jpg)

Frame too faded and repainted to show a make.  Sticker on the fender said Eastman but that doesn't have to mean anything.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: DrMekon on 09 July, 2010, 12:28:27 pm
Just stumbled upon a picture of this tadpole trike with a child seat at the front.  Looks like fun for rider and passenger.

Zigo Leader Carrier Biycle System (http://www.myzigo.com/)

They aren't bad. They do handle better than a Christiania, or rather the one-seater I tried did. The attach/detach thing looked like a pain in the arse, and likely to get messy if you actually use the bike. I see them around a fair bit in Cambridge, and I've never seen one in pram mode. IMO, unless the waterproof thing was vital, spending £20 on a buggydrager seems a more sensible prospect. If you do want waterproofness, the Christiania, or the Bakfiets.nl Cargotrike seemed significantly more hardy. The Zigo looks like a trailer turned into a trike - and likely to weather poorly in comparison with a dedicated trike.

My missus' mummybike with a Steco Buggy Mee (the thing holding the buggy up)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3357/4609033827_396744fc42.jpg)

There's a bakfiets in Cambridge with one of these on the back that I sometime see. Whenever I do, the rider is caning it.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Clandy on 10 July, 2010, 08:41:47 pm
Saw an interesting 'bent trike on the seafront today:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/Minitar1/ClipartEtc/benttrikejpg.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: itsbruce on 11 July, 2010, 10:34:35 pm
Cycling home on Friday, as I went south down Bina Gardens, I met a mature gent on a Pederson coming the other way.  First time I've ever seen one up close.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: TimO on 12 July, 2010, 09:40:56 pm
I cycled in behind an odd bike today.  The guy on it looked like a Courier (or reasonably plausibly dressed Fakenger).  Initially I thought it was fixed, because it lacked a rear brake, but then he freewheeled.

The wheels were white plastic five spoked things, and this I think was the reason for no rear brake.  The rear wheel wobbled rather horribly side to side (not unusual with plastic wheels), and it would have been hard to have fitted a brake which didn't rub.  The frame looked recently painted, but only seemed to have fittings for a caliper brake, which made me think it was possibly not of a recent vintage.

It had quite big tyres, which was unusual, and wouldn't have helped fitting a caliper brake, although there seemed to be one on the front wheel.  The tyres didn't seem to slow him down, he was doing 20mph+ along Queenstown Road, and at his cadence, it must have been geared 70"-ish, certainly not the lower gearing that Singlespeeds tend to be set to compared to most Fixedwheels.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 12 July, 2010, 10:14:13 pm
There's a bike with a double top-tube regularly locked up near Brixton tube.  Remembering this post in this thread, I took a pic.  And here it is:

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4099/4776573623_db6a86c134.jpg)

Frame too faded and repainted to show a make.  Sticker on the fender said Eastman but that doesn't have to mean anything.
That frame looks like bikes I've seen in India. The make would be something like Atlas or Safari, and it would be marketed as a super-strong model suitable for carrying heavy loads.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 12 July, 2010, 10:16:43 pm
Saturday morning, a middle-aged woman on a red trike that had clearly been homemade from a kid's bike by adding a rear axle and additional wheel, along with two vertical "beams" for some reason I couldn't work out. Use was made of the space between the wheels for a supermarket shopping basket.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Oaky on 13 July, 2010, 11:52:48 am
Unusual bike at the lights at Holborn/Chancery Lane (or possibly Grays Inn Road) this morning.

A Raleigh, I think, with delta brakes and an odd frame arrangement with a horizontal top tube, standard rear triangle, but the downtube joined the seat tube quite high up.

It had a decal saying "Paris" in what looked to be quite a 70s or 80s font on the downtube, but doing a quick search for "Raleigh" and "paris" seems to only bring up step though frames.

It was running as a fixed, and looked in excellent nick.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: cyclone on 13 July, 2010, 11:56:17 am

A Raleigh, I think, with delta brakes and an odd frame arrangement with a horizontal top tube, standard rear triangle, but the downtube joined the seat tube quite high up.

It had a decal saying "Paris" in what looked to be quite a 70s or 80s font on the downtube, but doing a quick search for "Raleigh" and "paris" seems to only bring up step though frames.

Paris were an independent maker, brand and stle of bike re-born at Condor - dont know how to clicky the link. definately on their website tho... If it was original then well 8)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 13 July, 2010, 12:05:49 pm
Look for Paris Galibier, the stated intent was that the repositioned down tube acted as a torque tube.  Traditionally the seat tube lug cracked.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Hilldodger on 13 July, 2010, 12:47:58 pm
We've just had a brand new Greenspeed tandem trike delivered.

£7000 worth :o
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Oaky on 13 July, 2010, 04:16:51 pm
Aha - thanks cyclone and LWaB.

That is indeed what it was.  Dont' know if it was a Condor-reborn one or not, but that's definitely the beastie!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 14 July, 2010, 09:42:17 am
Look for Paris Galibier, the stated intent was that the repositioned down tube acted as a torque tube.  Traditionally the seat tube lug cracked.

Paris Galibier, the frame which redefined the term "bottom bracket flex".  Yes, I know "Stopper" Clarke used to go very well on one, but imagine how well he'd have gone were he not diverting a significant portion of his energy into bending a steel tube :-\
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: citoyen on 16 July, 2010, 02:56:47 pm
Just had to pop up to Condor, and as I was pootling up the Grays Inn Road, I was passed by a pair of Gocycles (http://www.gocycle.com/).

(http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k170/smutchin/b4476c39.jpg)

Turned out they were going into Condor too, so I got a better look at them. I know they've been much discussed on the forum already, and I have nothing new to add, but I thought they looked quite nice. And they seem to be pretty zippy too.

d.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Adrian on 17 July, 2010, 06:22:16 pm
Don't they belong in  thread for mopeds?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Clandy on 17 July, 2010, 06:29:46 pm
Don't they belong in  thread for mopeds?

+1


A couple of moped riders nearly had me off recently:


      YouTube
            - WTH?
    (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=697jEsat_zw)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wendy on 17 July, 2010, 07:26:30 pm
Don't they belong in  thread for mopeds?

Err no.  They are most definitely bicycles.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: citoyen on 17 July, 2010, 07:46:30 pm
If they're welcome in Condor, that's good enough for me.

d.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: corshamjim on 17 July, 2010, 07:55:05 pm
Today I saw a cycles maximus loaded up with bicycles on the K&A Canal towpath, and near Dundas Aqueduct a Circe Helios tandem (in tandem lot workbike config).  As a rider of a Pashley Paramount myself I was also pleased to see a Pashley Poppy in Pink.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: PaulF on 18 July, 2010, 04:44:19 am
A Ti 69er - no sniggering  at the back.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: jezhiggins on 18 July, 2010, 03:53:24 pm
Heading home past Edgbaston Cricket ground, yesterday, passed a recumbent heading the other way, possibly an Optima of some sort.  I was on my newly eBayed tandem with my 6 year old son stoking.  The recumbent rider and I exchanged not-normal-bike-owners glances (a relative of the man-pushing-pram nod).
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 18 July, 2010, 03:59:09 pm
Heading home past Edgbaston Cricket ground, yesterday, passed a recumbent heading the other way, possibly an Optima of some sort.  I was on my newly eBayed tandem with my 6 year son stoking.  The recumbent rider and I exchanged not-normal-bike-owners glances (a relative of the man-pushing-pram nod).

Ah, this one's eligible for the Forumite spotting (http://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=5506.msg672257#msg672257) thread :)

That was me on a HPV Streetmachine.   :thumbsup:

(I also have a tandem, but it's still a work in progress)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: jezhiggins on 18 July, 2010, 11:52:25 pm
That was me on a HPV Streetmachine.   :thumbsup:

And it looked awesomely cool.  I'm currently trying to wear down my wife by gentle attrition - so perhaps in another year or two, I'll be able to join you :)


Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 21 July, 2010, 11:00:01 pm
I saw a very pink Dave Yates in Upper Tooting today.  It's very unusual to see anything other than BSOs parked up there.

Which reminds me.  Yesterday morning, I saw a woman on a very pink Pearson Velo Rose, and dressed in pink Pearson kit.  I hoped she was going my way, because I very rarely see fast cyclists in our area.  But she never appeared, so she must have been heading south.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Zipperhead on 22 July, 2010, 02:12:28 pm
I saw a Condor built Paris Galibier heading over Westminster Bridge on Tuesday evening.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Greenbank on 22 July, 2010, 02:14:21 pm
I saw a Condor built Paris Galibier heading over Westminster Bridge on Tuesday evening.

With frame flex under power causing it to straddle both lanes?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Zipperhead on 22 July, 2010, 03:43:42 pm
It was travelling at 90 degrees to me, so I wouldn't have noticed any variation of less than two three lanes.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 23 July, 2010, 09:50:44 am
I saw a chap on a singlespeed Enigma this morning.  He was fast.

Which reminds me.  A couple of days ago, near Stockwell, I saw a Ti Seven with S&S couplings.  He wasn't so fast ;D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: jezhiggins on 24 July, 2010, 09:04:48 pm
A chap on a recumbent weaving his way through Canal Basin in Birmingham.  The bike looked like a Chopper that had been stretched.  My lad Harry did not, I'm afraid, consider it cool.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 25 July, 2010, 09:37:05 am
At Pearsons yesterday there was a Raleigh Chiltern which had had a rear extension welded on to take a massive trailer.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 26 July, 2010, 04:49:27 pm
Not frightfully unusual, nor (to most people) interesting, but I saw the first example of a Ridgeback Solo in the wild (other than mine, of course) on Saturday, lying on the grass in London Fields, not far from the yacf gathering point.  No rider in evidence, sadly. :(
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: fred the great on 27 July, 2010, 04:36:57 pm
Today, I saw a Unomo or was it Umono Ladies shopping bike complete with basket? at a local Buddhist Temple.

The name had faded a little but a couple of stickers proclaimed it was made in Japan.

Quite a nice basic bike as far as I could see.

The lady had bought it 2nd hand and didn't know it's history.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Hilldodger on 27 July, 2010, 04:54:59 pm
At the Bath SkyRide on Sunday a chap turned up on a very original 1971 Dawes Galaxy - one of the very first to be made. I did drool a likkle bit :-[
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 27 July, 2010, 04:59:34 pm
I haz a 1971 Galaxy. ;)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 28 July, 2010, 09:23:14 am
I saw a Tokyobike on the achingly hip Walworth Road.

I thought it had two chainrings, but the outer is milled to be just a guard.  Something like 8-spd derailleur.  The frame was reasonably neat, with low shot-in seatstays, but the green colour just looked like a cheap powdercoat job.  Minimal graphics.

The 650 wheels didn't look so bad.  Barely noticeable, in fact.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Hilldodger on 28 July, 2010, 10:13:44 am
I haz a 1971 Galaxy. ;)

You forgot to add "that is just your size and I really need to sell it to you" ;) :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 28 July, 2010, 10:23:45 am
It may be for sale by & by if I can get my Orbit straight for touring ;)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Hilldodger on 28 July, 2010, 04:09:40 pm
S'oright, then ;D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 28 July, 2010, 04:33:39 pm
You've got first refusal booked ;)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Gus on 30 July, 2010, 05:51:40 pm
I saw a "Mercian Professional" today at work.
I spotted the bike as a drove in to the platform, doing around 70 km/h in my little train.
The owner didn't get off until the end off the line, so I stopped him and asked about it. (only 2'nd Mercian I've seen in Dk)


Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 30 July, 2010, 08:06:56 pm
Cool. I saw a rider with a smart green Mercian this morning in Balham.  He had a Carradice rackbag, and looked like an audaxer. I wondered if he might be a member, but I was wearing my yacf jersey, and there was no recognition, so probably not.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 30 July, 2010, 08:56:25 pm
Ah.  Last night in Balham, I saw a chap on a Kona Ute with two young lads sat astride the rear rack seat, clutching drawings and other stuff.  I pulled alongside and commented on how cool it was, and the rider smiled, but one of the passengers started telling me about how they'd had four kids on the rack once.  Both lads were immensely pleased that I was interested in their transport.  :)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: CrinklyLion on 30 July, 2010, 11:00:23 pm
I saw a very very very pretty Mercian yesterday.  I don't often covet other people's bikes, mainly because most other people's bikes are much too big for me to contemplate as anything other than eye candy, but this one was teeny weeny and would probably have fitted.


Pretty.....
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: hubner on 31 July, 2010, 04:46:41 pm
I saw a bloke riding a penny farthing in Central London yesterday at about 10pm, under the South Bank Centre. I think he was going into a car park or something under the Hayward Gallery/Purcell Room.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: SteveC on 31 July, 2010, 06:31:15 pm
Overtook a unicycle going down one of the main roads in Yeovil yesterday evening.
Unfortunately I was in the car so no chance for a chat.  The cars were all giving him a very wide berth as they passed!
He must have been doing about 15mph.  Legs going like mad!

S
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: TheLurker on 02 August, 2010, 07:45:35 am
A tandem recumbent in Fairford on Friday last.
Towing a bob yak or similar.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 02 August, 2010, 01:28:32 pm
I saw a very very very pretty Mercian yesterday.  I don't often covet other people's bikes, mainly because most other people's bikes are much too big for me to contemplate as anything other than eye candy, but this one was teeny weeny and would probably have fitted.


Pretty.....

Pale blue with a girl riding it?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: CrinklyLion on 02 August, 2010, 01:35:16 pm
I saw a very very very pretty Mercian yesterday.  I don't often covet other people's bikes, mainly because most other people's bikes are much too big for me to contemplate as anything other than eye candy, but this one was teeny weeny and would probably have fitted.


Pretty.....

Pale blue with a girl riding it?

T'was indeed blue, and I did wonder if it might well be a bike that you knew....  If it is, its (delightful) owner knows that I am very jealous of her bike!  It's so rare that I see one that might fit me :)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 02 August, 2010, 01:39:19 pm
That would be my daughter, then.

Her mum got the bike for her from the cycle show. Unfortunately, the top tube has a nasty dent in it. The bike will last for a year or two more, but that's it.

I've not ridden the bike, but have towed it a few miles around York. Handles beautifully, so stable and light to steer, a real testimony to the value of Mercians.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 02 August, 2010, 08:39:23 pm
This
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4114/4853785580_fac6a88275_b.jpg)

Mrs Cudzo bought it about 4 years ago from the roof of a passing car - literally! - but it's been stored in the barn (whose doors you can see behind the bike now) for the last 3 years at least. That's why it's so dirty! The frame is in two separate halves, left and right, which have no direct contact with each other. The places where they join, such as BB shell and head tube, they are connected by plastic tubes. There's a lot of flex in that BB! The wheels are for tubeless tyres, and their solid plastic spokes rather cancel out the supposed comfort of the frame. Unfortunately the rear tubeless tyre disintegrated and I've had to replace it with what was to hand - a tubed tyre can be fitted - which is far too wide.

In another couple of days it should be fine, though.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: TimO on 02 August, 2010, 09:15:27 pm
This
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4114/4853785580_fac6a88275_s.jpg)

Mrs Cudzo bought it about 4 years ago from the roof of a passing car - literally! - but it's been stored in the barn (whose doors you can see behind the bike now) for the last 3 years at least. That's why it's so dirty! The frame is in two separate halves, left and right, which have no direct contact with each other. The places where they join, such as BB shell and head tube, they are connected by plastic tubes. There's a lot of flex in that BB! The wheels are for tubeless tyres, and their solid plastic spokes rather cancel out the supposed comfort of the frame. Unfortunately the rear tubeless tyre disintegrated and I've had to replace it with what was to hand - a tubed tyre can be fitted - which is far too wide.

In another couple of days it should be fine, though.

A larger image size (http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4114/4853785580_fac6a88275_b.jpg) makes things a lot clearer.  That is one strange looking bike!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 02 August, 2010, 10:07:45 pm
I know the original image was a bit small, but I couldn't work out how to make it bigger. How did you do it?

It is a wierd bike. It's missing a few bits and pieces - there was a wire basket at the front, which is still in the barn, and there used to be a small plastic box on the back, but I don't know what happened to that. I'm sure it also ought to have a chain guard and a prop stand, but they're missing too. Some of the parts are marked "W. Germany" so it must be pre-1990.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: TimO on 02 August, 2010, 11:08:21 pm
I know the original image was a bit small, but I couldn't work out how to make it bigger. How did you do it?

With flickr it depends on the last part of the name, before the ".jpg" bit.  If it's _s (as your image was) then it's a "small square" 75x75 pixels, if it's _t then you get a "thumbnail" which is 100 pixel in it's longest dimension.  _m means 240 pixels on it's longest side, nothing means 500 pixels on it's longest side, _b means 1024 pixels on the longest size, and _o is the original image.

_b and _o aren't always available, so you may have to use a smaller option.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 02 August, 2010, 11:22:09 pm
Thanks, that's useful to know. I've edited the original link appropriately.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cunobelin on 03 August, 2010, 10:36:33 pm
Good day today!

First of all a "Duet" near Cosham....and then a Pedersen in Fareham


What really made it for me was the guy swapped a ride on the Pedersen for a ride on my Catrike

Bad news - I haven't got a Pedersen, but it was a close call as I really liked it and he is selling it!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 05 August, 2010, 09:00:35 am
Last night near Tooley Street I saw a Bianchi with bullhorns and incredibly bulky integrated flat bar levers crammed together near the stem.  I couldn't see if the gears were 'MTB' or 'road', but it seemed to have a triple up front.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Oaky on 05 August, 2010, 09:43:14 am
Overtook what I assume to be a white Strida the other morning on London Wall.  I'd only ever seen them in orange before/
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 05 August, 2010, 10:20:24 am
There's a firm in China that makes "imitation Stridas" (they're actually a little bit smaller and have some detail design changes) in pink, quite likely they also do white.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: alexb on 06 August, 2010, 07:07:09 am
Well, I'm out in Portland right now and saw an Il Pompino earlier today, that's a bike that has travelled!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 06 August, 2010, 09:27:02 am
Well, I'm out in Portland right now and saw an Il Pompino earlier today, that's a bike that has travelled!

Someone turned up to spectate at Battle Mountain with a Pomp last year - quite possibly the same person!  He was impressed when I told him I knew the bloke who owns the only Ti Pompino in captivity 8)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: citoyen on 08 August, 2010, 06:48:53 pm
A pair of knitted bikes...

(http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k170/smutchin/01a4efb4.jpg)

In Whitstable yesterday. One had a label on it with the words "I heart knitstable"

d.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: rogerzilla on 08 August, 2010, 06:56:29 pm
Near Newbury: Dad taking son for a ride.  Son on cheapo MTB.  Dad on TT bike WITH pointy helmet AND actually using the tri-bars.

Bastard!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 08 August, 2010, 09:22:46 pm
I rode today with a wonderful lady who was riding her Les Rigden.

When we were stopped in Hadlow, we saw a group of riders go past, which included a Raleigh with rod brakes and a Pedersen! :thumbsup:

Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 09 August, 2010, 09:43:14 am
Wheelchair-sidecar bicycle.

At a friend's wedding. The groom was the pilot, and the bride the passenger.

Didn't get a picture, but I'm sure some will turn up; I'll post one then.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: spesh on 12 August, 2010, 11:38:10 pm
A tricycle-mounted hotdog stall. CMOT Dibbler (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Discworld_characters#Cut-Me-Own-Throat_Dibbler) has indeed moved with the times. ;D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Ham on 17 August, 2010, 07:19:12 pm
Georgia was not a good place for bikes, because of the state of the roads and the state of the drivers, this one stood out.

(http://lh3.ggpht.com/__5EyI8Ck-Lw/TGp-QnOCkRI/AAAAAAAAVHQ/uVJoO50MGfo/s640/S0303384.jpg)

Now this may not look much, after all it is only a single speed/fixie, albeit russian (Name reads "Aist" in English" but.....

I saw this in Georgia, in Shatili, a village at the @rsehole of beyond, at the end of a track that took 4 hours to drive about 50K in a 4x4. There is no through road. It is cut off 7 months of the year (a bulldozer had to clear the way through a 4 meter snowdrift on the way). One way up to these houses is along a 20% gradient, the other a 40%.

Hardcore or what?

(Please note, no slack in the chain)

This is the view of the houses http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/lh/photo/oUgh3zV4Cm4CFWQog2OW8g?feat=directlink (http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/lh/photo/oUgh3zV4Cm4CFWQog2OW8g?feat=directlink) and this is part of the reason for going, a cluste of houses that have stood virtually unchanged for 1,300 years http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/lh/photo/B83PfvqJhYDefXIuiL_-eg?feat=directlink (http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/lh/photo/B83PfvqJhYDefXIuiL_-eg?feat=directlink)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 17 August, 2010, 07:39:34 pm
Amazing. The houses, not the bike. Though I dare say the rider is pretty impressive.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Ham on 05 September, 2010, 10:15:56 pm
Possibly the VERY best bike at the London Skyride

Yes, they were pulling.

(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__5EyI8Ck-Lw/TIQE0TiUleI/AAAAAAAAZAA/ekgW0xGCdPI/s640/S0054814.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: spesh on 05 September, 2010, 10:23:09 pm
LA GAZZETTA DELLA BICI: ONLY in Portsmouth, The Cervelo Tricycle....... (http://www.lagazzettadellabici.com/2010/04/only-in-portsmouth-cervelo-tricycle.html)

Strictly speaking, it's not in Portsmouth - the only trikes you'll see in the south coast's equivalent of Mos Eisley are the illegitimate children of VW Beetles and custom chopper front ends.

I've actually seen this example of velocipedal wrongness parked outside Barreg Cycles in Fishbourne, and that's practically in Chichester...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: DrMekon on 05 September, 2010, 10:25:35 pm
Can't find a link to the bikes, but saw a Landscape tandem outside the Botanic Gardens in Cambridge yesterday with drop bars, 700c wheels, skinny tyres, and discs the size of dinner plates. Immense. There were loads of tandems about, so I wonder if there was a tandem club event on.
Title: Re: Interesting or unusual bikes you have spotted recently
Post by: Arch on 09 September, 2010, 01:35:38 pm
Spotted a Trikidoo yesterday and today, in Harston. The lass on it appears to be using the A10 briefly to get her kiddies to school. Plastered in hi-viz stickers. She seemed very happy when I said I liked it. Looks more stable than a Pashley. Celeb pic below.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2008/09/19/article-0-02B9E37A00000578-449_468x580.jpg)

Well, I read through this thread last night, and I'd never heard of these, and lo and behold, I think I saw my first one of these on my way into work this morning!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 09 September, 2010, 01:37:46 pm
I saw a Christiania-style kid-carrying trike near Kennington yesterday.  In convoy with another child on a bike.  Blocked the cycle lane rather, but in a good cause. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: corshamjim on 09 September, 2010, 01:55:21 pm
I saw a Trikidoo in Corsham this morning too.  :)   I've seen it around once or twice before.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 09 September, 2010, 02:19:26 pm
Yesterday in a bike shop in Lublin, a old, lugged steel, road frame which was noteable simply for having an old-style, cyrillic and most-likely Soviet name, МИНСК in some bold black-edged white "3D-effect" font. Wasn't able to ask anything about it because as soon as I'd noticed it, it was carried out by a woman who'd brought it in for something or other.
Title: Mercian???
Post by: Andrij on 11 September, 2010, 07:40:46 pm
(http://lh5.ggpht.com/_0XrMevmAjTc/TIvMWOrZ2sI/AAAAAAAAA6o/f_7qLVDfQgc/s720/IMG_0073.JPG)
Spotted around the corner from Leadenhall Market a few months ago.  (Yes, I'm quite behind in sorting out my photographs.)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: rogerzilla on 11 September, 2010, 07:46:04 pm
Possibly a respray when they couldn't be bothered to source the full transfer set.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: StuAff on 11 September, 2010, 07:53:56 pm
LA GAZZETTA DELLA BICI: ONLY in Portsmouth, The Cervelo Tricycle....... (http://www.lagazzettadellabici.com/2010/04/only-in-portsmouth-cervelo-tricycle.html)

Strictly speaking, it's not in Portsmouth - the only trikes you'll see in the south coast's equivalent of Mos Eisley are the illegitimate children of VW Beetles and custom chopper front ends.

I've actually seen this example of velocipedal wrongness parked outside Barreg Cycles in Fishbourne, and that's practically in Chichester...

As a resident of Pompey, I'd have to agree....

I go past Barreg fairly often, never seen that particular abomination.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Oaky on 13 September, 2010, 01:32:44 pm
Slightly OT (the bikes aren't unusual), I just saw two Boris bikes being wheeled up the pavement on Kingsway by a pair of young ladies wearing tutus.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wendy on 13 September, 2010, 02:35:01 pm
Saw a Bullit cargo bike in Ken Gardens yesterday, the owner was using it to carry his two dogs around.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 13 September, 2010, 09:12:29 pm
For a second time, I saw someone riding a lowrider in Mitcham.  I think they must be commuting on it. 

Last week, I saw a guy (quite a small chap) wearing building/rigging clothes riding a Chopper which had had it's apehangers replaced by some BMX bars.  A very unusual position.  And quite speedy, too.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 14 September, 2010, 10:01:52 pm
I was passed by a Banana!

A Raleigh-Banana team replica (probably one of the 501 ones)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: border-rider on 15 September, 2010, 07:08:10 pm
Freddie Grub with SA 4-speed hub (calm down, 'zilla ;) )

Outside the pub (http://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=10.msg721547#msg721547) today

(http://www.bosphorus.f2s.com/4speed_grubb.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 15 September, 2010, 09:05:35 pm
Sweet!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: longers on 17 September, 2010, 02:00:52 pm
I saw a BMX with a derailleur on being pushed up the hill in Stalybridge today. By the time I'd decided I was interested enough to go and see how it was set up I decided I wasn't interested enough to ride back up the hill.

I recognised the lad with it so will keep an eye out in future
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: alexb on 17 September, 2010, 05:11:35 pm
There's a kid I've seen two or three times now who rides a low rider converted with an electric drive. I have to say he looks very cool and the bike is pretty zippy.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 18 September, 2010, 09:03:35 pm
There's a chap here with a Pompino.  Not unusual in BRITAIN, but I suspect something of a rarity in USAnia
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 20 September, 2010, 10:37:42 am
Saw one of our patients riding up to the surgery on a ?Mission trike.  As I watched, she pulled straight out of the Give Way and across the crossroads.  Showing no sign whatsoever of the hybrid rider on the main road, who did manage to manoeuvre round her...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 20 September, 2010, 08:47:53 pm
I saw a Pedersen at Stockwell on the way home.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: RJ on 20 September, 2010, 09:16:11 pm
An odd-but-stable-looking contraption doing a Trail-gator job of towing a laden child's bike, but looking like it was made out of a couple of half-BOB-Yaks - turning out of Chambers St onto South Bridge, northbound just after 5pm today ...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Adrian on 20 September, 2010, 10:05:09 pm
I saw a Pedersen at Stockwell on the way home.

Was it black and did it have wooden mudguards?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: geoff on 20 September, 2010, 11:03:09 pm
Kangaroobike (http://www.kangaroobike.com/) outside Oriental Studies in Oxford today. Very like the one in the piccy
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 20 September, 2010, 11:10:01 pm
I love that. It's... family transport!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: DrMekon on 20 September, 2010, 11:12:31 pm
An odd-but-stable-looking contraption doing a Trail-gator job of towing a laden child's bike, but looking like it was made out of a couple of half-BOB-Yaks - turning out of Chambers St onto South Bridge, northbound just after 5pm today ...

That sounds like a Follow-Me "tandem". I asked velorution to supply me one, but after 3 phonecalls, I gave up and bought a trail-gator instead.

They are meant to be very good, but a couple of mates have "got by" with trail-gators, and they are less than 1/4 of the price.

FollowMe (http://www.followme-tandem.com/english/index.htm)

I've ridden the Kangaroo bike. It was the first of many family thingies that we tried before ending up with what we have. The cabin is lovely for the kids, but it's the tippiest of all the trikes I've tried (Christiania / Zigo / Taga / Bakfiets.nl Cargotrike), and has a bit of  mind of it's own on cambered roads. When I say a bit, I mean I had to come to a complete stop because I thought I'd end up in the river. I do see one or two being used in anger, but mostly I see them pootling around the centre of Cambridge. They are the second most popular weird kiddy carrying bike here. You are pretty much guaranteed to see a couple in the town centre on any Saturday.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 21 September, 2010, 12:13:24 am
They are the second most popular weird kiddy carrying bike here. You are pretty much guaranteed to see a couple in the town centre on any Saturday.

I guess Cambridge must be full of weird kiddies.  :)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: mark on 21 September, 2010, 01:20:21 am
In Boulder, CO a few days ago, a fully faired recumbent, the fairing covered the rider's entire face and torso. The rider was climbing a fairly stiff grade in strong sunlight and 81 deg F/27 deg C temperatures, which couldn't have been too comfortable.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 21 September, 2010, 09:08:19 am
I saw a Pedersen at Stockwell on the way home.

Was it black

Yes

Quote
and did it have wooden mudguards?

Didn't see.  I was at the lights going the other way.  The chap riding it was well turned out, though, with a hat on.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Adrian on 21 September, 2010, 08:08:13 pm
I saw a Pedersen at Stockwell on the way home.

Was it black

Yes

Quote
and did it have wooden mudguards?

Didn't see.  I was at the lights going the other way.  The chap riding it was well turned out, though, with a hat on.

The rider sounds like the same bloke. If you could take a closer look next time.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 21 September, 2010, 08:13:06 pm
4/10 Must try harder ;D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wobbly John on 21 September, 2010, 09:21:42 pm
2 Bakfiets - one at the Cavendish Physics labs, one on Jesus Green - though not that unusual - it was Cambridge.  ::-)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 22 September, 2010, 09:45:20 am
A several of Ti bikes on my commute this morning.

I regularly see a chap riding v quickly on a Litespeed Pisgah MTB.  Didn't see that this morning, but I did see a Litespeed Blade, another unidentified Litespeed and a Van Nicholas, which I think was an Amazon.
Title: Needs some TLC
Post by: Andrij on 02 October, 2010, 09:24:02 pm
(http://lh3.ggpht.com/_0XrMevmAjTc/TKeUe2FY8hI/AAAAAAAAA7c/7qDQLfNOP4E/s720/IMG_0271.JPG)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Gus on 03 October, 2010, 12:58:28 pm

I saw a Waw velomobile (http://www.waw-mobil.de/index.html) today, it came flying down the road.
It makes sense that it had the lights on in the middle of the day, my guess was it was going at +50 km/h on a flat road.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 03 October, 2010, 09:34:24 pm
Cool.

The other day, I saw a Saxon steel bike on Borough High St.  Not seen one of those since about 1985.

Similarly, I saw a schoolkid in wandsworth yesterday (poor sod) on a red/yellow early 80s Raleigh.

Last week, close by, I saw another kid riding a red steel Langster to school 8)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Spikey on 03 October, 2010, 09:53:58 pm
This bike had very interesting gears. 2 gears, pedal forwards for high gear, pedal backwards for low gear.
The chain goes from the top of chainring round one sprocket as normal, then round a jockey wheel and backwards round a larger sporcket and back to bottom of chainring. I think the hub has 2 freewheels, 1  for each sporcket.
I took a (very) few pics today, especially of the rusty ancient 'French' effect bike complete with its PBP number attached. Needless to say it finished before me!

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v171/feistyfeline/bike005.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v171/feistyfeline/bike004.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v171/feistyfeline/bike003.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: border-rider on 03 October, 2010, 09:56:32 pm
It was much discussed when Drew rode it on PBP, last time.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 05 October, 2010, 11:14:05 pm
Ah yes, I spotted this outside Aldi earlier:

(http://www.ductilebiscuit.net/gallery_albums/cycling/20101005093_G.sized.jpg)

The first case of DUI bars I've seen in Brum, and the only time I've seen them combined with bar-end shifters, for the ultimate in ergonomic fail.  The brakes being on the wrong sides is just the icing on the cake :)

The rear wheel was locked to the frame, and it was resting on its propstand.  Not that anyone would want to nick it...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Adrian on 05 October, 2010, 11:17:47 pm
Ah yes, I spotted this outside Aldi earlier:

  Not that anyone would want to nick it...

Oh I don't know, someone might want to put it out of its misery.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 05 October, 2010, 11:25:19 pm
The Worcester & Birmingham Canal is just up the road, I suppose...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: CrinklyLion on 05 October, 2010, 11:44:34 pm
I saw a very hipster-looking chap with a Cinelli which had a marked lack of brakes, and rather less than the normal quota of spokes, today.  Noticed the absence of rear brake.  Then that there was none on the front either.  Then realised it was a ss, not a fixed.  Still, at least he was walking and pushing it as he wandered along the (busy) road.  Not on the (wide) pavement, actually on the road  ??? And apparently having a ss with no brakes means that it is compulsory to RLJ even when you're walking.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Torslanda on 05 October, 2010, 11:47:55 pm
A case of 'terminal pose', there's no hope for him.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 06 October, 2010, 10:19:41 am
I think I've seen that one in York. Deep section rims? Riding slowly on the pavement. If I hadn't been in a hurry, I'd have been tempted to step in front of him, just to see what would happen.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 06 October, 2010, 10:24:26 am
We saw a lowrider style bike in Croydon.  It must have weighed a ton.  The rear wheel had a motorbike rim.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Arch on 06 October, 2010, 04:55:30 pm
Ah yes, I spotted this outside Aldi earlier:

(http://www.ductilebiscuit.net/gallery_albums/cycling/20101005093_G.sized.jpg)

The first case of DUI bars I've seen in Brum, and the only time I've seen them combined with bar-end shifters, for the ultimate in ergonomic fail.  The brakes being on the wrong sides is just the icing on the cake :)

The rear wheel was locked to the frame, and it was resting on its propstand.  Not that anyone would want to nick it...

Hang on, has that got a suicide lever on one side only? 
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 06 October, 2010, 05:49:40 pm
I noticed the same. I can see how you could use the 'safety lever' (as they were marketed in the '80s) to brake with the bars at such an angle, but there's only one, and it's the back brake, so it'll have the stopping power of chewing gum.

The frame looks as if it might show promise, though. If that's the case, this bike deserves a visit from the midnight guerilla bike fettler - to reset the bars, remove the mktgspk lvr and leave instruction on locking the thing up.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 07 October, 2010, 12:06:13 am
Hang on, has that got a suicide lever on one side only? 

I think that's just an artefact of my taking-a-photo-while-pretending-to-read-a-text-message technique.  You can see the top end of one on the left lever, the rest is I think just hidden from view.  I certainly don't remember there only being one, though I was somewhat distracted by the comedy shifters.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: andygates on 08 October, 2010, 10:17:46 am
Lord, that's worth a Bike Snob 'Cockie' Award (http://bikesnobnyc.blogspot.com/).
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 08 October, 2010, 11:11:04 am
Yesterday morning, I saw a Carlton fixed.  Not sure what it had been, but it still had its original livery, in a fetching bronze.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: TheLurker on 08 October, 2010, 02:29:37 pm
Teenager trundling down Cricklade St in Cirencester on a Bickerton at lunchtime.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 08 October, 2010, 03:09:24 pm
Poor kid.  I wonder what they'd done to deserve that? :(
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Gus on 09 October, 2010, 05:14:40 pm
saw this tallbike today :
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b231/gus69/767x1023-_MG_7407.jpg)
The owner  showed how to trackstand on it.  ::-) :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: TimO on 09 October, 2010, 07:22:55 pm
That's a very tall, tall bike, and I've never seen the chain done like that before, very interesting.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Sergeant Pluck on 09 October, 2010, 07:27:05 pm
I wonder how well the steering works - even assuming that both frames have the same head tube angle and that the head tubes are perfectly lined up.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Ham on 09 October, 2010, 07:30:23 pm
Some Bianchi Celete at the Bike Show, 50's stylee.

Chain is incredibly slack, tho
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__5EyI8Ck-Lw/TLCzoi33aMI/AAAAAAAAZhs/U61J6MpeiLs/s640/S0095106.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Arch on 09 October, 2010, 11:00:44 pm
Hang on, has that got a suicide lever on one side only? 

I think that's just an artefact of my taking-a-photo-while-pretending-to-read-a-text-message technique.  You can see the top end of one on the left lever, the rest is I think just hidden from view.  I certainly don't remember there only being one, though I was somewhat distracted by the comedy shifters.

I dunno. I've looked and looked (and did so before I posted), and can't see how the whole lever can be there and not show at the end.  I can see that the bit attached to the hood is there - maybe it's snapped off short and the stub is hidden.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: mAsTa RiDaH on 10 October, 2010, 08:49:56 pm
Ah yes, I spotted this outside Aldi earlier:

(http://www.ductilebiscuit.net/gallery_albums/cycling/20101005093_G.sized.jpg)

The first case of DUI bars I've seen in Brum, and the only time I've seen them combined with bar-end shifters, for the ultimate in ergonomic fail.  The brakes being on the wrong sides is just the icing on the cake :)

The rear wheel was locked to the frame, and it was resting on its propstand.  Not that anyone would want to nick it...

Hang on, has that got a suicide lever on one side only?  

A Graeme O'Bree fan? The set up for the now infamous (cheers UCI) 'tuck' position.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: tiermat on 11 October, 2010, 09:14:08 am
Whilst out with the CrinklyPride yesterday, at the lunch stop (Blacksmiths Arms in Naburn) we saw a "The Duet", it wasn't until we were leaving that I worked out it attaches to a section on the back of a wheelchair, making it into a tandem trike.

Looked like the Economy one on here : The Go Anywhere Wheelchair Bicycle Tandem: The Duet (http://www.frankmobility.com/duetfeat.php)

Pretty damned cool if you ask me :)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 11 October, 2010, 09:37:02 am
We saw a lot of interesting metal & plastic at the Cycle show, but couldn't list that here.  However, on Garratt Lane, we did see (well, Butterfly spotted) a Hase Pino. :)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: geraldc on 11 October, 2010, 09:45:07 am
Spotted by Shepherds Bush Green. Cruiser, but with reversed forks, drop bars, and reserved brake levers, and bar ends. I think they're homemade butteryfly bars.

(http://www.pbase.com/gchong2426/image/129313490.jpg)

(http://www.pbase.com/gchong2426/image/129313489.jpg)


Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: CrinklyLion on 11 October, 2010, 09:53:40 am
Whilst out with the CrinklyPride yesterday, at the lunch stop (Blacksmiths Arms in Naburn) we saw a "The Duet", it wasn't until we were leaving that I worked out it attaches to a section on the back of a wheelchair, making it into a tandem trike.

Looked like the Economy one on here : The Go Anywhere Wheelchair Bicycle Tandem: The Duet (http://www.frankmobility.com/duetfeat.php)

Pretty damned cool if you ask me :)

We were also sharing the (clearly labelled, and signposted from the front of the pub) Bike Parking with another mtb+tagalong, rather a lot of rather reasonable bikes and another 2 islabikes.  And I spotted 3 other islabikes as we were riding, making it a 6 (including the cub's) islabike day.  The care with which one driver, clearly very aware that he was being watched by a large number of cyclists fearful for their precious,  3-pointed their car out of the car space opposite was fairly amusing.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: hatler on 11 October, 2010, 02:10:41 pm
Saw a fantastic combo on Saturday near Motspur Park. A recumbent tandem towing a double seater trike tagalong.

Edit. With the tagalong seats in line, not abreast.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Zipperhead on 11 October, 2010, 02:19:42 pm
Yesterday I saw a Dursley Pedersen, the frame looked to be made out of stainless.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 11 October, 2010, 02:40:48 pm
Saw a fantastic combo on Saturday near Motspur Park. A recumbent tandem towing a double seater trike tagalong.

That must have made for a long vehicle and a large turning circle.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Karla on 11 October, 2010, 02:41:31 pm
On a train from Haywards Heath to Lewes on Saturday, a Dahon folder with (I think) 24" wheels, fitted with Raceblades
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 11 October, 2010, 08:25:01 pm
Spotted by Shepherds Bush Green. Cruiser, but with reversed forks, drop bars, and reserved brake levers, and bar ends. I think they're homemade butteryfly bars.

(http://www.pbase.com/gchong2426/image/129313490.jpg)
Little Cudzo asked "Is that a motorbike?"
Being told no, he said "It looks like... You remember that word in the truck book I had in India?"
"?"
"It looks like a custom bike!"
And I think he's right!  ;D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Greenbank on 11 October, 2010, 08:26:35 pm
(http://www.pbase.com/gchong2426/image/129313490.jpg)

My $DEITY that must have twitchy handling with negative trail!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: alexb on 12 October, 2010, 11:39:46 am
Yesterday I saw a Dursley Pedersen, the frame looked to be made out of stainless.

I saw a red one this morning!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 12 October, 2010, 12:54:53 pm

My $DEITY that must have twitchy handling with negative trail!

Actually, the opposite.  Reversed fork rake gives excessive trail.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Greenbank on 12 October, 2010, 12:57:46 pm
D'Oh. Yes. Ta for the correction.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: StuAff on 13 October, 2010, 10:58:20 pm
On a train from Haywards Heath to Lewes on Saturday, a Dahon folder with (I think) 24" wheels, fitted with Raceblades

I think it was probably a 26" wheel Dahon like my Cadenza (which also has Raceblades- a special version SKS did for Dahon). The 24" Dahons get full-length guards.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: jellied on 15 October, 2010, 10:36:07 pm
spotted this week outside Holborn station in London

(http://www.ealingbikehub.co.uk/temp/IMAG0065.jpg)

all-in-one frame was novel together with BMX style handbar,

anyidea what it is?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: cyclone on 15 October, 2010, 11:02:45 pm
No idea,but looks like a serious amount of thought has gone into it! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: spesh on 16 October, 2010, 12:10:10 am
spotted this week outside Holborn station in London

(http://www.ealingbikehub.co.uk/temp/IMAG0065.jpg)

all-in-one frame was novel together with BMX style handbar,

anyidea what it is?

My guess is someone's metalwork coursework.

Not sure about the overall stiffness of the frame though, even if the step-through trellis arrangement is attached to the down tube...  :-\
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: itsbruce on 16 October, 2010, 09:27:18 am
It looks like a collision between a Moulton spaceframe and a vintage Raleigh road bike.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Exit Stage Left on 16 October, 2010, 10:36:33 am
spotted this week outside Holborn station in London

all-in-one frame was novel together with BMX style handbar,

anyidea what it is?

It's a waste of a good quality saddle.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: RW on 20 October, 2010, 08:13:50 pm
A yellow bike friday triplet ridden solo crossing Victoria Street into Artillery Row.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 22 October, 2010, 10:11:11 am
Saw a Pompetamine last night.  despite lots of press coverage, I'd not seen one in the wild yet.  Not bad as a versatile hack bike, I think.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: rogerzilla on 27 October, 2010, 05:42:00 pm
Outside Maccy D's in Swindon, an original purple Specialized Rockhopper with purple anodised accessories.  Skinny steel tubing, pretty unmolested.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 27 October, 2010, 08:10:29 pm
I took a bit of a loop this evening to get a slightly longer ride, and I spotted an Arthur Caygill!  In Southwark! :o
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: itsbruce on 28 October, 2010, 05:01:57 pm
(http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1394/5109379937_8130e90626.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/itsbruce/5109379937/in/set-72157624385105316/)

One of many odd or interesting bikes I saw in Berlin (http://www.flickr.com/photos/itsbruce/sets/72157625103748379/), over the last few days.  I've added most of the bike pics I took there to my Bikes set (http://www.flickr.com/photos/itsbruce/sets/72157624385105316/with/5109379937/).  Every picture in that set from this one on was taken in Berlin.  Will write up some more about cycling in Berlin, when I have a moment.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Torslanda on 28 October, 2010, 05:33:07 pm
that must be ridden by someone seriously tall.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 28 October, 2010, 08:39:09 pm
Saw a courier in Trinity Church Square leaning against his nice 531 frame.  It was a Wilkinson, which isn't a name I know.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: hubner on 31 October, 2010, 10:36:56 am
Saw this Longstaff trike at a car boot sale in deepest south east London.

(http://img514.imageshack.us/img514/9461/longstafftricycle.jpg)

Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 31 October, 2010, 11:32:15 am
How much was it?  I'll give you a fiver ;)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 01 November, 2010, 09:38:10 am
Up near St Pancras, we saw a roadster marked as a Locomotiff.  Not heard of the brand.  The bike itself looked quite old, but the chainguard was also marked Locomotiff, and that looked pretty recent.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: hubner on 01 November, 2010, 12:46:15 pm
Bike with TVT carbon frame, as ridden by Delgado, Indurain etc, outside a library in SE London. Looks like it's used as a hack bike.

(http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/9200/tvtoutsidelibrary2july2.jpg)

(http://img834.imageshack.us/img834/8240/tvtoutsidelibrary1july2.jpg)

Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 01 November, 2010, 02:45:56 pm
Yesterday, I saw a pink M Steel in Clapham.  Today, close by, I saw it again with its elegant owner.

Also yesterday, we saw a chap on a lovely blue Roy Thame, shiny & well looked after, on the A3, and rode near the owner up towards Waterloo.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 02 November, 2010, 09:55:26 am
Shiny teal & chrome Bob Jackson near Clapham Common.  Singlespeed (prob fixed) with a single sidepull front brake operated by reverse lever on the sweptback bars.  Brooks saddle & bar tape.  Looked very smart, but the rims were a bit deep for the look, I thought.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Andrij on 02 November, 2010, 09:58:48 am
Cycled along side someone on a yellow Reef carbon road bike, converted to single speed.  Of note as it had no seat stays, but rather hefty chain stays.
 
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 02 November, 2010, 10:05:16 am
Sounds odd, so I gewgalled.  Couldn't find a pic :(
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Jurek on 02 November, 2010, 03:17:02 pm
Anything like this? (http://www.epxbikes.com/OwnersForum/tabid/121/aff/1/aft/82/afv/topic/Default.aspx)

EPX (no longer in business) used to make C/F (mostly) off road frames in Oz.

They did do a road model called a Reef (but that had conventional  (http://www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=25168&sid=28244fef41b073af537af20bb92c12df) seat stays)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Andrij on 02 November, 2010, 04:07:12 pm
Anything like this? (http://www.epxbikes.com/OwnersForum/tabid/121/aff/1/aft/82/afv/topic/Default.aspx)

EPX (no longer in business) used to make C/F (mostly) off road frames in Oz.

They did do a road model called a Reef (but that had conventional  (http://www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=25168&sid=28244fef41b073af537af20bb92c12df) seat stays)

Bingo!  The EPX link is the bike I saw (different livery and components, obviously).  Thanks.
 
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Butterfly on 02 November, 2010, 09:26:36 pm
Today I saw a Bakfiets doing a school run. It was power assisted, which seemed like a very sensible idea to me. :D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: corshamjim on 02 November, 2010, 09:37:35 pm
Saw a nice old Moulton yesterday.  In fact I've seen loads of interesting bicycles the last few days - it's been a while since I've spent any time in London - good heavens it's turning in to cycle-city!  :o
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: alexb on 03 November, 2010, 09:59:48 am
I passed a recumbent tricycle in Battersea Park, not so unusual you might say, except that this wasn't the typical tadpole layout, but had a single steering wheel and two wheels at the back.
Seemed to be one wheel (right) drive.
Didn't catch the manufacturer, underseat steering layout as well.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Hilldodger on 03 November, 2010, 03:51:02 pm
I passed a recumbent tricycle in Battersea Park, not so unusual you might say, except that this wasn't the typical tadpole layout, but had a single steering wheel and two wheels at the back.
Seemed to be one wheel (right) drive.
Didn't catch the manufacturer, underseat steering layout as well.

Probably a Kettweisel(http://www.bentrideronline.com/reviews/KettWiesel/KettWiesel.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: alexb on 03 November, 2010, 05:31:55 pm
I passed a recumbent tricycle in Battersea Park, not so unusual you might say, except that this wasn't the typical tadpole layout, but had a single steering wheel and two wheels at the back.
Seemed to be one wheel (right) drive.
Didn't catch the manufacturer, underseat steering layout as well.

Probably a Kettweisel(http://www.bentrideronline.com/reviews/KettWiesel/KettWiesel.jpg)

I was hoping someone might take a guess at what it might have been. Unfortunately, probably not this, it had a much shorter wheelbase than the one in the pic. sort of regular bike length really.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 03 November, 2010, 07:50:10 pm
A Pashley pdq trike?  That's that way round, isn't it?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: corshamjim on 03 November, 2010, 10:27:05 pm
I've been in London for the last 3 days (back home now).  Spotting interesting and unusual bikes in London is like shooting fish in a barrel.  This last few days I've seen a Bickerton, a Bakfiets style work bike, a couple of very wide green plastic box trailers (is that to do with some franchise or something?), a Pashley poppy, some Velorbis style bikes, someone wheeling a recumbent (not sure if he had the nerve actually to ride it in London), an On-One single-speed (not sure if fixed or not).  Lots of fixies, but only one poseur doing a track stand at the lights.

Interestingly not very many (only one afaiaa) electric bicycles.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: TimO on 04 November, 2010, 12:06:40 am
... a couple of very wide green plastic box trailers (is that to do with some franchise or something?), ...

Could be Darwin's Deli, although I can't remember what colour their trailers are (if indeed they are a consistent colour).
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 04 November, 2010, 09:33:58 am
I think Darwin's Deli signature colour is black.

Yesterday, in the melee of the A24/A3, we saw something interesting.  Not an interesting bike, particularly, just a high end hybrid (though not a Koga Miyata or a Toutterrain, or anything like that).  Nor was the rider particularly interesting (unless you find young, attractive, fit cycling women attractive. Err....).  No, the interesting thing was the pannier.

It read 'LONDON TO CAPETOWN' etc etc etc.

Butterfly pointed out that heading north on the A24 wasn't the best direction to choose. ;D

In fact, once I got to Clapham, I did wonder if heading North at all yesterday was worthwhile.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 04 November, 2010, 09:35:10 am
Ooh - spotted another last night in Newington.  It was a Graham Weigh, painted in very 80s fluo/white fade.  All steep angles and rather large, it looked very purposeful.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 04 November, 2010, 10:31:25 am
A Pashley pdq trike?  That's that way round, isn't it?

Nope Ann Lewis - Gallery (http://www.onwebnow.co.uk/hpvfun/gallery_pages/ann_lewis.htm)

Could it be something really weird like a Flevotrike (http://www.markhodson.nl/index.php?n=Bikes.Flevotrike)?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Andrij on 04 November, 2010, 11:31:14 am
A Steve Goff (http://www.steve-goff-frames.co.uk/index.shtml) parked outside my gym (seen it a few times).  Next time I'll take a closer look and see if I can figure out the model.
 
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Butterfly on 04 November, 2010, 03:33:33 pm
I think Darwin's Deli signature colour is black.

Yesterday, in the melee of the A24/A3, we saw something interesting.  Not an interesting bike, particularly, just a high end hybrid (though not a Koga Miyata or a Toutterrain, or anything like that).  Nor was the rider particularly interesting (unless you find young, attractive, fit cycling women attractive. Err....).  No, the interesting thing was the pannier.

It read 'LONDON TO CAPETOWN' etc etc etc.

Butterfly pointed out that heading north on the A24 wasn't the best direction to choose. ;D

In fact, once I got to Clapham, I did wonder if heading North at all yesterday was worthwhile.
It was a Roberts :)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: alexb on 04 November, 2010, 04:00:25 pm
I passed a recumbent tricycle in Battersea Park, not so unusual you might say, except that this wasn't the typical tadpole layout, but had a single steering wheel and two wheels at the back.
Seemed to be one wheel (right) drive.
Didn't catch the manufacturer, underseat steering layout as well.

Probably a Kettweisel(http://www.bentrideronline.com/reviews/KettWiesel/KettWiesel.jpg)

I was hoping someone might take a guess at what it might have been. Unfortunately, probably not this, it had a much shorter wheelbase than the one in the pic. sort of regular bike length really.

That's an extendable boom isn't it?
Could be that the owner (a woman) had the boom set quite short and therefore the wheelbase was short as a consequence.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 04 November, 2010, 04:10:45 pm
Check my previous reply
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: alexb on 05 November, 2010, 10:34:48 am
Check my previous reply

not the Flevotrike.

So if we're playing detectives.
Relatively small wheels, 20-24" at a guess at the back and a small wheel at the front.
Rear wheeles were canted inwards at the top.
Drive was to the right hand side with a derailleur cluster on the drive.
Left hand side appeared undriven.
Rear axles were not joined.
Stub axles were long (about a foot I would guess, maybe more).

So the frame was a shallow V at the back, split for the drive chain, the stub axles were therefore (presumably) supported in tubes at least a foot long.

Is this still describing the Kettweisel?

Aha.. more images
(http://www.kinetics.org.uk/assets/images/kett0021.jpg)

Almost certainly this is what I saw with the boom reeled in.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wobbly John on 05 November, 2010, 11:31:28 am
Is this still describing the Kettweisel?

Sounds very much like it was a Kettweisel. I've seen them much shorter than the one pictured above.

I imagine that Kettweisel is Dutchlandish for Catweazle (http://www.internationalhero.co.uk/c/catweaz.htm)?  :)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: itsbruce on 05 November, 2010, 12:16:23 pm
I saw a kettweisel outside Rock Steady Eddy's cafe in Camberwell, a couple of weeks back.  Did wonder if it belonged to anybody on here.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 05 November, 2010, 12:18:22 pm
There's also the Hase Lepus (is that a bilingual jest?), which is a slightly different configuration, but I can't recall if it's longer or shorter.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: PhilO on 05 November, 2010, 12:23:07 pm
The Greenspeed Anura is also very similar...

I suppose it could also have been a Trets if it was very small. Although that has OSS.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 05 November, 2010, 12:34:30 pm
The Greenspeed Anura is also very similar...

Anura doesn't have inclined rear wheels.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: itsbruce on 06 November, 2010, 03:59:00 pm
I think Darwin's Deli signature colour is black.

It's a dark navy blue.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 10 November, 2010, 10:54:11 am
I just stepped outside to buy a butty for lunch later.  Riding along the street was a chap on a Rudge Bi-Frame - a folding MTB of the sort I bought from Pedaldog, and later sold to IIRC Mike.  I loved it's quirkiness, but I know it's an acquired taste.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Butterfly on 10 November, 2010, 10:30:28 pm
I saw a trike that may have been a Christiania Trike on the Strand this afternoon. The Strand was closed due to the demo and I was at the bus stop contemplating the absence of buses. The trike was full of win :D. And a double base :D.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 11 November, 2010, 08:57:12 am
Yay.  I've seen a Christiania within a couple of streets of work two mornings this week, and I saw another child-carrying trike on another morning.  Trike-tastic! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 11 November, 2010, 11:28:00 am
I've seen a couple of darksiders this week.  First was a recumbent bike at Clapham.  Then there was another, lower one, yesterday, on the CS7 E&C bypass.  It was blue, but I didn't ID either bike.  It's very very rare to see a 'bent in south London.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Ham on 14 November, 2010, 10:18:44 am
Royal Marines on a 5-Way bike that looks like it was designed to take on a tank at the Lord Mayor Show.

A few photos starting here Picasa Web Albums - Ham _ - Lord Mayor's ... (http://picasaweb.google.com/londondailyphoto/LordMayorSShow2010#5539326071353592354)
The entire Lord Mayor Show album (straight out the camera) here: Picasa Web Albums - Ham _ - Lord Mayor's ... (http://picasaweb.google.com/londondailyphoto/LordMayorSShow2010#)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: itsbruce on 14 November, 2010, 12:57:27 pm
Ah, that reminds me.  One thing I saw a couple of times in Berlin (but not, sadly, when I had my camera to hand) was cycling pubs.  That is, some kind of covered float with a bar on it, where the customers sat facing the bar and pedalled while they drank, with a (presumably sober) staff member steering at the front.  I'm guessing it was some kind of novelty service available for stag parties and the like.  Wish I'd caught it on camera.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Ham on 14 November, 2010, 01:46:19 pm
You mean like this? London Daily Photo: The Pubcrawler (http://londondailyphoto.blogspot.com/2009/09/pubcrawler.html)

(I have a load more photos if you are interested)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: itsbruce on 14 November, 2010, 03:09:34 pm
You mean like this? London Daily Photo: The Pubcrawler (http://londondailyphoto.blogspot.com/2009/09/pubcrawler.html)

(I have a load more photos if you are interested)

Broadly like that; it was covered and a little larger.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wobbly John on 14 November, 2010, 04:42:32 pm
One of these (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fp1G3JoGcZU)?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: itsbruce on 14 November, 2010, 05:08:05 pm
One of these (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fp1G3JoGcZU)?

I do believe you have nailed it.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: mike on 15 November, 2010, 09:37:45 am
not that unusual in London, but a nice smile from innocent no. 4:

(http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a19/mikes99mail/bikes/P1010941.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 15 November, 2010, 09:42:39 am
That's a bit barking.

And smiles are unusual in London ;D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wendy on 15 November, 2010, 09:47:45 am
That strikes me as a fun job!!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: lilly22 on 15 November, 2010, 02:23:07 pm
That looks like an amazing job! and i have to admit I am partial to an innocent smoothie  :P

Quote
And smiles are unusual in London Grin

I don't live in London but have been there a couple of times. I don't know if it's just me but i've found people in London very friendly and smiley....
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Zipperhead on 15 November, 2010, 02:28:13 pm
not that unusual in London, but a nice smile from innocent no. 4:

(http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a19/mikes99mail/bikes/P1010941.jpg)

Shouldn't that be in the CDC pic thread?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: BrianI on 23 November, 2010, 02:21:06 pm
I did see a strange cross between a tandem and a recumbent  when I was heading through Dalmeny estate today. A tandem back end and recumbent front end with fairing.  Never took a picture of it unfortunately!

Looked fun!   :)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 23 November, 2010, 03:07:08 pm
Sounds like a Hase Pino (http://www.bike123.com/images/hase%20pino.jpg), but I'm curious about the fairing.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: TimO on 23 November, 2010, 04:29:15 pm
Sounds like a Hase Pino (http://www.bike123.com/images/hase%20pino.jpg), but I'm curious about the fairing.

LOL, I just posted the same thing over in the "Have you been out today?" thread (http://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=10.msg780490#msg780490) over in Rides and Touring.

Great minds etc. ;D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: itsbruce on 23 November, 2010, 04:36:42 pm
Sounds like a Hase Pino (http://www.bike123.com/images/hase%20pino.jpg), but I'm curious about the fairing.

There was one of those - or something very similar - on the FNRttC.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 23 November, 2010, 04:40:50 pm
And that was probably the Halls.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Adrian on 23 November, 2010, 07:12:45 pm
And that was the Halls.

FTFY
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: TimO on 23 November, 2010, 11:02:54 pm
Sounds like a Hase Pino (http://www.bike123.com/images/hase%20pino.jpg), but I'm curious about the fairing.
There was one of those - or something very similar - on the FNRttC.

Which I also said over on the other thread, or more exactly, I said that it was Mr & Mrs Hall.

Isn't there a mod for the forum which allows crossposting. :)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 23 November, 2010, 11:36:06 pm
I saw someone driving a bucketful of kids in a trike.  It was a Nihola or summat like that.

I said 'cool' and they all smiled
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Auntie Helen on 24 November, 2010, 09:21:02 am
I imagine that Kettweisel is Dutchlandish for Catweazle (http://www.internationalhero.co.uk/c/catweaz.htm)?  :)
Except Kettwiesel (note correct way round for i and e) is a German company.

Wiesel in German is weasel. Chain is Kette. My exhaustive German dictionary didn't have the word 'Kettwiesel', presumably as it's a portmanteau word.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Auntie Helen on 24 November, 2010, 09:24:06 am
Ah, that reminds me.  One thing I saw a couple of times in Berlin (but not, sadly, when I had my camera to hand) was cycling pubs.  That is, some kind of covered float with a bar on it, where the customers sat facing the bar and pedalled while they drank, with a (presumably sober) staff member steering at the front.  I'm guessing it was some kind of novelty service available for stag parties and the like.  Wish I'd caught it on camera.
I saw a pair of 'em in Düsseldorf in July

(http://i738.photobucket.com/albums/xx30/Auntie_Helen/Duesseldorf%20Rides/DSCF5595.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 24 November, 2010, 09:31:39 am
Hase = Hare
Lepus = Rabbit (Latin)
Wiesel = Weasel
Pino = ?
Trets = ?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Greenbank on 24 November, 2010, 10:30:14 am
Ah, that reminds me.  One thing I saw a couple of times in Berlin (but not, sadly, when I had my camera to hand) was cycling pubs.  That is, some kind of covered float with a bar on it, where the customers sat facing the bar and pedalled while they drank, with a (presumably sober) staff member steering at the front.  I'm guessing it was some kind of novelty service available for stag parties and the like.  Wish I'd caught it on camera.
I saw a pair of 'em in Düsseldorf in July

I've seen one in London going along Upper Ground behind the National Theatre.

They seem quite popular for stag-dos.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 24 November, 2010, 10:33:26 am
I saw the tandemming commuters again today, and felt very jealous.  I finally got to see what brand of bike it is.  It's a John Fern, but I'm none the wiser for that.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Auntie Helen on 24 November, 2010, 10:37:27 am
Hase = Hare
Lepus = Rabbit (Latin)
Wiesel = Weasel
Pino = ?
Trets = ?
Pino and Trets not in my exhaustive German dictionary although they might be Umgangssprache.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: TimO on 24 November, 2010, 11:15:19 am
Google Translate isn't a lot better assuming that they're German, but if you tell it to translate from Latin, it reckons that Trets is "Shall go through", which is interesting, and not entirely implausible.  It still doesn't help with Pino however.  It also suggests "Features" for Trets, if it's in Catalan, but that sounds less likely.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: TimO on 24 November, 2010, 11:23:05 am
Pino

LanguageTranslation
FilipinoRefined
FinishStack
GalicianPin
PortuguesePin

All from Google Translate, so make of that what you will!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 24 November, 2010, 11:24:49 am
Dang!  No animal link then.  My theory hits a wall of FAIL
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Auntie Helen on 24 November, 2010, 01:51:18 pm
Dang!  No animal link then.  My theory hits a wall of FAIL
Well I always assumed there was some animal link because of Hase and Lepus so it's not just you!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 24 November, 2010, 03:30:54 pm
A 1908 Centaur, with interesting double-stays and acetylene lamps. Still ridden on a regular basis - I was able to speak to the owner.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: itsbruce on 25 November, 2010, 02:08:14 pm
Well, he bought it.  And it's all my fault :)

(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5044/5206027667_2f503ca282.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/itsbruce/5206027667/)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: tiermat on 25 November, 2010, 02:11:58 pm
Well, he bought it.  And it's all my fault :)

(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5044/5206027667_2f503ca282.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/itsbruce/5206027667/)


Is that one of those city bikes with the built in lights? What's it like as a bike (i.e. to ride etc)?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Arch on 27 November, 2010, 05:00:07 pm
Google Translate isn't a lot better assuming that they're German, but if you tell it to translate from Latin, it reckons that Trets is "Shall go through", which is interesting, and not entirely implausible.  It still doesn't help with Pino however.  It also suggests "Features" for Trets, if it's in Catalan, but that sounds less likely.

Except that being a two wheeler recumbent trailerbike, it should more propery be "Shall go through unless it's a Sustrans path with bloody anti-motorbike gates".

Unless it's the one at the end of the Stamford Bridge Viaduct, in which case it would be one of a very few vehicles that proably can go through without stopping, (and that includes my Catrike, but none of my uprights)...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: mike on 27 November, 2010, 05:19:02 pm
Well, he bought it.  And it's all my fault :)

(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5044/5206027667_2f503ca282.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/itsbruce/5206027667/)


i saw one of those in the new bike shop in cambridge - unbelivably ugly!!  It looked like it had a built in lock between the top tube and down tube, but that doesnt seem to have it..
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: itsbruce on 28 November, 2010, 02:05:29 am
Is that one of those city bikes with the built in lights? What's it like as a bike (i.e. to ride etc)?

It's a Van Moof no. 3, yes. Coaster brakes, 3 speed hub gear, integrated solar powered lights, 28 inch wheels. Mike, the one with the built-in lock is the no. 5, which truly is even uglier because of the extra tube to house the Abus chain.

The ride is actually very good; the frame is light, which combines with the huge wheels to make it easy to control and speedier than you would think. Dorky it may look, but it is fun to ride.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Torslanda on 28 November, 2010, 11:33:07 pm
Mrs Torslanda, of the horned helmet and heavy metal breastplate, has just branded them thus: not bicycles, just pieces of tube welded together.

Possibly the most expensive BSOs on sale . . .
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 29 November, 2010, 10:24:19 am
Not at all.  Any BSO with a car brand name on (B*W, Porsche, Mercedes etc) tends to be more expensive, and even more BSOish...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: itsbruce on 29 November, 2010, 10:50:27 am
Mrs Torslanda, of the horned helmet and heavy metal breastplate, has just branded them thus: not bicycles, just pieces of tube welded together.

Possibly the most expensive BSOs on sale . . .

Have to disagree with that.  They are undeniably ugly, but that's not the
definition of a BSO.  They ride well and are soundly constructed.  They are "fashion" bikes (who ever said fashion ever had to look good?)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 29 November, 2010, 10:54:22 am
I missed seeing a Pedersen this morning, which ChrisL had spotted. :(

On the other hand, riding with the group on Saturday round the (cold) art deco delights of West London, we had, inter alia, a smart 1938 Rudge roadster, with deep mudguards, a nice Perry, an old skool Spesh Hard Rock and some others which I will recall eventually.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 05 December, 2010, 04:03:18 pm
A rather nice looking Harry Quinn just missed me running into me on College Green.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: itsbruce on 05 December, 2010, 05:10:26 pm
Spotted a vintage Moulton "New Look" Standard on Meard Street, today.


(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5161/5234960724_d93b3549d4.jpg)
 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/itsbruce/5234960724/)

Oh, I see I also spotted my thumb.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Aidan on 06 December, 2010, 09:20:54 am
Maybe not ones I've seen, but some certainly worthy of inclusion here

Photography at Sur Place exhibition at Mediamatic on the Behance Network (http://www.behance.net/gallery/Photography-at-Sur-Place-exhibition-at-Mediamatic/609262)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 06 December, 2010, 09:24:25 am
itsbruce, that looks very small to me.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: itsbruce on 06 December, 2010, 11:44:49 am
It was a dinky little bike, yes.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 06 December, 2010, 12:28:45 pm
It is a Moulton Mini with 14" wheels, rather than the 16" wheels of the other F-frames.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 06 December, 2010, 02:27:07 pm
That was what I was wondering...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: itsbruce on 06 December, 2010, 02:38:04 pm
See, I'm an admirer of Moultons for their design, but I've never ridden one.  Never really wanted to; I like looking at them, and it's nice that other people find a use for them etc.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: DrMekon on 07 December, 2010, 06:24:15 pm
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5046/5241210281_248581d425.jpg)

Sorte Jernherst Trike. Front wheel drive, rear wheel steering. For sale in a 'discount' cycle shop. Definitely going to try to get a test ride.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 07 December, 2010, 08:32:16 pm
Saw a lovely old Carlton zooming through Balham this morning.  Young lad obviously enjoying metal older than him :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 08 December, 2010, 02:39:54 pm


Sorte Jernherst Trike. Front wheel drive, rear wheel steering. For sale in a 'discount' cycle shop. Definitely going to try to get a test ride.

That's absolutely barking (and could be absolutely inovative, if they've overcome the steering issues). DO report back.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: TimO on 08 December, 2010, 11:55:52 pm
Sorte Jernherst Trike. Front wheel drive, rear wheel steering. For sale in a 'discount' cycle shop. Definitely going to try to get a test ride.
That's absolutely barking (and could be absolutely inovative, if they've overcome the steering issues). DO report back.

...or just lethal, if they haven't. :-\

Rear wheel steering is generally a bad idea.  The only place I've ever seen it used successfully at speed (ie faster than a fork lift truck) was on ThrustSSC, and the Mini that they used to test the rear steering system on.

I've also seen rear wheel steer HPVs crash quite spectacularly!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 09 December, 2010, 11:28:46 am
I've seen a few fully-functional FWD / RWS recumbent trikes, mostly from the Old Days.  The Jouta brothers built a production one into the 90's; the Sturmey Flying 5, the Hawker-Hudspith and Simon Sanderson's phenomenally-mis-monikered Panzer were one-off's which worked very well.

OTOH I still have the scars to show what can happen with an unsorted one.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: gordon taylor on 12 December, 2010, 07:55:09 am
In Stafford yesterday:

(http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c22/gordon1314/bv.jpg)

Complete with indicator switches on the steering wheel. There's a tiny straight handlebar below the steering wheel which has normal brake levers fitted. I saw a young guy riding it at speed a bit later.

!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 12 December, 2010, 02:16:23 pm
Saw a nice Islabikes Luath 700 at Sainsburys in Colliers Wood.  Locked to a Trek hybrid.  Luath looked nice, though.  I noticed that it had a computer mount.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 20 December, 2010, 05:30:52 pm
>Gordy
What's the black box nestled between the frame tubes? Is it some kind of alarm, or is it a battery for the indicators?

Whatever it is, that's a strange bike (and, I'm afraid, one of the ugliest I've ever seen).
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Bledlow on 22 December, 2010, 07:30:30 pm
Only slightly unusual, but it piqued my interest.

A dark grey/black non-shiny Ribble, with road gearing (big double, etc), Tiagra rear, ITM forks. So far so normal, but it had a dynohub & associated lighting, a rack with a proper rack-mounted rear light which looked like the Basta Zoom, IIRC -
 (http://img.idealo.com/folder/Product/1566/3/1566353/s1_produktbild_mittelgross/axa-basta-zoom-rueckleuchte.gif)
& as well as the computer mount a Rixen + Kaul mini-adapter
(http://www.klickfix.de/images/produkte/small/0000ma.jpg)
on the handlebars. All in all, it looked like the sort of bike some people here might ride.

Locked up outside Reading library this afternoon.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 22 December, 2010, 07:36:48 pm
So not unusual, but interesting and by the sound of it, attractive. That's good.  :)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: DrMekon on 22 December, 2010, 08:31:13 pm
Sorte Jernherst Trike. Front wheel drive, rear wheel steering. For sale in a 'discount' cycle shop. Definitely going to try to get a test ride.
That's absolutely barking (and could be absolutely inovative, if they've overcome the steering issues). DO report back.

...or just lethal, if they haven't. :-\

Rear wheel steering is generally a bad idea.  The only place I've ever seen it used successfully at speed (ie faster than a fork lift truck) was on ThrustSSC, and the Mini that they used to test the rear steering system on.

I've also seen rear wheel steer HPVs crash quite spectacularly!

Yeah, having already scared myself on a winther kangeroo and a christiania because of steering wobbles from underdamped steering, I'll be checking for a sufficiently stiff damper before I put my eldest in.

Actually, I should probably ride it alone first. I suspect it's going to be scary.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Bledlow on 01 January, 2011, 02:11:47 pm
Another only slightly unusual but rather pleasing bike, locked up outside Reading library on Wednesday:- a classic Peugeot refitted with a 7 speed Shimano hub - but a triple on the front. Various other new bits, as well. Obviously a loved bike.

Why do I never have my camera when I see them?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 02 January, 2011, 08:26:38 pm
Yesterday, we saw a chap on a Raleigh Olympus.  Quite an old thing.  His partner had a new hybrid.  We saw another mismatched pair a couple of days ago, with a chap on a carbon fibre toy waiting impatiently for a partner on an ancient roadster.

In Sutton yesterday, I saw a little girl being carried on the top tube of a rod-braked roadster.  They were riding in the shopping streets, where motor vehicles are not allowed.

Today, we saw a kid-carrying trike near Northcote Road, called something like a Bebboe.

Butterfly has tried Googling that, and has found it to be a Googlewhack.

It's actually a Babboe (http://www.babboe.co.uk/cargobike), she's just found.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wobbly John on 05 January, 2011, 08:54:40 pm
Anybody on the lookout for a 'Kiddie-front tandem" (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Tandem-adult-child-bike-/160527861212)?  :D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 08 January, 2011, 08:39:40 pm
Today, being wheeled across a pedestrian crossing, what looked like an MTB with front suspension and an unusual double-headlight set up which was fixed to the fork crown, and a head tube badge showing the blue and white quadrants of everyone's favourite post-war saycepan manufacturer. I only caught a glimpse of it, as it was hidden behind other people and I had my eye more on my son, so can't say anything more about the bike or why it was being wheeled not ridden.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Butterfly on 20 January, 2011, 08:09:22 pm
I saw a Hase Pino near the magistrates court in Lavender hill today. It had a small stoker and I think it may have been heading towards Latchmere swimming pool, as it had a swimming noodle thing on the back :)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 21 January, 2011, 09:47:22 am
This morning, I saw that beautiful Ellis Briggs again.  It belongs to a woman on LFGSS, and she tells me it was in a right state when she got it.  Now, it's maroon & chrome, which sets off the beautiful lugs perfectly.  Skeleton brake calipers (Campag?) and singlespeeded.  Flat bars are a bit incongruous, but it's her bike, and she loves it.  I think it is lovely too.  Riding up behind her, the chrome shows off the pencil seatstays marvellously.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Andrij on 21 January, 2011, 09:53:07 am
Parked outside my gym again, a red, well-kept Steve Goff.  The reason if caught my eye was the top tube: horizontal until a few inches from the seat post, then it angle up.  It just looks 'wrong'.  Otherwise, a nice bike.
 
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 21 January, 2011, 11:00:03 am
Is it a lo-pro?

Meanwhile, I forgot to mention a spiffing SS Rourke I saw at Elephant & Castle.  The owner looked a bit hipser-ish, but it's a good looking bike.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Andrij on 21 January, 2011, 01:09:37 pm
I've goggled but can't find a picture.  Guess I'll just have to take a photo myself, then remember to actually do something with it when I get home.
 
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Canardly on 30 January, 2011, 03:36:30 pm
Came across a Dawes Galaxy labelled "Ice blade"  today, anyone know of them? Unfortunately no camera with me. Also the brakes on the bike  were very unusual. sealed caliper end units suggesting hydraulics with no visible/apparent cables and unusually large fretted caliper arms.

Edit: Found the brakes

Magura HS33 MIG Limited Edition Hydraulic Rim Brakes  Levers : Bikes | Mountain Bikes | Road Bikes| Winstanleys (http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/product/28777/Magura_HS33_MIG_Limited_Edition_Hydraulic_Rim_Brakes__Levers)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 31 January, 2011, 11:10:50 am
On Friday's commute in to work, I saw a Kingcycle recumbent near Stockwell.  It was a bit tired, but still cool.  You almost never see 'bents in Sarf Lahndan.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: itsbruce on 31 January, 2011, 11:57:57 am
On Friday's commute in to work, I saw a Kingcycle recumbent near Stockwell.  It was a bit tired, but still cool.  You almost never see 'bents in Sarf Lahndan.

I saw a Kettwiesel parked outside a cafe on Coldharbour Lane in Camberwell last November.  Must have been somebody passing through having stopped to refuel.  Certainly haven't seen it around since.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 31 January, 2011, 02:55:24 pm
A Raleigh Wayfarer by one of the boats moored in Bristol docks. Not a particularly interesting bike of itself, but the frame was the spit of the Hero Hawk I had in India.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: SlowCoach on 31 January, 2011, 03:30:30 pm
A Raleigh Wayfarer by one of the boats moored in Bristol docks. Not a particularly interesting bike of itself, but the frame was the spit of the Hero Hawk I had in India.

That's because they both could have come from the same design stable. I worked for Raleigh for a short period in 1974 (in the days when Raleigh acually made bikes in the UK). In those days, not only did the factories turn out Raleigh and Carlton bikes, but also made under labels such as Rudge, Humber, BSA, and lots of private label (Halfords may have been one - if I remember correctly). They also had licencing arrangements for other manufacturers to produce their designs overseas. I used to have some Hero transfers which I picked up at the Raleigh factory - I suspect there may have been some form of link up.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 31 January, 2011, 07:12:46 pm
I'm pretty sure it is the same design under a different name. BSA, Philips and TI are names still produced in India, though Raleigh is not. In fact I know someone there who went to the trouble of importing a (modern) Raleigh from South Africa.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: SlowCoach on 31 January, 2011, 08:12:45 pm
Phillips, Hercules, Armstrong, Rudge-Whitworth, Norman and Sun were other names coming out of the Nottingham factories (many were for export only - e.g. they were making butchers bikes for export to Africa, which were designed to be loaded and pushed, rather than ridden!). At that time Raleigh was owned by TI (Tube Investments). TI also owned companies such as Reynolds Tube, Sturmey Archer and J. B. Brookes (Antler luggage and Brooks saddles).

Raleigh moved out of TI stable in 1987. The demise of Raleigh as a manufacturer was probably largely instigated  by a disastrous project to computerise their production control systems (possibly something to do with a management consultant not understanding the Garbage In, Garbage Out principle). TI itself is now a subsiduary of Smiths Industries. In the 60s and 70s it was a major British based engineering multinanional. It seemed to have its fingers in just about everything and anything which used tubing from specialist hydraulic components, car exhausts, and stepped golf club shafts to central heating boilers and electric kettles taking in machine tools, steel works, aluminium smelting and coffin furniture on the way.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 31 January, 2011, 08:18:03 pm
Hercules is another big name in India.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: RW on 01 February, 2011, 12:17:11 am
Friday night around 9:25, saw a bike and trailer combination lit up like a gypsy bride's wedding dress.  I was at least fifty yards away, so didn't really get to see the bike, but he had at least three very bright lights on the front and a head torch and two long strips of red flashing lights on the rear.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: spokenword on 02 February, 2011, 03:21:19 pm
An Ordinary in the local deer park (Bradgate Park Leicestershire). Disappointingly the rider was not wearing tweeds but a high vis top. 
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 02 February, 2011, 05:56:15 pm
And today I saw a Hercules! Chained to some railings round the corner from Sustrans office and the Cathedral, looked like a 60s bike in good nick.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: mike on 06 February, 2011, 02:30:15 pm
some kind of vintage/old bike run in cambridge this morning, with a fine collection of elderly bikes.  I was a bit disappointed when they parked their bikes on Kings Parade then went into one of the many the Cafe Neros instead of the small independent coffee shop next door.

(http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a19/mikes99mail/bikes/L1003063.jpg)
it was a raleigh something - no idea what vintage

another similar but tattier, with gears -
(http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a19/mikes99mail/bikes/L1003058.jpg)
(http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a19/mikes99mail/bikes/L1003059.jpg)
with fine old lamps

and one not so old but was how one of the market traders had carried all their stuff:
(http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a19/mikes99mail/bikes/L1003066.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 06 February, 2011, 03:43:13 pm
Sounds like the Veteran-Cycle Club, probably the Cambridge Section's Cycle Paths and Architecture ride.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 08 February, 2011, 07:16:32 pm
Today my eye was caught by the name ORŁOWSKI in bold capitals on what turned out to be a fixie with those funny narrow flat-but-slightly-bent-back bars that are trendy at the moment. A bit of googling has found that Jacek Orłowski is the only custom bike frame builder in Poland, and he even has a blog in English! (http://orlowskiframes.blogspot.com/)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Zipperhead on 08 February, 2011, 08:16:29 pm
In the bicycle park at work today I noticed a Kirk Revolution.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 08 February, 2011, 10:20:45 pm
Someone actually rides one? :o
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 08 February, 2011, 10:23:37 pm
In the bicycle park at work today I noticed a Kirk Revolution.
Those are the pressed magnesium frames from around 1987-ish?
Weren't they supposed to have a great ride but dreadful corrosion problems?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 08 February, 2011, 10:26:54 pm
Cast magnesium.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 08 February, 2011, 10:31:42 pm
We know someone who has one (but much prefers to ride his Colnago) ;D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 08 February, 2011, 10:32:45 pm
Someone of knee fame, yes?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: tonycollinet on 08 February, 2011, 10:41:07 pm
Anyone know what the trailer is on that one - looks like just what I need.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Adrian on 08 February, 2011, 10:44:34 pm
We know someone who has one (but much prefers to ride his Colnago) ;D

Has anyone actually seen it out and about?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 08 February, 2011, 10:46:02 pm
Goodness me, no! ;D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Andrij on 09 February, 2011, 06:45:15 am
We know someone who has one (but much prefers to ride his Colnago) ;D

Has anyone actually seen it out and about?

It was ridden by he-of-the-bandaged-knee on an ACF London Xmas ride a few years back. 
 
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 09 February, 2011, 10:08:28 am
A courier showed up on a very nice red, white & blue Dave Quinn while I was having a fag outside the Green Note in Camden last night
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Zipperhead on 11 February, 2011, 03:27:17 pm
Today in the bike park at work I saw a Pederson.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Butterfly on 11 February, 2011, 09:19:54 pm
Today in the bike park at work I saw a Pederson.
Your bike park seems to be an interesting place! :D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 11 February, 2011, 09:24:03 pm
About 5 o'clock this afternoon in front of the university and museum, a tall bike consisting of a white mountain bike frame welded or otherwise joined on top of a black mountain bike frame. There was an additional chain running down the right 'seat tube' from cranks with pedals to cranks with drive (wll, obviously). Rider showed some skillful track stands in the traffic and a woman pedestrian whipped out her phone to take a photo.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Zipperhead on 12 February, 2011, 10:14:25 am
Today in the bike park at work I saw a Pederson.
Your bike park seems to be an interesting place! :D

Yes, apart from the general run of the mill stuff and the posers there are obviously a few people with some cycling taste who work there.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Canardly on 12 February, 2011, 01:39:29 pm
Seems skulduggery has been at work with Pederson

Pedersen bicycle is no longer a Danish product.
My biggest customer, the German importer Kalle Kalkhoff has stolen the production from me. It is now being manufactured in the Czech Republic and distributed from Oldenburg Germany under the name Pedersen Manufaktur,
It has been bitter for me to say goodbye after 30 years, but there is nothing I can do.
I have spent half life to refine and develop the Dane Michael Pedersen's design from 1893, into long variations of frame sizes, playing with the geometry over the tandem to the triplet.
Now it's over; I see no chance to resume my own production without workshop machinery and capital.
This as a farewell to the ca. 6000 bikes, I have send on the street , you are on your own now and I will think of something else.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Diver300 on 12 February, 2011, 02:39:43 pm
He has my sympathy.

http://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=34553.0 (http://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=34553.0)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 12 February, 2011, 08:20:43 pm
A Dawes Clansman, being spruced up a bit in a used bike shop. I thought it was 60s, the mechanic said 30s, a bit of googling turned up not much but it seems to be 50s. It has a 3-speed Benelux derailleur, very nice curve to the bars (to look at, at least), and some plastic mudguards embossed with Dawes logo (not the present logo), which suggested it must be post-war.

Here's a picture I found on Flikr, (http://www.flickr.com/photos/75395133@N00/2178979858/sizes/z/in/photostream/) (couldn't post the actual image) though the one in the shop was red and somewhat less shiny.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Canardly on 12 February, 2011, 08:42:24 pm
We could make bikes then......
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 12 February, 2011, 08:46:23 pm
You've been making Pedersen's in Denmark for 30 years? That is quite something.  :thumbsup: to you.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: alexb on 12 February, 2011, 10:37:35 pm
Friday morning I saw a teeny yellow tandem (bike Friday) and was thinking back to our collective obsession with the teeny tiny triplet lady (who's brood has all grown up and who all ride solos now...) when who did I run into in Battersea Park, on her teeny tiny yellow triplet as well!?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Bledlow on 12 February, 2011, 11:53:44 pm
Raleigh moved out of TI stable in 1987. The demise of Raleigh as a manufacturer was probably largely instigated  by a disastrous project to computerise their production control systems (possibly something to do with a management consultant not understanding the Garbage In, Garbage Out principle).
It was a gradual process, with stages separated by years, which suggests that it wasn't related to a single problem - just decades of bad management. Look at the Sturmey-Archer debacle.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 13 February, 2011, 08:41:20 pm
Today I saw a Cliff Shrubb near Lewes.

On the ride with us was a Les Rigden, a TJ Quick, and a half-Hinde (completed by the rider).  Two fixed riders, trendy hipsters that they are - a Pearson Touche and the half-Hinde.  The latter was ridden by a chap of approximately 307 years age (Butterfly's estimate).
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 13 February, 2011, 08:46:19 pm
Presumably the half-Hinde was half-Fore?










IGMC
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: CrinklyLion on 14 February, 2011, 01:56:03 pm
A handcycle, on the river path.  It negotiated the tricky corner down from the road with the Welly (pub) on very neatly, but looked to find it slightly more challenging to navigate around the huge council vehicle parked on the cycle path.  Mind, said vehicle was in the middle of washing the latest layer of flood dropped river mud off the cycle path, so I can live with it being there.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: alexb on 15 February, 2011, 10:50:20 am
A good crop over the last 24 hours.

Teeny tiny yellow tandem lady in Battersea Park again, but before that a very clean and original Bontrager mountain bike complete with Bontrager triple clamp forks - I so badly wanted one of those when I was racing!

Last night though I saw something very odd - what looked like a Trek Y frame bike initially, turned into something much more interesting.
At first I thought the cyclist had electric assist because the bike made a very odd buzzing noise as it passed across my path at a junction. I caught up with it and realised that it was equipped with what looked like a red anodised Rohloff hub, but what was really weird was that the cyclist was using Powercranks (Powercranks X-Lite | Cyclingnews.com (http://www.cyclingnews.com/reviews/powercranks-x-lite)) and was only pedalling with one leg. Unfortunately I wasn't able to talk to him as we went different ways, but it was a very odd looking bike.

I was certain it wan't a Trek Y frame by the way, this had quite a fat profile and I did wonder if there was a battery hidden in there somewhere until I spotted the cranks. It had a very neat integrated rear mudguar bolted to the frame and was full suspension as well.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 17 February, 2011, 10:29:18 pm
On the street outside work yesterday morning, I drew level with, but didn't pass, a Koga Miyata tourer.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 17 February, 2011, 10:31:09 pm
I remember being very tempted to buy one of them in Gloucester, or maybe it was Cheltenham, many years ago. It had a bottom-bracket dynamo with a little lever to operate it on the down tube. Cooooooool!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 17 February, 2011, 10:34:51 pm
I made one of those from instructions in Bicycle Times for my Orbit Gold Medal Extra. :thumbsup:

I loved switching my lights on as I rode along :smug:
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: iddu on 17 February, 2011, 11:28:22 pm
Not seen, but that (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Optima-Rhino-Full-Suspension-Trike-/120686283082?pt=UK_Bikes_GL&hash=item1c1976894a) must have some interesting dynamics on hard cornering?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 18 February, 2011, 09:25:33 am
Cool school run!  I saw a chap riding a Windcheetah along the pavement and across the pelican on Mitcham Road, Tooting with a little kid on his lap.  I wouldn't normally approve of riding on the pavement, but...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 19 February, 2011, 10:41:51 am
There's a Van Moof parked outside Tooting Bec tube station regularly.

Still fugly.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 19 February, 2011, 10:50:08 pm
I had to google that. I agree with you.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: TimO on 20 February, 2011, 09:56:37 pm
I loved switching my lights on as I rode along :smug:

Funnily enough, a few years back, when I lived in Cheltenham, I had a bottom bracket dynamo on my Harry Quinn tourer that had a control on the seat tube.  It was indeed very cool being able to engage the dynamo whilst in motion.

I can't remember what the dynamo brand was, but whilst it worked quite well in principle, one winter on the bike killed it.  A bottom bracket is not a very benign environment for a dynamo.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 20 February, 2011, 10:00:08 pm
Soubitez, Union or Sanyo BB dynamo.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 20 February, 2011, 10:03:02 pm
Mine was a Sanyo.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 21 February, 2011, 05:33:09 pm
I didn't know Union made a BB dynamo, I was only aware of the Sanyo and Soubitez.

While we're talking of dynamos - I've noticed several bikes over the last year with a dynamo that consists of two magnets fixed to the spokes at 180 degrees to each other and in line with a light, which must contain the coil and gubbins to generate current. Saves on wiring, obviously, but I'm not sure if there are any other advantages, and it does limit both the range of lights you can use and their positioning.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: MattH on 21 February, 2011, 05:41:20 pm
You're possible thinking of Reelights (http://www.evanscycles.com/products/reelight/sl120-uk-light-set-ec008392) - they are low powered "be seen by" LEDs, but with the advantage of relatively simple installation (unlike a hub dynamo), no slipping on the tyre when wet (tyre driven) or running out of power (batteries). There are various models and styles available, so the ones you've seen may not be identical to these.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: iddu on 21 February, 2011, 10:03:06 pm
[via lfgss]

You utter gits; that (http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4092/5187296673_9805d634e6_b.jpg) is either sheer arrogance or precision brilliance - couldn't get a gnat's bollox through there ;)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 21 February, 2011, 10:40:17 pm
You're possible thinking of Reelights (http://www.evanscycles.com/products/reelight/sl120-uk-light-set-ec008392) - they are low powered "be seen by" LEDs, but with the advantage of relatively simple installation (unlike a hub dynamo), no slipping on the tyre when wet (tyre driven) or running out of power (batteries). There are various models and styles available, so the ones you've seen may not be identical to these.
Yes, that looks like it, though I've also seen other, more rectangular, designs of lights powered by the same device. Absence of tyre slippage is an advantage which had, er, slipped my mind. TBH I don't think I've ever experienced it, but then it's a long time since I've used a dynamo.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 22 February, 2011, 10:17:56 am
[via lfgss]

You utter gits; that (http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4092/5187296673_9805d634e6_b.jpg) is either sheer arrogance or precision brilliance - couldn't get a gnat's bollox through there ;)

Get a leaf stuck to the front tyre and you're straight over the bars on that :P
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 22 February, 2011, 10:21:48 am
Or a buckled wheel or a damaged tyre or...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wobbly John on 22 February, 2011, 08:44:41 pm
Pah. I filed a unicrown fork out like that to take the wheel on one of the scratch-built recumbents.  :smug:
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Zipperhead on 26 February, 2011, 10:49:44 am
Last night on the way home I saw a well dressed middle aged gentleman riding a red ordinary North across Battersea Bridge
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: steveindenmark on 26 February, 2011, 08:19:37 pm
Mine is a bit different

(http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w182/steveindenmark/IMG_1414.jpg)

Steve
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 26 February, 2011, 08:49:24 pm
At UCL today, we saw a bike decorated with mussel shells in the spokes.

Also rode with a chap who had a Sonic frame.  Anyone know anything of this make?  He said the framebuilder used to work near (above?) Bikefix on Lambs Conduit St, London.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: RJ on 26 February, 2011, 10:04:21 pm
A green Thorn triplet heading up the Grassmarket, lunchtime today.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: DrMekon on 28 February, 2011, 10:12:43 am
A DeFietsFabriek FF16 outside Waitrose in Cambridge.
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5016/5481821589_4d3808e248.jpg)

It's a huge cargotrike where the front wheels steer independently of the box. It's very, very wide. I can't imagine he can use many cyclepaths. I am guessing it was imported privately, as there's not been a UK distributor for them for ages.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 28 February, 2011, 11:13:44 am
At UCL today, we saw a bike decorated with mussel shells in the spokes.

Also rode with a chap who had a Sonic frame.  Anyone know anything of this make?  He said the framebuilder used to work near (above?) Bikefix on Lambs Conduit St, London.

Sonic is the name under which Helmut Berns (sp) used to build frames - he used to be based in Bikefix's loft.  He's now just supplying components (https://www.soniccycles.co.uk/).  I had a Sonic MTB for a while; on skinny slicks it was the lightest and fastest road-going bike I've ever owned; it was all XTR, carbon bars & stem, Ti seatpost, etc. etc.  It was really a bit too small for me so I ended up selling it back to the original owner, who had been obliged to get rid of it to fund an n+1.  Another mate has a Sonic TT bike with Mavic Zap transmission.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wendy on 28 February, 2011, 12:17:35 pm
I had a Sonic MTB for a while; on skinny slicks it was the lightest and fastest road-going bike I've ever owned;

WTF?  An upright?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 28 February, 2011, 01:06:04 pm
I haz more uprights than recumbents on the fleet right now although one of the uprights lacks such niceties as handlebars, a stem and a saddle.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wendy on 28 February, 2011, 02:28:04 pm
Yeah, no worries on having and riding uprights, I like 'em too.  But calling it the fastest road going bike you've ever owned?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Deano on 01 March, 2011, 10:49:34 pm
There was a quite lovely Jack Taylor Tour of Britain at the blood donation hall.  The frame, forks and wheels were in good nick, but it definitely needed a bit of love, as the owner was using pipe lagging for bar tape.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 02 March, 2011, 12:11:29 am
Oddly, I saw a Jack Taylor today, too. Attractive bright red colour, with odd two-way switchy-rotary looking gear levers. They were fixed just inboard of the brake levers, I think they were a modification to a frame made for d/t levers so it would be kind of STI-ish.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 02 March, 2011, 09:53:54 am
Nice.

I saw an older Colnago this morning.  Eighties, perhaps, with a maroon frame and slightly rusty chromed forks.  Curved forks, mind, so it was probably early eighties.

I also regularly see a woman on a bike I had assumed was a Gitane, but on closer inspection, the faded letters say 'Hirame'.  70s bike, I think, and not top end, but certainly a decent machine.  I've never heard of the make, but someone might know about it.

Thanks for the info about Sonic, btw :)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 02 March, 2011, 10:58:21 am
Yeah, no worries on having and riding uprights, I like 'em too.  But calling it the fastest road going bike you've ever owned?

Certainly around town.  I suspect one or two of the recumbents would have given it a hard time on a longer run, especially as the bars were about eight inches below the saddle, with all the consequent backache that this implies.  On 35 mm Conti Avenues it weighed about 21 lbs and accelerated like a stabbed rat.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 03 March, 2011, 10:04:59 am
Yesterday, I rode with another Ridgeback Solo.  there aren't many about.  This one had gone the other direction from mine, being very stripped down but I was still faster
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 07 March, 2011, 12:29:01 am
A Geoffrey Butler, couldn't see much other than it was black and shiny and whizzing down Park St (a hill).

A Chas Roberts, white and not so shiny, tried to ask the owner something about it but was dragged away by my son,

...who was amazed and slightly bewildered by the unicycle we saw this afternoon.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 07 March, 2011, 09:25:17 am
Two Croydon bikes away from hhome, then...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: DrMekon on 07 March, 2011, 10:22:51 am
Saw a black FW Evans tourer this morning. The chap on it said he'd had it over 20 years, and planned to keep it "forever".
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 09 March, 2011, 03:18:38 pm
And today a Harry Hall in a rather "striking" yellow and almost-fluorescent red/orange colour scheme. The delight of having my son's school next to a cycle track.  :)
And not from Croydon this time!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 09 March, 2011, 05:52:01 pm
Spotted a small-wheeled cargo trike parked outside a shop in King's Heath.  Didn't get a very good look at it, but that sort of thing's a rare sight around here.   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 10 March, 2011, 11:58:34 am
Oh yes, I forgot about the woman on the nice blue trike and the bloke on the black cargo bike, with the luggage bit in front. All seen in more or less the same place as the Harry Hall above. Must be a good place to hang out!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 10 March, 2011, 12:07:19 pm
This morning, I saw a cluster of bikes riding across the crossroads outside work.  There was a woman on a trike with two children on rear-facing seats, and a girl and a boy (both very young) riding their own bikes under the woman's care.

It looked wonderful.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 10 March, 2011, 12:49:46 pm
So that was a total of one adult and four children in a group, on three machines?  :thumbsup:
I wonder if they were one family or maybe she was shepherding some friend's/neighbour's/etc kids to school/wherever? And... does Butterfly do this with her charges?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 10 March, 2011, 03:04:21 pm
Yes, that's right.  Looked like a mummy-duck with her ducklings.  I almost said 'mother', but I realised it could be a carer of some kind.

What Butterfly does with her charges tends to be delimited by the neuroses of various employers.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Quisling on 10 March, 2011, 03:12:00 pm
Note the steering wheels for the kids in the front.  Okay, not technically a bike, but seen in Christiania a couple of weeks ago along with more load hauling machines than I'd see in Oxfordshire if I lived here for the rest of my life.

(http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p115/quisling_photos/2011-02-25Christianiaquadcycle.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 10 March, 2011, 04:56:15 pm
I can't work out quite what's what with that pedal-powered vehicle (I can't even see where the pedals are, though I presume there must be some!) but I like it nevertheless.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 10 March, 2011, 05:00:27 pm
Yes, that's right.  Looked like a mummy-duck with her ducklings.  I almost said 'mother', but I realised it could be a carer of some kind.

What Butterfly does with her charges tends to be delimited by the neuroses of various employers.
Lovely, and a predictable but understandable shame, respectively. (Though quite how understandable it really is, I'm not sure, if you trust someone enough to leave them in sole charge of your small children.)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: itsbruce on 11 March, 2011, 09:31:38 am
I can't work out quite what's what with that pedal-powered vehicle (I can't even see where the pedals are, though I presume there must be some!) but I like it nevertheless.

I think it has the same kind of treadle-pedal that you used to find on kiddie cars and very old sewing machines.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: itsbruce on 11 March, 2011, 09:32:38 am
BBC News - In pictures: The beauty of the bicycle (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-12668503)
 
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Rhys W on 11 March, 2011, 09:39:31 am
Last weekend on the clubrun I spotted a bright yellow Dursley-Pedersen (or definitely a Pedersen of some sort) heading back in to Cardiff.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wendy on 11 March, 2011, 10:21:17 pm
2 x WAW Velomobiles and 1 x Alleweder A4.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Torslanda on 14 March, 2011, 10:19:04 am
Spotted yesterday afternoon between Preston and Blackpool a Bike Friday tandem (is it a Twosday?)

At first I thought it was a Brommie until I spotted the stickers . . .
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Andrij on 14 March, 2011, 10:22:23 am
Saw someone coming off the Greenway on a small-wheeled bike with integral rear rack, couldn't tell if fron rack was bolted on or part of the forks.  Can anyone ID?
 
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wendy on 14 March, 2011, 12:06:41 pm
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5056/5525425663_95dae4db1a.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 14 March, 2011, 12:21:11 pm
In york on Sat.

Modern Strida.  Mono forks, disc brakes, belt drive. From the looks of it, still rode like a clown bike.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 14 March, 2011, 12:31:56 pm
At the Windsor Origami ride, lots of folding bikes including 2 x Pacific Reach, 2 x Strida and Mark Saunder's IF large-wheeled prototype.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: itsbruce on 14 March, 2011, 12:53:39 pm
There was a Pashley Guvnor locked up outside the Ritzy cinema on Sunday.  OK, so it's not that unusual, but I did stop and drool for a bit.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wobbly John on 14 March, 2011, 01:31:53 pm
Someone at work has ridden in on a brand new turquoise & orange cruiser - Brookes saddle, Sturmey 5 speed & hub brakes.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Adrian on 14 March, 2011, 02:00:11 pm
This morning between The Oval and Waterloo, a young woman riding mixte framed bike with wooden mudguards and wooden bars..
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Torslanda on 14 March, 2011, 02:03:10 pm
Someone at work has ridden in on a brand new turquoise & orange cruiser - Brookes saddle, Sturmey 5 speed & hub brakes.

Wobbly John was last seen stroking his chin and pondering aloud 'Hmmm. What should I make with this? Muwaahahahahahaha!'
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wobbly John on 14 March, 2011, 02:12:57 pm
The top tube and the down tube are actually pairs of tubes that curve to become the seat stays and chain stays. It looks quite stylish and therefore I think it belongs to the Italian teacher. In which case she will have ridden it up the 15 miles from Cambridge  :thumbsup:

(She also has a Trek Madone, and a Cannondale alfine equiped hybrid with lefty front fork)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 14 March, 2011, 05:35:58 pm
A rather beautiful pale blue Mercian with gold lettering swept past us as we tootled to the station this morning.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: corshamjim on 14 March, 2011, 06:37:35 pm
Someone at work has ridden in on a brand new turquoise & orange cruiser - Brookes saddle, Sturmey 5 speed & hub brakes.

Sounds like it's probably a Pashley Tuberider Pintail then.

Pashley Cycles - Tube Rider - Pintail (http://www.pashley.co.uk/products/tube-rider-pintail.html)

I've only seen one other tube rider in the wild myself (apart from my own Paramount of course  ;D ).
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wobbly John on 14 March, 2011, 07:53:22 pm
That's the one.  :D

I thought it was a Pashley, but CBA to look at the headbadge to check.

Saw another cruiser on the way home - red, white & chrome with a fake 'tank'.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: itsbruce on 14 March, 2011, 10:33:56 pm

Saw another cruiser on the way home - red, white & chrome with a fake 'tank'.

Sounds like an old Schwinn.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: DrMekon on 17 March, 2011, 09:48:58 am
A money is no object orange Brompton S2L-X with all the Ti bits, a Ti Swift and matching Brooks ring grips sat half-folded in the bike shed.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: matthew on 21 March, 2011, 09:32:07 am
seen on the train this morning

a Lynsky with complete with a second wheelset in the other hand of the owner.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: mike on 21 March, 2011, 09:37:26 am
as I left the village hall in Hauxton after the End of Snooze - a triplet with parents on front and back and junior in the middle with a set of kiddiecranks.  Not hanging about, either.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: TimO on 22 March, 2011, 07:14:52 pm
This morning, just before Chelsea Bridge (near the burger van) someone was pushing a triplet along the pavement in the opposite direction to me.  It was sans any stokers, but looked like it was probably for two children, since even the pilot's seat wasn't all that high, and the stoker's seats got progressively shorter.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 22 March, 2011, 07:23:08 pm
I sat on the edge of Wandsworth Common waiting for Butterfly, and in about ten mimutes or so, roughly twenty bikes rode past.  Including a GoCycle, and a rather pretty, but aging, purple Dave Yates MTB.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Canardly on 24 March, 2011, 06:50:59 pm
Sinclair C5 on the road today, must be 20 years since I have seen one in the flesh as it were.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: TimO on 25 March, 2011, 02:38:17 pm
A Boris Bike on Queenstown Road, going southward, which is kind of unusual, since all the docking stations would have been behind him at that point, and getting further away.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Adrian on 25 March, 2011, 08:01:38 pm
A Boris Bike on Queenstown Road, going southward, which is kind of unusual, since all the docking stations would have been behind him at that point, and getting further away.

Must have nicked it off the rightful hirer at the lights. #









#This may or may not contain ludicrous supposition or traces of ludicrous supposition,
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 25 March, 2011, 10:36:51 pm
Every day this week, locked up outside my son's school: a green Brompton with a black tube bolted on to it forming a right-angle between seat post and main frame tube, supporting a child's saddle and foot pegs, which look as if they've come from a motorcycle - they fold. This is hauling a black trailer bike, the boom of which folds, and whose blue rear triangle is that from a Brompton.

I've no idea whose it is - it's there every day before we arrive, is still there after I drop him off, and same again in the afternoon. I'm not sure whether it belongs to a parent or perhaps to a member of staff and it stays there all day, as parents' bikes tend to just get leant against the fence at arrival and collection time. I must remember to find a reason to walk past the school during the day next week to see if it's actually there all day. Great to see it anyway.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: YahudaMoon on 25 March, 2011, 11:31:51 pm
Went to sports city Manchester with my children today for a session on the 400metre outdoor track and seen Shanaze Reade with a very nice BMX. I thought she was on track bikes nowadays ?

One very bling BMX bike
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Bledlow on 26 March, 2011, 12:05:12 am
Well, it wasn't that unusual, but it's fairly unusual in Reading.

At Frosts the fishmongers (where we later bought a slightly disappointing sea bass & some entirely satisfactory whelks) this afternoon: an absolutely immaculate bright-red fixie or maybe singlespeed, unbranded as far as I could see, apparently owned by Helen (name on top tube), with an Argos transfer near the base of the seat tube. Helen (I presume) noticed me looking at it, & I said "I see you had it resprayed in Bristol", which got a smile & a "Yes". And recently, by the look of it.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 27 March, 2011, 10:47:23 am
That Brompton is probably fitted with an ITchair childseat and an SP trailerbike by Steve Parry. The publishers of AtoB magazine has/had that sort of rig.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 28 March, 2011, 05:31:06 pm
The initials SP were on the trailerbike, so that must be it - thanks!
It wasn't there today, for some reason.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: sg37409 on 29 March, 2011, 10:36:52 pm
In glasgow (http://www.flickr.com/photos/24775321@N02/5571949987/) the other day.
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5066/5571949987_8b3d4148de.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Andrij on 30 March, 2011, 08:19:50 am
In glasgow (http://www.flickr.com/photos/24775321@N02/5571949987/) the other day.
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5066/5571949987_8b3d4148de.jpg)

Seen (by a friend) in Glasgow on 28/03/11  :)
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_0XrMevmAjTc/TZLZD3LjWFI/AAAAAAAAA_U/0ZfpaYWkgnc/Glasgow%20Yuba.jpg)
 
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 30 March, 2011, 09:32:35 am
Cool.

Very cool.

Very very cool.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 30 March, 2011, 10:01:40 am
Immensely wonderful and practical too.
Though it does look a bit back-heavy, but I guess you get used to allowing for that and the child must be fairly small to fit in.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: dasmoth on 06 April, 2011, 10:31:06 am
Just south of Cambridge this morning...

A black Pedersen, heading south at a good pace (so only got a quick glimpse of it).  First time I've seen one.  Even odder in the steel than in pictures, but does have a certain elegance.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Canardly on 06 April, 2011, 08:22:23 pm
Higgins tri also in Cambridge
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wendy on 10 April, 2011, 08:24:33 pm
A beautiful yellow Cinelli on the way back from Streatham common, ridden by a chap who clearly takes much pride in it and rides it only on nice days or so he said.  He was chuffed when I admired it!!!!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Meegat on 10 April, 2011, 09:20:39 pm
This week saw a lovely long-wheelbase cargo bike with a cargo platform at the  front. Left the park before I could do much more than 'ooh' over it.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Arch on 11 April, 2011, 07:29:59 pm

At Frosts the fishmongers (where we later bought a slightly disappointing sea bass & some entirely satisfactory whelks) this afternoon:

Sorry, OT for a moment, I must remember next time I want to insult someone, to call them an unsatisfactory whelk.  Thank you.

I did spot a rather homebuilt front wheel drive longish wheelbase recumbent bike, being ridden on the Clifton bike path in York yesterday.  The bits that were painted were yellow, I think. Not anyone I knew, and I know a lot of Yorkies...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: PaulF on 11 April, 2011, 08:00:32 pm
An Orange X-1 but with a rigid fork and an aluminium bar where the shock should have been.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 14 April, 2011, 09:40:41 am
Last night, in Clapham, I saw a Bickerton which had been adapted with what looked like a Dahon stem and straight bars.  Must improve the ride immensely.

This morninig, a smart orange steel Colnago (round tubes) in Balham.  Chrome forks, Brooks saddle and leather (Brooks?) bartape.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: alexb on 14 April, 2011, 01:26:38 pm
I sawa nice fern green metallic fixed with a front disc brake this morning. Very pretty, but I didn't spot the head badge and didn't have time to ask the owner about it.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 14 April, 2011, 03:35:32 pm
Yesterday I passed (I can't remember where) a nice Viking mixte.  I couldn't make out the model name, though it wasn't a Severn Valley.  Had a pretty ugly 80s/90s riser bar on.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wobbly John on 14 April, 2011, 09:50:32 pm
An Orange X-1 but with a rigid fork and an aluminium bar where the shock should have been.

I has an Orange X1. Mostly as it should be, but unusual colour (it is the original colour). They are usually silver with either orange or yellow rear triangle.

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y252/wobblyjohn/Orangex1.jpg)

The rear shock cost £145 to have serviced and new bushes. A solid bar would probably ride better if it's mainly used on road.  ;)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 16 April, 2011, 12:05:01 am
A '70s Chopper in '70s purple, with '70s rust on its '70s steel mudguards, and a 3-speed twist-grip.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: MattH on 16 April, 2011, 10:18:23 am
Twist grip? They just aren't right without the groin-catcher gear lever!

Are you sure it wasn't a poor condition modern one? Or was it a retrofitted shifter?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 16 April, 2011, 12:29:10 pm
I think it was an original one with retro-fitted shifter, but I'll have to have a closer look if I see it again.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 16 April, 2011, 09:30:33 pm
Thursday, there was a nice fixed parked outside work.  It was a large green Claud Butler of some vintage (old 'rings' headbadge), with a Brooks saddle.  Nicely done.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: JonBuoy on 19 April, 2011, 11:10:43 pm
A whole load of weird and wonderful machines at the BHPC meeting at Hillingdon on Sunday.

The only one that I photographed (badly) was this:

(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5304/5635537469_9ce7b53ba6.jpg)

I think that it was the cunning use of exhaust clamps that really made it special:

(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5190/5635539363_edf2a76d46.jpg)


There are loads of far better photographs of the event here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/anglepoise/sets/72157626522696186/).
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: spesh on 19 April, 2011, 11:37:40 pm
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5304/5635537469_9ce7b53ba6.jpg)

I think that it was the cunning use of exhaust clamps that really made it special:

I don't whether to ;D,  :o or  :facepalm: at that creation!

And I've just spotted the gear cable outers, held on to the frame with what looks like masking tape.

Should have used duct tape...  ;)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 20 April, 2011, 09:11:37 am
That looks...interesting
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 20 April, 2011, 10:28:35 pm
A Trikidoo in Lambeth, with a couple of 'ducklings' on little bikes :thumbsup:

And, at Tooting Broadway, a Trax bike (no I dunno either).  It wasn't that that was most interesting.  Not even the punctured rear tyre.  More that the tyre bead was completely off the rim, and rubbing on the frame each side and fouling the brakes, and that it seemed the chap had been riding it around in this condition and was unconcerned :o

I also saw a chap in Balham on a smart classic road bike - sort of greeny-blue with chromed ends and an Italian-sounding name, and dripping with Campag Record.  I tried to remember the name, but, when I got to Tooting, i saw the clown with the tyre off, and I was a bit flabberbegasted.  Anyway, I've seen this fast chap once before.  He is extremely fit, and today was wearing a 'World Masters Championship' jersey.  Very cool.  I wanted to ride with him a bit longer, but he took a more marginal route across a congested Tooting Bec junction, and then I got stuck behind some cautious riders, so he was away. :-\

I must look out for him again and get what his bike is.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: itsbruce on 21 April, 2011, 01:08:21 am
Just spotted a beautifully restored Flying Scot on Ebay (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270736691102&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT).  Would have been much nicer to see it pass in the street, but hey.  It's a little too big for me, or I'd be raiding the piggy bank.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 21 April, 2011, 09:59:39 am
I also saw a chap in Balham on a smart classic road bike - sort of greeny-blue with chromed ends and an Italian-sounding name, and dripping with Campag Record.  I tried to remember the name, but, when I got to Tooting, i saw the clown with the tyre off, and I was a bit flabberbegasted.  Anyway, I've seen this fast chap once before.  He is extremely fit, and today was wearing a 'World Masters Championship' jersey.  Very cool.  I wanted to ride with him a bit longer, but he took a more marginal route across a congested Tooting Bec junction, and then I got stuck behind some cautious riders, so he was away. :-\

I must look out for him again and get what his bike is.

I just remembered.  It was a Daccordi.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: itsbruce on 21 April, 2011, 11:04:56 am

I just remembered.  It was a Daccordi.

Ah, yes.  I have my eye on a very nice Daccordi that's coming up in auction soon.  Mmm.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: mike on 21 April, 2011, 01:56:13 pm
I'm a big fan of moultons, but..
(http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a19/mikes99mail/temp/IMG00041-20110416-1010.jpg)

I'm not sure where to start..
17" wheels, so it's an old one with 'almost impossible to find' tyres.
can be split into 2 parts
pretty unique bars
front dynamo hub AND bottle dyno at the back
SA hub
is that a motorbike box on the back? looks heavy..
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 21 April, 2011, 02:03:52 pm
A 3-speed bike using a new SA, seen in Evans.

http://www.cooperbikes.com/T200-steelracingbike.html (http://www.cooperbikes.com/T200-steelracingbike.html)

It's a handsome bike. I particularly liked the down-tube lever for the hub gear. However:

Lacks mudguard eyes but has clearances for 35mm tyres. Actually, no braze-ons at all.

Brake levers are the little 2 finger jobs. ffs, it ain't a fixie, put some proper drop levers on it.

It costs over £900
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 21 April, 2011, 05:45:45 pm
A Cannondale MTB with a one-sided front fork. A girt great tube with telescopic suspension. The rider said he doesn't notice its single-sidedness while he's riding, which is reassuring.  :)

And an upright trike with a big basket over the back axle, to which was fixed a number plate MAD 15 ON.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Meegat on 23 April, 2011, 09:47:16 pm
Saw what would appear to be a Giant Revive (http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/bikes/mountain/product/revive-11634/) today.   It looked a bit like a bent had sex with my Dahon -- never seen one like it.

 Rider looked happy, anyway. :)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Deano on 24 April, 2011, 11:56:04 am
A full suspension trike (basically, a converted BSO) in Lowdham.

Also, the Lowdham Fixie King's ride, which was at the tasteful end of the fixie-fashion spectrum, and had the biggest flanges I've ever seen on a bike.  He was obviously intimidated by our fixed bikes, as we never got to see him - he naffed off while we were in the Co-Op.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 24 April, 2011, 10:05:39 pm
A Cannondale MTB with a one-sided front fork. A girt great tube with telescopic suspension. The rider said he doesn't notice its single-sidedness while he's riding, which is reassuring.  :)
And another one yesterday!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Deano on 24 April, 2011, 10:06:25 pm
A Cannondale MTB with a one-sided front fork. A girt great tube with telescopic suspension. The rider said he doesn't notice its single-sidedness while he's riding, which is reassuring.  :)
And another one yesterday!

Cannondale Lefty.  I've never seen one.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 26 April, 2011, 09:47:41 am
I've seen a few Lefties (the fork, I mean ::-) ) in Londinium, but they still look odd.  Absolutely no reason from an engineering standpoint why they should nto be perfectly acceptable for ordinary riding, but they just look, well, odd.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 26 April, 2011, 09:54:35 am
Yesterday, near Craven Arms, we saw a Strutt/Orbit Worksong, which I've never seen in the metal before.

We also saw a woman with a Longstaff solo, which looked to be a very large frame for her.  She did have long legs, but this was on the train, so we didn't get to see her riding it.

Loads and loads of bikes on the trains yesterday - probably seven from Craven Arms to Newport, an overfilled bike carriage (thanks to a very helpful guard :thumbsup: ) Newport to London, and even a good half dozen on our local train last night.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 27 April, 2011, 11:00:53 pm
A Cannondale MTB with a one-sided front fork. A girt great tube with telescopic suspension. The rider said he doesn't notice its single-sidedness while he's riding, which is reassuring.  :)
And another one yesterday!

Cannondale Lefty.  I've never seen one.
Yep, Lefty was the name, though the guy I spoke to said Cannondale make a few models with the one-sided fork.

I think one reason it looks so odd is that the single tube extends to the top of the head tube and is attached to it by clamps at two points, like a motorcycle front end. That seems to emphasise the asymmetry.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Bledlow on 02 May, 2011, 10:47:21 pm
One of these (except all black), locked up outside Thornton's, Broad Street, Reading this morning -
(http://www.bobbinbicycles.co.uk/WebRoot/GroupNBT/Shops/rzjy48f9ghvy/4B69/A871/1139/8B64/EAE9/0A0A/33E9/2A2C/LRFairBlk.jpg)
Issa Bobbin Glorie.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wobbly John on 02 May, 2011, 11:38:30 pm
Saw lots of unusual bikes today - a Redmount roller trike, Rainbow recumbent, Burrows 8freight, a triplet, lots of load-carrying bikes. All on the ride to Reach fair (http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=195872187103012).

And, on return in Cambridge, a Kangaroo kiddie carrying trike, and a rather splendid rickshaw styled kiddie carrying trike.  :D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: iddu on 02 May, 2011, 11:40:13 pm
Mmm - a breeding pair?

(http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r200/iddu/00000000-Misc/CIMG4862.jpg)

Guesses as to model & special feature?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wobbly John on 03 May, 2011, 12:32:00 am
It's the ladies version of the Wobblebike  (http://homepages.nildram.co.uk/~talizmar/xntrick/photos/wobblecut2.gif) - the special feature is that you bugger the chainring if you wobble it to the right.  ;D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: MattH on 03 May, 2011, 07:34:32 am
My guess is that they fold - the rear triangle rotating about the vertical section of seattube just in front of the bottom bracket.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: iddu on 03 May, 2011, 09:53:23 pm
My guess is that they fold - the rear triangle rotating about the vertical section of seattube just in front of the bottom bracket.

(http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r200/iddu/00000000-Misc/CIMG4863.jpg)
Got it in one ;D

Bridgestone GrandTech (http://www.sheldonbrown.com/bridgestone/1986/pages/29-bridgestone-grandtech.html) & variants thereof...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 03 May, 2011, 09:55:29 pm
Rudge Bi-Frame did it better.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Zipperhead on 04 May, 2011, 09:13:34 pm
I saw a gentleman riding a purple ordinary along by the river in Battersea this evening.

It looked to be a modern one as the rims matched the frame colour.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: matthew on 04 May, 2011, 09:31:58 pm
A Dyna-tech Corsa 405 Titanium. It looked like a classic 80's geometry, lugged frame, down tube levers, and a beautiful red fading to silver paint job all of which made me question the decal which read Titanium.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 04 May, 2011, 09:43:11 pm
There were certainly DynaTech Ti bikes.  ISTR the Dynatech thing was that the frames were glued together using aviation bonding technology.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: matthew on 04 May, 2011, 09:53:56 pm
So the decals were true. It looked wonderful and was set up for TTs, with tri bars and gear ratios to match. It was just a pity the owner wouldn't take his ipod out so that I could compliment the bike before the train arrived.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Canardly on 07 May, 2011, 08:46:04 pm
Saw a really strange 'bike' t'other day but did not have photography equipment to hand. Local market day was on and saw a chap moving on a three wheeled vehicle (smal dia wheels) moving from side to side and treading on paddles of some sort.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wobbly John on 08 May, 2011, 06:25:08 pm
Sounds like a Trikke (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trikke).
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Canardly on 08 May, 2011, 09:44:00 pm
Sounds like a Trikke (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trikke).

Yep that's the one
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 10 May, 2011, 08:54:46 am
On the train back from Whitstable on Sunday (on which there were at least half a dozen bikes), there was a classic Guerciotti.  Early 80s, at a guess, and in good condition.

Yesterday, I saw a smart looking, if tatty, silver mixte being wheeled along by a woman.  I was surprised to find out it was an Allin.  I'm not sure of the history, but I think it must be 1970s at the latest.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Gareth Rees on 11 May, 2011, 09:20:26 am
On the Cambridge 300, near Carlby in Lincolnshire, a penny-farthing in racing green:

(http://garethrees.org/2011/05/01/audax/P4300053-thumb.jpg) (http://garethrees.org/2011/05/01/audax/P4300053.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Tim Hall on 11 May, 2011, 10:27:30 pm
In Hyde Park yesterday, a bike with what looked like a frame made of a pair of parallel square section tubes, if you see what I mean. Just in a straight line from head tube down to rear axle, with seat tube sticking up.  Wheel seemed to be 26 inch.

No pictures I'm afraid and I was about 50m from it.

Any clues?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wendy on 11 May, 2011, 11:23:21 pm
Saw Dursley Pederson dude again last night.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 12 May, 2011, 08:47:14 am
Following on from my unexpected sighting of an Allin the other day, this morning, I spotted an old gent (not in cycling clothes) pushing a rather elegant black framed bike with red writing on it.  As I passed, I read the gothic-esque script and realised I was looking at a tatty Ephgrave! :o
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 13 May, 2011, 10:47:08 am
Yesterday, a nice early '80s 531 frame with fancy lugs built by an outfit called Stride of Southampton. Very small frame ridden by a very short woman, who clearly loved it very much.  :)

This morning I (on foot) hear a wheel noise behind me. Was about to get annoyed by another pavement cyclist when a teenage boy (maybe 13 or so) whizzed past me on a unicycle. He was obviously using it to commute as he had a rack attached to the post, on which he was carrying a school bag. That made me  :D not  >:( .
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: RW on 16 May, 2011, 09:00:08 pm
I saw a Calfee Bamboo bike locked up in Horsham town centre.  It was very pretty.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 16 May, 2011, 09:25:54 pm
I also saw a chap in Balham on a smart classic road bike - sort of greeny-blue with chromed ends and an Italian-sounding name, and dripping with Campag Record.  I tried to remember the name, but, when I got to Tooting, i saw the clown with the tyre off, and I was a bit flabberbegasted.  Anyway, I've seen this fast chap once before.  He is extremely fit, and today was wearing a 'World Masters Championship' jersey.  Very cool.  I wanted to ride with him a bit longer, but he took a more marginal route across a congested Tooting Bec junction, and then I got stuck behind some cautious riders, so he was away. :-\

I must look out for him again and get what his bike is.

I just remembered.  It was a Daccordi.

Saw this chap again today.  He was riding up from Clapham, and passed me, but I stayed with him up past the Common to Clapham South, where he used his superior experience of bunch riding to pass other cyclists who I would give a wider berth to, and he was away.

I noticed that, despite his perfect shiny bike, and stylish demeanour, his shorts had a rip in them.  I hope he hadn't had an off.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Oaky on 21 May, 2011, 03:56:48 pm
A Penny Farthing on a cyclepath on the approach to Chelmsford.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 21 May, 2011, 03:57:41 pm
Friday lunchtime.  A Kona Jake on Borough High St.  Not so unusual, but I was amused that it was parked outside Belushi's.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Bledlow on 21 May, 2011, 07:50:53 pm
Lunchtime today:
At Reading library, an MBK Confort, with sticker from a bike shop in Calais, & continental brake set up

More interesting: Locked up in Broad Street, Reading, an old Bevilacqua (from Cicli Bevilacqua of Pescara, a bike shop dating back to 1905 & now called Bevilacqua Sport). Dunno what tubing the frame was, but the forks were Oria, gruppo Nuovo Record (7 speed), Saccon brakes (probably not original - looked newer), Campagnolo headset & rims. Stem was new, saddle a cheap looking fat San Marco gel thing, which with the badly corroded fluted seatpost (original?) held on by a nut & bolt badly let down a generally nice old bike.

Most expensive bike in their online shop 6900 Euros.

History of the Bevilacqua racing team: http://www.bevilacquasport.it/it/storia/index_ne.html (http://www.bevilacquasport.it/it/storia/index_ne.html)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Andrij on 01 June, 2011, 10:38:38 am
Saw two unusual bikes yesterday, but couldn't see the names.  The first bike was flat-barred, hub-geared commuter, all looked rather sensible, but it had no top tube.  The second bike had a top tube but no down tube.  ???

Any ideas?

Sincerely,

Befuddled in the City.
 
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: MattH on 01 June, 2011, 10:44:21 am
The second bike had a top tube but no down tube.  ???

Any ideas?

Some kind of folder, like a Swissbike? (http://www.evanscycles.com/products/montague/swissbike-paratrooper-2011-folding-mountain-bike-ec027630)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Andrij on 01 June, 2011, 10:51:01 am
The second bike had a top tube but no down tube.  ???

Any ideas?

Some kind of folder, like a Swissbike? (http://www.evanscycles.com/products/montague/swissbike-paratrooper-2011-folding-mountain-bike-ec027630)

Don't think it was a folder.  What tubes there were seem to be of normal size.  One other thing which was different (IIRC) was that the seat stays ended at the top tube, a short distance in front of the seat tube.
 
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 01 June, 2011, 10:53:57 am
Well, that might suggest it was a GT, but I couldn't tell you what it was ???
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 01 June, 2011, 11:05:19 am


The second bike had a top tube but no down tube.  ???


Biomega biomega (http://www.biomega.dk/biomega.aspx) or Klein Mantra Klein bikes Adroit, Attitude, pre-trek! (http://www.oldklein.com/kleinit/MantraAndre.htm) perhaps?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 01 June, 2011, 11:27:19 am
Oh my life, I had done well to forget that Klein!  Poor thing - even a mother would have struggled to love something that ugly.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 01 June, 2011, 11:35:27 am
I don't find the Klein to be that ugly but tastes differ.  Another bike without a downtube is Slingshot Slingshot Bikes | Sling Power Technology (http://www.slingshotbikes.com/technology-slingpower.php)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 01 June, 2011, 11:40:20 am
There's the Paris Galibier (http://www.classiclightweights.co.uk/paris2.html), of course.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 01 June, 2011, 11:45:27 am
There's the Paris Galibier (http://www.classiclightweights.co.uk/paris2.html), of course.

The Galibier still had a down tube though, just shifted up a little to become a 'torque tube'.  They tended to break the seat tube below the torque tube.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 01 June, 2011, 11:48:07 am
True, but I was thinking that the top tube might not have been visible, and Andrij's comments that the tubes were 'normal sized'.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 01 June, 2011, 11:56:52 am
I've given up trying to understand what people call 'normal' now.  There is just too wide a range (for just about every item you can think of).

A Montague still sounds the closest to the description, possibly something like this Montague's New Boston is a Single Speed, Full Size Folding Bike : TreeHugger (http://www.treehugger.com/files/2009/10/montagues-new-boston-single-speed-full-size-folding-bike.php)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Andrij on 01 June, 2011, 12:32:45 pm
The bike without the down tube could have been a Slingshot.  I could very easily have missed the cable as I only saw the bike for a second.

As for defining 'normal', the tubes appeared to be round, not overly oval or with a box-like cross section.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: RJ on 01 June, 2011, 12:37:16 pm
A Nihola Cigar Family (http://www.nihola.com/products/family.html) outside the library on Monday.  Sporting slightly worn London Recumbants (http://www.londonrecumbents.com/index.php?id=434) decals.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: DrMekon on 01 June, 2011, 12:43:29 pm
Saw a 26" rear wheels ICE Sprint flying towards me last night. The guy on it was really going for it - whenever I've seen a recumbent trike before, they've been going quite sedately. This chap was hooning along. Looked like brilliant fun.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 07 June, 2011, 11:12:45 am
I saw a young lad on a silver Jack Hearne bike on the commute today.  It looked like a classic lightweight, though not top of the range, and having fairly standard lettering for the name.  I thought it might be a shop-badged bike from a mass manufacturer, but it seems that Hearnes did produce their own bikes.

Jack Hearne (http://www.classicrendezvous.com/British_isles/Hearne_Jack/Hearnes_biography.htm)

I've also seen the black Ephgrave I previously mentioned, but I was wrong about the rider.  It's a young lad with close-cropped hair and jeans down past his arse.  Not the sort of person you would normally expect on a classic bike, but I have to say that Our Kid looks rather similar, so it's best not to jump to conclusions.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wobbly John on 10 June, 2011, 09:45:19 pm
Outside the Cathedral this afternoon, a bright, zingy YELLOW  Thorn tandem, with Rohloff hub and S&S couplings. Looked as if it was set up for identically small captain & stoker.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Bledlow on 11 June, 2011, 03:41:40 pm
Only unusual because I've not seen one before.

I have evidence that Spa Cycles has sold at least one of its own brand titanium frames. I saw a tall bloke (bearded & bespectacled IIRC, but I was mostly looking at the bike) riding one through Cemetery Junction the day before yesterday, about 5.15 pm. I think it was the audax bike. Unfortunately, the lights were green, & he zoomed through, so I didn't get a chance to ask him how he liked it.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Blodwyn Pig on 12 June, 2011, 09:50:18 am
saw this in Itally in '05 whilst on hols in VW camper.
(http://i884.photobucket.com/albums/ac41/yostumpy/DSC00801.jpg)
(http://i884.photobucket.com/albums/ac41/yostumpy/DSC00800.jpg)
(http://i884.photobucket.com/albums/ac41/yostumpy/DSC00799.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Adrian on 12 June, 2011, 09:58:15 am
saw this in Itally in '05 whilst on hols in VW camper.
(http://i884.photobucket.com/albums/ac41/yostumpy/DSC00801.jpg)
(http://i884.photobucket.com/albums/ac41/yostumpy/DSC00800.jpg)
(http://i884.photobucket.com/albums/ac41/yostumpy/DSC00799.jpg)

Did you not turn it around to photograph the other side?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 12 June, 2011, 10:16:40 am
That is a bizarre bike.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Blodwyn Pig on 12 June, 2011, 10:19:44 am
No I didn't turn it round, as it was chained up, but there is a makers name on the downtube, looked a 'proper job' ., hope it wasn't FIAT as it would have rusted away by now ::-)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Blodwyn Pig on 12 June, 2011, 10:28:50 am
Just enlarged the photo and the maker is 'SEMPION' and the model is PEGASUS. ( i think), ah wait a minute!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(http://i884.photobucket.com/albums/ac41/yostumpy/159_1.jpg)
(http://i884.photobucket.com/albums/ac41/yostumpy/160_1.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: TimO on 12 June, 2011, 10:56:47 am
It's quite clever in terms of making a relatively short Tandem, although given the frame construction, the stoker would probably be limited to a relatively light weight.

It looks like there is a timing chain on the left side, so that must make for an "interesting" rear hub.  It must have some sort of concentric axle system, and to have enough strength to pass the pedal force through the hub, the "real" axle must be substantially bigger than normal, which possibly limits the size of the smallest sprocket (not that I think this bike would need small sprockets for speed), but would also probably require non-standard, much larger dropouts.

Still, an interesting idea, definitely with some value.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: itsbruce on 12 June, 2011, 01:09:05 pm
I like the look of it very much.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 13 June, 2011, 09:05:09 am
Yesterday, at the SDR, there was a Woodrup (I was riding it), a multi-coloured Jack Taylor, two Colnagos, two Mercians, the Les Rigden and TJ Quick I usually see, a Graham Weigh, a Cougar, and many many others. 
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 13 June, 2011, 02:57:17 pm
What's SDR? I can only think of Six Day Races.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 13 June, 2011, 03:32:01 pm
South Downs Randonnee.  I've posted about it in Audax & Cyclosportive (Toe in the Water) and 'Have you been out today' thread.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 13 June, 2011, 03:51:00 pm
Thanks. <Heads for the threads>
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: AndyK on 14 June, 2011, 10:09:51 pm
Saw a GoCycle today. First I've seen.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wobbly John on 14 June, 2011, 11:16:32 pm
Saw a GoCycle today. First I've seen.

Apparently they are currently out of production while problems with the design are sorted.

The local factory what makes them has a whole section mothballed.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wowbagger on 15 June, 2011, 10:26:14 pm
Off topic possibly, but I overtook a very impressive looking Swiss-registered Honda Goldwing this morning, complete with matching side car and trailer, all in a rather attractive metallic purple.

Rather like this:
(http://www.gogocycles.com/images/1990-honda-goldwing-motorcycle-sidecar-and-trailer-for-sale-21333431.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wobbly John on 16 June, 2011, 10:20:13 am
motorbikes...

Off this topic, perhaps - but on this topic (http://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=17979.0)   ;)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: itsbruce on 20 June, 2011, 12:49:54 am
Saw this Schwinn cruiser on Coldharbour Lane on Sunday:

(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2735/5849703887_79c6717877_z.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/itsbruce/5849703887/)

(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2713/5850298158_aa5b693c57_z.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/itsbruce/5850298158/)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Adrian on 20 June, 2011, 08:07:23 am
A bicycle with a sidecar platform being ridden down to Brighton yesterday. The passenger standing next to the rider like Queen Boudicca.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 20 June, 2011, 09:14:12 am
Didn't see that one, but there was a wide selection of interesting bikes heading south from London yesterday.

I saw a Giant semi-recumbent, and commented to Butterfly that that was the first 'bent I had seen.  At that moment, a Streetmachine went by...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: alexb on 20 June, 2011, 10:13:46 am
Saw this Schwinn cruiser on Coldharbour Lane on Sunday:

(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2735/5849703887_79c6717877_z.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/itsbruce/5849703887/)

(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2713/5850298158_aa5b693c57_z.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/itsbruce/5850298158/)

I see him most mornings coming across Tooting Bec, quite a cool looking bike. Young kid, maybe 15-16.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Adrian on 20 June, 2011, 10:53:20 am
I want that for a FNRttC Brighton edition
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: cycleman on 20 June, 2011, 08:18:20 pm
looks like it has a heiznsman electric motor on the front wheel
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Doosh on 20 June, 2011, 09:07:28 pm
It's certainly a tad over tyred at the rear  :facepalm:
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 21 June, 2011, 07:00:12 pm
Yellow Shorter lo-pro with tt bars and disc wheels at Wandsworth gyratory heading west.  A3?

Edit: I really didn't envy him his discs in the wind.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wendy on 21 June, 2011, 11:56:54 pm
A rather nice Bob Jackson fixed on the A202 queens road this evening.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: alexb on 24 June, 2011, 10:05:27 am
So, who's wine red penny was that leaning up against the lamp-post by the Pince Albert last night?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Zipperhead on 24 June, 2011, 04:01:31 pm
So, who's wine red penny was that leaning up against the lamp-post by the Pince Albert last night?

I've seen that one a few times around Battersea. I don't recognise the rider, it's nice though.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: PaulF on 24 June, 2011, 06:35:41 pm
There's a Kona Ute parked outside my hotel in Toronto most days with homemade wooden tandem kids' seat and leather double saddle bags. Had a nice chat with it's owner one morning
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: AndyK on 25 June, 2011, 04:50:02 pm
Saw a nice Bike Friday with drops, and all panniered up today.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: RJ on 28 June, 2011, 09:54:28 pm
A 1953* (I asked) Flying Scot getting off the train at Perth

* - well, the frame anyway  ;)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: RJ on 30 June, 2011, 08:30:15 pm
Oh yes - a Pedersen at the farmers' market last Saturday ...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Steve Kish on 30 June, 2011, 08:55:03 pm
Off-road with GO50 on Tuesday, we met a MTB unicyclist at the Leith Hill tower, just by Personal Hygiene bomb-hole.

Phat 29er wheel with a Magura hydraulic rim brake with the lever under his saddle.  Big lad (6ft 6ins+) with German/Dutch accent who was pleased to allow one of the girls to sit on it to have her photo taken.   Mind you, she is mad that 'un!

No pix. I'm afraid. :-\
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 30 June, 2011, 10:21:52 pm
A 1950 Thanet fixed with curious front brake a bit like cantis but not quite, a 1920's roadster of forgotten make adapted for use by a geologist, a tiny blue and white kid's bike (ridden by a 2 yo. without stabilisers) from 1945, and an 1892 penny.

However, this is slightly cheating as they were all in a museum.  :D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: PaulF on 30 June, 2011, 10:31:20 pm
Been in Belgium today so it's like shooting fish in a barrel. Lots of everyday bike just being ridden.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: corshamjim on 30 June, 2011, 10:38:26 pm
A bike like a trandem, but with four not three riders on the telly this evening in a news item about population increasing.

Cudzoziemiec, was that museum the new one in Bristol by any chance?  I must pay it a visit some time.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: RW on 30 June, 2011, 10:46:16 pm
An immaculate Moulton Mk3 racing down Vauxhall Bridge Road last night.  I didn't get to see much detail he was going so fast.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 30 June, 2011, 10:54:43 pm
Ah.  I saw a woman on a beautiful blue Moulton F frame in IIRC Clapham last week.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 30 June, 2011, 11:20:50 pm
A bike like a trandem, but with four not three riders on the telly this evening in a news item about population increasing.

Cudzoziemiec, was that museum the new one in Bristol by any chance?  I must pay it a visit some time.
Yes, M-Shed, down on the floating harbour. It's very interesting, all of it. The bikes are on the ground floor. The Thanet was certainly made in Bristol, I'm not sure about the others.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: corshamjim on 01 July, 2011, 07:41:54 am
Thanks - I'll see if I can take my Mum & Dad there some time.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 01 July, 2011, 07:44:46 pm
A nice pale blue and white early '80s Harry Quinn. Rider had taken it over from his dad, which is nice. It had originally had a triple but when the front mech gave up the ghost, it proved impossible to find a non-indexed triple mech, so he converted it to singlespeed. This he told me after the following mishearing;
"Is it 531?"
"No, it's singlespeed."

 ;D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: CyclistsAnonymous on 05 July, 2011, 06:32:43 pm
sitting outside having a coffee at Luca's in Musselburgh the other day and a fella went flying by on a PennyFarthing of all things. Pimped out in a nice purpley/blue paint job too.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: AndyK on 06 July, 2011, 06:24:51 pm
That's a Foska jersey. Is that your auction then?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: interzen on 06 July, 2011, 06:27:32 pm
That's a Foska jersey. Is that your auction then?
Since the same message is appearing in practically every thread, perhaps it should be a 'Spam' jersey instead ...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 07 July, 2011, 10:38:56 pm
Lynskey in Clapham.  Parking up at the supermarket as I passed, so didn't get a good look, but it didn't look awfully recent, though it was classy.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: PaulF on 08 July, 2011, 12:12:45 pm
There's a Kona Ute parked outside my hotel in Toronto most days with homemade wooden tandem kids' seat and leather double saddle bags. Had a nice chat with it's owner one morning

Managed to get a photo on Monday:

(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6005/5914728217_44e178a416_z.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/paul_fulford/5914728217/)
photo.JPG (http://www.flickr.com/photos/paul_fulford/5914728217/) by paulfulford (http://www.flickr.com/people/paul_fulford/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 08 July, 2011, 03:14:36 pm
What the bloody hell is that awful noise?

It's a bike.  With a trailer.  The bike is a cheapo full-susser repainted by airbrush to read 92nd(?) Sutherland Regiment, with a patch of tartan on it.

The trailer was a mobile sound system with adapted in car speakers screwed to it, and massively overdriven.  Square waves all over the shop.  And the CD was skipping dreadfully.  The trailer had various images painted on it, and had two driving lights attached to the top facing rearwards.

Beatrix has nothing to fear from this device.  And the owner's taste in music is nowhere near as good as our Valiant's ;D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: TimO on 09 July, 2011, 03:53:54 pm
... And the CD was skipping dreadfully. ...

It would be a bad idea to have the CD in a bicycle trailer, mine tends to bounce quite a bit, depending on heavily loaded it is, and I'd hate to think what effect that would have on a player.  It would be much more sensible to carry it on your person (your body is pretty good at suspending things in a non-rattly non bouncy-way), or these days replace it with a cheap, and solid state, MP3 player!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wendy on 09 July, 2011, 06:51:30 pm
A nice green Foffa a week or two ago, surprisingly enough it was ridden by someone who knew me and had ridden back from the L2B a few years ago.

An orange Azub recumbent along Camberwell New Road today.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: AndyK on 09 July, 2011, 07:25:15 pm
  And the CD was skipping dreadfully. 

In a world of MP3 players, why would anyone still be using CDs in a mobile setting?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 09 July, 2011, 09:43:14 pm
Why would anyone be using crappy car speakers & pushing them too hard?  Why would they leave it blasting out the music outside while they went inside for fifteen minutes?  And why don't they have better taste in music?

The answer to some mysteries will never be revealed.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Biggsy on 09 July, 2011, 10:00:12 pm
Be fair.  Not quite everyone has a computer and knows how to get MP3s.  Even CDs are a bit too new-fangled for some.

(http://www.saltedmackerel.cc/images/tweedrun/gramophone.jpg)

From SALTED MACKEREL - Part 5 (http://www.saltedmackerel.cc/page/5/)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: graculus on 10 July, 2011, 03:49:51 pm
A week ago yesterday on the A487 a mile or so east of Maentwrog (on our way to Lleyn Peninsula for week's walking):

1st thought: Bike ahead
2nd thought: It's wobbling about the vertical axis strangely
3rd thought: He's a bit high up
4th thought: He's on a 36" wheel unicycle!!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Bledlow on 10 July, 2011, 08:08:46 pm
 And the CD was skipping dreadfully.  

In a world of MP3 players, why would anyone still be using CDs in a mobile setting?
To save money & effort & get better sound quality? Not in this particular case, but consider me & Mrs B: our car came with a CD player. It works. We have lots of CDs.


Back to the topic: a decent-looking & appropriately spotless MTB, black with a red & white badge incorporating the Swiss flag, of a brand I'd never heard of, & apparently sold by a shop in Luzern. Locked up outside Thornton's (for the moment - not shut yet) in Reading.

I'd never seen a Swiss MTB before.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 10 July, 2011, 09:03:37 pm
I saw an ATBish bike in Brighton, but it didn't look quite right.

On closer inspection, I saw that the frame was an Allin - a lightweight made in Croydon.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Valiant on 12 July, 2011, 06:05:01 am
Beatrix has nothing to fear from this device.  And the owner's taste in music is nowhere near as good as our Valiant's ;D

Beatrix doesn't have much to fear from anyone :smug: Need to stop consulting with people on their mobile rigs and get a move on with mine.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 13 July, 2011, 10:51:33 am
Last night, by the former Ram Brewery in Wandsworth, I saw a more mature chap on a red Pinarello fixed.  Nice looking machine.

He was interested in my 'One Less Car' sticker.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 13 July, 2011, 03:20:38 pm
Sadly boab is no longer of this parish, so the entertainment value may be lost, but:

While negotiating the lifts at Mordor Central at the weekend, another cyclist wheeled his not-entirely-dissimilar-looking bike in.  Well-travelled rigid mountain bike (I couldn't see a name), semi-slick road tyres, butterfly bars, front and rear Ortlieb-alike panniers.  As he turned round I noticed he had a small rucksack ...with a German flag sewn onto it.   :facepalm:
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: CrinklyLion on 13 July, 2011, 05:36:27 pm
*sniggers at Kim*

Yesterday, on my way to the station for the Pubbe run, a very cheerful chap on a Bakfiets with two cute childdlers in it.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 14 July, 2011, 11:02:35 am
Last night, by the former Ram Brewery in Wandsworth, I saw a more mature chap on a red Pinarello fixed.  Nice looking machine.

He was interested in my 'One Less Car' sticker.

Shouldn't that be "One Fewer Car ;D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 14 July, 2011, 11:07:31 am
Well, yes, I did mention that it didn't reach my normal grammatical standards, and he giggled.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Biggsy on 14 July, 2011, 11:23:20 am
I'm proud to have a "One Less Car" sticker as well.  "One Fewer" sounds wrong, therefore it is wrong :P

Two fewer cars.  One less car.  Special case for one.  Because I say so.   :thumbsup: :smug: :D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 14 July, 2011, 11:28:37 am
I have it because, in my case, it is true.  Although it took me six months to sell the car after buying that bike, it did happen. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Adrian on 14 July, 2011, 08:28:20 pm
Last night, by the former Ram Brewery in Wandsworth, I saw a more mature chap on a red Pinarello fixed.  Nice looking machine.

He was interested in my 'One Less Car' sticker.

Shouldn't that be "One Fewer Car ;D

One car fewer.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: itsbruce on 14 July, 2011, 09:19:40 pm
Nah, one car less.  The big gorilla is both grammatically and aesthetically correct.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Adrian on 14 July, 2011, 09:54:22 pm
Nah, one car less.  The big gorilla is both grammatically and aesthetically correct.

It is fewer for items that can be counted and less for things that are not. Having said that, I'm not going to argue with the gorilla on the aesthetics.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Biggsy on 14 July, 2011, 10:29:49 pm
I'm not a gorilla, I'm a crested black macaque monkey, and there's no such thing as correct grammer or spelling in the monkey world.  :P  ;)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 15 July, 2011, 11:35:31 am
I'm not a gorilla, I'm a crested black macaque monkey, and there's no such thing as correct grammer or spelling in the monkey world.  :P  ;)

Written any plays lately ;D

Is DynaTech as a Raleigh sub-brand still in existence?  There was one outside the Pubbe last night.  The lugged aluminium frame looked a bit old-skool but on the other hand it has ten-speed Campag gearing.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: spesh on 15 July, 2011, 11:57:43 am
I'm not a gorilla, I'm a crested black macaque monkey, and there's no such thing as correct grammer or spelling in the monkey world.  :P  ;)

Written any plays lately ;D

Is DynaTech as a Raleigh sub-brand still in existence?  There was one outside the Pubbe last night.  The lugged aluminium frame looked a bit old-skool but on the other hand it has ten-speed Campag gearing.

I don't think the DynaTech sub-brand made it beyond the 1990s. The Special Products Division (http://www.raleigh-group.com/Brands/RSP.aspx) is still in existence, but it concentrates on accessories these days.

'Tis a pity, because the lugged ti bikes with the funky anodised main tubes looked the business back in the early 90s.

Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 18 July, 2011, 02:04:07 pm
(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6003/5950512926_f053d21c51.jpg)

We saw this Fahrrad Manufaktur in the lifts at Bristol Temple Meads. The owner said the unusual frame design was "all about stability". Then we saw it on the back of this car two streets from home!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Regulator on 19 July, 2011, 10:39:33 am
Someone commuting on a Pedersen this morning...  :thumbsup:

I *so* want one - but Mr R won't let me....  :'(
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Riggers on 19 July, 2011, 10:41:37 am
I've wanted a Pedersen before you matey! Get in line!! I can't afford one though.  :'(
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wendy on 19 July, 2011, 10:50:46 am
Someone commuting on a Pedersen this morning...  :thumbsup:

I *so* want one - but Mr R won't let me....  :'(

They are quite cool, aren't they?  I wouldn't mind one myself.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 19 July, 2011, 10:52:49 am
I wouldn't want one in a headwind.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 19 July, 2011, 10:55:30 am
Not all Pedersens require sit up and beg positions. A friend has done 350-ish miles in a 24 hr TT on a modern Pedersen a decade or so ago.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 19 July, 2011, 11:01:06 am
Impressive.  That definitely wasn't sedate!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Adrian on 19 July, 2011, 10:40:16 pm
Someone commuting on a Pedersen this morning...  :thumbsup:

I *so* want one - but Mr R won't let me....  :'(

That is a shame because it would suit you. Perhaps if you were to sell a couple of other bikes?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Regulator on 20 July, 2011, 08:32:14 am
Someone commuting on a Pedersen this morning...  :thumbsup:

I *so* want one - but Mr R won't let me....  :'(

That is a shame because it would suit you. Perhaps if you were to sell a couple of other bikes?

Don't you start...  ::-)


 ;D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Andrij on 20 July, 2011, 08:40:33 am
Someone commuting on a Pedersen this morning...  :thumbsup:

I *so* want one - but Mr R won't let me....  :'(

That is a shame because it would suit you. Perhaps if you were to sell a couple of other bikes quit smoking?

FTFY  :demon:
 
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 20 July, 2011, 08:41:02 am
Here's an idea you may not have tried.  If you give up the fags, Mr R would be sure to let you buy a new bike... ;)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Adrian on 20 July, 2011, 08:45:55 am
Here's an idea you may not have tried.  If you give up the fags, Mr R would be sure to let you buy a new bike... ;)

He won't get fooled by that one again surely
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 20 July, 2011, 10:23:43 am
Not all Pedersens require sit up and beg positions. A friend has done 350-ish miles in a 24 hr TT on a modern Pedersen a decade or so ago.

I remember seeing one with cow-horns and tri-bars in Denmark a few years ago.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wendy on 20 July, 2011, 11:04:38 am
Must have looked like a racing camel!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 21 July, 2011, 10:31:03 pm
I saw a woman pedalling a tricyclical bucket full of (quite big) children along New Kent Road this morning.  I commented that it was a cool school run.  I didn't say anything about the fact that I'd be terrified riding that slowly along that road.  Good on her, i say.

This afternoon, I saw a chap setting off from near Apex Cycles in Clapham on a bakfiets.  He did a bit better once he'd got the kickstand out the way ;D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: cycleman on 22 July, 2011, 10:08:35 am
she cannot have slower than me :o. i do not use the old kent road though  :)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Andrij on 22 July, 2011, 06:16:23 pm
Today I saw a Mingle folding bike, possibly a TK027 (http://www.gdmingle.com/en/displayproduct.html?proID=100541307).  It was the rear suspension that caught my eye.  I was also surprised by the black & white cable outers, though those may not have been original.
 
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wendy on 23 July, 2011, 09:01:31 pm
Today I saw a Greenspeed tandem trike, ridden (driven?) by teamonster of our parish.  Lovely machine!
...and a bakfiets, but with a wicker basket.
Then Trevor Innes on his personal Innesenti trike at HPC.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: DrMekon on 23 July, 2011, 09:07:26 pm
Saw a Linear recumbent in the bike park under John Lewis. Girl on it was chatting to an old guy on a flat barred galaxy about Kevin from Dtek. What with the girl asking about our cargo trike who said she had a Defietsfabriek, and the presence of a Winther Kangaroo in the corner, it was a mini freak bike convention.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wendy on 23 July, 2011, 10:20:45 pm
Today I saw a Greenspeed tandem trike, ridden (driven?) by teamonster of our parish.  Lovely machine!
...and a bakfiets, but with a wicker basket.
Then Trevor Innes on his personal Innesenti trike at HPC.

http://youtu.be/FlOQ3D0FsQs
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: teamonster on 23 July, 2011, 11:44:06 pm
The Trike pictured with London's finest on a previous outing in town.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ptOk6yYYEVw/TfPObTtFygI/AAAAAAAAA4s/soBhnkVN-mo/s1600/DSCN4249.JPG

It's great fun to ride, though not as nippy as Wendy's or Trevor's steeds I suspect !
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Bledlow on 24 July, 2011, 12:24:14 am
  And the CD was skipping dreadfully. 

In a world of MP3 players, why would anyone still be using CDs in a mobile setting?
To save money & effort & get better sound quality? Not in this particular case, but consider me & Mrs B: our car came with a CD player. It works. We have lots of CDs.


Back to the topic: a decent-looking & appropriately spotless MTB, black with a red & white badge incorporating the Swiss flag, of a brand I'd never heard of, & apparently sold by a shop in Luzern. Locked up outside Thornton's (for the moment - not shut yet) in Reading.

I'd never seen a Swiss MTB before.
Especially not one which has the same name as a US brand - IBEX.
The Swiss one - http://www.myibex.ch/ (http://www.myibex.ch/)

Seen again, same place.

Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 26 July, 2011, 09:40:30 am
Couple of days running I've seen a guy on a Buckley-Saxon fixed.  Never heard of them, but turns out it was a bike shop in Castle Hedingham, Essex.  The frame doesn't seem anything particularly special, but is a decently-made club rider's bike.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Zipperhead on 26 July, 2011, 01:54:44 pm
Couple of days running I've seen a guy on a Buckley-Saxon fixed.  Never heard of them, but turns out it was a bike shop in Castle Hedingham, Essex.  The frame doesn't seem anything particularly special, but is a decently-made club rider's bike.

I've seen him as well (it's unlikely that there's more than one of them in London)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 26 July, 2011, 02:23:45 pm
The other day on College Green, a Go Cycle. (http://store.gocycle.com/default.asp) It's actually an electric bike so probably doesn't really belong in here, though it was in pedalling mode when I saw it.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 26 July, 2011, 02:28:31 pm
Couple of days running I've seen a guy on a Buckley-Saxon fixed.  Never heard of them, but turns out it was a bike shop in Castle Hedingham, Essex.  The frame doesn't seem anything particularly special, but is a decently-made club rider's bike.

I've seen him as well (it's unlikely that there's more than one of them in London)

He was wearing Quickerbybike shorts.  I imagine it is the same chap.  Reasonably fast.  Just not quite as fast as me ;)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: sg37409 on 26 July, 2011, 11:39:24 pm
Our neighbours in the campsite in the loire had this ! It had kiddie cranks bolted to the boom, and their 4yr old looked to be having a great time sitting there with his ice cream on the bike.

(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6001/5979575410_f921bc792c.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Andrij on 27 July, 2011, 12:38:29 pm
On the way to lunch yesterday a Bronx Metropole (http://www.bronxcycles.com/metropole.html) caught my eye.

We had lunch at a place on Old Street and I nabbed a seat by the window.  I was stunned by the number of bikes heading up and down the road the entire time we were there.  These weren't just couriers, there were also lots of 'regular' folk, some on BorisBikes, the rest on a wide range of steeds.  I even saw a family (?) of five on bikes fully laden with touring equipment.  As I said, stunned, but it all made me smile. :)
 
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: itsbruce on 27 July, 2011, 02:04:40 pm
The presence of Look Mum No Hands will skew that a bit, but there is a large amount of cycle traffic along there.  Proximity of UCL will be a factor.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Hilldodger on 30 July, 2011, 10:03:21 am
A very rare Cleland http://www.james-walters.net/cleland/geoff-apps.html (http://www.james-walters.net/cleland/geoff-apps.html) on the Leicester Critical Mass ride last night :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: GruB on 30 July, 2011, 11:48:10 am
I touched Mark Beaumont's ride around the world bike yesterday  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 30 July, 2011, 01:29:52 pm
A very rare Cleland http://www.james-walters.net/cleland/geoff-apps.html (http://www.james-walters.net/cleland/geoff-apps.html) on the Leicester Critical Mass ride last night :thumbsup:
Off-roaders designed with mudguards as standard - very British! (or should that be simply, appropriate to a rainy climate?)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 31 July, 2011, 08:40:59 pm
Cleland?  Proper English Off-Road.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 01 August, 2011, 12:18:55 pm
On Blackfriars Bridge, there was an interesting collection, including:

Bamboo bike, several Bob Jacksons, Robin Mather, Claud Butler, Geoffrey Butler...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 05 August, 2011, 11:16:34 am
Last night, in Newington, I saw a Reef carbon fibre road bike.  Very odd looking beast, with beefy chainstays but no seatstays.  Bright yellow.  Reasonably fast, but not especially so.  it had been converted to singlespeed.

Rather like this frame (wheels were more conventional, and, as I say, it was ss):

http://www.epxbikes.com/Portals/2/activeforums_Attach/small3.jpg
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Andrij on 05 August, 2011, 01:47:23 pm
A good bet it's the same bike I spotted, as mentioned up thread (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=1865.msg762945#msg762945).
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 05 August, 2011, 01:51:32 pm
Ah!  I knew someone had seen it previously, but I'd thought it was itsbruce.  It's the cap ;D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: RW on 12 August, 2011, 07:06:32 pm
Yesterday mornig saw a very nice white moulton series 1 or 2 F frame, restored with modern components.
In the evening I saw a bike friday triplet parked on the south bank.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 13 August, 2011, 09:22:18 am
Fred Baker fixed  parked in Drummond Street last night.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 13 August, 2011, 07:44:59 pm
Yay for Fred Baker's, the best bike shop in Bristol (well, Gloucester Rd at least!)  :)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: iddu on 14 August, 2011, 09:39:21 pm
(http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r200/iddu/20110814%20-%202012%20RR%20trial/CIMG4967.jpg)
Real racer's workout kit  :)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Zipperhead on 18 August, 2011, 01:49:48 pm
Going along the Embankment this morning I overtook someone riding a Bickerton.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 18 August, 2011, 05:56:27 pm
Harry Hall in Northallerton
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: RJ on 18 August, 2011, 08:41:27 pm
An Orbit tandem, with an odd-looking (mixte?) rear half, a bit like the picture here (http://www.pedalroom.com/bike/orbit-tandem-928), but in black.  Roseburn park by Murrayfield stadium, lunchtime today.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: TimO on 19 August, 2011, 11:48:18 am
(http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/KonaUte_SouthKen_480.jpg) (http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/KonaUte_SouthKen.jpg)

A Kona Ute, locked up to a signpost in South Kensington, for the last couple of mornings.  It appears to have had the headset angle changed rather dramatically, possibly related to the suspension forks which are now fitted.

The luggage is also quite heavy duty, they could be standard for an Ute, but a quick Google doesn't turn up anything similar.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: why1040 on 19 August, 2011, 07:33:19 pm
Those look like normal Samsonite style suitcases!  You can even see where the wheels are/used to be!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: corshamjim on 21 August, 2011, 04:14:29 pm
I saw a Pashley tricycle (Tri 1 I think) at the New Forest Rattler today (not taking part I hasten to add).  It had a really useful looking ply box on the back.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 21 August, 2011, 04:46:30 pm
Saw a guy on an upright trike in the vicinity of Ashby-de-la-Zouch yesterday.  I was making the most of a descent, so didn't get a good look at it, but it had a step-through frame and a Giant logo, so possibly a conversion.  I said a cheery and ever so slightly ironic "Hello, you don't see many of those about." as I went past, but merely got a look of confusion from the rider, from which I conclude a pootling local with balance issues rather than a serious cyclist with an affinity for weird machines.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: dullcommuter on 21 August, 2011, 04:48:35 pm
Maybe bad form to post things spotted in one's own back garden but now a cracked frame has taken it permanently out of service this is by way of obituary...
(http://www.jon.demon.co.uk/images/20101205_1452.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: geraldc on 22 August, 2011, 10:26:20 pm
Only wish I'd hung around to see how it was ridden.

(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6196/6071079136_12d2332b59.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77272293@N00/6071079136/)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: interzen on 22 August, 2011, 10:34:46 pm
Saw an interesting one on the way home this evening - a bike, with a wheelchair attached in a motorbike+sidecar type arrangement - looked to be propelled by the rider alone.

Never seen anything quite like it, and since the wheelchair was to the side of the main frame rather than in front of it, I think we can definitely rule out a Hase Pino or similar. From what little I could make out, the wheelchair appeared to be attached at least semi-permanently to the frame of the bike (I could see frame tubes heading in a wheelchair-ward direction) - the connection between the two must have been fairly secure as they were going at a fair lick. Didn't recognise either the rider (male) or the 'passenger' (female) either. Seemed like rather a sociable arrangement to me :)

Anyone in York know anything about this rather unusual machine? (FWIW, it was heading down Sim Balk Lane towards Bishopthorpe - the frame of the bike was either dark red or maroon. No pix, as I was heading in the opposite direction at 15mph ;) )

Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 22 August, 2011, 11:12:45 pm
If the rider had a close-cropped white beard/moustache, then I know them very well indeed.

Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: interzen on 22 August, 2011, 11:18:09 pm
If the rider had a close-cropped white beard/moustache, then I know them very well indeed.
Didn't notice, to be honest - was too busy trying to keep pedalling whilst doing a double take :)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 23 August, 2011, 10:22:14 am
I must have photos of them somewhere, will try to dig them out.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: TimO on 23 August, 2011, 01:23:51 pm
Saw an interesting one on the way home this evening - a bike, with a wheelchair attached in a motorbike+sidecar type arrangement - looked to be propelled by the rider alone. ...

This (http://mobile.yorkadvertiser.co.uk/news/9096689.Side_by_side_on_a_bicycle_made_for_two/) one ?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: interzen on 23 August, 2011, 01:42:14 pm
Saw an interesting one on the way home this evening - a bike, with a wheelchair attached in a motorbike+sidecar type arrangement - looked to be propelled by the rider alone. ...

This (http://mobile.yorkadvertiser.co.uk/news/9096689.Side_by_side_on_a_bicycle_made_for_two/) one ?
That's the one.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 23 August, 2011, 01:48:29 pm
Those are the people I know.

I'm surprised at your 'moving at quite a lick' comment; Paul was originally struggling a bit on the bike. He has hardly done any cycling in his life. Being the 'motor' on the rig means he's pedalling double adult weight.

Belinda has tried a hand-cycle attachment on her wheelchair, but found it didn't work for her. She's also had a go with a handcycle with the same result.  Her spinal damage is very high up, so she has no abdominal or back strength.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: interzen on 23 August, 2011, 01:54:39 pm
Those are the people I know.

I'm surprised at your 'moving at quite a lick' comment; Paul was originally struggling a bit on the bike. He has hardly done any cycling in his life. Being the 'motor' on the rig means he's pedalling double adult weight.
They were going downhill - or about as downhill as it gets round here (I passed them roughly halfway between the bridge over the A64 and the side entrance to the college near the traffic lights). Initially I was more impressed with how stable it seemed, but that was before I saw how the wheelchair was attached to the rest of the bike.

Even by York standards, it was something a bit different even taking into account that I've seen a hand-cycle going through Bishopthorpe on a number of occasions.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 23 August, 2011, 01:58:22 pm
I'll send a message on facebook to them, telling them they had been spotted out on the outfit. They'll be chuffed.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: interzen on 23 August, 2011, 02:06:22 pm
I'll send a message on facebook to them, telling them they had been spotted out on the outfit. They'll be chuffed.
It was different enough to make me double-take and almost forget I was riding without gears, plus I like to see a good 'engineering solution' every now and again ;)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Deano on 28 August, 2011, 05:32:16 pm
Spotted returning from the bikecheck at PBP:

(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6086/6089016669_d83e9f1627_z.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/30024450@N04/6089016669/)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Andrij on 28 August, 2011, 08:07:25 pm
Spotted returning from the bikecheck at PBP:

(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6086/6089016669_d83e9f1627_z.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/30024450@N04/6089016669/)

DIY frame?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wobbly John on 28 August, 2011, 09:38:17 pm

DIY frame?
Lokks as if it could be. Very similar to the Hotta:
(http://johncobbresearch.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/may-22-hotta-wind-tunnel.jpg) (as sold by ASDA)   ;D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 29 August, 2011, 12:01:23 am
A lot of trail on those forks.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: philip on 29 August, 2011, 11:56:54 am
DIY frame?
No, it's a Corima Fox.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: itsbruce on 29 August, 2011, 04:29:47 pm
Saw a Beixo shaft-driven folding bike on the South Bank, yesterday:

(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6199/6092522966_45db68a63b_z.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/itsbruce/6092522966/)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: interzen on 29 August, 2011, 05:06:25 pm
Saw the "Bishopthorpe hand cyclist" when I was walking down to the garage on Friday - don't know who he is, but I've seen him a few times and he's always been giving it some seriously welly. Chapeau, that man!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 05 September, 2011, 11:14:38 pm
A Pashley Picador trike at a new used-bike shop between Bristol's Create centre and the end of the Choccy path. Shopkeeper's own, not for sale. I liked the way it has a hub gearcan which then uses an extra chain to drive the rear axle - looked like both wheels, but I'm not sure.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: cycleman on 06 September, 2011, 09:01:52 am
no they are one wheel drive , i have owned several in the past :)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: tiermat on 06 September, 2011, 09:05:37 am
Last week on the return from the pubbe, saw the mystery Romanby recumbent tricyclist.

On the Pedal For Pounds at the weekend I met a bloke from Barnsley CC on a LOVELY Raleigh ti, with the skinniest carbon forks I have ever seen, looked like two stilletos holding the front wheel in place.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Andrij on 11 September, 2011, 08:00:09 pm
I've got three from my trip down from Leyland and one from next to my gym (bike mentioned ages ago).

1) I complemented this gent on his Raleigh as he was getting a good look at my Hewitt.  He had come up from London to collect the bike - picked up off of ebay for his son to use at uni.  I suggested it was too nice to be relegated to a uni hack bike and should just get him a £50 BSO.
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-d2zdF490tpA/TmfNs9_7dMI/AAAAAAAABK4/dzVEWuj4nLw/s720/IMG_0081.JPG)

2) Saw this locked up at Crewe station
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-opP5nkhan9w/TmfNuT_e4mI/AAAAAAAABK8/Svgp3AuRnDM/s720/IMG_0086.JPG)

3) This next one is not unusual, but not the sort of things you often see on a train.  Last year the owner decided he wanted to do LeJoG so went out and bought a Mercian (as one does).
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-2rGJlSK-0co/TmfNv8UnTuI/AAAAAAAABLA/2w_sxNeyyF4/s720/IMG_0090.JPG)

4) I see this one fairly often at the gym near my office.  That top tube always catches my attention.
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-xfgoA6vBGO8/TmfNxdtVAnI/AAAAAAAABLE/9ka-I_0Tdqw/s720/IMG_0011.JPG)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 11 September, 2011, 08:56:22 pm
I saw a Cooper Aintree (ladies frame) at Balham yesterday.  I think they're pretty new out, so it's a rare spot.

Last week, I saw a couple of interesting bikes among the BSOs outside Kennington tube.  A Genesis Flyer (similar to my Ridgeback Solo), and a Harry Quinn.  Well, it said it was a Harry Quinn, on the downtube and seat tube, but the graphics looked odd.  It was that awful slightly curvy generic font that a lot of builders/badgers were using in the 80s.  But, while the seat tube one read vertically, which was OK, there were the same type of stickers on the downtube, putting the letters sideways, which caught my eye.  Also, there was a 531 sticker on the forks.  But it was a frame sticker.  No idea what was going on there.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: DrMekon on 12 September, 2011, 10:35:20 pm
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-OtFROL4ymmo/Tmo-bqhZG-I/AAAAAAAAA5Y/trd_aDYHUB0/s640/IMAG0375.jpg)

One of the research admins at work just got this. Never seen one in the flesh before. Looks expensive.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wobbly John on 14 September, 2011, 09:54:32 pm
Didn't get a photo, but I spotted a homebuilt Tour Easy recumbent  (http://www.easyracers.com/toureasy.html) clone in Ely. The frame looked well made, but the seat was a fabric covered, plywood & foam rubber monstrosity.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 18 September, 2011, 08:35:44 pm
A Pace MTB. Unusual square-section frame tubes, other than seat tube and head tube, but including the stays. Very shiny, polished aluminium I guess, though it was so shiny it could almost have been stainless steel!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Bledlow on 23 September, 2011, 06:02:08 pm
A bright red Challenge Wizard SWB recumbent locked up in Broad Street, Reading. The owner turned up while I was looking at it. He's tall, bespectacled & chatty.

Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Andrij on 23 September, 2011, 06:58:34 pm
The other day I saw a Dahon chained up outside East Ham Station.  It caught my eye because at first glance I thought it was a Moulton.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 23 September, 2011, 08:07:05 pm
I saw a Condor Heritage in Sutton today.  With a rather incongruous nurses' lock.  And a rack that, for some reason, sat very high above the rear wheel.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Hilldodger on 24 September, 2011, 06:01:11 pm
We've just had one of these early Dahon folders donated (http://www.icollector.com/images/1151/15240/15240_0264_1_lg.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wendy on 25 September, 2011, 07:53:19 pm
A bakfiets, a Nihola trike, and one of those fat small tyre-ed electric bikes today. 
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: corshamjim on 25 September, 2011, 08:40:33 pm
I'm not sure how unusual they are, but I saw a Charge Steamer for the first time last weekend.  Unfortunately it was on the back of a car on the M4 so I couldn't see how much the rider was enjoying it.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 26 September, 2011, 01:25:15 pm
We've just had one of these early Dahon folders donated (http://www.icollector.com/images/1151/15240/15240_0264_1_lg.jpg)

Lt. Col. Larrington has one of those, but badged as a Bickerton.  IIRC Bickertons started selling rebadged Dahons because they original chocolate Bickies were a tad fragile for the larger rider (Lt. Col. Larrington (retd.) broke four).
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: alexb on 26 September, 2011, 05:39:39 pm
A Pace MTB. Unusual square-section frame tubes, other than seat tube and head tube, but including the stays. Very shiny, polished aluminium I guess, though it was so shiny it could almost have been stainless steel!

I've got one of those in the loft. Although mine is in its original gun metal finish.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 26 September, 2011, 09:30:30 pm
If it's in the loft, I presume that means it's either not good enough that you want to ride it or it's so good you can't bear to part with it. Or quite likely both!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 29 September, 2011, 10:55:10 am
Outside Brixton station, there was a Miyata.  Not at all recent, by the look of it, and perhaps a bit shabby (deliberately?) but it looked nice to my eye.

Straight after that, I saw a chap on a chopper-style bike turning into Coldharbour Lane.  Massive wide rear tyre.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 29 September, 2011, 02:02:07 pm
That reminds me, I saw a Schwinn cruiser-style bike a couple of weekends ago. Green, curvy, fat top tube, broad, flat saddle with check cloth, and a built in cup holder!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 29 September, 2011, 02:05:15 pm
Ooh, yeah, on a train of thought, I spotted a Kona Ute locked up outside London Bridge station.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 29 September, 2011, 09:34:36 pm
And a lovely classic Orange going at a fair old clip near Kennington.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: AndyK on 30 September, 2011, 10:29:45 pm
Nice little folder:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/Minitar1/Dg/Unusual1.jpg)

Huge cruiser/chopper thing:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/Minitar1/Dg/unusual2.jpg)

and a GoCycle:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/Minitar1/Dg/Unusual3c.jpg)

Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 02 October, 2011, 09:10:42 pm
Yesterday, a frame made in 1963 by one Wilf Green for Dave Davey's shop somewhere in London. You wouldn't know it was so old as it's been resprayed at Argos (where its current owner works part-time, or used to) and has modern components - including some unusual homebrewed handlebars, drops with something akin to bar ends added sprouting backwards just before the bend - but it has lovely bat-wing lugs, which he described as "Gothic". Indeed they are.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Frere on 02 October, 2011, 09:16:14 pm
That owner injured his right thumb very badly, being a goalie in a football match, heavily bruised. Very blue and purple. He wasn't able to grip the tops of the brake levers so conjured that set up. And as for the frame, yes, the quality of the lugs, and the way the seat stays went round over the top tube = top work.

Frere
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 02 October, 2011, 09:21:51 pm
Yes, he told me about the injury and showed me his thumb. He also said he'd had the drop outs changed from horizontal to vertical because of the possibility of pulling the back wheel forwards when applying humoungous pressure on the pedals. I commented that there was no danger of that with my legs, he said not with his either but he just liked to worry about these things! "Gothic" was his description of the bat-shaped lugs, not the bars, btw. I'm not quite sure how you'd describe those other than ingenious!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wendy on 02 October, 2011, 09:40:33 pm
Saw Teamonster and stoker yesterday on the greenspeed tandem recumbent trike.  Always good to see them!!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wendy on 02 October, 2011, 09:41:08 pm
Oh, and I forgot, a chap in an FNRttC red star top at the Albert Memorial, didn't recognise them though.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 05 October, 2011, 11:00:55 am
Nice green Mercian with barbers pole in Wandsworth.  I was so disappointed when he freewheeled ;D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 07 October, 2011, 09:20:49 am
In Kennington the night before last (forgot to mention it before, sorry), there was a shiny Cannondale singlespeed with shiny Campag Delta brakes.

He didn't stop. ;D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 07 October, 2011, 11:28:09 am
In Kennington the night before last (forgot to mention it before, sorry), there was a shiny Cannondale singlespeed with shiny Campag Delta brakes.

He didn't stop. ;D

I wonder why...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Efrogwr on 07 October, 2011, 07:21:32 pm
A friend's son (who is a jeweller) has started building frames. His thirdone is a cracker. Curly seat stays and fillet brazed. However, he used a cast bottom bracket shell and silver soldered the tubes to it.
His next frame will be for his brother, who's a giant. Literally, about 2m.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 07 October, 2011, 10:14:40 pm
I saw a quite nice Lemond road bike with Dutch-style bars attached.  A most odd combination.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Speshact on 09 October, 2011, 10:34:53 pm
I saw a pedal powered pineapple on the A23 from Brixton today. A quick google and it turns out to be owned by someone I know!
http://www.bosi.webeden.co.uk/#/pedal-powered-pineapple/4531733934
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: corshamjim on 10 October, 2011, 07:41:30 am
I saw a pedal powered pineapple on the A23 from Brixton today. A quick google and it turns out to be owned by someone I know!
http://www.bosi.webeden.co.uk/#/pedal-powered-pineapple/4531733934

Imagine commuting to work in one of those!  :o  ;D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 10 October, 2011, 09:21:28 am
Two from yesterday. A Merinoni frame from the 80s, done up with modern components but still in style - eg modern mech with indexing but downtube shifters. Merinoni was apparently a Canadian-Italian who built frames for the Canadian national team, though I don't know if this was one of them. It was very nice but not particularly light.

The other bike I've seen several times but only yesterday did I get a close look at it to realise exactly why it looks odd - it's a GT frame (triple triangle an'all) but with Kona straight, round section, forks.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 17 October, 2011, 05:44:36 pm
Not seen, as from this position I could only see the top half of the rider, but heard.  Over the sound of the fan heater that's currently filling in for the work-in-progress new boiler.  A (presumed) BSO with what could well be the noisiest drivetrain in the history of bicycles, squeaking its way past the front of our house.

Does anyone else ever get the urge to chase people down and attack them with lubricant?  No?  Never mind, then...   ::-)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 17 October, 2011, 09:20:16 pm
I don't think I've posted these two yet. Apologies for the poor quality phone snaps.

A tall bike, seen parked outside a police station in central Bristol.
(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6217/6255217058_3b3820c20f.jpg)

And this one was a Roy Thame seen on the platform of a small railway station. Not entirely sure why I took a photo of this badge.
(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6214/6255216960_68ecccd3a4.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 17 October, 2011, 09:23:31 pm
And another, a Christiana trike with the two-child passenger compartment made of correx. I have seen the owner pedalling this up St Michael's Hill, which deserves some respect.

(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6095/6231670283_a84a46fe6d.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 18 October, 2011, 08:36:08 am
Not Merinoni, Marinoni.
http://www.marinoni.qc.ca/IndexEn.html
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 18 October, 2011, 01:06:41 pm
Memory fail! Thanks for the correction and link.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wendy on 18 October, 2011, 08:38:59 pm
A new Dursley Pederson I've not seen before in Hyde Park.  Lovely!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 18 October, 2011, 09:01:44 pm
There was one at the Blackfriars protest last week.  I wonder if it was the same one.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wendy on 18 October, 2011, 09:59:21 pm
There was one at the Blackfriars protest last week.  I wonder if it was the same one.

I saw him, he's the other one I see regularly in Hyde Park and have a nodding acquaintance with.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Regulator on 19 October, 2011, 09:22:30 am
Having heard the mythical tales of the Addenbrooke's Pedersen Commuter, I saw him in the flesh today.   :thumbsup:

A beautiful claret coloured Pedersen...

Want one!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 20 October, 2011, 11:45:18 pm
A BMX with the saddle so low that it was actually below the level of the pedal at top dead centre.   :o   ???
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: tiermat on 28 October, 2011, 03:28:26 pm
Whilst in Barcelona at the weekend I was walking down a road, taking in the sights, and I saw a bike out of the corner of my eye, coming down the road.  As it approached, something told me that something was amiss with said bike.  As it whizzed past I worked out what it was.

It was a perfectly normal, nondescript road bike, drop bars, boring, bland paint scheme.
The thing that was odd about it was that it had 20", brommie style wheels.....

How on earth they didn't ground out the cranks on each revolution, I do not know...

Other than that, saw lots of fixies, lots of Bicing bikes (Barca's Boris Bikes) and another type of hire bike, which was BRIGHT orange....
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: interzen on 28 October, 2011, 03:45:12 pm
Other than that, saw lots of fixies, lots of Bicing bikes (Barca's Boris Bikes) and another type of hire bike, which was BRIGHT orange....
:thumbsup:
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 28 October, 2011, 03:45:50 pm
Minivelos are pretty common in the Far East. I'm not surprised they are showing up in Europe too.
http://somafab.blogspot.com/2011/02/mini-velo-has-arrived.html?m=1
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wobbly John on 28 October, 2011, 09:44:41 pm
Spotted today at the start of my commute home in Ely, an Ainimal (http://www.airnimal.eu/Chameleon/) running fixed  :D

I suspect he had riden from the station, so had come from Cambridge or that London.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 28 October, 2011, 09:55:19 pm
Minivelos are pretty common in the Far East. I'm not surprised they are showing up in Europe too.
http://somafab.blogspot.com/2011/02/mini-velo-has-arrived.html?m=1
He says it takes up less room and is easier to walk around when parked indoors. I'm not sure that makes sense, as IME what makes a bike awkward in such situations is the sticky-out bits, ie bars and pedals, rather than wheels. It does make sense that it's easier to transport in a train, bus or car, though.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 29 October, 2011, 04:39:47 am
Chosen on the basis of having a high Google ranking and a clear photo of a minivelo, not because I agree with the opinions within.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 31 October, 2011, 11:48:57 am
Spotted today at the start of my commute home in Ely, an Ainimal (http://www.airnimal.eu/Chameleon/) running fixed  :D

A certain iddu of this parish has been known to indulge in this behaviour, IIRC.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 31 October, 2011, 05:51:59 pm
A rather rusty Rudge. Its owner was nearby and said he'd been told it was a 1940s frame, pointing to the clamp-nutted head set as an indication of this. The angles and fork offset looked a bit tighter than might be expected on a frame of that vintage, to me, but I don't claim any expertise. He added it was "made here in Bristol" which struck me as unlikely. A quick search reveals nothing about Rudge ever having been based in Bristol, they were primarily associated with Coventry (and claimed Ulster links).
http://www.gracesguide.co.uk/Rudge_Cycle_Co

It had been fixiefied, inevitably. It was a rather nice looking machine under its rust, wherever it was made and however old it was.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: SlowCoach on 01 November, 2011, 08:05:53 pm
If it was a Rudge - it wasn't made in Bristol. Rudge Whitworth moved from Coventry to Middlesx in 1939. They were then taken over by Raleigh in 1943. I'm not sure exactly when Raleigh moved production to Nottingham, but they were being made there (butchers and police bikes for export to Africa) in the mid 70's when I worked there.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 01 November, 2011, 09:18:50 pm
It was definitely a Rudge and definitely a bit better than a butcher's bike. Older than 70s, I'd say 60s at the newest, likely 50s or as the bloke said even 40s. Perhaps I misheard/-understood the Bristol bit, or perhaps he did!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 06 November, 2011, 08:30:13 pm
A Speedmaster CityMate.

(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6097/6319748544_0d1a9fe07b.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wobbly John on 06 November, 2011, 08:51:54 pm
Don't know where the Speedmaster tag comes from.  ???

They are built by M5.

I have one.  :D

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/39826_140043442697203_128944737140407_246889_4536350_n.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 06 November, 2011, 09:19:27 pm
M5 was also on the badge, or rather transfer on the "top tube". I think it said something like Speedmaster CityMate by M5, or maybe it was M5 CityMate by Speedmaster. Perhaps Speedmaster is a shop that sells them?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: AndyK on 17 November, 2011, 05:00:15 pm
This afternoon:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/Minitar1/Dg/PB171045.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 17 November, 2011, 07:43:43 pm
M5 was also on the badge, or rather transfer on the "top tube". I think it said something like Speedmaster CityMate by M5, or maybe it was M5 CityMate by Speedmaster. Perhaps Speedmaster is a shop that sells them?
Saw it again today, being pushed up Ninetree Hill. Didn't think to ask the owner about the Speedmaster name though.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Canardly on 17 November, 2011, 08:02:20 pm
Quite intrigued by an Alubike (sorry no pic) parked up in the centre of Cambridge.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wendy on 17 November, 2011, 10:49:17 pm
A nice red Holdsworth with a well beaten carradice saddlebag looking very cool at HPC this evening.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 20 November, 2011, 08:13:02 pm
*takes deep breath*

Three Baines Flying Gates
Two Longstaff trikes
One Higgins Ultralite trike
Maurice Selbach SWB tandem
Queally-style carbon monocoque frame
Les Rigden
TJ Quick
Mal Rees
Granby
and several more delights

all at an ultra-secret bunker somewhere in Sussex.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 21 November, 2011, 10:56:25 am
Some variety of factory-built chopper this morning.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Priddy on 21 November, 2011, 04:23:32 pm
Saw this outside work today. No idea what it was, just had to take a quick snap.

(http://richardpriddy.co.uk/IMAG0122.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: tiermat on 21 November, 2011, 04:26:28 pm
Saw this outside work today. No idea what it was, just had to take a quick snap.

(http://richardpriddy.co.uk/IMAG0122.jpg)

That'll be one of those ickle bikes like I saw in Barcelona the other week...

Look further up the thread, LWaB gave a link to a site about them

ETA:
Quote
Minivelos are pretty common in the Far East. I'm not surprised they are showing up in Europe too.
http://somafab.blogspot.com/2011/02/mini-velo-has-arrived.html?m=1
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: PeteB99 on 21 November, 2011, 05:47:23 pm
It's a Giant Escape mini as owned by one of our members

http://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=14062.0 (http://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=14062.0)

They look great
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Domestique on 24 November, 2011, 03:52:15 pm
To follow on from AndyK post.
I think the rider was in the pub, lunchtime  8)

(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7173/6394956991_d3fe559376_z.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Gus on 25 November, 2011, 07:40:08 pm
Saw a "flying gate"  at work today.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 27 November, 2011, 10:18:51 pm
A nameless electric bike - I suspect of one step up from BSO-quality construction - that deserves mention on the grounds of being admirably well-equipped: Step-through frame; saddle hilariously low; giant motorcycle mirror; battery pack large enough to contain a magnox reactor; wiring loom last seen on the side of a flying DeLorean; decent assortment of lights and not one but two traditional style baskets, front and rear.  It was secured to one of Aldi's Sheffield trolley stands with an assortment of locks worthy of a paranoid Londoner, which was by far the best attempt at cycle security I've seen so far in Birmingham (where a £3 cable lock through the front wheel is entirely typical).

I think I've glimpsed the future.   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: itsbruce on 28 November, 2011, 02:45:54 am
A Pedersen at the Tweed Run (http://www.flickr.com/photos/itsbruce/sets/72157628182563973/with/6415190731/) on Saturday:

(http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6059/6415190731_f1a3ab9dcf.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/itsbruce/6415190731/)

The owner was a little frustrating to ride behind, being a little unpredictable in his acceleration/deceleration.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Pingu on 28 November, 2011, 08:52:25 pm
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7012/6404620665_a73d678ec4.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/the_pingus/6404620665/)
IMG_5200 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/the_pingus/6404620665/) by The Pingus (http://www.flickr.com/people/the_pingus/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: PH on 04 December, 2011, 09:41:23 pm
In a bike shop window in Paris, more oddities inside, unfortunately the shop was shut or |I'd of got a better picture.
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7021/6455235945_1a0d95e5f5_b.jpg)

The shop was Urban Solutions, solutions to what I'm not sure.
http://urbansolutions.fr/#/Accueil
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 04 December, 2011, 09:44:18 pm
Solutions to vandalism - it has pre-mangled spokes. (They may work very well, but they certainly look odd.)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wobbly John on 06 December, 2011, 07:38:08 pm
Spotted today at the start of my commute home in Ely, an Ainimal (http://www.airnimal.eu/Chameleon/) running fixed  :D

I suspect he had riden from the station, so had come from Cambridge or that London.

...and now he's selling it on Ebay (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Airnimal-Chameleon-Ultra-2009-Ultegra-fixed-gear-folding-bicycle-/200684960679?pt=UK_Bikes_GL&hash=item2eb9c17ba7).
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Ozzeh on 07 December, 2011, 08:31:15 am
Spotted today at the start of my commute home in Ely, an Ainimal (http://www.airnimal.eu/Chameleon/) running fixed  :D

I suspect he had riden from the station, so had come from Cambridge or that London.

...and now he's selling it on Ebay (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Airnimal-Chameleon-Ultra-2009-Ultegra-fixed-gear-folding-bicycle-/200684960679?pt=UK_Bikes_GL&hash=item2eb9c17ba7).

That would be me. I'll be sad to see it go as it's a fantastic bike but I need the funds for a new mountain bike build and it's just not getting used anymore as I generally take a "proper" bike to work instead.

Nice to know that someone spotted it on the road though! :)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wobbly John on 08 December, 2011, 03:00:39 pm
Welcome to YACF Ozzeh.  :thumbsup:

I spotted you again about a week ago.

I usually ride a black fixie with yellow tyres and bright lights around Ely and home to Littleport.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Ozzeh on 08 December, 2011, 03:09:03 pm
Thanks.

I'm usually also riding a black fixie but with boring black tyres. I'll have to keep a look out for you.

The chap who bought my Airnimal came and collected it today. Nice bloke, says he does a lot of travelling and wants a bike to fly with so he's taking it on it's holidays!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: CrinklyLion on 13 December, 2011, 08:45:27 pm
A fairly large, and very orange, flat barred SS Holdsworth being wheeled across the playground at picking up time today.  Haven't seen that around before.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Tim Hall on 13 December, 2011, 09:01:38 pm
Not seen by me exactly, but as I was coming out of Mr Sainsbury's Emporium of Toothy Comestibles I spied a man taking a photo of a Pedersen. The one I'd ridden there on.

It's almost famous.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: MackieHornet on 15 December, 2011, 06:29:18 am
Parked up at work:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v324/mark.harris@ukonline.co.uk/IMG173.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Bledlow on 22 December, 2011, 01:26:11 pm
Not quite as unusual -
(http://i432.photobucket.com/albums/qq48/Bledlow/Laid-backbike.jpg)

Seen in Reading not long ago.

There was a bloody big Hannington in Broad Street, Reading a few days ago. Don't know what the frame size was, but a 6'10" bloke who used to ride with Reading rode one that didn't look any bigger. It was reinforced with mixte tubes, perhaps because otherwise it flexed too much. Reynolds 531 main tubes.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 22 December, 2011, 05:54:02 pm
Ooh! I saw a Ridgeback World Tour Solo the other day up in London.  Don't see many about.  Sadly, I wasn't on mine at the time.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 23 December, 2011, 01:52:05 am
Saw a guy on a nondescript looking mountain bike wearing an unobtanium Reevu helmet earlier.  It wasn't rower40.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: rower40 on 23 December, 2011, 01:34:12 pm
Bagged in the bikepark of Mr Sainsbury's Emporium of Toothy Comestibles, Coldham's Lane, Cambridge.

(http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm63/rower40/Various%20Cycling%20Stuffs/IMAG0017.jpg)

(http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm63/rower40/Various%20Cycling%20Stuffs/IMAG0018.jpg)

It seemed appropriate to take photos of this, as I was riding Orange Bling at the time.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 23 December, 2011, 02:20:19 pm
"The kids get the front ride," says Little Cudzo, slightly jealously. But he's not little enough for something like that anymore.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: rower40 on 23 December, 2011, 02:34:27 pm
Saw a guy on a nondescript looking mountain bike wearing an unobtanium Reevu helmet earlier.  It wasn't rower40.
The problem being that you can't follow him to steal it, as he'll be watching you behind him.  So you'll just have to wait for him to leave his bike unattended, affix an unobtrusive tracking device, and then find out where he lives.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: AndyK on 02 January, 2012, 11:25:48 am
Wrong, but so right (http://www.popularmechanics.com/outdoors/sports/technology/4271404)...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Gus on 02 January, 2012, 11:44:10 am
Wrong, but so right (http://www.popularmechanics.com/outdoors/sports/technology/4271404)...

A pulsejet bike can never be wrong  :D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 02 January, 2012, 03:18:29 pm
And they say the English are eccentric.

I liked this from the first one:
Quote
Payphone also added a train brake and pad, which he rigged with a brass tractor pedal he won in a poker match.
Even their gambling is eccentric in Leftpondia!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Arno on 03 January, 2012, 01:30:34 pm
Wrong, but so right (http://www.popularmechanics.com/outdoors/sports/technology/4271404)...

A pulsejet bike can never be wrong  :D
And he even appears to have a Brooks saddle.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: CamPhil on 03 January, 2012, 10:41:45 pm
Wrong, but so right (http://www.popularmechanics.com/outdoors/sports/technology/4271404)...

A pulsejet bike can never be wrong  :D

But a turbojet is much more compact, and can be constructed from a car turbocharger (available from your friendly neighbourhood car breaker).
design (http://www.salvatoreaiello.com/main.shtml)

This (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JE4t-o7XY6M) kind of thing can be built.  ;D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Juan Martín on 06 January, 2012, 07:20:12 pm
At 1710 today outside Canon Street station, a chap passed on an ordinary wearing a pith helmet.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 06 January, 2012, 07:38:18 pm
Quite probably Joff Summerfield.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Basil on 06 January, 2012, 10:15:42 pm
Not our Chazza, then?   She does pith helmet.
Obv not a bloke, but don't worry about that, I'm already dead for calling her Chazza.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Jurek on 06 January, 2012, 10:22:46 pm
Almost certainly Joff.

Seen later here (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=55032.msg1122365#msg1122365).

With others (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=5506.msg1133100#msg1133100).
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Tim Hall on 06 January, 2012, 10:54:54 pm
Wrong, but so right (http://www.popularmechanics.com/outdoors/sports/technology/4271404)...

A pulsejet bike can never be wrong  :D

But a turbojet is much more compact, and can be constructed from a car turbocharger (available from your friendly neighbourhood car breaker).
design (http://www.salvatoreaiello.com/main.shtml)

This (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JE4t-o7XY6M) kind of thing can be built.  ;D

Somewhere on my hard drive I have photos of some kind of cruiser bike that by boss has fitted an off the shelf teeny turbo jet to. Unfortunately I don't think I'm allowed to post them here.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: AndyK on 10 January, 2012, 09:03:34 am
This is wrong (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/Minitar1/Random/fuglybrommie.jpg) on so many levels.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 10 January, 2012, 09:28:06 am
Yeah.  The shoes don't match.  What was she thinking?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Efrogwr on 10 January, 2012, 09:34:24 am
I've got a Brompton, and Mrs E and some of her pals are involved with textiles.

Should I show her this? Should I hide the bike?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Zipperhead on 10 January, 2012, 08:07:20 pm
This is wrong (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/Minitar1/Random/fuglybrommie.jpg) on so many levels.

I like that!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Andrij on 10 January, 2012, 09:13:54 pm
Shame I didn't get a picture, but the cyclist on a road bike with a folding bike (not a Brompton) strapped on his back definitely caught my attention.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: AndyK on 10 January, 2012, 09:29:00 pm
This is wrong (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/Minitar1/Random/fuglybrommie.jpg) on so many levels.

I like that!

Then get knitting!  ;D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: why1040 on 10 January, 2012, 09:33:57 pm
This is wrong (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/Minitar1/Random/fuglybrommie.jpg) on so many levels.

Was it feeling chilly??
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 11 January, 2012, 09:48:10 am
Guerrilla velo tricoterie!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 11 January, 2012, 09:49:51 am
This is wrong (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/Minitar1/Random/fuglybrommie.jpg) on so many levels.

I like that!

It's yours, isn't it?  I should have recognised you by your footwear.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Zipperhead on 11 January, 2012, 08:33:39 pm
oh, so you recognised my ankles.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 11 January, 2012, 08:38:10 pm
Recognise them?  I've been lusting after them for years! :P
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 19 January, 2012, 12:37:27 pm
'Ingenious rack'
'Thanks'
'Design it yourself?'
'Yeah'
'I'm impressed.'

The entirety of the conversation I had with a fellow commuter near Newington Butts.  The bike in question was a deep shiny maroon with chromed lugs.  Because the rider was a tall chap, it was of double top-tube design, with double seat stays.  The rack was an integrated one, colour coded with the rest of the frame, brazed to the lower seat stays, coming around the higher ones to form a rectangle of narrow tubing with semi-circular ends and wires gridded across.  There was an extra pair of rack stays brazed to the rear dropouts.  Very stylish and distinctive.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Adrian on 19 January, 2012, 10:13:31 pm
'Ingenious rack'
'Thanks'
'Design it yourself?'
'Yeah'
'I'm impressed.'

The entirety of the conversation I had with a fellow commuter near Newington Butts.  The bike in question was a deep shiny maroon with chromed lugs.  Because the rider was a tall chap, it was of double top-tube design, with double seat stays.  The rack was an integrated one, colour coded with the rest of the frame, brazed to the lower seat stays, coming around the higher ones to form a rectangle of narrow tubing with semi-circular ends and wires gridded across.  There was an extra pair of rack stays brazed to the rear dropouts.  Very stylish and distinctive.

I saw him near the Oval a couple of months ago. It's a beautiful piece of kit.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 19 January, 2012, 10:21:33 pm
Isn't it?  I wonder now if he built the whole thing himself - perhaps with the help of our Bicycle Repair Man?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Adrian on 19 January, 2012, 10:24:25 pm
Isn't it?  I wonder now if he built the whole thing himself - perhaps with the help of our Bicycle Repair Man?
He did tell me that he had built it, that much I do recall.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: RW on 29 January, 2012, 10:23:47 pm
Saw a group of five Moultons on the A29 between Fontwell and Nyton.  Four spaceframes and one gorgeous modernised Mk3.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: DrMekon on 30 January, 2012, 10:50:07 am
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7017/6788547393_d28bde4a21_z.jpg)

Onderwater kid first tandem. There are several of these (2 and 3 seaters) in Cambridge, but I guess these are rare elsewhere. They are cracking fun, mainly 'cos the the freaked out look passers by give when they assume the 5 year old at the front is in control (the steering is via linkage from the back).

There was also a Trek with Alfine 8, roller brakes and a Gates belt drive in the shed at work. The owner had thoroughly disguised it with tape, then only locked it to the stand with a thin cable :facepalm:. Hopefully the CCTV will scare the thieves away, although it's not stopped stuff going missing before.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 30 January, 2012, 01:24:42 pm
That's so cool! And in that red it looks like it's been assembled by a gang of fettlicious posties.  :D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: noobie on 30 January, 2012, 01:33:27 pm
can't find the exact picture but my mate's kid got a batman bike like this for his birthday couple of years ago: (http://s.sears.com/is/image/Sears/00680913000)

I should technically be an adult but I was still really impressed :D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Andrij on 30 January, 2012, 08:59:17 pm
Just around the corner from home: an Asian man on a BSO with an occupied child seat on the back.  It was the occupied child seat which made the sight interesting and unusual.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 30 January, 2012, 09:20:38 pm
Near Kennington, I rode up behind a very yellow bike with an integrated welded rear rack.  I wondered if it were a kind of loadbike, but it turned out to be shorter than the Yuba/Ute/Big Dummy bikes.  As I pulled alongside, I saw it was rather like this (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3259/3135876602_336700390e.jpg), a French postie's bike.

Long way to come to do a delivery ;D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: cycleman on 31 January, 2012, 08:34:05 am
french letters  :o ;D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Snakehips on 31 January, 2012, 08:54:17 am
.....   a French postie's bike.

There's a shop in Kingston that sells them , and other old imported French stuff.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 31 January, 2012, 10:34:38 am
Oh that'd be worth a geg. :)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: DrMekon on 04 February, 2012, 06:26:37 pm
(http://p.twimg.com/Ak0U0-JCEAA2PWv.jpg)

Was at The School Run Centre getting our trike (the orange one with a black hood on the right) serviced when I spotted this yellow contraption. It's a clog bike. Apparently it's a no-cost factory option for the Bakfiets.nl cargobike long. Took it for a spin - much lighter than the wooden box. However, as yet, no screen or hood. Makes it a non-starter until then, for my money. However, if you like a bit of attention, it's just the ticket. A spin along Mill Road got lots of comments.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: DrMekon on 08 February, 2012, 11:45:39 am
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7169/6837429881_8176d2f20c_z.jpg)

Defietsfabriek 995. Were only a couple in the country when we got ours. I've now spotted two more. This one is a Mk1, and they've fitted a Bakfiets.nl hood, which fits well and is a massive improvement on the crappy one DeFietsfabriek sell. Wish I'd thought of that when we had ours. Cracking bike. Very relaxed ride, and wonderfully put together. I still miss our (which went to London, and is now back in Cambridge, still sporting the reflective tabs we added).
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 08 February, 2012, 12:33:40 pm
On the commute today, I was pleased to see a Claud Butler and a Carlton in Kennington (or thereabouts), as well as a very smart newer bike with a blue & silver paintscheme and lightly purple anodised rims in Streatham.  Sadly, as I was passing by, and the owner was waiting to cross the road, I didn't get a good enough look to determine maks.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 17 February, 2012, 05:27:48 pm
About half an hour ago, a recumbent with red disc wheels going up Cotham Brow.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Canardly on 18 February, 2012, 07:51:25 pm
Right how to describe this. (I wish I had had a camera with me but sods law prevails.) large white van in traffic jam. Mounted vertically at rear is a trike (sort of). The trike has handlebars, MTB type brake levers and a triangular large frame supporting a fabric seating arrangement I think stretched across the frame. This was at least five times larger than a normal 'seat' surface area. Around the perimeter of the 'bike' is a rail which is a bit a like a bumper car protector. All the wheels and 'bike' are within this boundary. To the rear and underside of the large triangular 'seating' area are two metal pads which appear to be for standing on. I have no idea what this BSO is for, but it sure looked interesting. If only I had my phone with me........
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wobbly John on 18 February, 2012, 08:08:54 pm
I'd guess at it being a Siberian dog rig (http://www.culpeppers.co.uk/catalogue/?_Culpep=55722706A5SKtnX3.Yg&cat=rigs).

I remember we saw some on someones driveway on a WARTY ride, and got invited to see the dogs.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Canardly on 18 February, 2012, 08:16:49 pm
looked somewhat similar WJ. I think you have solved a mystery once again.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Moose57 on 18 February, 2012, 08:22:44 pm
Right how to describe this. (I wish I had had a camera with me but sods law prevails.) large white van in traffic jam. Mounted vertically at rear is a trike (sort of). The trike has handlebars, MTB type brake levers and a triangular large frame supporting a fabric seating arrangement I think stretched across the frame. This was at least five times larger than a normal 'seat' surface area. Around the perimeter of the 'bike' is a rail which is a bit a like a bumper car protector. All the wheels and 'bike' are within this boundary. To the rear and underside of the large triangular 'seating' area are two metal pads which appear to be for standing on. I have no idea what this BSO is for, but it sure looked interesting. If only I had my phone with me........

I saw this too last year, same thoughts about camera crossed my mind too. Everyone I spoke to about it thought I had been seeing things.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wobbly John on 18 February, 2012, 08:27:13 pm
The LBS I use sometimes does repairs on one, and my neighbour (a retired bike shop owner/framebuilder)  builds wheels for them - 20" sturmey hub braked ones, like recumbent trike wheels.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: alexb on 20 February, 2012, 04:11:48 pm
Lovely modern Hetchins on Friday evening's commute. Flam red (possibly dark red, difficult to tel) with half chromed forks and curly rear triangle, proper mad magnum opus or similar lugwork.
Having spent my youth haging out and occasionally working at Hetchins, it's nice to see one out in the wild from time to time.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Jurek on 20 February, 2012, 07:55:04 pm
One of these:
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7186/6911526571_4ba5a6ed0b_o.jpg)
Hanging on the wall in Corridori Cycle Sport (http://www.corridori.co.uk/) where I took tea this afternoon.
£12k a pop  :o.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 20 February, 2012, 08:11:28 pm
And a sign reading
Quote
DO NOT TOUCH
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Jurek on 20 February, 2012, 10:37:43 pm
I touched  :-[   :P
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 20 February, 2012, 10:41:47 pm
You've been and gone and done it now, Jurek, £12 grand on your credit card. We look forward to the photos in Members' bikes soon.  :)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Ham on 22 February, 2012, 09:47:24 pm
Possibly not that unusual, but I was fascinated to see a Trek Lexa SLX on the way home today, on Holborn Viaduct

(http://s7d4.scene7.com/is/image/TrekBicycleProducts/21772?wid=1490&hei=1080&fit=fit,1&fmt=png-alpha&qlt=80,1&op_usm=0,0,0,0&iccEmbed=0)

Very nicely proportioned for a lady bike. It was only some minutes later that I realised I was quite lucky not to be misunderstood when I complimented the rider on her very nice proportions. Mind you, the bar bag with (possibly) route sheet gave me courage.

Also worthy of mention is a veteran club rider from out my way I occasionally meet up with, ride and chat early morning on an F Moser rather like this

(http://velospace.org/files/moser_COMPLETE21.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: iddu on 26 February, 2012, 12:26:38 am
BIG RING it, always... ;D

From the TC "For Sale"

Specialized cross over drive, mavic sprint rims on s/f campag hubs. Tri-bars fitted, 60/54 c/rings.
(http://www.tandem-club.org.uk/pictures/pic983.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 26 February, 2012, 09:50:47 pm
Ulp!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Tim Hall on 27 February, 2012, 01:34:43 pm
Yesterday parked up at the View Tube (Olympic park cafe in That London) an old school Colnago, Columbus tubing. Campag down tube shifters and those weird Campag Delta brakes.

I pointed it out to my partially sighted friend, so he had a quick feel. The owner, whom I'd noticed sitting near by, kindly came over to show us the innards of the brakes.  Complicated for no good reason I think.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 27 February, 2012, 01:39:40 pm
And almost completely useless.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Ian H on 09 March, 2012, 02:07:40 pm
A rusty and ill-kept Ellis-Briggs in town today. The odd carrier on the back turned out, on closer inspection, to be a Rann (or more likely, a Hann) trailer attachment.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 12 March, 2012, 12:22:04 pm
Yesterday, we rode with East Sussex CTC.  Along with the interesting bikes I've reported before (Les Rigden, TJ Quick etc), there was a curly-stayed Hetchins.

At one point, crossing the levels, two cyclists came haring up behind us and passed us at great speed.  The one behind was on a standard road bike, the one in front powering a handcycle.  Very impressive.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: marcusjb on 12 March, 2012, 12:25:56 pm
Sitting down at lunch over the weekend, I saw a very interesting bike ride past- simply called an ULTEGRA.

This being in Morocco and being a crappy mountain bike I have my doubts as to this being an authentic Shimano product.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: GrahamG on 12 March, 2012, 12:30:50 pm
I haven't had chance to upload photos to flickr yet, but there is the most ridiculous, contrary, mixed up, bastardised bike build I have EVER seen in the bike stands of the building I'm currently working in.  I've seen weirder, but this is just wrong chiefly because it's using the kind of components which would indicate that the rider is a 'proper' cyclist, but put together all wrong.

Consists of:

Nice Kinesis Cyclocross frame/forks
Posh Mavic wheels
shimano 9speed kit

Then it all gets messy....

The owner is running a single ring at the front set up so no front mech/shifter..... on a triple chainset.... with the big ring mounted in the middle... and the middle ring on the outside.. he appears to be using the middle (big) ring by default.. .and no, he has not removed the granny ring.

He has bullhorn bars on with aero brake levers. Fine, but how does he change gear on that 9 speed block?  A bar end shifter.... mounted on an 8" piece of bar (think a severely shortened TT extension bar).... attached to the tops of the bullhorns... and it has been taped too.

So wrong. So, so wrong.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: DrMekon on 13 March, 2012, 04:48:23 pm
(http://webringjustice.files.wordpress.com/2009/09/cw.jpg?w=500&h=333)

Down in Sussex, arranging FILs funeral. When I need to get the kids out of the way, we've been hanging out at a skate park. A dad was helping his kid on a balance bike, but turned up on one of these.

It was apparently 1 of 7, and he was running 24" Skyways with gold hubs, which I've never seen. It was utterly mint. Having had bmxs on and off since 82, we had a great time reminiscing. He was running CW bars with a CW padset and Oakley B1Bs, which was exactly my old setup on my '82 Redline. He said he collects vintage bmxs, which he reports is horrifyingly expensive. He pays cash, and hides them from his wife in the shed!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 13 March, 2012, 04:49:52 pm
What? :o
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 13 March, 2012, 08:45:17 pm
Lightning zag frame, how cool! Though I've got to say at first sight I thought it was a weird distortion on my screen.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Chris L on 15 March, 2012, 01:45:10 pm
That is jaw-droppingly cool.  What a beautiful bike!  Even without the zig-zag frame.

He's right about the vintage BMX prices.  I tried to recreate my '83 Redline 600 for my kids last year.  Broadened my search too wide and ended up with a late '90s frame, which is just too heavy.  We've got a different frame with the bits swapped over now, which is OK, but I'm still shocked that I'd have been up for £400-£500 to replace the '83 model.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 15 March, 2012, 01:47:20 pm
This morning, I saw two recumbents.  One was orange (can you tell I'm an expert? :-[ ) and we saw that just off Brixton Hill.  The second I saw at St George's Circus, and I think ot was going towards Blackfriars.  It was flying a Jamaican flag.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: marcusjb on 17 March, 2012, 04:57:13 pm
Coming through brentford, towards Chiswick, I saw two recumbents drafting each other closely - or so I thought. It was, of course, a recumbent tandem. Red one. I don't think I have seen such a thing before, seen back-to-back to ones, but not the two seats pointing the same way.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Torslanda on 17 March, 2012, 05:11:27 pm
1971 Mercian 'King of Mercia' in flamboyant red with hand lined lugs and white panels. Shimano 600 'Arabesque', real 27" Weinmann rims and Bluemels 'Clubman' guards.

Belongs to the owner of the NotQuiteSoLBS, spotted when I collected my new wheelzez.

Jealous, moi?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: AndyK on 20 March, 2012, 11:41:44 am
Wooden chopper bicycles:

http://photos.mercurynews.com/2012/03/creating-bicycles-out-of-wood/6691/#name%20here
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 21 March, 2012, 11:11:09 am
Yesterday, I saw an orange 'bent somewhere between E&C and Lambeth Bridge.

Also saw a black Clements in Stockwell.

Couple of times lately, I've seen a yellow lo-pro Islabike.  With high riser bars :facepalm:
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Auntie Helen on 21 March, 2012, 11:47:48 am
It's my own bike, does that count?

(http://i738.photobucket.com/albums/xx30/Auntie_Helen/4a126bb5.jpg)

(http://i738.photobucket.com/albums/xx30/Auntie_Helen/c274870b.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: AndyK on 21 March, 2012, 11:58:03 am
Ha! Love the stoic look of your top gunner!   ;D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: TimC on 21 March, 2012, 12:35:18 pm
(http://webringjustice.files.wordpress.com/2009/09/cw.jpg?w=500&h=333)

That is the first ever BMX bike I've coveted. Generally, i hate the things. But that is lovely!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: TimC on 21 March, 2012, 12:38:43 pm
One of these:
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7186/6911526571_4ba5a6ed0b_o.jpg)
Hanging on the wall in Corridori Cycle Sport (http://www.corridori.co.uk/) where I took tea this afternoon.
£12k a pop  :o.

Touched and drooled over one in the US last week. $17999. Sat on it, pedalled round the car park (in jeans!). Fortunately left the credit card in the hotel. Just Fucking Gorgeous!!!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: alexb on 21 March, 2012, 01:22:15 pm
This morning, I saw two recumbents.  One was orange (can you tell I'm an expert? :-[ ) and we saw that just off Brixton Hill.  The second I saw at St George's Circus, and I think ot was going towards Blackfriars.  It was flying a Jamaican flag.

I see her around a lot, I think her name is Denise and she does or used to do some of the route marking for the Dunwich Dynamo.
It's a green bike from memory.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 21 March, 2012, 01:22:56 pm
I think that was her, yes.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wendy on 21 March, 2012, 02:04:37 pm
This morning, I saw two recumbents.  One was orange (can you tell I'm an expert? :-[ ) and we saw that just off Brixton Hill.  The second I saw at St George's Circus, and I think ot was going towards Blackfriars.  It was flying a Jamaican flag.

I see her around a lot, I think her name is Denise and she does or used to do some of the route marking for the Dunwich Dynamo.
It's a green bike from memory.

Yes indeedy!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 21 March, 2012, 02:07:18 pm
I believe she was in (or on the cover of) Velovision, wasn't she?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Butterfly on 21 March, 2012, 06:06:18 pm
I saw a not totally unusual Red Moulton on Hunts Slip Road. What was unusual was that the rider had an Islabike slung over his shoulder, obviously to do the school run :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Ham on 22 March, 2012, 09:34:36 pm
In Terence Conman's shop.

Interesting? Unusual? You decide. Don't even think of the price, it will hurt.

(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-tNiSbkunIrc/T2uaER-dQtI/AAAAAAAAgUM/WW3pe41IZac/s800/S0180518.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 23 March, 2012, 08:44:00 am
Blue Bike Friday, seen last night.

First one I've seen around here. The only other bike friday I know of up north is a tandem.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Riggers on 23 March, 2012, 10:02:34 am
In Terence Conman's shop.

Interesting? Unusual? You decide. Don't even think of the price, it will hurt.

(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-tNiSbkunIrc/T2uaER-dQtI/AAAAAAAAgUM/WW3pe41IZac/s800/S0180518.jpg)


Is it £20 million pounds!!?
Having looked at it, I'm becoming riled by them brake and gear cable arrangement. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 23 March, 2012, 12:53:52 pm
It's made in collaboration with Charge.

http://www.bikebiz.com/news/read/charge-bikes-team-up-with-conran/011895
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: tiermat on 23 March, 2012, 02:06:41 pm
It's horrible, and all because of the cables.

How hard would it have been to:
1) have internal cable routing
2) move the brake bridge from the top seat stays to the middle ones?

Answer to 1) and 2) is "Not very" and it would have made a much nicer looking bike, instead of one that was designed then they thought they had better add brakes and gears.......
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: MattH on 23 March, 2012, 02:22:39 pm
It looks better on their website (http://www.conranshop.co.uk/634458/CHARGE-BIKE-HOB-SMALL-LADIES/Product), with saner cabling (especially the gears). I wonder if it was unpacked and put bodged together in the shop by someone who had no idea what a bike should look like?

It is made by charge, and nowhere near as expensive as I thought.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: tiermat on 23 March, 2012, 02:27:54 pm
The one in the photo upthread also appears to be missing the cable guides for the gears, which could explain the mess.  I still think the back brake should be elsewhere.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Efrogwr on 25 March, 2012, 08:27:30 pm
I saw an old(ish) Woodrup in LLanberis today. Worn and chipped paint, but not scruffy. Biggish frame, orange, no transfers or headbadge, just Woodrup on the seatstay tp eyes and a Reynolds 753 sticker. A nice classic bike.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wobbly John on 25 March, 2012, 08:43:03 pm
Went out with the Retrobike (http://www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/) crowd yesterday - about 45 classic early 90's mountain bikes, being used as intended - being riden on singletrack.  :smug:

At least 5 Kleins:

(http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn137/GA2G/Klein-Green.jpg)

A few Orange Aluminium O's

Parkpre's

Rocky mountains

AMP research B4 with experimental forks (like Girvins only stranger   :o)

and lots more.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: phantasmagoriana on 26 March, 2012, 07:32:46 pm
I saw a beautiful Trevor Jarvis in Wigginton yesterday: deep purple metallic with ornate chromed lugs. :)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 27 March, 2012, 11:15:18 am
Last night, I took a turning off my usual route.  I was rewarded by the sight of a woman playing tea parties on her front step with two little girls, and, more pertinently to this thread, a Yuba Mundo marked up as belonging to the cargobike handyman. (http://www.cargobikehandyman.co.uk/)  There again this morning,.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: andrew_s on 29 March, 2012, 01:19:54 am
On Tuesday's ride I met a chap on a home made tall bike, going up the hill with the arrow on it near to SO602327, just off the B4224, heading towards the Wye bridge at Hoarwithy.

Googling leads me to suppose it was this chap (http://www.artinsteel.co.uk/page17.htm), based in Fownhope only a couple of miles away,
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 29 March, 2012, 10:31:44 am
Near Brockwell Park, I came up behind a young man on what looked like an interesting bike.  I noticed the centrepulls first, then saw the brown paintwork.  It was a Carlton of some kind.  maybe not top of the range, but certainly a nice looker (or, rather, would be if the paintwork weren't so battered*).  I wonder if the chap had any idea what he was riding?

* OK, it had a lovely patina ;D

I should have mentioned that, the other morning when I went to Hampstead heath, I spied two Van Moofs.  One was a 'gents' frame, and the other a 'ladies'.  One had a front rack, and the distinctive front light had been moved to the underside offset of the rack.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 29 March, 2012, 07:29:35 pm
A Genesis Day One with Alfine (not sure whether 8 or 11), Versa levers and discs, but the unusual bits were the plywood mudguards and the rack with a wooden load-carrying surface.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Butterfly on 30 March, 2012, 07:13:52 am
I saw a lovely wooden bike in Brockwell Park yesterday. It looked nice and had a cyo :-)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wendy on 30 March, 2012, 07:34:35 am
A Carlton yesterday, converted to fixed I think, and rode somewhat with me from HPC to Camberwell. After he jumped a couple of lights, and paused at one I was waiting at, I told him "Go on, if you jump this one too you might be able to be faster than me".  ;D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: tatanab on 30 March, 2012, 10:02:27 am
Near Brockwell Park, I came up behind a young man on what looked like an interesting bike.  I noticed the centrepulls first, then saw the brown paintwork.  It was a Carlton of some kind.  maybe not top of the range, but certainly a nice looker (or, rather, would be if the paintwork weren't so battered*).  I wonder if the chap had any idea what he was riding?
Carlton Corsair I expect.  531 plain guage, just outside my price range when I started riding in the late 60s.  As you said, nothing special.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 30 March, 2012, 10:04:47 am
That's plausible.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 30 March, 2012, 10:13:18 am
I saw a lovely wooden bike in Brockwell Park yesterday. It looked nice and had a cyo :-)
Maybe made by these people? (http://flatframesystems.com/)

(http://flatframesystems.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/053.jpg?w=300&h=225)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Butterfly on 30 March, 2012, 04:27:26 pm
I don't think so, it was more rounded.
*goes to investigate*

It was one of these (http://www.renovobikes.com/) :) Very lovely.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: tiermat on 30 March, 2012, 04:52:48 pm
When I visited the LBS (I know, maybe doesn't count) I saw a TT bike, made by blue, in a diminutive size, all carbon bling with Di2.

Saw it again about 5 minutes ago as I was going back towards the LBS, being ridden by a guy dressed in what I can only assume is not his usual TT gear of jeans, sweat shirt, helmet and backpack.

ETA: just had a look, it was one of these:  http://www.rideblue.com/triadslle.php
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: jogler on 30 March, 2012, 04:55:12 pm
That backpack is a shoddy way of riding.He needs some panniers & racks on that blueblingthing :demon:
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: tiermat on 30 March, 2012, 04:57:04 pm
And mudguards.

I had a peek at how much they cost.

Are you sitting down?

$12,000!!!!  :o :o :o
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: jogler on 30 March, 2012, 04:58:29 pm
that's a lorra £ for some mudgaurds :o
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: tiermat on 30 March, 2012, 05:00:43 pm
Hahaha :)

Srsly, though, $12k for a bike, he could have bought a car for that....

<gets the feeling he is on the wrong forum :) >
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Butterfly on 30 March, 2012, 05:09:50 pm
Or a titanium tandem (http://www.tandems.co.uk/products.php?plid=m3b0s6p143). :D With S and S couplings :thumbsup:

ETA missed the $ - see, it's a bargain really!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 30 March, 2012, 07:02:47 pm
.

ETA: just had a look, it was one of these:  http://www.rideblue.com/triadslle.php

Aaaarrrgghhh!!! My eyes!  My eyes!  They can't handle the ugly.

I need to sit down and look at Eddie Merckx' Molteni bike and Colnago Masters for a while....
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: MattH on 31 March, 2012, 11:34:21 am
I don't think so, it was more rounded.
*goes to investigate*

It was one of these (http://www.renovobikes.com/) :) Very lovely.

Dear Father Christmas,

I have been a very good boy this year...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 01 April, 2012, 10:06:21 am
I don't think so, it was more rounded.
*goes to investigate*

It was one of these (http://www.renovobikes.com/) :) Very lovely.
I've got to admit those do look nicer than the ones I saw. It's the roundiness.

On Friday I saw a bike with no down tube but two parallel top tubes, named 'Swinger'. I presume it was a folder, but maybe it was a wobble bike! Then a cargo bike with huge tubular and wooden platform between the (small) front wheel and (low) bb. These were both on Critical Mass - I wasn't, I just happened to coincide with it, on foot coming back from shopping.

Yesterday, a pair of Pedersens. Modern ones but I don't know which iteration.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 01 April, 2012, 06:29:25 pm
An AS Gillott on the ride yesterday.  And a TJ Quick - see below:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/ado15/Lambeth%20Architecture%20Ride%2031%20March%202012/IMG_0204.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 02 April, 2012, 08:16:28 am
I saw a Gillott on Saturday too! A yellow one which a girl was locking up on Gloucester Road, presumably while she went shopping or cakerisationing in one of the little cafes there. It was a bit tatty and I didn't get time to see any of the components but it looked a quality frame.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: CrinklyLion on 02 April, 2012, 08:35:33 am
A Rather Large and very very yellow flat-barred rohloff-ed tourer, complete with 4 ortlieb panniers and a carradice barbag and a couple of fair sized stuff sacks, at Ribblehead station yesterday.  No obvious badging so I don't know what it was but it did look extraordinarily purposeful as well as being really quite spectacularly yellow.  And big.  Slightly too tall to fit in the rubbish Northern Trains bike space and the long wheelbase meant getting it round the stupid awkward corner to the bike space wasn't feasible with its panniers on.  We worked it out in the end, and Valencia even got to share a bungee with it - the tart.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wendy on 02 April, 2012, 08:55:22 am
Two yoof on MTB bikes overtook me uphill at great speed yesterday, powered by small petrol engines. They were delighted! ;D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Domestique on 04 April, 2012, 03:18:59 pm
A Bob Jackson trike being riden along Crowstone Road.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: trickedem on 04 April, 2012, 08:31:34 pm
(http://i40.tinypic.com/102medx.jpg)
He had to get off to lift this over the curb. Always impressed when I see a real work horse of a bike like this.  (In Tel Aviv)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: spesh on 04 April, 2012, 10:17:40 pm
Went out with the Retrobike (http://www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/) crowd yesterday - about 45 classic early 90's mountain bikes, being used as intended - being riden on singletrack.  :smug:

At least 5 Kleins:

(http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn137/GA2G/Klein-Green.jpg)

A few Orange Aluminium O's

Parkpre's

Rocky mountains

AMP research B4 with experimental forks (like Girvins only stranger   :o)

and lots more.

<has a major nostalgia moment>  8)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Zipperhead on 04 April, 2012, 10:36:15 pm
I saw a Bickerton being ridden (on the pavement) this morning.

There can't be that many still surviving, fewer still being ridden.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wobbly John on 04 April, 2012, 10:44:06 pm
<has a major nostalgia moment>  8)

It's a good job I didn't post pics of the Klein Mantra with Lawwill leader forks...

(click to show/hide)

(click to show/hide)

 :demon:
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: spesh on 04 April, 2012, 11:00:15 pm
<has a major nostalgia moment>  8)

It's a good job I didn't post pics of the Klein Mantra with Lawwill leader forks...

(click to show/hide)

(click to show/hide)

 :demon:

It's alright, you don't owe me a new keyboard, that one didn't really do anything for me back in the day...  ;)

It's an interesting example of a couple of developmental blind alleys though. IIRC, leading link and parallelogram forks were less prone to dive under braking, but they were very limited in the amount of travel they could offer before getting too cumbersome. And there are good reasons why URTs are only found on supermarket/motor factor-sourced "bike-shaped objects" these days.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wobbly John on 05 April, 2012, 01:54:52 pm
Just seen a vicar on a Raptobike (http://www.raptobike.nl/).  :o
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 05 April, 2012, 03:29:35 pm
Nice orange Harry Quinn fixed or as in Streatham this morning.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Ian H on 05 April, 2012, 03:52:41 pm
A friend of mine is frequently seen on his Colnago mtb.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: spesh on 06 April, 2012, 05:46:43 pm
A friend of mine is frequently seen on his Colnago mtb.

Still with a Campagnolo groupset on it? They had a very brief flirtation with making MTB components.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: spesh on 06 April, 2012, 05:47:58 pm
It's not every day that you see a BMX bike fitted with a luggage rack and panniers, but someone round my way has one.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: tatanab on 06 April, 2012, 05:59:13 pm
A friend of mine is frequently seen on his Colnago mtb.

Still with a Campagnolo groupset on it? They had a very brief flirtation with making MTB components.
In 1999 I lived in France where France, Germany and Switzerland meet.  The bike shop over the border in Switzerland had a Colnago MTB.  I'd never seen one and was tempted for the novelty value but my wallet saw sense.

Campag MTB equipment - I still have 3 chainsets in use.  They are very nice indeed.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Deano on 06 April, 2012, 06:02:48 pm
It's not every day that you see a BMX bike fitted with a luggage rack and panniers, but someone round my way has one.

My mate Nigel (notorious Nigel (http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/local/darlington/4821964.Scooter_driver_in_court_after_one_too_many/?ref=eb)) once fitted gears to his BMX. But then he got bored with that, so he fitted a motor instead. It was scary as fuck to ride.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Ian H on 06 April, 2012, 06:16:42 pm
A friend of mine is frequently seen on his Colnago mtb.

Still with a Campagnolo groupset on it? They had a very brief flirtation with making MTB components.

I think so. I'll look more closely next week.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: JonBuoy on 06 April, 2012, 06:36:38 pm

My mate Nigel (notorious Nigel (http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/local/darlington/4821964.Scooter_driver_in_court_after_one_too_many/?ref=eb)) once fitted gears to his BMX. But then he got bored with that, so he fitted a motor instead. It was scary as fuck to ride.

From the comments on that link:

Quote
dclem says...
10:02am Thu 31 Dec 09

I think a nomination for the "Best of Darlington" awards is in order.

Anyone we know ?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 06 April, 2012, 07:01:33 pm
Not an interesting or unusual bike, but an interesting and unusual mudguard. Yes, mudguard. Well, mudguard fixing in fact. It was simply wedged between BB and chainstay bridge, then tied above the brake bridge with baler twine and jubilee clip, and finally had more twine running from the holes that normally receive the stays up to the saddle rails. As you can imagine, there was oodles of clearance all the way round - so much that I wonder if it really could have been an effective mudguard, but it was certainly eye-catching.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 07 April, 2012, 02:48:40 pm
The interesting feature of this French(?) '80s(?) bike doesn't really show on the photo; in addition to the period components (Mafac side pull brakes, Simplex derailleur, Solida crank, Maillard hubs) it has vaguely triangular tubing on the down tube. Aero, I guess.

(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7086/7053530575_80837238e3_z.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Bledlow on 07 April, 2012, 07:54:48 pm
A hub-geared Giant, presumably back-pedal brake because it only had a front caliper, with curious top tubes. Two of 'em, which curved down behind the seat tube to become seat stays.

It said "Via" on the frame. Locked up in Broad Street, Reading, this afternoon.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 07 April, 2012, 09:33:01 pm
Not so unusual as the above, but an 80s Tony Oliver in nice condition.  Camping with us.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 10 April, 2012, 10:31:05 pm
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/ado15/IMAG0344.jpg)

No idea what this is.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Ian H on 10 April, 2012, 10:40:31 pm
Very brief search:- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Bicycle_two_1886.jpg
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 10 April, 2012, 10:45:05 pm
Perhaps.  I thought it might be something similar, but there's no drivetrain and the seat is not amenable to pedalling really.  Post at the front looks like it might be a part of the steering mechanism.

It's a snatched photo, because it was on private land away from the road, and I didn't feel I could get closer...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Ian H on 10 April, 2012, 10:54:16 pm
Nothing more relevant but:- http://www.metzbicyclemuseum.com/index.html
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 10 April, 2012, 11:01:29 pm
Very brief search:- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Bicycle_two_1886.jpg
Is that the White House in the background? :o

Wherever it is, the woman doesn't look very happy to be photographed awheel.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Ian H on 10 April, 2012, 11:05:45 pm
Very brief search:- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Bicycle_two_1886.jpg
Is that the White House in the background? :o

Wherever it is, the woman doesn't look very happy to be photographed awheel.

I didn't notice the background. The expressions can be accounted for by the fact of having to sit motionless for an age while the photographer worked his magic.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: GrahamG on 11 April, 2012, 09:55:58 am
Not an interesting or unusual bike, but an interesting and unusual mudguard. Yes, mudguard. Well, mudguard fixing in fact. It was simply wedged between BB and chainstay bridge, then tied above the brake bridge with baler twine and jubilee clip, and finally had more twine running from the holes that normally receive the stays up to the saddle rails. As you can imagine, there was oodles of clearance all the way round - so much that I wonder if it really could have been an effective mudguard, but it was certainly eye-catching.


I've seen it too!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: RJ on 17 April, 2012, 10:17:54 pm
Last week (but the rider looked regular), outside the Crown at Pantygelli (http://www.thecrownatpantygelli.com/) - a Hetchins, mainly black, with a Sturmey-Archer 4-speed hub (the shifter is about the only useful identifying feature to have come out on the photo I grabbed)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: CrinklyLion on 18 April, 2012, 09:53:11 pm
There appears to be a rather bling Colnago with a distinct lack of mudguards in the Den. 
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Adrian on 18 April, 2012, 09:56:16 pm
There appears to be a rather bling Colnago with a distinct lack of mudguards in the Den.
Does it have a wet owner?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 18 April, 2012, 09:57:04 pm
Does it have a rack with panniers full of cake? ;)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: CrinklyLion on 18 April, 2012, 10:16:32 pm
It has an owner who was indeed rather damp, and wearing the stripe of mud up his back with pride :D  But who has now faced and met the challenge of persuading the CrinklyBoiler to produce a bathful of water that is reasonably_hot, has rather cleaner kit drying on radiators, has been fed copious quantities of macaroni cheese and tea, declined any and all offers of cake and is tucked up in a Cub's bed (since the cubs are away so he got a free upgrade from the cat-infested sofa) complete with racing car duvet.

It is a rather nice Colnago, isn't it?  Even I can tell.... Although I don't think there has ever been a bike with so few spokes in the Den before!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Adrian on 18 April, 2012, 10:34:38 pm
It is a rather nice Colnago, isn't it?
Not as nice as a Master Pista X Light (http://bricklanebikes.co.uk/posts/57) but still very nice. Just don't tell him I said that
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 19 April, 2012, 08:52:24 am
Them plastic ones ain't as good as the proper steel Colnagos ;)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 22 April, 2012, 04:55:49 pm
Saw a couple on a tandem trike today, but I can't tell you anything about it as we only passed each other in opposite directions.

A couple of days ago I saw an orange Bike Friday tandem, stokerless, in the morning rush hour about to go down Park Street.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Andrij on 22 April, 2012, 04:59:42 pm
Friday: On that evening's recce one of our fellow riders was on a Pat Rohan.

Today: A tandem locked to a bike rack on Jamaica Road.  No idea what sort of tandem, but that's not the type of bike one usually sees locked up to a city back rack, especially not at 07:30 on a Sunday.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 22 April, 2012, 05:16:33 pm
We saw a couple on a Ken Bird tandem on the tracks near home.  The gentleman piloting seemed to be wearing a Tandem Club jacket.  They were both happy.

We spotted a Gillott locked to a rack in London when we rode up to Pimlico Friday.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: alexb on 01 May, 2012, 10:25:30 am
I was lined up alongside an On One "Dirty Disco" at a set of lights this morning. It looked absolutely fantastic. It had been destickered, except for the rims. It's rare for me to spend much more than a few seconds eying up anopther bike, but this was really quite nice.
http://www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/CBOODDFBFOR/on_one_dirty_disco_sram_force_flat_bar
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: tiermat on 01 May, 2012, 10:31:49 am
<snip>....Although I don't think there has ever been a bike with so few spokes in the Den before!

Ahem, I believe my Ridley, with it's shiny flange of truth and minimal spoke count has visited the Den before
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 01 May, 2012, 10:43:51 am
Ah, but I don't think Simon bothers with spokes at all.  Much more lightweight to use levitation.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 02 May, 2012, 09:37:09 am
This morning, I saw two particularly interesting bikes.  One was turning onto Railton Road at Herne Hill.  A nicely set up tourer in the same shade of green as Andrij's.  So, as I passed, I looked to see if it was in fact a Hewitt.  It was badged as a Kontour, which is not a brand I know.

Near Walworth Road, and up to NKR, I saw an orange cargo bike with two child seats (rear only occupied at that point) on the back.  I thought it might be a Yuba Mundo, but it was a bit clunky-looking.  Perhaps it was an early version.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Ian H on 03 May, 2012, 09:13:52 pm
Seen only in a photo, posted elsawhere by someone reminiscing about the 70s. He called it a 'Spring bike', said it was made by Raleigh, and was lethal (look at the rear wheel and how the rear forks attach). I can't find out anything more about it.

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/301845_3094710974804_1474959327_41198951_1354567736_n.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 03 May, 2012, 09:39:53 pm
ISTR Wobbly John knew something about this last time it was mentioned.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Tom B on 03 May, 2012, 09:47:33 pm
Quote
ISTR Wobbly John knew something about this last time it was mentioned

as soon as I saw it I thought it was something he or one of his students had made as an experiment  :)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wobbly John on 03 May, 2012, 09:59:59 pm
It's a Swing-Bike. They were commercially produced in the 70's and are similar to the Wobblebikes that I build. They are more difficult to learn than the Wobblebike, but I have seen some impressive riders on YouTube.

The spring can be removed once you have got the hang of riding it. They are very collectable.

I have had a go at building one but haven't got the geometry sorted yet.

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y252/wobblyjohn/chop5.jpg)

The company (or a resurection of the company) did start producing a new version about 3 years ago which was more like the wobblebike that I build.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Ian H on 03 May, 2012, 10:03:16 pm
Ah! Thanks.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: RJ on 04 May, 2012, 12:29:14 am
Last week (but the rider looked regular), outside the Crown at Pantygelli (http://www.thecrownatpantygelli.com/) - a Hetchins, mainly black, with a Sturmey-Archer 4-speed hub (the shifter is about the only useful identifying feature to have come out on the photo I grabbed)

Finally, a picture:
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7102/6994240756_4dbb29a0fd.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7194134@N06/6994240756/)
Hetchins (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7194134@N06/6994240756/) by rjevans6 (http://www.flickr.com/people/7194134@N06/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 04 May, 2012, 08:10:58 am
Chainstays a bit slack.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Adrian on 04 May, 2012, 08:17:19 am
Left out in the sun too long I expect.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 04 May, 2012, 09:50:05 am
Must have been last year!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: PaulF on 04 May, 2012, 06:45:00 pm
A left hand drive BMX.

A first I thought it was fixed but when he freewheeled I realised that it had a reverse freewheel. IIRC Wolly did that to his fixie "just because he could"
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: tiermat on 07 May, 2012, 06:31:08 pm
Yesterday, whilst at the pub we saw a Pace RC-100 complete with Mahura brakes and age appropraite rigid forks, in yellow.  My only disappointment with it was that it was the ano-grey colour and not the red one.

Next to it was an old sit-up and beg bike (can't remember the make) that was notable for it missing a pedal.

Torlanda did also mention another MTB oldy hiding out back of these ones, but I missed what it was :(

Oh and there was a very gorgeous purple Carlton Continental, a Circe Helios and an Elswick Hopper (chapeau to Clarion for riding it to the pub!) amongst our group.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 07 May, 2012, 06:44:12 pm
I was rather put out that I was not the only person riding a rod-braked bike to the Buck in Maunby. ;D

I didn't recognise the headbadge on the other bike, but it was also notable for its double top tube.

I rode the Elswick through central London in the rain, and home.  I was an interesting experience. :o
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 07 May, 2012, 08:13:14 pm
I was rather put out that I was not the only person riding a rod-braked bike to the Buck in Maunby. ;D

I didn't recognise the headbadge on the other bike, but it was also notable for its double top tube.

I rode the Elswick through central London in the rain, and home.  I was an interesting experience. :o
That's pretty common on Indian bikes - perhaps you saw an Atlas, Safari or Hercules!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: itsbruce on 08 May, 2012, 01:20:01 am
A custom trandem at the Tweed Run:

(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7087/7152958063_92e01197cb_c.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/itsbruce/7152958063/in/set-72157629987472097)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: itsbruce on 08 May, 2012, 08:03:34 pm
One of the regular Tweed Run marshals is Briggy, who restores and sells vintage bikes from a location near Waterloo station.  This is his bike (and yes, that is his helmet):

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/s720x720/531249_374390495931469_100000815653589_937352_2093305350_n.jpg)

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/s720x720/564243_374390602598125_100000815653589_937353_386712635_n.jpg)

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/s720x720/540234_374390652598120_100000815653589_937354_2031900782_n.jpg)

(Images are from Facebook.  Should be visible - shared publicly, but tell me if there's a problem viewing them)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 08 May, 2012, 09:16:47 pm
The helmet looks cool but is probably hot to wear, the saddle is... hot but must be cool to ride!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: alexb on 09 May, 2012, 12:56:19 pm
Yesterday, whilst at the pub we saw a Pace RC-100 complete with Mahura brakes and age appropraite rigid forks, in yellow.  My only disappointment with it was that it was the ano-grey colour and not the red one.

The RC100 was only available in grey. Anodising was introduced with the RC200

/nerd mode off

I have a very complete RC100s sitting in the loft which I must clean up and seel to someone who could use it at some point.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: tiermat on 09 May, 2012, 01:11:18 pm
Yesterday, whilst at the pub we saw a Pace RC-100 complete with Mahura brakes and age appropraite rigid forks, in yellow.  My only disappointment with it was that it was the ano-grey colour and not the red one.

The RC100 was only available in grey. Anodising was introduced with the RC200

/nerd mode off

I have a very complete RC100s sitting in the loft which I must clean up and seel to someone who could use it at some point.

Thankyou for that, I did wonder if I was mis-remembering it.  Clarion was right, he asked if the forks were original, and it appears they are (bright yellow RC-30 or 38, there was no stickers on them :) )

That bike in your loft will be what they term a unicorn, over on Retrobike, due to their rarity.  By the looks they are a pig to restore too, especially the BB/crankset.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 09 May, 2012, 01:13:45 pm
No, I demur.  Torslanda commented on the forks.  I'm afraid ATBs are not within my area of knowledge for classic machinery ;D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: tiermat on 09 May, 2012, 01:16:58 pm
OK, I couldn't remember if it was you or Tors.  My brain has been a little fried since sunday lunchtime, must have been the fall :D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Bledlow on 10 May, 2012, 02:59:01 pm
Locked up in Broad Street, Reading yesterday: a Taarnby Arrow. Not unusual in itself (7 speed sensible commuter bike), & probably common enough in Denmark, but unusual here.

(http://www.cykelbutikken.eu/Graphics/Products/1189.jpg)
Title: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Auntie Helen on 11 May, 2012, 09:08:13 pm
I like this Bianchi seen in Delft today

(http://i738.photobucket.com/albums/xx30/Auntie_Helen/Berlin%20To%20London/522145e4.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: itsbruce on 13 May, 2012, 05:56:18 pm
At Herne Hill Velodrome, today:

(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5340/7189405362_df0461b75e_c.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/itsbruce/7189405362/)

(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5444/7189389884_f3c8a89c85_c.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/itsbruce/7189389884/)

(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7245/7189362914_a8a6c353cd_c.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/itsbruce/7189362914/)

(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5345/7189371588_e45c2c038f_c.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/itsbruce/7189371588/)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 13 May, 2012, 10:24:06 pm
Those are very interesting and unusual.  :)

In mundane contrast, my spot today was a 70s Puch - with perhaps the last surviving example in the wild of a pre-Night Rider Ever Ready rear light! One of the old rectangular ones, so probably coeval with the bike. I confess I was unable to resist the temptation to test it - and it didn't work. Whether dead batteries, blown bulb, or batteries removed to use the space as a coin store (as someone I used to know did!) I can't say, but despite not functioning, it was there. I'd like to see one of the older, rounded corner designs though.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 16 May, 2012, 10:56:02 am
This morning, at the junction of Brixton/Streatham Hill and the South Circ, heading Northbound, I spotted a Cannondale Capo - singlespeed bike with drops but also electric assist in the front wheel (battery in bottle cage).  I think it's the most attractive of all electric bikes, and the one I'd choose if I needed one.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Zipperhead on 17 May, 2012, 02:14:25 pm
This morning in the City I saw a beautiful 753 Roy Thame, updated with a few modern bits (single speed etc.)

Lovely black and white paint job and lovely lugs.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Jurek on 19 May, 2012, 08:11:44 pm
An Itera.

Almost adjacent to Bikefix, and it looks like it's not turned a wheel in a while, so I'll be surprised if this hasn't appeared upthread...

(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7095/7228652180_d7a9f2d957_b.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Andrij on 19 May, 2012, 09:03:51 pm
I recall seeing it there some point last Fall.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Jurek on 19 May, 2012, 09:46:51 pm
I recall seeing it there some point last Fall.

That'll be autumn, will it?  :P
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Andrij on 19 May, 2012, 10:29:28 pm
I recall seeing it there some point last Fall.

That'll be autumn, will it?  :P

I prefer the English, not Latin, word.  :P
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: plum on 19 May, 2012, 10:40:21 pm
I always thought 'fall' was American?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 19 May, 2012, 11:05:52 pm
Is that the Swedish plastic bike that was supposed to be the last word in utility cycling circa 1980? (I'm talking about the Itera, not autumn or fall.)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Efrogwr on 19 May, 2012, 11:38:01 pm
I always thought 'fall' was American?

It is now, but they pinched it off us (it was used in English English in the Tudor/Stuart periods).
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Adrian on 20 May, 2012, 10:04:35 am
I always thought 'fall' was American?

It is now, but they pinched it off us (it was used in English English in the Tudor/Stuart periods).

I'm not sure that "pinched it off us" is completely fair, more looked after it and kept it safe.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: alexb on 20 May, 2012, 07:15:21 pm
So I was eyeing up a rather nice, mostly black, BMC at the lights the other day and decided to look it up.

There are two possible candidates, an 11-speed belt-drive with black frame and black graphics, very plain, but quite classy. The BMC uc01
http://www.bmc-racing.com/int-en/bikes/2012/lifestyle/model/urbanchallenge%20/uc01/uc01_alfine_11.html
The UC01 doesn't seem to be available in this spec in the UK, so probably not this one then.

But I remembered it had red hubs and Easton-branded rims and was a bit flashier, so it must have been this one, the BMC mc01
http://www.bmc-racing.com/int-en/bikes/2012/lifestyle/model/masschallenge%20/mc01/standard.html

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/bmc/masschallenge-mc01-team-spec-2012-single-speed-bike-ec031101
£4000!!!!! :o
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: jogler on 20 May, 2012, 07:18:05 pm
I always thought 'fall' was American?

It is now, but they pinched it off us (it was used in English English in the Tudor/Stuart periods).

I imagine the Pilgrim Fathers took it with them
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wendy on 20 May, 2012, 07:18:15 pm
I should think that quite a few of the bikes we see out and about regularly are worth £4k or more.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 20 May, 2012, 10:02:10 pm
A very low, very sleek, blue, recumbent tandem.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wobbly John on 20 May, 2012, 10:13:57 pm
A very low, very sleek, blue, recumbent tandem.

Trike or bike?
Conventional or back-to-back?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 20 May, 2012, 10:15:08 pm
Bike, both facing forward. Very low to the ground and going pretty fast.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wobbly John on 20 May, 2012, 10:19:44 pm
Now that is unusual.  :o

Not many recumbent bikes are painted blue.  :demon:
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 20 May, 2012, 10:29:00 pm
Oh, it was a very dark blue - almost black.  ;)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 20 May, 2012, 10:57:29 pm
An Itera.

Almost adjacent to Bikefix, and it looks like it's not turned a wheel in a while, so I'll be surprised if this hasn't appeared upthread...

(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7095/7228652180_d7a9f2d957_b.jpg)

Amazingly, I saw an Itera today - in a farmyard in Sussex. 

I also know where there are two for sale, should anyone want to pay waaaay over the odds for a complete piece of cack. ;D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 20 May, 2012, 11:04:09 pm
I was going to say a farmyard is where it belongs, but that seems unfair on farmers. And chickens, pigs and cows.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: PeteB99 on 21 May, 2012, 12:56:14 pm
I had a go on one that the LBS had taken in as a trade.

For any rider more than a feather weight the handling is 'interesting'
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: alexb on 21 May, 2012, 03:21:55 pm
I should think that quite a few of the bikes we see out and about regularly are worth £4k or more.

Fair point, but ti's a bit eye watering for a stock singlespeed with an alloy frame!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 21 May, 2012, 10:17:18 pm
Another recumbent today - a black one!  ;) A delta trike hauling a huge, boxy metallic trailer. Something about it made me think it was an American tourist, but I'm not sure what.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 26 May, 2012, 09:47:39 pm
On today's ride, a Ken Rogers trike - I'm sure this is the first time I've been on a ride with a trike - and an extremely gorgeous W.F. Holdsworth from 1954 in the classic orange.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 26 May, 2012, 09:55:06 pm
Butterfly spotted a green Pedersen today being pushed.

And we spied a recumbent, but didn't get a decent look at it :(
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Deano on 28 May, 2012, 05:59:23 am
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7242/7284355856_b05833bf37_z.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/30024450@N04/7284355856/)
wooden bicycle in Danakyu (http://www.flickr.com/photos/30024450@N04/7284355856/) by dean.clementson (http://www.flickr.com/people/30024450@N04/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 28 May, 2012, 01:29:22 pm
Curious closely spaced rear wheels. I'm not sure whether to call it a trike or a double-wheeled bike! Well, the whole thing is curious.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 30 May, 2012, 10:43:01 am
At The Windmill, Clapham Common, a Bill Nickson (light levels low, so a bit blurry on the phone cam):

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/ado15/IMAG0474.jpg)

531c, and quite similar to my Woodrup (though with a more boring seat cluster)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/ado15/IMAG0475.jpg)

Campag gearing, I believe

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/ado15/IMAG0476.jpg)

But Weinmann brakes.  The calipers looked a bit clunky compared to the rest of the kit.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/ado15/IMAG0477.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 30 May, 2012, 10:44:56 am
Shortly after, in Balham, I spotted a Cliff Shrub fixed.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/ado15/IMAG0478.jpg)
Really quite dark by then, so very blurry, sorry.  Ambrosio rims looked a little out of place.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 30 May, 2012, 10:51:58 am
No bar tape at all on that Cliff Shrub - or is it just blending in with the metal of the bars extremely well?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 30 May, 2012, 10:53:16 am
No bar tape.  Hipster alert.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 30 May, 2012, 11:41:16 am
I rode like that for a week or so, many years ago when my bike was "between bar tapes". It wasn't considered hip back then, and even if it hadn't been, I'm sure I wasn't. But never again - painful! Slippery in rain, too.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Bledlow on 02 June, 2012, 08:51:45 pm
Rain? You don't imagine it's ever ridden in rain, do you? Or when it's cold enough for fingers to freeze on that bare metal? Or far enough for the discomfort of bare bars to be a bother?

I fear you have misunderstood the purpose of such posing devices bicycles.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Ian H on 02 June, 2012, 11:19:41 pm
This afternoon, on the Uxbridge Rd through Hayes, Middx, a woman wearing stripy leggings powering a treadle bike at considerable speed.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 03 June, 2012, 04:14:46 am
There was a chap on a Pegoretti on the Friday night ride.  Interesting paint job, very well done, but the frame looked rather agricultural.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 03 June, 2012, 11:55:00 am
In what way agricultural? There were some Pegoretti frames on display at the Bristol Bespoked show a couple of months ago and I thought they were rather beautiful!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 03 June, 2012, 02:44:42 pm
Things like seat stays like plumbing with ugly joints to dropouts.  But I don't want to diss the guy's frame.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 07 June, 2012, 08:55:13 pm
Nice Witcomb in Camberwell at lunchtime.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Torslanda on 13 June, 2012, 12:24:53 pm
This  morning oo the way to work  a schoolboy on a 'bitsa'. Old steel MTB with a cruiser style girder fork and the bars flipped giving a low wide stance. Looked about 10 quid's worth. The grin on his face? Priceless!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 19 June, 2012, 07:18:48 pm
I'm in Richmond Park.  I've just completed a circuit, and am leaning on a fence relaxing, pleased that I defeated all the hills, despite wearing civvies, and trying not to get sweaty.

My riding has been put into perspective by a chap steaming past on a low handcycle, riding in the direction of Bastard Hill.  Impressive.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 21 June, 2012, 09:45:30 am
I saw two more handcycles in RP that evening - this time on the road crossing the park from Robin Hood Gate to Ham Gate.

This morning, I saw a Specialized StreetStomper - evidently a hybrid model, trading on the success of the StumpJumper and RockHopper.  Pretty rare, I think, though not desperately exciting of itself.  What was interesting was the horizontal dropouts, part of which was blanked off in the drive side only.  I've never seen this before, and can't think what the purpose might have been.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/ado15/IMAG0552.jpg)

In Streatham, I also saw a Dave Quinn, which I was surprised had not been turned into a fixed, but was still running 12-speed (I think).
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 21 June, 2012, 09:51:53 am
Fixing puncture on my daughter's town bike last night - noticed the tyres; "John Bull tyres".

*How* old are the tyres on that bike?  They are falling to pieces.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 21 June, 2012, 12:01:14 pm
http://www.classicrendezvous.com/British_isles/John_Bull_main.htm
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 21 June, 2012, 12:06:14 pm
Quote
Merged with Metalastik in 1955

But I'm sure I've seen John Bull tyres more recent than that, so the brand name must have continued.  I am not aware of any after the 1970s, and perhaps earlier still.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 21 June, 2012, 12:09:23 pm
The bike is a BSA - I'd have guessed at '60s.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 21 June, 2012, 12:51:41 pm
'60s sounds right to me.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: TimC on 21 June, 2012, 02:35:19 pm
I saw two more handcycles in RP that evening - this time on the road crossing the park from Robin Hood Gate to Ham Gate.

This morning, I saw a Specialized StreetStomper - evidently a hybrid model, trading on the success of the StumpJumper and RockHopper.  Pretty rare, I think, though not desperately exciting of itself.  What was interesting was the horizontal dropouts, part of which was blanked off in the drive side only.  I've never seen this before, and can't think what the purpose might have been.


I wonder if it was produced like that so that the default derailleur option would work out of the box, but it could be filed out to allow the adjustability needed for a non-derailleur hub?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 21 June, 2012, 03:48:02 pm
No. The early indexed mechs had quite strict limitations on the relative locations of cassette and rear mech. Horizontal dropouts allowed too much deviation, so the driveside mold (cast dropouts) was modified to fix where the axle was located. The other horizontal dropout was not similarly modified because it allowed the wheel to be cocked to compensate for slight differences in chainstay length/ dropout position (manufacturing tolerances).
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 21 June, 2012, 03:51:07 pm
Oh, so it's indexed!  </penny dropping>

I'd just assumed it was friction with thumbies.

Now, that makes sense.  Thanks.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Exit Stage Left on 21 June, 2012, 05:54:51 pm
Fixing puncture on my daughter's town bike last night - noticed the tyres; "John Bull tyres".

*How* old are the tyres on that bike?  They are falling to pieces.

Hard to know, I can remember John Bull printing sets, and puncture repair outfits into the 70s, Dunlop had taken them over in 1958. Trelleborg now own the remnants. In the 1980s there were two main makers of chainsaw wellingtons, Trelleborg and Nokia, both named after their own home towns. Trelleborg and Nokia both made tyres, including bike tyres. Nokia still do, they're called Nokian now.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: TimC on 21 June, 2012, 06:55:56 pm
No. The early indexed mechs had quite strict restrictions on the relative locations of cassette and rear mech. Horizontal dropouts allowed too much deviation, so the driveside mold (cast dropouts) were modified to fix where the axle was located. The other horizontal dropout was not similarly modified because it allowed the wheel to be cocked to compensation for slight differences in chainstay length/ dropout position (manufacturing tolerances).

Interesting - thanks!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 22 June, 2012, 11:12:03 am
Dawes ?Lady Galaxy at KX

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/ado15/IMAG0558.jpg)

Wait - what?  Downtube levers, sure
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/ado15/IMAG0560.jpg)

But STIs as well? :o
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/ado15/IMAG0559.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 22 June, 2012, 11:22:31 am
But there's no connection between STI levers and derailleurs, so it's simply a case of using the available brake levers.

If I locked up a helmet like that, I'd be worried about dogs pissing in it!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Exit Stage Left on 22 June, 2012, 11:32:56 am
The bar tape is still well wrapped, and the stem looks like an ITM Eclypse, painted black, and peeling back to the chrome. So the stem and bars have been taken off a mid 90s sports bike. Would the chrome fork be original? The whole front end may have been replaced.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: jogler on 22 June, 2012, 11:37:48 am
Proper pump pegs :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 25 June, 2012, 10:04:46 am
Of course there were some lovely bikes in York - a number of Roberts, a very fine pair of Bob Jacksons, a Carlton, a Claud Butler track bike, a Burley tandem, an early Orange, a sweet purple Woodrup tourer of late 70s vintage, and a Mal Rees ;)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: phantasmagoriana on 26 June, 2012, 11:35:48 pm
Proper pump pegs :thumbsup:

And it's got a band-on one as well, below the brazed-on one! Perhaps to accommodate two different sizes of pump? ???
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 27 June, 2012, 09:50:41 am
A fairly ordinary mountain-bikey hybrid - pulling a tag-along tandem trike! Empty, evidently returning from school.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 27 June, 2012, 11:00:36 am
A fairly ordinary mountain-bikey hybrid - pulling a tag-along tandem trike! Empty, evidently returning from school.
Probably a U+2

I used to have a U+1 - fantastic bit of kit. Could carry a week's shopping in boxes on the rack, and Mscharly got strong legs from pedalling. She could push me along all by herself when she was 5.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 27 June, 2012, 11:13:43 am
Yes, a quick google shows that's what it was. I've never seen one before - looks useful. And
Mscharly got strong legs from pedalling. She could push me along all by herself when she was 5.
woh!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: alexb on 27 June, 2012, 12:20:05 pm
Dawes ?Lady Galaxy at KX

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/ado15/IMAG0558.jpg)

Wait - what?  Downtube levers, sure
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/ado15/IMAG0560.jpg)

But STIs as well? :o
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/ado15/IMAG0559.jpg)

That to me looks like a classic "built from bits of stolen bikes" hybrid.
I see a lot of bikes ridden by dubious characters with disc wheels and V-brakes round my way.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 27 June, 2012, 12:22:17 pm
I'm not sure.  Up to the stem, it all fits for period, style, quality etc, but the stem, bars & levers are clearly from a different bike.  Stolen or not, I couldn't say.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 27 June, 2012, 02:02:29 pm
I'd have assumed it was a bike which got involved in some sort of front-end prangage necessitating new bars, stem and brake levers, and was then rebuilt with parts from the back of a mate's shed/gumtree/ebay/local classifieds - in anything other than the first case there probably is a 50/50 chance they're stolen, but bought in good faith. And the stem, wherever it comes from, is ugly IMO.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Exit Stage Left on 27 June, 2012, 02:48:08 pm
And the stem, wherever it comes from, is ugly IMO.

The last high end quill stems were like that. I've got two ITM Eclypses because they were available in 150mm. The ultimate quill stem of that type of welded tubular construction was the titanium ITM Krystal, which is a thing of beauty IMO. There's the occasional NOS example about from upwards of £150.
(http://www.bikyle.com/images/Parts/ITM-krystal_ti_stem.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: phantasmagoriana on 08 July, 2012, 06:15:22 pm
Saw this Triumph earlier today:

(http://img840.imageshack.us/img840/2871/dsc00691ab.jpg)

Rod brake on the front, and I didn't see a rear brake (could be coaster? Or fixed?). Interesting rubber platform pedals with metal edges, and a Brooks vinyl sprung saddle.

The handlebars were mirror-shiny, and I couldn't tell whether the rims were alloy or steel, but there was no rust on them (they were shiny too!). Big shiny bell, too. Looked like a well-cared for bike (though I don't know what's going on with what looks like a mudguardless stay at the front!).
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 08 July, 2012, 06:20:18 pm
It looks distinctly as if it's lost its mudguards. And as it has two brake levers but no rear brake, it must have lost its rear brake as well! Could be a dynohub at the front - or is it a hub brake? (in which case wheels are not original, which they might not be - rear looks like alloy on the photo and the front looks shiny like steel)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: tiermat on 08 July, 2012, 06:24:45 pm
The rear brake on those (BSA, Elswick Hopper, Raleigh, Triumph etc) is under the chain stays, you can see the chrome band near the DS pedal.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: cycleman on 08 July, 2012, 07:09:18 pm
i was going through my pictures and found this . it was in petersfield   :)

(http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k411/cycleman108/052.jpg)

(http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k411/cycleman108/053.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Butterfly on 09 July, 2012, 11:27:00 am
That's an interesting beast Cycleman!  :)

A couple of weeks ago I was greeted by someone with a Tret Trailer :thumbsup:. She turned out to be a friend of my boss who recognised the children and the tandem. I've always wanted one of those trailers! 8)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 09 July, 2012, 11:29:46 am
I've never seen a classic tadpole trike with small front wheels that wasn't a delivery bike, but that definitely looks like a domestic one.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wobbly John on 09 July, 2012, 12:50:19 pm
Saw this Triumph earlier today:

...I couldn't tell whether the rims were alloy or steel, but there was no rust on them (they were shiny too!).

The rear rim looks like a stainless steel 'Westrick' - has braking surfaces for both rod & caliper brakes (and in the wet you probably need both).

I've got them on my tandem, but It uses hub brakes.  :smug:

Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: rogerzilla on 14 July, 2012, 10:44:17 am
A 30-something bloke pushing a fixie around the magazine section of Sainsbury's.  It had the slackest chain I have ever seen outside FGG.  I was going to say something but he looked foreign.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 15 July, 2012, 06:49:38 pm
A whole load of interesting bikes at today's Carnivelo: a 1952 policeman's Raleigh with the widest Brooks saddle I've ever seen (a B196 apparently), a 1941 Hopper (pre-Elswick), a 50s curly Hetchins, a Freight 8 and a Bullit cargo bike, and these:

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8028/7576098648_b6bb44fce3_z.jpg)

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8012/7576096180_b04ce224e0_m.jpg)
This is the "freight" compartment of the Freight 8 - I wanted to just curl up in it!

I also witnessed the conception of a new cargo bike: to be made by welding a shopping trolley into the chain stays of a small-wheeled folding bike!  :o
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wendy on 15 July, 2012, 10:33:35 pm
Saw the skeleton tandem and sw19cam also. Chuffed.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: tonycollinet on 15 July, 2012, 11:14:54 pm
In April (you can tell, the sun is shining). An electrified Izip. To be fair it is parked at the bottom of a road that only goes up in two directions from there.

(http://www.collinsho.me/pics/izip/izip1.jpg)

(http://www.collinsho.me/pics/izip/izip2.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Exit Stage Left on 16 July, 2012, 03:45:20 pm
Modified tandem recumbent in Barcelona.

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8165/7583070722_af8da1331d_z.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 16 July, 2012, 04:28:47 pm
Saw the skeleton tandem and sw19cam also. Chuffed.
Does this mean you were in Brizzle on Sunday? What were you riding (a recumbent I presume) and wearing? Then I'll try to work out if I saw you!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wendy on 16 July, 2012, 04:48:22 pm
No, Landahn.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: welshwheels on 16 July, 2012, 04:51:48 pm
(http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/181387_10150889044964586_153044836_n.jpg)            seen a few times around swansea outside the uni  on this occasion . It looks like bloody hard work  :facepalm:
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 16 July, 2012, 10:23:07 pm
Presumably because the rocket engine hasn't been installed yet...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wobbly John on 16 July, 2012, 10:44:29 pm
(http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/181387_10150889044964586_153044836_n.jpg)           

A Flevo bike  :D...



...with nitrous injection?  :o
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 16 July, 2012, 10:46:37 pm
I'm assuming that the marsupial on the rear rack is a clue to the need for bonkers amounts of water storage.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: welshwheels on 17 July, 2012, 07:45:39 pm
It's the front wheel drive i can't get my head around  :o
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 17 July, 2012, 08:08:34 pm
FWD 'bents aren't uncommon.  It solves the usual chainline problems by exchanging them for some even more headache-inducing ones (depending on gearing), but can make a substantial weight saving.

The flevobike concept is particularly well suited to FWD, as the steering doesn't cause the wheel to foul the chain.

The trippy bit is how the hell you ride the thing in the first place.  I believe that once you've cracked that particular bit of voodoo, you can happily steer with your feet.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Bledlow on 17 July, 2012, 08:49:59 pm
It looks distinctly as if it's lost its mudguards. And as it has two brake levers but no rear brake, it must have lost its rear brake as well! Could be a dynohub at the front - or is it a hub brake? (in which case wheels are not original, which they might not be - rear looks like alloy on the photo and the front looks shiny like steel)
Raleigh, & perhaps other British firms, used to fit hub brakes to some bikes for export. When I worked in Utrecht I bought an old export-model Raleigh with hub brakes from a local second hand bike shop. It's what got me into cycling as an adult, after not having been on a bike for years
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 18 July, 2012, 10:05:45 am
A Trikidoo.

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8146/7595994180_45cfb033be_z.jpg)

Not exotic but nicely practical.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Ham on 22 July, 2012, 08:20:10 pm
A pair of Pacific folders. They fold into the bag at the back, which unfolds, IYSWIM, into about 25 x 25 x 90 cm or thereabouts. Engineering looks good on them, too. L/h one has the Shimano 2 speed kick gear, r/h is s/s


(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-nkiNX5dkREU/UAxQzROeXGI/AAAAAAAAiFc/-Vn8ZqXsjT0/s800/S0221242.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Andrij on 22 July, 2012, 08:30:39 pm
Hmm....

*looks*

Pacific Carryme (http://www.pacific-cycles.com/), they ever do a 3-wheeler!

I'd like to see one of these up-close.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 22 July, 2012, 08:33:46 pm
Isn't that a picture of a pair of roller skates?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wendy on 22 July, 2012, 11:09:20 pm
A pair of Pacific folders. They fold into the bag at the back, which unfolds, IYSWIM, into about 25 x 25 x 90 cm or thereabouts. Engineering looks good on them, too. L/h one has the Shimano 2 speed kick gear, r/h is s/s


(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-nkiNX5dkREU/UAxQzROeXGI/AAAAAAAAiFc/-Vn8ZqXsjT0/s800/S0221242.jpg)

I saw them today, and you of course!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 31 July, 2012, 10:07:11 pm
Interesting Graham Weigh

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/ado15/London%20Walk%20July%202012/IMG_0698.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 31 July, 2012, 10:08:23 pm
Saddle-less Itera on Lamb's Conduit Street

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/ado15/London%20Walk%20July%202012/IMG_0697.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 31 July, 2012, 10:10:17 pm
Raleigh Esquire with SA rear dyno-hub with (I think) three speeds, classic rounded fork crown and heron chainring:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/ado15/London%20Walk%20July%202012/IMG_0686.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 31 July, 2012, 10:11:26 pm
Near Red Lion Square:(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/ado15/London%20Walk%20July%202012/IMG_0682.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/ado15/London%20Walk%20July%202012/IMG_0681.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 31 July, 2012, 10:12:35 pm
OMFG how much more Nathan Barley can you get?  Fixie (probably ss) overgrown BMXs :facepalm:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/ado15/London%20Walk%20July%202012/IMG_0675.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 31 July, 2012, 10:19:10 pm
Titania's Garden appears to be a florists, in Crawford Street, Marylebone

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/ado15/London%20Walk%20July%202012/IMG_0633.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Rhys W on 01 August, 2012, 09:15:34 am
Interesting Graham Weigh

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/ado15/London%20Walk%20July%202012/IMG_0698.jpg)

I bet it belongs to an exiled North Wallian! Seems like everybody had one in the early 90s.

Looks a bit like mine, although my seat cluster is different. Quite possibly built by Terry Dolan, or Paul Donohue.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: rower40 on 04 August, 2012, 08:11:32 pm
While we were mending a p*nct*re in Ashbourne tunnel, a Very Kind Gentleman slowed down to ask if we were OK and had everything we needed. "Yes Thanks" was the first reply, followed almost immediately by "Is that an Orange Bling Genesis?"

Tiptop OTP laughed at me for being about to call his bike by my bike's nickname.

I don't think I've ever seen another one out in the wild before.  And the worst bit is that I was on my Grasshopper today.  We got caught in a downpour in the last mile of the Tissington trail, so dashed for the shelter of the tunnel, whereupon we noticed the faerie visitation.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Adrian on 06 August, 2012, 10:06:11 am
OMFG how much more Nathan Barley can you get?  Fixie (probably ss) overgrown BMXs :facepalm:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/ado15/London%20Walk%20July%202012/IMG_0675.jpg)
One's collection of bikes is incomplete without one, so that is one addiction cured.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Ian H on 07 August, 2012, 12:16:50 pm
I can't claim to have actually seen it, but I was given an old mag (great article about the 87 PBP inside). This is it, on the cover:-

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-L7Bnx6BbOIg/UCD0Z2km2eI/AAAAAAAABi8/HpxuLrZBm3I/s531/2012-08-07_11-55-55_985.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Ham on 10 August, 2012, 08:43:07 am
The Concept BMW electric folder, designed to fit and charge in the concept i3 car http://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=76.msg1289605#msg1289605

(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-0hdEQOLKAec/UCS4eOZxVsI/AAAAAAAAiUU/tpHN-NO0oPs/s800/S0051286.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Rhys W on 10 August, 2012, 09:24:26 am
Looks like a pair of scissors... quite appropriate, considering how often a BMW "cuts" me up.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Bledlow on 12 August, 2012, 01:15:06 pm
Saddle-less Itera on Lamb's Conduit Street

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/ado15/London%20Walk%20July%202012/IMG_0697.jpg)
Doesn't that belong in the dead BSO thread?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 17 August, 2012, 09:51:13 pm
Holborn today:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/ado15/IMAG0658.jpg)

Fugly bike, but what look like pretty cool LED arrangements on both wheels.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Andrij on 19 August, 2012, 04:02:47 pm
Saddle-less Itera on Lamb's Conduit Street

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/ado15/London%20Walk%20July%202012/IMG_0697.jpg)
Doesn't that belong in the dead BSO thread?

Quite possibly, as that bike has been there for a very long time (I first saw it there a few years ago).
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: rogerzilla on 19 August, 2012, 04:53:26 pm
We have a potential winner, but I think only Fab Foodie has a photo of it.  Parked outside Paolo's Cafe in Acton yesterday, and a real one-off.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Andrij on 19 August, 2012, 05:55:32 pm
We have a potential winner, but I think only Fab Foodie has a photo of it.  Parked outside Paolo's Cafe in Acton yesterday, and a real one-off.

This one:
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mspNOxa48R4/UDEZqVtIU0I/AAAAAAAABT0/Qv8Yvjchfp0/s640/P1030735.JPG)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 19 August, 2012, 06:23:06 pm
Oh my! It looks well used, lived in, in fact.

Steering must be stable... Like an intercontinental oil tanker, which rather complements the rest of it.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Dibdib on 19 August, 2012, 06:27:03 pm
Maybe it was my addled brain, but it looked (to me, at least) a LOT worse in the flesh. The photo almost makes it look serviceable.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Ian H on 19 August, 2012, 07:25:43 pm
There was a bike with an enormous frame on a bike carrier this afternoon. Around 27" with twin lateral stays to add a bit of rigidity.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 19 August, 2012, 07:33:41 pm
This one:
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mspNOxa48R4/UDEZqVtIU0I/AAAAAAAABT0/Qv8Yvjchfp0/s640/P1030735.JPG)

What that photo doesn't clearly show is the glorious use of guttering as a rear mudguard.

I must get one of those for a FNRttC some time...   :demon:
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 19 August, 2012, 10:44:22 pm
But what it does show is that the owner values it (or something...) enough to lug a link chain round on the bike - but not enough to use it.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 21 August, 2012, 06:53:21 pm
Sainsburys, North Cheam:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/ado15/IMAG0685.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: tiermat on 21 August, 2012, 08:58:44 pm
Sainsburys, North Cheam:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/ado15/IMAG0685.jpg)

I've seen one of those before, in Spain, on the train beween Barca and Igualada (which has to rank as one of the hardest town names for a native English speaker to pronounce as it has no hard sounds in it...)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 21 August, 2012, 09:14:20 pm
Must be pretty heavy to get on & off trains.  I can't find any mention of it on AtoB magazine or Electric Bike magazine websites, so I don't know how good it is (or isn't)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Ian H on 23 August, 2012, 07:34:25 pm
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/523491_3660010746945_1090037914_n.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 23 August, 2012, 09:02:49 pm
Fork looks a bit Asda...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 23 August, 2012, 09:11:55 pm
An original Mochet Velocar. The front end geometry is very sensible for a recumbent.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Ian H on 23 August, 2012, 09:12:09 pm
TThe fork is indeed backwards. Edinburgh Royal Museum staff are obviously not bicycle experts.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Ian H on 23 August, 2012, 09:14:20 pm
http://www.cyclegenius.com/history.php
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 23 August, 2012, 09:59:05 pm
http://www.uh.edu/engines/francisfaure.png
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Ian H on 23 August, 2012, 10:27:11 pm
It might come down to an arm wrestling match. Actually, I've found photos showing both ways round.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: TheLurker on 24 August, 2012, 08:43:46 am
Oldish* chap on a bright orange racing/touring barrow heading into Ciren about 1630ish Wednesday past.

I assume a Corinium rider, but don't know.

*I.e. older than me. :)

Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Zipperhead on 24 August, 2012, 02:16:19 pm
Yesterday morning, going round Parliament Square and then heading east along the Embankment, not quite a bicycle, but closer to a bicycle than anything else (and managing a respectable pace, ie faster than me!) a Frinton Flyer -

(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7031/6673669369_432f9b42ef_z.jpg)

No pedals, electric power only.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 24 August, 2012, 07:59:49 pm
Closer to a motorbike, I'd have said - but interesting however you class it.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 25 August, 2012, 10:53:16 pm
I saw this homemade cargo bike a couple of days ago. It's a 1990's(?maybe later) GT mtb, coupled to the rear triangle from what appears to be a kids' bike and a short length of rusty scaffolding pole. The owner said he'd put it together with bolts only, no welding required "so anyone could make one". Dunno how it handles...

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8290/7859691890_b707868d99_z.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: TimO on 26 August, 2012, 11:21:03 am
Closer to a motorbike, I'd have said - but interesting however you class it.

Legally, definitely a motorcycle, if you got stopped by the police you could end up in quite a lot of trouble, no type certification (or MOT), no insurance, no VED disc, no helmet, no plates, no indicators etc etc

As you said, interesting, but I'd say it seems to have too much unnecessary flamboyance, which will increase it's weight, and decrease it's range.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: cycleman on 31 August, 2012, 08:05:27 pm
just a couple from my return ride from milldenhall . unusual to me but maybe not to you .
 a trike in cambridge

(http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k411/cycleman108/milldenhall2012034.jpg)

and a cargo bike in shelford,

(http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k411/cycleman108/milldenhall2012041.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Sergeant Pluck on 02 September, 2012, 08:12:06 pm
(http://sergeantpluck.smugmug.com/photos/i-XpRrtK6/0/XL/i-XpRrtK6-XL.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: why1040 on 03 September, 2012, 10:06:00 pm
While wandering over to a local pizza restaurant in Stockholm last night, I came across this creation:

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8036/7924598652_91c42c8a5a.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/65398243@N06/7924598652/)
IMG_0446 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/65398243@N06/7924598652/) by Chrisando74 (http://www.flickr.com/people/65398243@N06/), on Flickr

 ???
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Bledlow on 04 September, 2012, 12:21:53 am
While wandering over to a local pizza restaurant in Stockholm last night, I came across this creation:

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8036/7924598652_91c42c8a5a.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/65398243@N06/7924598652/)
IMG_0446 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/65398243@N06/7924598652/) by Chrisando74 (http://www.flickr.com/people/65398243@N06/), on Flickr

 ???
I didn't know Dali did bicycles.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 04 September, 2012, 12:34:39 am
That looks like the sort of thing that you'd get if you asked someone who'd never seen a bicycle to build one based on cycle lane markings and train bike space specs.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Ham on 04 September, 2012, 10:21:40 pm
In Ljubljana, and it's ss not fixed

(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-DPJa5u2LIzE/UDzvsEt5RLI/AAAAAAAAjVE/nQEWG-bFfUE/s640/P1050804.JPG)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 04 September, 2012, 10:26:30 pm
Ah!  Velocino.  Wobbly John is our expert in this field.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 09 September, 2012, 04:43:03 pm
We're on a train near Worthing with a gentleman who has a Higgins trike with hub brakes and four speed SA hub.  His partner has a pretty 1952 HC Strudwick with three speed hub.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: PhilO on 10 September, 2012, 10:03:17 am
A bike hire business has just set up at our local canal centre. The fleet includes two load trikes, which are interesting for two reasons: firstly, the confguration, which is a tadpole upright (as per a Christiana) with front wheel drive and rear wheel steering! Secondly, the canal towpath /sustrans route includes barriers which make progress with panniers nigh-on impossible, so how a trike will manage is beyond me!

http://bellabike.dk/Teknik.aspx
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 11 September, 2012, 10:15:57 am
On way home last night I was overtaken by someone very tall riding a mountainbike. They managed an impressive turn of knots.

What was unusual was the amount of seatpost. Well over 2 feet of seatpost showing out of frame. The frame looked like a kiddies bike under this bloke.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: arabella on 11 September, 2012, 08:44:31 pm
While wandering over to a local pizza restaurant in Stockholm last night, I came across this creation:

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8036/7924598652_91c42c8a5a.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/65398243@N06/7924598652/)
IMG_0446 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/65398243@N06/7924598652/) by Chrisando74 (http://www.flickr.com/people/65398243@N06/), on Flickr

 ???
I reckon it's a low stepover - I've heard of one before but never seen one - for people who can do a pedalling motion but can't use a normal or standard tep through frame (?lateral hip immobility)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 11 September, 2012, 09:19:43 pm
On the way home, I saw a nice, if tatty, Carlton Pro-Am.  Shame about the replacement rear wheel (a Bikehut vee :o ), and the RLJing hipster on the top.

Also a very cool Bridgestone Moulton.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Bledlow on 13 September, 2012, 12:57:31 am
If only I'd had a camera with me . . .

'Hirondelle' on the down tube in fancy script. Very elaborate lugs, lovingly lined. Reynolds 525 transfer on the seat tube, & Reynolds transfers on the forks. Smallish wheels, but looked as if built for bigger: loadsa clearance. Fattish tyres. Braze-ons for everything, including pump. Rohloff speedhub, 14 gears. Proper eccentric bottom bracket. Rohloff grip shifter held on bullhorn (cut down drops?) bars vertically with cable ties. Canti bosses, only front set used (brake lever on front right end of bar): no rear brake. Bars mounted on aheadset, behind steerer tube. Anonymous tack with no light fixing plate, & Cateye LD600 held on with two strips of insulating tape, covering part of the light.

A bizarre mixture of the sublime & the utterly crap. Broad Street, Reading, this afternoon.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 14 September, 2012, 11:12:56 am
On way home last night I was overtaken by someone very tall riding a mountainbike. They managed an impressive turn of knots.

What was unusual was the amount of seatpost. Well over 2 feet of seatpost showing out of frame. The frame looked like a kiddies bike under this bloke.

You're from Yorkshire, was it Steve Bainbridge? Ex-British Lions rugby player, although he lives a bit further north than that these days. I've ridden with him and for someone 6'6 he has an impressive turn of speed on a roadified mountainbike (the only thing that can withstand his weight and strength).

Probably not him - this person was very very lean. Not rugby playing build at all.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: interzen on 14 September, 2012, 11:24:58 am
On way home last night I was overtaken by someone very tall riding a mountainbike. They managed an impressive turn of knots.

What was unusual was the amount of seatpost. Well over 2 feet of seatpost showing out of frame. The frame looked like a kiddies bike under this bloke.

You're from Yorkshire, was it Steve Bainbridge? Ex-British Lions rugby player, although he lives a bit further north than that these days. I've ridden with him and for someone 6'6 he has an impressive turn of speed on a roadified mountainbike (the only thing that can withstand his weight and strength).

Probably not him - this person was very very lean. Not rugby playing build at all.
ISTR a freakishly tall (6'11" ish) German guy who works/worked at the Computer Science department - you could easily spot which bike was his as it had several yards of seatpost showing. Depending on where you saw him it could have been him (or I could just be talking complete bollocks)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 14 September, 2012, 11:26:44 am
Leeds - still could be him. He was very very tall
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Ray 6701 on 14 September, 2012, 12:12:32 pm
Adrian Timmis's 1987 TDF Peugeot.

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8182/7983398738_25e2724f4f_z_d.jpg)

Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: LEE on 14 September, 2012, 12:45:47 pm
While wandering over to a local pizza restaurant in Stockholm last night, I came across this creation:

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8036/7924598652_91c42c8a5a.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/65398243@N06/7924598652/)
IMG_0446 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/65398243@N06/7924598652/) by Chrisando74 (http://www.flickr.com/people/65398243@N06/), on Flickr

 ???

I think that step-thru concept, as seen on the Dahon Ciao, made the Ciao a hugely popular bike.
(http://dahon.com//sites/default/files/imagecache/bike_preview/images/bikes/unfold/0/2010/2010__unfold_ciaop7.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: SteveC on 14 September, 2012, 03:52:27 pm
MrsC and I are on holiday in Belgium.  Loads of bikes.  Mostly 'Dutch' utility things which look too big for the riders, particularly when said rider is a child and the bike has been bought for them to 'grow into'!  Also, lots of kiddy-seats, tag-alongs, trailers and the like for transporting smaller ones.
This is the most unusual one so far. It does only have two wheels and the front one is the steering one!  No idea what it would be like to ride!

S

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8307/7985587596_c20b1928f8.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/stevecunio/7985587596/)
long_bike (http://www.flickr.com/photos/stevecunio/7985587596/) by Steve Cunio (http://www.flickr.com/people/stevecunio/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: spesh on 14 September, 2012, 04:14:17 pm
From the in-depth review found here: http://bikes-as-transportation.com/third-generation-electric-cargo-bike/ it sounds like the handling is akin to an oil tanker.

Company site: http://www.urbanarrow.com/en
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 14 September, 2012, 08:02:27 pm
Disappointed! I'd read it as Urban Barrow.  :D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Sergeant Pluck on 15 September, 2012, 03:37:57 pm
I've seen this Claud Butler around SW London for quite a few years:

(http://sergeantpluck.smugmug.com/photos/i-NzFbMh2/0/XL/i-NzFbMh2-XL.jpg)

(http://sergeantpluck.smugmug.com/photos/i-2dFBgCk/0/XL/i-2dFBgCk-XL.jpg)

(http://sergeantpluck.smugmug.com/photos/i-ccD4Fr4/0/XL/i-ccD4Fr4-XL.jpg)

A tour de force of ergonomics  :)

Excuse te crappy mobile phone photos.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: spesh on 15 September, 2012, 04:25:27 pm
BikeSnob NYC occasionally posts pictures on his blog of bikes with "interesting" cockpit ergonomics, but I think this tops anything I've seen there. ;D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: mcshroom on 16 September, 2012, 11:10:22 pm
I saw a hand trike near Birdoswald yesterday. Unfortunately he was overtaking me up the hill :-[
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: AndyK on 16 September, 2012, 11:13:58 pm
I saw a wheelchair the other day with half a bike attached at the back. Person at back pedalling and steering.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 17 September, 2012, 12:01:37 am
http://www.frankmobility.com/duetfeat.php
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: AndyK on 17 September, 2012, 12:05:08 am
http://www.frankmobility.com/duetfeat.php

That was the one!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: tiermat on 17 September, 2012, 07:25:37 am
One visit to The Blacksmiths Arms @ Naburn[1] saw us sharing the beer garden with a group that had one of them, plus other adapted bikes.

[1] Possibly Clarion and Butterfly's local, as last year (2011) they visited it more times than any other pub, despite it being >150 miles from where they live!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Bledlow on 17 September, 2012, 02:19:22 pm
If only I'd had a camera with me . . .

'Hirondelle' on the down tube in fancy script. Very elaborate lugs, lovingly lined. Reynolds 525 transfer on the seat tube, & Reynolds transfers on the forks. Smallish wheels, but looked as if built for bigger: loadsa clearance. Fattish tyres. Braze-ons for everything, including pump. Rohloff speedhub, 14 gears. Proper eccentric bottom bracket. Rohloff grip shifter held on bullhorn (cut down drops?) bars vertically with cable ties. Canti bosses, only front set used (brake lever on front right end of bar): no rear brake. Bars mounted on aheadset, behind steerer tube. Anonymous rack with no light fixing plate, & Cateye LD600 held on with two strips of insulating tape, covering part of the light.

A bizarre mixture of the sublime & the utterly crap. Broad Street, Reading, this afternoon.

This bike's been bothering me. I've tried looking up the frame, but can't identify it. Can anyone help?

See above. 'Hirondelle' in fancy script on down tube, Reynolds 525, very elaborate lugs. Dark green paint, lugs lined in dark yellowish ('old gold'?). Touring braze-ons.

I don't see how it can be anything to do with the old French Hirondelle brand.

PS. Brooks saddle.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 17 September, 2012, 04:35:34 pm
According to Wikipedia and other sources, Hirondelles were manufactured until the 1960s but the Paris police carried on using them till 1984 and the brand became their nickname. I'm sure what you saw couldn't be an ex-police bike, but maybe the rider is a policeman?

http://amicale-police-patrimoine.fr/Hirondelles.html
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Bledlow on 18 September, 2012, 11:51:54 am
Seems unlikely. Why would a former Paris policeman be riding a bizarre bodge-up based on what looks like a good English touring frame built years after the (totally different) police bikes with the same name were retired?

I'm sure the name is a coincidence. It's a common enough word: French for swallow (the bird).

Speaking of swallows & birds, but straying OT, the brother of Peter Bird of Swallow Cycles is of this parish.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 18 September, 2012, 02:48:31 pm
I don't think it's at all likely either, I just thought I'd mention it.

Look, here's a hipster video from Paris, supposedly about a Hirondelle.
http://vimeo.com/24845382

Wikipedia's disambiguation page mentions six different things the name could refer to without any entry for the bikes. Perhaps the rider is a train buff (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GWR_3031_Class) or a fan of the Saint? (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hirondel) Or then again perhaps not.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Bledlow on 18 September, 2012, 07:00:40 pm
I strongly suspect that the current owner is not the person who bought the frame new. As I said, it looks like a good touring frame, currently crudely bodged up. I find it hard to imagine that whoever bought a nice frame with lugs & paintwork like that would then mess it up with bullhorns that look as if they've been roughly cut down from drops, fasten the Rohloff shifter on with cable ties, ride around with only one brake (or is there a fixed option for a Rohloff?) & stick a rear light on with black insulating tape.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: AndyK on 19 September, 2012, 03:27:21 pm
How about a two-wheel drive bicycle (http://www.bikecommuters.com/2012/09/18/interbike-2012-tretta-2wd-assist-bicycle/)? Hope prospective owners like chain cleaning...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 19 September, 2012, 04:49:41 pm
How about a two-wheel drive bicycle (http://www.bikecommuters.com/2012/09/18/interbike-2012-tretta-2wd-assist-bicycle/)? Hope prospective owners like chain cleaning...

Wow, something that makes the Raptobike drivetrain look like a sensible design decision.   :o

As any darksider knows, the issue with that sort of thing isn't chain cleaning so much as leg cleaning.

(I assume the idea is that you can climb better on loose surfaces?)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: eck on 22 September, 2012, 05:00:38 pm
Not especially interesting or unusual but, when we were leaving Edinburgh about 11.30 today near the Barnton junction, we saw a guy on a drop-dead gorgeous silver and maroon Dave Yates compact steel frame.  It looked really classy.  8)

I just wondered if any of the locals on here recognise it.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Rhys W on 24 September, 2012, 05:47:19 pm
I was walking into town earlier and saw an old gent prop his bike up outside a shop. In these days of black/white/red "bike brands" all coming out of moulds in China my eyes are drawn to any handmade steel frame, and this was something special - one of those crazy mid-20th century British designs. I wasn't sure what it was until I spied the Eiffel Tower decal on the down tube - or what passes for the down tube. I couldn't resist passing comment:

"That's a nice bike, you don't see many of those around... it's a Paris-Galibier isn't it?"

There was a bit of confusion because the old boy didn't understand my accent. He thought I was Dutch.  ::-)

Anyway, he said he'd bought it a from a friend, who happens to be one of the old stalwarts of my club. We had a brief chat about our mutual acquaintance and another old stalwart who died a couple of years ago who had something similar (turns out that was a Flying Gate).
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Andrij on 24 September, 2012, 06:38:28 pm
Something you don't see every day:

On my way to the start of the TPM on Saturday I saw, cycling the other way along Narrow Street, eight St John's Ambulance cyclists riding in near perfect formation (2x4).
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 28 September, 2012, 02:39:35 pm
Parked in the horrid underground Sheffield stands next to my bike when I came out of Ikea was a Soma Saga. (http://www.somafab.com/archives/product/saga) Pretty much like that one but blue, same very high bars. The rider appeared at the same time - it's from San Francisco, he's from Canda and he really ought to be using more than a flimsy cable lock in an underground car park in Bristol!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: pdm on 30 September, 2012, 06:06:08 pm
Here is a picture of the singlespeed my No. 1 son bought during his recent sojourn in Los Angeles.
Sans conventional  front or rear brakes. Single speed with back pedal hub brake.
Venice beach to the rear...

(http://www.meiring.org.uk/photos/Bicycles/LA-Bike.JPG)

(Edited to add word "conventional" following LWAB's comment.... ;))
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 30 September, 2012, 06:08:17 pm
A back pedal brake is a rear brake!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: cycleman on 09 October, 2012, 10:06:04 am
seen on ncn 4 near windsor

(http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k411/cycleman108/009-5.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Oaky on 09 October, 2012, 07:01:14 pm
A few from Amsterdam, (which should probably be considered as cheating - much too easy to find interesting and/or unusual bikes here - the main problem is remembering to photograph them)

(http://www.oakden.org/mark/bike/yacf/pics/AMSbikes/1.JPG)

Seen near Amsterdam Zuid station.  This one looks to have a hub gear mounted along the bottom just under the pilot's handlebars.

(http://www.oakden.org/mark/bike/yacf/pics/AMSbikes/2.JPG)

(http://www.oakden.org/mark/bike/yacf/pics/AMSbikes/3.JPG)

Wooden bikes outside a hotel.

(http://www.oakden.org/mark/bike/yacf/pics/AMSbikes/4.JPG)

An aerodynamic bakfiets variant?  Redefinition of a shopper?

(http://www.oakden.org/mark/bike/yacf/pics/AMSbikes/5.JPG)

Some form of fully faired recumbent trike (outside one of the offices I work in).
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wendy on 09 October, 2012, 08:18:09 pm
It's a Quest velomobile.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Bledlow on 13 October, 2012, 10:33:53 pm
Previously mentioned odd mixture. Does anyone have any idea who made the frame?

(http://i432.photobucket.com/albums/qq48/Bledlow/Bikes/IMG_0508.jpg)
(http://i432.photobucket.com/albums/qq48/Bledlow/Bikes/IMG_0509.jpg)
(http://i432.photobucket.com/albums/qq48/Bledlow/Bikes/IMG_0510.jpg)
(http://i432.photobucket.com/albums/qq48/Bledlow/Bikes/IMG_0511.jpg)
(http://i432.photobucket.com/albums/qq48/Bledlow/Bikes/IMG_0512.jpg)

Very fancy lugs, eh?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Andrij on 15 October, 2012, 02:38:53 pm
1) As I cycled along The Highway this morning I passed a woman in business attire on a DorisBike.  I saw a number of other DorisBikes being pedalled along the pavement but this woman was happily pootling along the road as the rest of traffic zoomed around her.  :thumbsup:

2) Heading in the other direction on The Highway was someone on a recumbent trike.  This in itself is a rare sight in London.  The odd thing was the fairing which extended up over the top of the rider to the back of the trike, providing a roof!  The fairing wasn't of the nose cone variety, and the whole setup looked 'home made', but from the brief view I had I'd say it was well done.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: alexb on 15 October, 2012, 04:42:35 pm
Previously mentioned odd mixture. Does anyone have any idea who made the frame?

(http://i432.photobucket.com/albums/qq48/Bledlow/Bikes/IMG_0508.jpg)
(http://i432.photobucket.com/albums/qq48/Bledlow/Bikes/IMG_0509.jpg)
(http://i432.photobucket.com/albums/qq48/Bledlow/Bikes/IMG_0510.jpg)
(http://i432.photobucket.com/albums/qq48/Bledlow/Bikes/IMG_0511.jpg)
(http://i432.photobucket.com/albums/qq48/Bledlow/Bikes/IMG_0512.jpg)

Very fancy lugs, eh?

I see what you mean!
I'd be tempted to attribute that to Swallow cycles, the coincidence looks too likely, but there's something deeply dodgy about it.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Bledlow on 15 October, 2012, 07:04:51 pm
Deeply dodgy IMO that such a nice looking frame, with such an expensive hub & nice honey-coloured Brooks saddle, should have been messed around so crudely.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: rogerzilla on 15 October, 2012, 07:16:29 pm
One of these in the work bike shed:

http://www.fudgescyclestore.com/index.php?p=167086

Leading link suspension and stuff.  The bare metal parts don't look like they'd survive a winter though.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Andrij on 15 October, 2012, 09:10:10 pm
 ???

(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-7RObAqvHPH0/UHxrymuXR5I/AAAAAAAAB_4/1pbBsylvKp4/s720/P1030846.JPG) (https://picasaweb.google.com/Bebchenko/DropBox?authkey=Gv1sRgCLOEuI6Q1JPjuAE#5799628937278998418)

Found this when I came down to the bike room after work today.  No visible brakes, no visible indication of more than one gear.  The basket has been added, but the rack appears to have come with the bike.  The chain case is vinyl (or similar).  Click the pic to access a larger version.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 15 October, 2012, 09:21:26 pm
No visible brakes

There's a reaction arm for a (presumably) back-pedal brake on the chainstay.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Andrij on 16 October, 2012, 09:10:11 am
No visible brakes

There's a reaction arm for a (presumably) back-pedal brake on the chainstay.

Well spotted.  Still intrigued by this bike - will do some more digging as displacement activity later today.

Bike still there this morning, but in a different spot (one that I usually use >:( ).  Couldn't tell if it had been ridden or the owner just moved it.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: rower40 on 16 October, 2012, 12:22:12 pm
No visible brakes

There's a reaction arm for a (presumably) back-pedal brake on the chainstay.

Well spotted.  Still intrigued by this bike - will do some more digging as displacement activity later today.

Bike still there this morning, but in a different spot (one that I usually use >:( ).  Couldn't tell if it had been ridden or the owner just moved it.
Still not-road-legal though.  What braking opportunities are there if the chain snaps?  With full mudguards, the push-shoe-onto-tyre option is not available.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: MattH on 16 October, 2012, 01:14:03 pm
That's fairly typical of European utility bikes. A single back pedal brake is common. To be honest, how often does a single speed chain fail on a bike that isn't ridden hard? These things are designed for gentle pootling about. And if the brakes did fail, the chances are that the speed will be so slow and the saddle so low that the rider will be able to brake effectively by putting their feet down.

Incidentally, that's a very clean and tidy looking bike storage facility.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 16 October, 2012, 01:14:52 pm
It looks like a modern take on those classic British heavy-duty bikes of yore, the type that still abound in India and doubtless other ex-colonies under names such as Hercules and Atlas. The lugless construction, seatstays that are not bolted on to the frame, and unicrown fork, all obviously make it much more recent and the size of the downtube indicates an aluminium frame - so it's curious that it has the double top tube, which must add weight and isn't really necessary with modern materials. Very odd. Or is it really made out of tin plate? I'd guess it doesn't originate in the UK - maybe from Holland or Scandinavia? Intriguing.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 16 October, 2012, 01:47:20 pm
Still not-road-legal though.

Not in the UK.  But the light mounted on the left side of the fork shows that it wasn't designed for the UK.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: alexb on 16 October, 2012, 03:27:00 pm
Saw a Klein Palomino http://www.mtbr.com/cat/bikes/xc-suspensio/klein/palomino-xv/prd_363093_1526crx.aspx (http://www.mtbr.com/cat/bikes/xc-suspensio/klein/palomino-xv/prd_363093_1526crx.aspx)fitted with a child seat and being used for the school run today. One of my dream bikes back in the day.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 16 October, 2012, 03:37:40 pm
Still not-road-legal though.

Not in the UK.  But the light mounted on the left side of the fork shows that it wasn't designed for the UK.

Denmark and several other countries like Australia only require 1 functioning brake. Single speed chains are a very reliable actuation mechanism.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Gus on 16 October, 2012, 04:01:45 pm

Denmark and several other countries like Australia only require 1 functioning brake. Single speed chains are a very reliable actuation mechanism.

Incorrect, you need two independent brakes in Denmark too. rules where changed around 10 years ago. But if you have a bike/frame from before that date one brake is enough.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wobbly John on 16 October, 2012, 05:23:29 pm
Still not-road-legal though.

Not in the UK.  But the light mounted on the left side of the fork shows that it wasn't designed for the UK.

My 1937 Raleigh tandem originally had a light bracket for the left fork leg. Opinion varies as to it being intended for the continent, or that it was more important for the feeble light to pick up the edge of the road.  :-\

(I hand fabricated one for the right fork leg but the heron logo isn't so well defined coz I ran out of patience.  :smug:)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Andrij on 16 October, 2012, 08:43:55 pm
Met the owner this evening.  The bike is from the Netherlands and is, as he so eloquently put it "the crappiest Dutch bike you can get".  He admits it's heavy and cumbersome, but it does what he needs it to do.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 16 October, 2012, 11:43:12 pm

Denmark and several other countries like Australia only require 1 functioning brake. Single speed chains are a very reliable actuation mechanism.

Incorrect, you need two independent brakes in Denmark too. rules where changed around 10 years ago. But if you have a bike/frame from before that date one brake is enough.

I wonder what prompted the change.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Bledlow on 17 October, 2012, 10:43:22 am

Denmark and several other countries like Australia only require 1 functioning brake. Single speed chains are a very reliable actuation mechanism.

Incorrect, you need two independent brakes in Denmark too. rules where changed around 10 years ago. But if you have a bike/frame from before that date one brake is enough.
So when I cycled around Copenhagen in the 1980s on a borrowed bike with only a back-pedal brake, it was legal, then?

A pity. I hated it.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Gus on 17 October, 2012, 11:57:51 am

Denmark and several other countries like Australia only require 1 functioning brake. Single speed chains are a very reliable actuation mechanism.

Incorrect, you need two independent brakes in Denmark too. rules where changed around 10 years ago. But if you have a bike/frame from before that date one brake is enough.
So when I cycled around Copenhagen in the 1980s on a borrowed bike with only a back-pedal brake, it was legal, then?

A pity. I hated it.

Yes and if had the bike today and rode it, it will still be legal because the bike predates the law.

I must bring my camera more and take pictures of all the weird bikes around here.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 17 October, 2012, 12:40:06 pm
I quite enjoyed riding PBP03 with a coaster braked bike. YMMV of course and obviously did.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: why1040 on 17 October, 2012, 03:23:33 pm
I learned to ride on bikes with only a back-pedal brake and it's still the most natural way for me to stop.  Since I have one that has one and one that doesn't, I keep getting caught out when on the Claud Butler and trying to stop by back-pedalling...it doesn't work   ;D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: interzen on 19 October, 2012, 02:16:09 pm
Not seen by me per se, but a friend1 of mine on Facebook shared this with me:

http://www.bikepacking.net/forum/index.php/topic,4628.0.html

A Surly Moonlander fitted with a NuVinci N360 CVT hub - even by fatbike standards, this is definitely different! Interestingly, the N360 costs less than an Alfine-11, but it's still a tad on the heavy side for my particular purposes.

1 - I do have them, and thanks to the wonders of the Interwebs I'm back in touch with this particular person after over 10 years.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Gus on 19 October, 2012, 02:45:17 pm
That was new  :) I've seen several Pugsley with Rohloff but never a fatbike with Nu Vinci
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 19 October, 2012, 06:26:33 pm
I didn't realise how unusual the rims were on those fatbikes.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Sergeant Pluck on 21 October, 2012, 08:48:58 pm
Red ordinary proceeding apace westwards along Chiswick High Road this afternoon  :)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 21 October, 2012, 08:56:46 pm
Not interesting so much as odd, but a double-boinger branded... Vauxhall.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 24 October, 2012, 09:53:21 pm
Locally nostalgic headbadge.
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8184/8120210714_c0c749c614_m.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 24 October, 2012, 09:55:37 pm
Raleigh 1980s road frame with Suntour teleforks and North Road style bars.
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8325/8120198389_eacfcaee42_z.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: andrew_s on 28 October, 2012, 10:53:40 pm
A Moulton New Series Speed, complete with Rohloff, belt drive, carbon cranks & seatpost, left unlocked against a tree outside our local pub.
The saddle was an interesting contrast to the rest of the bike.
A brief "how much?" discussion decided on about £15k, though a post-return google leads me to suspect this may be an overestimate (the double pylon separable is the expensive one). Anyway, more than John's Blackbird.
(http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t207/andrew_sw/IMG_1076.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: tonycollinet on 28 October, 2012, 11:28:50 pm
Spotted in a fashion shop near the spanish steps in Rome this week:

(http://www.collinsho.me/pics/lb1.jpg)

Yes, you have seen correctly, that is a stitched leather covered frame, mudguards and chain case. :-)








(http://www.collinsho.me/pics/lb2.jpg)

(http://www.collinsho.me/pics/lb3.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 28 October, 2012, 11:39:05 pm
That's just bizarre.

Yesterday, we were on a ride with a chap who was riding a Dahon Mu with a Sachs Automatix hub.  There was a coaster brake, so no cables to the back half of the bike.  It was very light.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: rower40 on 29 October, 2012, 12:40:06 pm
A Moulton New Series Speed, complete with Rohloff, belt drive, carbon cranks & seatpost, left unlocked against a tree outside our local pub.
The saddle was an interesting contrast to the rest of the bike.
A brief "how much?" discussion decided on about £15k, though a post-return google leads me to suspect this may be an overestimate (the double pylon separable is the expensive one). Anyway, more than John's Blackbird.

At that price, it's likely to have all sorts of GPS trackers built in.  A particularly elaborate "Sting" bike?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 29 October, 2012, 12:43:52 pm
It sounds like the Moulton a friend owns. Not a sting, more an ongoing project. It started with a Strida belt grafted on but the latest incarnation is much better.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 22 November, 2012, 03:19:29 pm
This morning, for the second in a row, I saw a singlespeeded Claud Butler Majestic.

And this morning on CS7, there was a burgundy spaceframe Moulton with wooden mudguards.

Oh - that reminds me - Butterfly and I have seen a fast (and a bit pushy) rider on a Mk3 Moulton F-frame.  In Streatham, I think.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Oaky on 23 November, 2012, 04:02:15 pm
(http://www.oakden.org/mark/bike/yacf/pics/AMSbikes/6.JPG)

Another from the Amsterdam two-wheeled menagerie.  Not sure whether to class it as a bike or a scooter...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 23 November, 2012, 04:30:08 pm
It's a Kickbike (http://www.kickbike.com/).  At the TdF Depart in London, they had a Kickbike demonstration race.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 23 November, 2012, 09:19:33 pm
A Finn did PBP03 on one of those.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 23 November, 2012, 09:20:57 pm
Would that be the guy with one massively muscular leg?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 23 November, 2012, 09:27:03 pm
For both legs you'd need a stepperbike:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rY1Te5TYJ9E
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 23 November, 2012, 09:27:49 pm
He would do 2 or 3 pushes with one leg, then do a very neat little shuffle and then the same on the other side. His shoes were looking very second-hand by the finish.

It seemed like every time I went to get on my bike to leave a checkpoint, the kickbike was parked next to it. It felt like most of a day before I got away from Alpo for good. He was bloody fast downhill. I was just faster downhill than him, but there was very little in it. Crouching below the handlebars really cut down his frontal area.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Butterfly on 23 November, 2012, 10:03:08 pm
For both legs you'd need a stepperbike:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rY1Te5TYJ9E

There is someone who regularly rides through Streatham on a variation on that theme.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 23 November, 2012, 10:43:32 pm
I've never actually seen one in the wild, only read about them a few years ago in a magazine article. In that case it was about someone who'd had to give up normal cycling due to a back injury.
Title: Re: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Oaky on 23 November, 2012, 10:57:06 pm
Would that be the guy with one massively muscular leg?

Is it worrying that the first thought into my head after that involved fiddler crab style asymmetric development owing to execute ll excessive self love?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Tomsk on 24 November, 2012, 10:07:16 am
He would do 2 or 3 pushes with one leg, then do a very neat little shuffle and then the same on the other side. His shoes were looking very second-hand by the finish.

It seemed like every time I went to get on my bike to leave a checkpoint, the kickbike was parked next to it. It seemed like most of a day before I got away from Alpo for good. He was bloody fast downhill. I was just faster downhill than him, but there was very little in it. Crouching below the handlebars really cut down his frontal area.

I caught him on Roc Trevezel, but he was arriving at St Quentin just before me. Didn't he get into the kickbike as summer training for speed-skating?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 24 November, 2012, 10:14:56 am
He would do 2 or 3 pushes with one leg, then do a very neat little shuffle and then the same on the other side. His shoes were looking very second-hand by the finish.

It seemed like every time I went to get on my bike to leave a checkpoint, the kickbike was parked next to it. It seemed like most of a day before I got away from Alpo for good. He was bloody fast downhill. I was just faster downhill than him, but there was very little in it. Crouching below the handlebars really cut down his frontal area.

I caught him on Roc Trevezel, but he was arriving at St Quentin just before me. Didn't he get into the kickbike as summer training for speed-skating?

Search for Alpo Kuusisto or whatever his proper spelling is. I understood he raced sled dogs at the top level and was a decent marathon runner. Being a Finn, speed skating and/or cross-country skiing seem probable.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Oaky on 24 November, 2012, 07:19:34 pm

(http://www.oakden.org/mark/bike/yacf/pics/AMSbikes/7.JPG)

And one from the AMS four-wheeled menagerie.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 24 November, 2012, 07:37:18 pm
Bet you still get shouted at for riding two abreast thobut...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: style over speed on 28 November, 2012, 01:10:50 pm
finally seen a a Bullitt bike in the wild  8) near the Oval last night, a new black one with a gaffer taped on cardboard box containing a lovely looking dog.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Arno on 30 November, 2012, 07:30:30 pm
It's a Kickbike (http://www.kickbike.com/).  At the TdF Depart in London, they had a Kickbike demonstration race.

The french recumbent maker Zockra's got a blingy prototype too

(http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/3343/dscn4473small.jpg)

forum in french here http://velorizontal.bbfr.net/t11672-trottinette-zockra
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: TimO on 01 December, 2012, 11:10:58 am
I think you'd get more than a few snooty looks if you cycled that along the pavement in central London. ;D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Bledlow on 02 December, 2012, 08:37:50 pm
Kickbike = big scooter.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 03 December, 2012, 12:04:10 pm
Or scooter with big wheels. So the pavement seems the natural place for it - but probably it can travel a lot faster than a usual kid's scooter thanks to those big wheels, so maybe more appropriate on the road.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: recumbentpanda on 04 December, 2012, 10:13:10 am
Student of mine once had a rather fine red Kickbike. It was indeed fast - faster than my Brompton on the level. However, he only ever rode it on the pavement . . . until it was stolen from outside his flat. Karma. Bikema.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 04 December, 2012, 01:02:23 pm
This morning at Epsom Hospital, I parked my bike next to a rather lovely but understated machine.  Black, lugged, steel frame.  SA 3-spd hub and hub brakes.  Brooks saddle and leather look bar tape.  Oh - and an elegant chainguard.  i think there was a very proud and happy owner onsite.

On my way home, as I was unlocking my bike in Epsom, a chap on an orange bike passed me.  I then dropped my mitts and faffed a bit, but caught him up before the first roundabout on the A24.  Steel frame (not an expensive one), flat bars, aged rider.  But hey - fixed gear!  Smallish chainring, but a shiny Miche hub, and he was riding not fast, but well.  I stuck with him for a while, enjoying his enjoyment of riding his bike, then sprinted across the lanes to where I needed to turn right.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Bledlow on 04 December, 2012, 06:19:29 pm
A Vanmoof, at Cemetery Junction in Reading.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Phixie on 04 December, 2012, 08:24:58 pm
On my way home, as I was unlocking my bike in Epsom, a chap on an orange bike passed me.  I then dropped my mitts and faffed a bit, but caught him up before the first roundabout on the A24.  Steel frame (not an expensive one), flat bars, aged rider.  But hey - fixed gear!  Smallish chainring, but a shiny Miche hub, and he was riding not fast, but well.  I stuck with him for a while, enjoying his enjoyment of riding his bike, then sprinted across the lanes to where I needed to turn right.

Hi young Clarion,  you should have said "Hello" - it would have been good to meet you properly.  It was indeed a great day to be out on the bike, just as long as you had sufficient clothing.  I sensed there was someone behind me and then saw you turning at the lights Suttonwards.  I think you were on your Dawes?  You'll probably catch me again as I'm fast only downhill!

Just for the record, the gearing is 39 / 15 = 70".

See you up the road sometime.

BR
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 04 December, 2012, 09:30:49 pm
Oh hi!  Yes, I hadn't clocked that the sprocket was that small, but your smooth cadence should have told me it was something of that order.  Sorry for referring to you as 'aged'  now :-[

I was going to pass you as I caught up, but there was a car passing, and then I spotted the bike and I fancied taking a bit to have a closer look as we rode.  What is that frame, by the way?  Is it a Holdsworth (hence the orange)?

I was on a Ridgeback Romany.  And I don't ride through Epsom very often, though it's not far away.  In fact, it was unusual for me to be on the A24 at all, so very lucky to see you in all! 

Hope to see you again, though. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Phixie on 05 December, 2012, 10:54:47 am
Oh hi!  Yes, I hadn't clocked that the sprocket was that small, but your smooth cadence should have told me it was something of that order.  Sorry for referring to you as 'aged'  now :-[

I'll forgive you as you also referred to me riding well  :)  At least all those years on the bike have not been wasted!  Well spotted for the fixed gear and Miche hub btw.  It's relatively new as the old one wore out, hence still clean.

I was going to pass you as I caught up, but there was a car passing, and then I spotted the bike and I fancied taking a bit to have a closer look as we rode.  What is that frame, by the way?  Is it a Holdsworth (hence the orange)?

Probably - I bought it second-hand about nine years ago and honestly can't remember. It was resprayed that colour because I liked it rather than being authentic and was done by Mario Vaz who used to run their paint shop, I believe, so it probably was actual Holdsworth team colour.

I was on a Ridgeback Romany.  And I don't ride through Epsom very often, though it's not far away.  In fact, it was unusual for me to be on the A24 at all, so very lucky to see you in all! 

Hope to see you again, though. :thumbsup:

Absolutely - and stay safe out there.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 09 December, 2012, 05:39:52 pm
Parked behind the Colston Hall about an hour ago, a Thanet. Frame some variety of mixte, with a single top tube sloping down from the head bearings continuing as two slender stays to the rear drop out, but an additional 'down tube' consisting of two slim tubes running horizontally from the bottom of the head tube to the point on the seat tube where the top tube and 'mixte stays' cross it. The braking and transmission was really odd though. Both hub and rod brakes front and rear with the rod brakes seeming to be an addition - the front was made out of a length of copper water or gas pipe and the rear used a large spring which looked like it might have been more at home on a kickstand or holding a door closed. The gearing was an SA 3-speed but also antiquated 2-speed derailleurs front and rear. The chainrings had a fearsome difference. The derailleurs were operated by antique-looking short brass levers running in guides on the top tube. At some point the rear derailleur cable had broken and rather than replace it, it had been joined using a brass electrical wire connector! There was a hub dynamo connected to a large circular (hemispherical in fact) front light but no switching in evidence and there were brackets for battery lights front and rear as well as a modern Accor adjustable stem. Needless to say the whole ensemble was topped off by a tattered Carradice. Clearly a long-loved, much-bodged product of eccentricity.  :D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: mcshroom on 11 December, 2012, 05:37:00 pm
On the local news yesterday there was a report about an ex-servicemen and his mates doing a charity ride round the borders on a quad: -

(http://news.images.itv.com/image/file/132522/image_update_0123537c6a9e73df_1355142163_9j-4aaqsk.jpeg)
http://www.itv.com/news/border/story/2012-12-10/four-man-tandem-ride-for-charity/
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Efrogwr on 11 December, 2012, 09:30:41 pm
Parked behind the Colston Hall about an hour ago, a Thanet. Frame some variety of mixte, with a single top tube sloping down from the head bearings continuing as two slender stays to the rear drop out, but an additional 'down tube' consisting of two slim tubes running horizontally from the bottom of the head tube to the point on the seat tube where the top tube and 'mixte stays' cross it. The braking and transmission was really odd though. Both hub and rod brakes front and rear with the rod brakes seeming to be an addition - the front was made out of a length of copper water or gas pipe and the rear used a large spring which looked like it might have been more at home on a kickstand or holding a door closed. The gearing was an SA 3-speed but also antiquated 2-speed derailleurs front and rear. The chainrings had a fearsome difference. The derailleurs were operated by antique-looking short brass levers running in guides on the top tube. At some point the rear derailleur cable had broken and rather than replace it, it had been joined using a brass electrical wire connector! There was a hub dynamo connected to a large circular (hemispherical in fact) front light but no switching in evidence and there were brackets for battery lights front and rear as well as a modern Accor adjustable stem. Needless to say the whole ensemble was topped off by a tattered Carradice. Clearly a long-loved, much-bodged product of eccentricity.  :D


You need to get sight of Hilary Stone's history of Thanet (I had a copy, but I don't have any idea where it is). There is mention of a customer called "Nutkin" who had some unorthodox (even by Thanet's standards) frames built by said firm.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Toady on 11 December, 2012, 10:04:12 pm
He would do 2 or 3 pushes with one leg, then do a very neat little shuffle and then the same on the other side. His shoes were looking very second-hand by the finish.
There's a youtube video here which features him: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gwqZ_JfWyrE

As to that stepper bike, I'd love to have a go on one.  I can't figure out if it's really cool or utterly stupid.

Edit:  Strange coincidence.  Just researching helmet cams and came across footage of a dog powered kick-bike:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyZhYJgMjTE
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 11 December, 2012, 10:35:14 pm
Parked behind the Colston Hall about an hour ago, a Thanet. Frame some variety of mixte, with a single top tube sloping down from the head bearings continuing as two slender stays to the rear drop out, but an additional 'down tube' consisting of two slim tubes running horizontally from the bottom of the head tube to the point on the seat tube where the top tube and 'mixte stays' cross it. The braking and transmission was really odd though. Both hub and rod brakes front and rear with the rod brakes seeming to be an addition - the front was made out of a length of copper water or gas pipe and the rear used a large spring which looked like it might have been more at home on a kickstand or holding a door closed. The gearing was an SA 3-speed but also antiquated 2-speed derailleurs front and rear. The chainrings had a fearsome difference. The derailleurs were operated by antique-looking short brass levers running in guides on the top tube. At some point the rear derailleur cable had broken and rather than replace it, it had been joined using a brass electrical wire connector! There was a hub dynamo connected to a large circular (hemispherical in fact) front light but no switching in evidence and there were brackets for battery lights front and rear as well as a modern Accor adjustable stem. Needless to say the whole ensemble was topped off by a tattered Carradice. Clearly a long-loved, much-bodged product of eccentricity.  :D


You need to get sight of Hilary Stone's history of Thanet (I had a copy, but I don't have any idea where it is). There is mention of a customer called "Nutkin" who had some unorthodox (even by Thanet's standards) frames built by said firm.
I googled it and found that Mr Stone lives in Bristol and Thanet had a shop here.
Quote
Mr. Hilary Stone, editor of Cycling Plus magazine & vintage expert, has published a booklet, "Ease with Elegance"
which charts the history of Thanet and offers illustrations
and analysis of this unusual marque.

 

It is available for £8 sterling plus £5 airmail
postage. Checks must be in Pounds Sterling.
Send to:
Hilary Stone
32 Heyford Avenue,
Bristol BS5 6UE England.
http://classicrendezvous.com/British_isles/Thanet_home.htm
Airmail?!!! I could ride over there in fifteen minutes!

There does seem to be confusion between Thanet Cycles of Thanet and a shop in Thanet St in Bristol - I looked that up in the A to Z and it's a little dead end lane, seems pretty unlikely to have a bike shop there. But apparently it was the same people.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: rogerzilla on 15 December, 2012, 06:55:55 pm
In Oxford today.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/218k6hhqii3bstn/2012-12-15%2013.30.50.jpg

Curious frame design; a sort of trussed cross frame.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Toady on 16 December, 2012, 04:31:08 pm
In Oxford today.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/218k6hhqii3bstn/2012-12-15%2013.30.50.jpg

Curious frame design; a sort of trussed cross frame.
Is it just me, or does that have a weird optical illusion effect whereby the rear wheel appears about 10cm closer than the front wheel?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: pcolbeck on 16 December, 2012, 04:36:27 pm
Its not just you.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 16 December, 2012, 06:16:12 pm
Is the rear wheel a larger diameter?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: rogerzilla on 16 December, 2012, 06:59:05 pm
I don't know, but that is my finger over the lens (Samsung make a very unergonomic cameraphone).
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 19 December, 2012, 02:33:48 pm
This morning on CS7 there was a blue/pink fade Roberts with Campagnolo Delta brakes. :o
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 28 December, 2012, 10:56:07 pm
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8215/8318964061_630f0c00db_z.jpg)

It's a homemade adaptation. I think it's probably by a bloke I've spoken to a while back.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Domestique on 30 December, 2012, 05:49:30 pm
A pair of Gazelles, rare round here.
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8212/8325670923_971cbcd44b_z.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 30 December, 2012, 07:10:23 pm
mrkwr otp was riding a Gazelle yesterday but it was nothing like those at all.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Domestique on 31 December, 2012, 11:55:33 am
mrkwr otp

 ??? ??? help, what you mean?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 31 December, 2012, 12:29:14 pm
of this parish = on this forum
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 31 December, 2012, 04:21:28 pm
mrkwr otp

 ??? ??? help, what you mean?
mrkwr is a forumite who went on a ride with me and a few others on Saturday. His Gazelle is a racy road bike (I didn't know till I saw it that Gazelle made anything other than the sort of practical round town bike in the photo you posted).
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 31 December, 2012, 05:24:57 pm
There have been several bike makers called Gazelle and more than 1 in the Netherlands.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 31 December, 2012, 06:00:04 pm
There have been several bike makers called Gazelle and more than 1 in the Netherlands.
I didn't know that. I can only find one mentioned on Wiki, (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gazelle_(bicycle)) which says that Royal Dutch Gazelle is now owned by the same company as Cervelo - but that doesn't necessarily mean there aren't others, of course.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Domestique on 31 December, 2012, 07:27:02 pm
mrkwr otp

 ??? ??? help, what you mean?
mrkwr is a forumite who went on a ride with me and a few others on Saturday. His Gazelle is a racy road bike (I didn't know till I saw it that Gazelle made anything other than the sort of practical round town bike in the photo you posted).

Ahh riddle solved  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Andrij on 01 February, 2013, 01:54:52 pm
Not unusual or interesting in and of itself, but this morning I saw a Willer chained to the railings at the top of Fish Street Hill (http://goo.gl/maps/8kYdk).  I've seen various types of bicycles locked up around the City, but never one of that calibre.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: tiermat on 01 February, 2013, 01:58:43 pm
At the local auctions, a Trek 8000, which due to it's colour I suspect is a 2000.  Shame about the HUGE dent in the top tube.

Also an old, 531 framed, path racer (old style 26" wheels, VERY perished tyres, stem reverse and bars so low that your knees are above you ears when riding in the drops).

Obviously I put proxy bids in on both of them :)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 01 February, 2013, 03:25:06 pm
The bike itself wasn't that interesting, just a 70s lugged frame of non-descript steel with 5-speed (and butterfly nuts on the wheels), but the name caught my attention - Louison Bobet.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Zipperhead on 02 February, 2013, 12:41:04 pm
I saw a wooden framed bicycle on the way home last night (being used to commute in London) - a Renovo like this one (http://www.renovobikes.com/storage/Anthony%20Belgium%20tour.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1349439175145)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: trickletreat on 03 February, 2013, 09:21:44 am
I see this every day, mainly because it is towed by my trike ;D

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v425/inamini/IMG_5387.jpg)

Having looked back at all the pictures in this thread, I don't think I came across a Pedersen, unless there is one in a link. Anyway here is a link to one.
http://www.pedersenbicycles.com
edit..
I have now worked out how to post pics from elsewhere...


(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v425/inamini/BlackMed3x9_zps97b1768b.jpg)




(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v425/inamini/tandemstudio2_zps3700688c.jpg)

Nigel
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 03 February, 2013, 08:40:57 pm
That kid's trike is certainly quite something. She looks as if she's enjoying it madly! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 22 February, 2013, 09:57:17 pm
At London Bridge station, a Kona Ute being used for advertising:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/ado15/IMAG0028_zpsc0baa68d.jpg)

Clapham, a pretty Bridgestone Moulton:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/ado15/IMAG0033_zps1b9a969c.jpg)

also in Clapham, an odd-looking Puch, with very high bars.  I can't copy the photo right now, I'm afraid. :(


Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 23 February, 2013, 05:15:39 pm
Here's the Puch:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/ado15/IMAG0034_zpsd081fcb2.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Andrij on 23 February, 2013, 05:25:19 pm
One of the bicycles I saw on my ride home earlier in the week rally caught my eye - it was the seat stays.  Pulled up next to the cyclist at a set of lights, saw he was riding a red Harry Quinn (don't see many of those about) which looked a bit ... big.  Asked the rider the size.  28"!  :o   That would explain why the seat stays caught my attention.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 23 February, 2013, 05:34:15 pm
:o
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Tim Hall on 25 February, 2013, 04:07:14 pm
An A S Gillott. Bright pink. You thought the Magenta Mercian was pink. Nah, this bike is pink. The sort of pink one might find on the pink end of the lipstick counter.  It belonged to my late Father in Law, and I collected it from the police station this lunchtime.  It's very pink. 

It's obviously been refurbished and jiggered around with. Straight bars with cheap bar top shifters. And a bright pink paint job.  I saw a Reynolds 520  sticker on it, so nothing spectacular. I'll look for more details when I get home.

Did I mention the colour?  Pink.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wobbly John on 25 February, 2013, 04:30:45 pm
I saw a Reynolds 520  sticker on it, so nothing spectacular. Did I mention the colour?  Pink.

I think Reynolds 520 is cromoly. The 501 (also cromoly) frames they did were actually quite good if theey were the butted tubeset - same thickness and tensile strength as 531.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Oaky on 25 February, 2013, 04:45:03 pm
...
And one from the AMS four-wheeled menagerie.

and another:-

(http://www.oakden.org/mark/bike/yacf/pics/AMSbikes/8.jpg)

... this time with a trailer, but no apparent linkage between the steering on the two sides!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 25 February, 2013, 04:54:11 pm
Viktor electric assist upright tadpole trike outside the new Morrisons at Fiveways (where there are copious numbers of covered sheffield stands ...at the far end of the car park):

(http://www.ductilebiscuit.net/gallery_albums/cycling/IMG_20130225_161014.sized.jpg)
(http://www.ductilebiscuit.net/gallery_albums/cycling/IMG_20130225_161004.sized.jpg)

Didn't see the owner, but the yellow marks on the battery pack denote a tally of cats, squirrels and old people successfully run over, which tells me everything I need to know.   :D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Tim Hall on 25 February, 2013, 07:06:48 pm
I saw a Reynolds 520  sticker on it, so nothing spectacular. Did I mention the colour?  Pink.

I think Reynolds 520 is cromoly. The 501 (also cromoly) frames they did were actually quite good if theey were the butted tubeset - same thickness and tensile strength as 531.

Reinvestigation reveals it is indeed 501 butted. And gorgeous lugwork, hidden under the PINK paint.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 25 February, 2013, 07:20:36 pm
I was going to comment that 520, a fairly recent recipe, was unlikely.  And, ftr, 520 is a good tubeset, if a bit heavier than 531.

501 was considerably downmarket from 531 in its day, and bikes made with this tubeset were much cheaper.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: matthew on 25 February, 2013, 10:55:50 pm
I saw a Reynolds 520  sticker on it, so nothing spectacular. Did I mention the colour?  Pink.

I think Reynolds 520 is cromoly. The 501 (also cromoly) frames they did were actually quite good if theey were the butted tubeset - same thickness and tensile strength as 531.

Reinvestigation reveals it is indeed 501 butted. And gorgeous lugwork, hidden under the PINK paint.
Without pictures I refuse to believe you have a bike that is pinker than the Mercian  :P
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: alexb on 26 February, 2013, 12:30:20 am
I see this every day, mainly because it is towed by my trike ;D

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v425/inamini/IMG_5387.jpg)

Nigel

That is superb. What is it?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: trickletreat on 26 February, 2013, 07:58:18 am
Hi Alexb, it is a Hasebike Trets trailer trike, pop the front wheel off and connect it as a trailer to back axle.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v425/inamini/IMG_5882.jpg)


..instant tandem!

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v425/inamini/IMG_5881.jpg)


Nigel


Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: jogler on 26 February, 2013, 10:25:37 am
That really is a beesknees trike/tandem :thumbsup:
so  8)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 26 February, 2013, 10:54:15 am
Very small Thorn Triplet


Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 26 February, 2013, 02:25:02 pm
Hi Alexb, it is a Hasebike Trets trailer trike, pop the front wheel off and connect it as a trailer to back axle.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v425/inamini/IMG_5882.jpg)

That pic reminds me, I still haven't got round to making an improved mud-flap for barakta's ICE trike.  As she's slower than me, I usually ride behind, which means I get all the spray off the back wheel.

Shame there isn't an adult version of the Trets, actually.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: trickletreat on 26 February, 2013, 03:48:36 pm
Kim, there is an adult version of the Trets, that is if the Trets is too small when fully extended. The adult version is the Hasebike Kettwisel, if you look through this link, you will see that it can be attached directly to the rear of another Kett, or like the Trets you use a bar to attach it to the rear of an upright or tadpole trike.
Nigel

http://hasebikes.com/112-1-Gallery.html?galerie=Kettwiesel-Galerie
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 26 February, 2013, 04:05:40 pm
We fancy, in our more extravagant moments, a pair of Kettwiesels.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: matthew on 26 February, 2013, 04:09:12 pm
I suspect that that towing arm is precisely that and will not be as effective if the stronger rider is to the rear (and pushing) however with the pair of Ketts then the driving load at least arrives on the central axis of the bike.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 26 February, 2013, 04:15:48 pm
That's the way I see it.  I admit I raised an eyebrow seeing the photo of the bloke (usually the stronger rider, though not necessarily in that case, given Hase's popularity among those with disabilities) on the Kett behind.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 26 February, 2013, 04:36:11 pm
Kim, there is an adult version of the Trets, that is if the Trets is too small when fully extended. The adult version is the Hasebike Kettwisel, if you look through this link, you will see that it can be attached directly to the rear of another Kett, or like the Trets you use a bar to attach it to the rear of an upright or tadpole trike.

Ah, interesting:

Quote from: http://www.rad-innovations.com/index.php/hasebike/kettwiesel#tow-bar-follow-me
Tow Bar: Follow me!
Lame name, fine piece of equipment: with the Tow Bar, even standard bikes can be used as towing vehicles for the KETTWIESEL - with a safety bonus: the integrated overrun brake works automatically. When the towing bike brakes, the KETTWIESEL brakes.

I'm familiar with the Kettwiesel, and the concept of daisy-chaining delta trikes, but didn't realise this sort of thing was an option.

Unfortunately, due to shortsigntedness in the cycling domain, we bought barakta an ICE Sprint, because that worked best for her disability adaptations[1], and seemed easier to transport.  We've since discovered that achieving a reasonable level of cycling fitness is actually a greater obstacle than constructing a controllable machine that doesn't damage her shoulders, not helped by the general disincentive that is Birmingham traffic and the bastard hill at King's Norton between here and the good cycling lanes.

Hmm...


[1] Lengthy thread here if you're interested: https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=45696.0 (gets interesting on page 12 or so).
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: trickletreat on 26 February, 2013, 07:29:46 pm
Hi Kim, I have read through your other post as linked. I was helped with attaining a reasonable level of leg fitness by fitting a Heinzmann hub motor. Over the years I have used it my reliance on it has reduced dramatically. The downside is the added weight when lifting the trike, or when removing the wheel to change tyres. The motor is very powerful and it copes with hills really well, range is not a problem as it is only used for commuting, but for longer distances batteries add weight and take up space. The motor is operated with a twist grip which is open to adaption and various mounting options. I did not see any reference to a motorised option in your thread, but would be happy to answer any questions if I can.
Nigel
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 26 February, 2013, 07:43:49 pm
Yeah, electric assist is something we've considered, though options are limited somewhat on a tadpole (which makes it expensive), and even used sparingly with regenerative braking current battery technology is distinctly marginal for decent distances.  It's probably a better option than tandems, though: I'm a competent cyclist, but not a particularly strong one.

If Golden Motor made a hub that could take a 9-speed freewheel, it would start to look a lot more attractive.  Batteries and controls are the easy bit.  But as it is, I think the sanest option is BionX, and that's a complete system that doesn't really come in cheap.

Thing is, barakta was doing quite well last summer, when she was actually getting out and riding.  Not fast, but within an order of magnitude of being able to do the average forum ride.  The problem comes down to spoons (http://www.butyoudontlooksick.com/wpress/articles/written-by-christine/the-spoon-theory/) and motivation, and I'm not entirely sure that throwing electrons at it is a solution, as while it would certainly open up new route possibilities, it doesn't change the weather, the traffic, not having the time or the health to ride, etc, etc.  :-\
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Tim Hall on 05 March, 2013, 10:21:37 pm
I saw a Reynolds 520  sticker on it, so nothing spectacular. Did I mention the colour?  Pink.

I think Reynolds 520 is cromoly. The 501 (also cromoly) frames they did were actually quite good if theey were the butted tubeset - same thickness and tensile strength as 531.

Reinvestigation reveals it is indeed 501 butted. And gorgeous lugwork, hidden under the PINK paint.
Without pictures I refuse to believe you have a bike that is pinker than the Mercian  :P
At long last.

Laydeez and gennelmen, I give you
<pause>

 <fx: drum roll> 

The PINK bike.

(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-IyqtfjyryXA/UTZttoHM5TI/AAAAAAAADko/11eZiA38s6Q/s800/IMGP0255.JPG)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 05 March, 2013, 10:23:19 pm
That's a good name to have on a bike :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 06 March, 2013, 09:03:17 am
At long last.

Laydeez and gennelmen, I give you
<pause>

 <fx: drum roll> 

The PINK bike.

Are sure?  Looks magenta to me ;D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: delthebike on 06 March, 2013, 11:49:24 am
Oma fiets outside the Royals shopping experience  ::-).
If it was mine I'd have gone for hub dynamo and brakes.

(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-WdBqRNOMAeA/UTcr5OuqiGI/AAAAAAAAHg0/Ri10GtAxQ0w/s640/p3060211.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 06 March, 2013, 01:15:12 pm
At the weekend, we went to Whitstable.  Enticed by old maps, we wandered into a shop onthe beach.  Hanging up, there was an old tandem.  The owner told us it was a Freddie Grubb, and he rode it a couple of times each summer.  It had a Cyclo-style gear, and cantilever brakes, which he surmised had been added later, as had the fork.  I think he was right about that.  The rear wheel had a fixed sprocket on the other side.

On an adjacent wall, there was a fine solo machine, which he told us was a Hobbs.  Very nice indeed.  I think Butterfly has at least one photo, but it was in a dark shop against the light.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: hubner on 08 March, 2013, 01:44:33 am
Hase tandem with the front half having a bucket seat, seems to have a seat belt:
(http://imageshack.us/scaled/landing/259/hase1.jpg)
The saddle looks like a Spa.

Next to it was this unfortunate wheel:
(http://imageshack.us/scaled/landing/818/wheelleftbehind.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Tim Hall on 08 March, 2013, 08:08:04 am
The seating arrangement on the Hase Pino is what they do. However it seems not  to have a stoker chainset. Coupled with the heavy duty prop stand and seat belt, that suggests the stoker is less able than the average cyclist.  Very versatile machines.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 08 March, 2013, 09:43:33 am
Moulton F coming off Tooting Common and disappearing into the mist...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Jurek on 08 March, 2013, 10:24:48 am
At the weekend, we went to Whitstable.  Enticed by old maps, we wandered into a shop onthe beach.  Hanging up, there was an old tandem.  The owner told us it was a Freddie Grubb, and he rode it a couple of times each summer.  It had a Cyclo-style gear, and cantilever brakes, which he surmised had been added later, as had the fork.  I think he was right about that.  The rear wheel had a fixed sprocket on the other side.

On an adjacent wall, there was a fine solo machine, which he told us was a Hobbs.  Very nice indeed.  I think Butterfly has at least one photo, but it was in a dark shop against the light.
That'll be Bruce Williams you spoke to then. He's a keen cyclist and a good friend of mine. He potters around on a Bickerton folder.
Did you clock any of the weird-like-they're-not-from-this-planet plants in jars full of clear silicone oil?
Made by the lovely Clare - who markets her products under the name of Questioners Garden Time (http://www.questionersgardentime.com/)  :D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 08 March, 2013, 11:08:48 am
Next time we go there, we'll make a point of popping in and saying hello.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 10 March, 2013, 12:51:12 am
Hase tandem with the front half having a bucket seat, seems to have a seat belt:
(http://imageshack.us/scaled/landing/259/hase1.jpg)
The saddle looks like a Spa.
Is it just my eyes or can others see an absence of front pedals?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 10 March, 2013, 12:56:50 am
Perhaps for a stoker passenger with a deficiency of legs?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 10 March, 2013, 01:02:35 am
Or a deficiency of pedalling legs.

Also a one-sided handlebar for the pilot (driver?). I can't work out where all the controls (gear shifters, brake levers) are. Brakes could be linked so front and rear work off one lever, and there's a gripshift-style changer, but there are clearly two derailleurs and I can't see a second shifter.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 10 March, 2013, 01:06:33 am
Nope, standard Pino controls.  The left handlebar is hidden behind the stoker seat in that photograph - you can see the end of it sticking out at the top (ETA: and reflected in the window) - the steering is turned hard to the right.

If the stoker had normal legs, they'd need something to support them.  It's hard work riding a recumbent without foot retention; riding one without something to press against doesn't bear thinking about.  So the legs in question are going to be short enough not to reach the ground or foul the front wheel when left to dangle unsupported.  I conclude a child or disabled adult.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 10 March, 2013, 12:00:30 pm
Thanks, I can see the other handlebar now! And the sensible conclusion about legs.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 13 March, 2013, 08:58:13 pm
Overtook an elderly man trundling along on a Pashley trike up in Bearwood earlier.  He'd spotted me coming in his large moped mirrors, and we exchanged cheerful greetings as I zoomed past at an awesome 10mph (I had studded tyres and a heavy trailer).
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 15 March, 2013, 03:26:09 pm
Moulton F coming off Tooting Common and disappearing into the mist...

I forgot to mention that I saw the woman on the F Frame again, heading South across Tooting Common and spurring off on a naughty route.  She had a green Barley.

Meanwhile, this morning, I spotted a battered 531 framed bike with a childseat on.  I could make out ...NGS on the downtube, so I assume it was a Youngs.

On Borough High Street, I passed a nice looking MTB-lite.  It was an Orange P7, which I thought, even in roadified mode, was an unusual commuting choice, but a nice one.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: TimO on 18 March, 2013, 06:14:18 pm
Whilst I was waiting at the traffic lights at the junction of Chelsea Bridge Road, Royal Hospital Road, Lower Sloane Street and Pimlico Road, this morning, a chap went around the corner on a triplet, albeit empty on the back.

I only saw it very briefly, as the lights changed, and traffic got in the way of my view, but it looked like it was a double child back, presumably the occupants having been previously dropped off at school or similar.

Triplets are fairly rare, but I suspect child back variants make up a reasonable number of them, since transporting children around is a good use for one.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: DrMekon on 21 March, 2013, 11:26:59 am
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8097/8576367091_c80b043f9c_z.jpg)

Nothing especially weird about the light blue Giant, but the unusual two prong saddle caught my eye - it's like it's got two noses. When I looked closer I noticed they'd left a Garmin 500 on it. I hope for their sake it's still there at the end of the day.

TBH, I've left my Etrex on my bike a couple of times and got away with it, but not in such a busy public area.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: sg37409 on 01 April, 2013, 06:18:28 pm
Might have been posted before.
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8246/8610845906_37b88caaac_c.jpg)

Modern Art Gallery, Glasgow (http://www.flickr.com/photos/24775321@N02/8610845906/)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 01 April, 2013, 08:49:16 pm
Hydrogen fuel cell electric assist?

Chain's a bit slack...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 01 April, 2013, 08:56:22 pm
Yes and the exhaust used for watercolour paintings, from memory.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 01 April, 2013, 09:06:05 pm
Actually, it looks like someone's been filling the tyres with hydrogen, too...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 04 April, 2013, 08:20:54 pm
Just remembered: Spotted a teenager with a nerdy 70s haircut riding a (pristine-looking) Raleigh Chopper on Tuesday.  Either there's something timey-wimey going on, or a serious disruption in the coolness vortex.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: CrinklyLion on 07 April, 2013, 08:59:53 am
Apologies for dreadful phone pic...

(http://sphotos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/531830_10151498410061839_2045004632_n.jpg)

Spotted as we were driving up to Scotland last weekend.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 07 April, 2013, 04:24:24 pm
I saw a Bullitt in Southwark this afternoon.  No owner in sight.

I also saw a WAW velomobile, but I was riding with the owner.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 09 April, 2013, 08:40:20 am
Also on Sunday, I saw a woman with a nicely updated yet classic looking Allin.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Efrogwr on 13 April, 2013, 01:17:30 pm
This morning, in Llanberis, I saw a Speedy: the first I've seen in ages. I nearly stepped in the only other one I've seen; silly bugger was riding on the footwayand I was pissed.

Also a nice Alan framed bike, ridden by a man with far too much skill for my liking*. He did a track stand when he gave way to traffic on the High Street.




*This is pure spite and envy, 'cos I can't do it!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 16 April, 2013, 06:12:51 pm
Man wheeling a GoCycle up Harborne High Street, in the direction of iCycle.  Hopefully for coincidental shopping reasons rather than some sort of mechanical problem, because they recently moved premises.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Andrij on 22 April, 2013, 11:32:47 am
A brand new Tern Link (http://www.ternbicycles.com/bikes/link) in the bike room this morning.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Andrij on 23 April, 2013, 08:44:48 am
One of the bicycles I saw on my ride home earlier in the week rally caught my eye - it was the seat stays.  Pulled up next to the cyclist at a set of lights, saw he was riding a red Harry Quinn (don't see many of those about) which looked a bit ... big.  Asked the rider the size.  28"!  :o   That would explain why the seat stays caught my attention.

Spotted again last night.  Those stays really catches ones eyes.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 23 April, 2013, 09:14:08 pm
Moderately interesting bike (singlespeeded Allez), but an interesting lock:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/ado15/IMG_3548_zpsd641bf18.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/ado15/media/IMG_3548_zpsd641bf18.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 23 April, 2013, 11:37:53 pm
Tandem Trice at the opening of the Two Tunnels a couple of weeks ago.
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8258/8676789600_d239186bb5.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Andrij on 24 April, 2013, 07:40:33 pm
I pass this most mornings on my commute:

(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Uj2ElvUBjKs/UXgmdbUfRhI/AAAAAAAACCg/WNKzEKAB23g/s720/P1040022.JPG)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 25 April, 2013, 09:48:20 pm
Battered Moulton F-frame at London Bridge
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/ado15/IMG_3580_zpse2a5a784.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/ado15/media/IMG_3580_zpse2a5a784.jpg.html)

Very large Hutchinson near Borough High St
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/ado15/IMG_3625_zps10728ad8.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/ado15/media/IMG_3625_zps10728ad8.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 26 April, 2013, 10:03:42 pm
Another large frame near London Bridge (hard to get a shot with hundreds of people streaming past)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/ado15/IMG_3680_zps6901f3e3.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/ado15/media/IMG_3680_zps6901f3e3.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Ham on 28 April, 2013, 09:46:26 am
On my last day in Catalonia (cf ride reports) I was pootling around Prat, the area of Barcelona containing the Airport, a suburb much in the same way as Hounslow (only the food is better). I came across the local Rapha/Asos shop. The content of the shop was much as you might expect, the welcome was substantially friendlier and some of the bikes they had on display were worthy of a second look,  the theme being Liège-Bastogne-Liège.

My fave:
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-sc2S_T_yL_s/UXpNt1vXCKI/AAAAAAAAnIg/-D04O-9eHLs/s640/DSCN0165.JPG)

(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-OoUhX7595jA/UXpNr1u70WI/AAAAAAAAnIQ/x9LEZdVNUXY/s640/DSCN0163.JPG)

(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-tsHxRXnF-iA/UXpNs4ZyXJI/AAAAAAAAnIc/9V848ynEf3c/s640/DSCN0164.JPG)

One with the original mud still on it:
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-fQPNwphgPaI/UXpNu_P73EI/AAAAAAAAnYY/SCIstqHwoOM/s640/DSCN0166.JPG)

(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-1cylfhC_izE/UXpNvlC5U8I/AAAAAAAAnIw/6XTPXWx1crs/s640/DSCN0167.JPG)

Their website http://www.pave.cc/shop/index.php/osCsid/5898275c2490f2b9b52ae6f246d63078

One of their bikes
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PsC1XruxFnA/UXpNwlymb0I/AAAAAAAAnI8/hYGjKXcx29s/s640/DSCN0168.JPG)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: JonBuoy on 28 April, 2013, 10:12:28 am
There was a tandem Chopper at the Leicester Critical Mass on Friday evening.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: tiermat on 28 April, 2013, 03:10:15 pm
Ham, Pave.cc get a mention in today's Sunday Telegraph, in the Style magazine...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Specializta on 28 April, 2013, 03:37:47 pm
I pass this most mornings on my commute:

(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Uj2ElvUBjKs/UXgmdbUfRhI/AAAAAAAACCg/WNKzEKAB23g/s720/P1040022.JPG)
That is fantastic, I want. D'you reckon I could paint the bike one colour and then get that effect with tape or does it really need a proper two colour paint job?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 28 April, 2013, 06:28:22 pm
The famous book dealer Drif had a zebra striped bike.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Ham on 29 April, 2013, 07:56:14 am
Ham, Pave.cc get a mention in today's Sunday Telegraph, in the Style magazine...

Style? They haz it. They even had a wet room for washing bikes (photo should be on my phone)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: TimO on 03 May, 2013, 06:43:27 pm
Crossing Chelsea bridge this morning, in front of me at the traffic lights was a grey haired chap cycling an 8 Freight.  I followed him almost to Sloane Square, but had to turn off before I had a chance to say anything to him.

Actually, I don't know that it was definitely an 8 Freight, but I could clearly see the rear mono-stay, and I managed to see that the front wheel was similarly mono forked, and I'm unaware of any similar cargo bike with mono-stays, so I'm guessing it was an 8 Freight.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 03 May, 2013, 09:41:21 pm
You remind me that I saw a Bullitt on the streets of Southwark last week.

And I saw a lovely red Rourke crossing NKR this evening.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 04 May, 2013, 08:26:58 pm
A Giant LaFree electric bike with long-version Xtracycle has been turning up at school regularly.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wobbly John on 07 May, 2013, 09:32:21 pm
Amongst the Cambridge cyclists at Reach Fair yesterday:

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y252/wobblyjohn/Fragileload_zps722131c6.jpg)

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y252/wobblyjohn/Clog_zps87bc0f5e.jpg)

 :D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 07 May, 2013, 09:37:08 pm
I love that Circe Pino-a-like, and the very clever babyseat attacent we want for the Helios.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 17 May, 2013, 02:40:30 pm
Not strictly a bike.

A mountain trike wheelchair. Hand cranked with a reciprocating motion, dual disc brakes, rear wheel steering. Had a chat with the owner, she lives on a narrowboat. Great turning circle and it counts as a wheelchair so can be used on buses, trains etc.

I didn't take a photo but here is one from the manufacturer's site:

(http://uploads.mountaintrike.co.uk/images/cache/389x600_features-list-1.jpg)
http://www.mountaintrike.co.uk/ (http://www.mountaintrike.co.uk/)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 17 May, 2013, 11:12:04 pm
Cool.  I bet that's a fair amount of work on a towpath, but one of the few things that's going to be up to the job.


Great turning circle and it counts as a wheelchair so can be used on buses, trains etc.

So does a bicycle if used as a mobility aid by a disabled person, at least by the letter of the law.

(Trains etc. have wheelchair size restrictions that exclude most cycles, including hand-cranked trikes, and mobility scooters.)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 17 May, 2013, 11:25:44 pm
very fat tyres - she said it was fine on the towpath.

Ordinary wheelchairs are so difficult on towpaths, lawns, sand, etc, etc.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 17 May, 2013, 11:28:19 pm
Yeah, I can imagine.  They're difficult enough on an ICE trike.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wobbly John on 18 May, 2013, 07:50:38 pm
I've not seen it in the 'flesh', but I though this would be the thread to mention the 'Steve Parry' Brompton tandem (:o)  that is for sale on Velovision small-ads (http://www.velovision.com/forum-new/read.php?4,12081) - Rohloff, luggage rack convertion instead of stoker seat and optional Nano electric assist.

That interesting and unusual enough for yah?  :demon:

(http://www.velovision.com/storyimages/2013/princetandem1.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 18 May, 2013, 10:52:53 pm
You know those ridiculous stretch limos that parents hire for their kids' seventh birthdays so they can pretend they're Hannah Montana? Well, I've just seen the pedal-powered version! Two tandems joined together with tubes of I don't know what, so the steerings are linked but transmission and brakes are separate. Behind this, a two-wheel trailer, articulated and wide enough for two adults to sit side by side in comfort for a total of six occupants. The whole sprayed gold and with sound system to make Valiant's knees tremble.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: madcow on 20 May, 2013, 12:18:15 pm
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8557/8757686574_335a2cece1.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/16109958@N08/8757686574/)
Bamboo bike (http://www.flickr.com/photos/16109958@N08/8757686574/) by madcow99 (http://www.flickr.com/people/16109958@N08/), on Flickr

Home made? bamboo bike, seen in downtown Vancouver last week.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Gus on 20 May, 2013, 01:39:40 pm
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8557/8757686574_335a2cece1.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/16109958@N08/8757686574/)
Bamboo bike (http://www.flickr.com/photos/16109958@N08/8757686574/) by madcow99 (http://www.flickr.com/people/16109958@N08/), on Flickr

Home made? bamboo bike, seen in downtown Vancouver last week.

It could be a Zambike (http://www.zambikeszambia.com/)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Bledlow on 25 May, 2013, 05:38:53 pm
Not really seen, but seen pictured -
http://www.bierbike.de/das-bierbike.html (http://www.bierbike.de/das-bierbike.html)
(http://blogs.lainformacion.com/futuretech/files/2012/03/bici.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 25 May, 2013, 06:12:25 pm
I saw a couple like that near Blackfriars.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Flynn on 26 May, 2013, 08:13:24 am
Saw a very nice all original white Puch chained up outside Old Street station last week.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 27 May, 2013, 06:41:01 pm
Spotted a guy on a no-name SWB 'bent with tailbox on the towpath section of NCN5 near Lifford Lane, and although I was on an upwrong, I'd brought a barakta by way of darkside credentials, so we stopped for a chat until we got cold.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wobbly John on 28 May, 2013, 10:40:57 pm
Currently have this in the workshop for a service. It belongs to the mother of one of the Olympic, Team GB.  :smug:

Can you guess what it is?

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y252/wobblyjohn/moultonsix_zps713ccfd7.jpg)

Hint: the original yellow paint is showing through in places

Yep, it's a rare 'F' frame Moulton speed six.  :D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: alexb on 29 May, 2013, 04:35:25 pm
I met someone riding a Bickerton today. Judging from the state of it, it was all original, right down to the cables and chain. It looked and sounded awful and had that dreadful saggy accessory handlebar bag fitted as well.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Andrij on 31 May, 2013, 09:37:05 am
Over the last two weeks of commuting I have passed someone on a new Strida, a Moulton TSR 30 and a penny farthing.  Exciting times in East London. :)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 31 May, 2013, 09:40:27 am
I saw a Strida near London Bridge yesterday.  Ugly thing.

Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: CrinklyLion on 04 June, 2013, 09:16:20 pm
There's not infrequently a yellow 'bent parked up at school.  I scalped the rider (who appeared to be wearing a skirt and flip flops!) as I went along Fulford road on my way to the work but when I stopped to do phone-related stuff a few minutes later she passed me again so, since I had the phone in my hand, I got a snap.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/580687_10151593924131839_511040525_n.jpg)
I also saw a chap on a orange Yuba Mundo with an extremely rattly plastic box on the front and the rack padded for use as a seat.  I suspect it is a pedal powered school bus.  No pic of that one.
Then on the way back at the end of the day
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/941524_10151593924261839_60034962_n.jpg)
Hand cranked trike.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: jogler on 04 June, 2013, 09:23:39 pm
Currently have this in the workshop for a service. It belongs to the mother of one of the Olympic, Team GB.  :smug:

Can you guess what it is?

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y252/wobblyjohn/moultonsix_zps713ccfd7.jpg)

Hint: the original yellow paint is showing through in places

Yep, it's a rare 'F' frame Moulton speed six.  :D

An outrageously wild guess....a very early ICE  'bent trike?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 04 June, 2013, 09:58:35 pm
There's not infrequently a yellow 'bent parked up at school.  I scalped the rider (who appeared to be wearing a skirt and flip flops!) as I went along Fulford road on my way to the work but when I stopped to do phone-related stuff a few minutes later she passed me again so, since I had the phone in my hand, I got a snap.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/580687_10151593924131839_511040525_n.jpg)
I also saw a chap on a orange Yuba Mundo with an extremely rattly plastic box on the front and the rack padded for use as a seat.  I suspect it is a pedal powered school bus.  No pic of that one.
Then on the way back at the end of the day
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/941524_10151593924261839_60034962_n.jpg)
Hand cranked trike.
Your photos make York look like Poland!!!  :o Apart from the bent and the trike, that is. I think it's the chestnuts, the birches and the brick paving with a line on it.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wobbly John on 04 June, 2013, 10:11:22 pm
{size=1pt}Yep, it's a rare 'F' frame Moulton speed six.{/size}  :D

An outrageously wild guess....a very early ICE  'bent trike?

Did you not see what the small text said when you replied?  :demon:
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 04 June, 2013, 10:15:57 pm
There's not infrequently a yellow 'bent parked up at school.  I scalped the rider (who appeared to be wearing a skirt and flip flops!)

:o  When Charlotte first introduced me to the dark side, that was exactly the sort of thing she warned me never to do.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: RJ on 06 June, 2013, 01:15:43 pm
A Nihola Family (http://www.nihola.com/products/family.html) on Micklegate in York, yesterday afternoon.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: tiermat on 06 June, 2013, 01:19:34 pm
The last couple of times I have taken TLD to her swimming lessons there has been a bakfiets parked outside the swimming pool.

Not too odd in Cambridge or other parts of the flatlands, but this is in Northallerton!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Efrogwr on 06 June, 2013, 02:13:36 pm
The last couple of times I have taken TLD to her swimming lessons there has been a bakfiets parked outside the swimming pool.

Not too odd in Cambridge or other parts of the flatlands, but this is in Northallerton!

Is this a sign that North Yorkshire might be achieving civilsation? ;D

I may have to return!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 06 June, 2013, 02:49:53 pm
If that is your idea of civilisation then I guess York was civilised a long time ago.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: interzen on 06 June, 2013, 08:11:35 pm
Saw someone on a Surly Krampus as I was coming across York racecourse about half an hour ago - slightly unusual, even by York standards, and doubly-so since Krampus completes seem to be about as readily available as wooden horse excrement at the moment (even Surly have admitted they'd underestimated how popular they'd be)

Looks like I'm not the only one who worships at the Temple of Phat hereabouts :)  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Bledlow on 08 June, 2013, 10:41:23 pm
There's not infrequently a yellow 'bent parked up at school.  I scalped the rider (who appeared to be wearing a skirt and flip flops!)

:o  When Charlotte first introduced me to the dark side, that was exactly the sort of thing she warned me never to do.
What - wear a skirt & flip-flops?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Andrij on 13 June, 2013, 09:34:14 am
Spotted online - something rather unusual (http://www.core77.com/blog/flotspotting/symmetry_is_overrated_paolo_de_giustis_xxxvi_dg_bicycle_concept_24364.asp).
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 13 June, 2013, 10:12:43 am
And you can get 36" tyres. A mere $125 each! http://waltworks.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/the-new-36er-tire-preorder-now.html
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: RJ on 13 June, 2013, 09:11:20 pm
Busy day:

I think I need a little lie down ;)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: alexb on 20 June, 2013, 05:10:27 pm
A little round up from my recent trip to Italy.
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g111/2daves/IMG_2178.jpg) (http://s54.photobucket.com/user/2daves/media/IMG_2178.jpg.html)
Lovely patina on this old beauty. There were so many bikes using these lugs.

(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g111/2daves/IMG_2202.jpg) (http://s54.photobucket.com/user/2daves/media/IMG_2202.jpg.html)
Insanely complicated rear brake set up on this rod-braked bike!

(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g111/2daves/IMG_2220.jpg) (http://s54.photobucket.com/user/2daves/media/IMG_2220.jpg.html)
Very cute (and stylish) juxtaposition, and if you look carefully you can see grandson and grandad enjoying an ice cream together.

(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g111/2daves/IMG_2302.jpg) (http://s54.photobucket.com/user/2daves/media/IMG_2302.jpg.html)
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g111/2daves/IMG_2274.jpg) (http://s54.photobucket.com/user/2daves/media/IMG_2274.jpg.html)
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g111/2daves/IMG_2301.jpg) (http://s54.photobucket.com/user/2daves/media/IMG_2301.jpg.html)
Very fancy fixed wheel bike in a store window. Machined copper-coloured or copper-plated hubs, pedals and other details. A very unusual bike

(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g111/2daves/IMG_2308.jpg) (http://s54.photobucket.com/user/2daves/media/IMG_2308.jpg.html)
Finally one for Wobbly John!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wobbly John on 20 June, 2013, 06:45:28 pm
A little round up from my recent trip to Italy.
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g111/2daves/IMG_2308.jpg) (http://s54.photobucket.com/user/2daves/media/IMG_2308.jpg.html)
Finally one for Wobbly John!

Ah, a Velocino.  :D

We did an XnTRICK version with a Raleigh RSW (http://homepages.nildram.co.uk/~talizmar/xntrick/velocino.htm)  :smug:

(http://homepages.nildram.co.uk/~talizmar/xntrick/photos/simononcino.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 20 June, 2013, 11:51:33 pm
That last lot make me wonder if Italy is a real country, or a place which has modelled itself on a Hollywood image? !!!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wobbly John on 21 June, 2013, 01:27:48 am
I think Italy had style long before Hollywood would did had.  ;)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Andrij on 21 June, 2013, 09:22:11 am
On the commute yesterday morning (via Stratford into the City) I kept encountering a cyclist on a rather interesting machine.  it appeared to be titanium, but couldn't make out the brand as it had no labels.  It had disc brakes front and rear (cf forks).  So far, uncommon, but not that unusual.  Except he was running a belt-driven Alfine hub.  Definitely not your average commuting machine.  And he was fast!  Even at 35kph I couldn't quite catch him.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: alexb on 21 June, 2013, 09:56:59 am
That last lot make me wonder if Italy is a real country, or a place which has modelled itself on a Hollywood image? !!!

Florence had style in sack-loads. Pisa was surprisingly pleasant, although when you go to see the tower, you realise that every sodding building in the place is on the squint, it's hilarious. Talk about dodgy build quality!
Padova was quirky and full of students, bikes everywhere, mostly worn through to bare metal from being chained to poles, benches and leant up against walls, but still beautiful.
I'd recommend a trip to Padova and use it as a touring centre, the hostel there was cheap and good, but our B&B in Florence was unbelievable.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Efrogwr on 21 June, 2013, 10:08:41 am
That last lot make me wonder if Italy is a real country, or a place which has modelled itself on a Hollywood image? !!!

The area that I know (Imola/Faenza/Ravenna) oozes style! I can endorse Wobbly John's and alexb's comments.

There are wonderful roads in the mountains, heading south into Tuscany... I must take my bike next time.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: TimO on 21 June, 2013, 10:32:57 am
Yesterday, near Tooting Bec Common, a chap on an orange TNT delivery bike, with two full panniers.  He was looking mildly confused, so I suspect wasn't sure where he was going, but I was late for work, so didn't have the time to stop and check up on him.

Later on, near Sloane Square, I saw a second TNT bike locked up and sans rider this time.

The bike is a chunky looking step through design, in fairly obvious orange, you can easily find images on Google.  I'm not surprised if they're using them around central London, but Tooting Bec isn't the place I expected to find them.

Two in one day, after never seeing them before. ???
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 21 June, 2013, 10:35:04 am
I've seen quite a few (or one several times) round Borough et environs
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Butterfly on 21 June, 2013, 10:52:41 am
On the commute yesterday morning (via Stratford into the City) I kept encountering a cyclist on a rather interesting machine.  it appeared to be titanium, but couldn't make out the brand as it had no labels.  It had disc brakes front and rear (cf forks).  So far, uncommon, but not that unusual.  Except he was running a belt-driven Alfine hub.  Definitely not your average commuting machine.  And he was fast!  Even at 35kph I couldn't quite catch him.
At the show at Excel there was one like that on the velorution stand. It was a Van Nicholas :)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 27 June, 2013, 09:46:02 pm
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/ado15/IMG_4318_zps06dcd89e.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/ado15/media/IMG_4318_zps06dcd89e.jpg.html)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/ado15/IMG_4319_zps3e94af96.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/ado15/media/IMG_4319_zps3e94af96.jpg.html)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/ado15/IMG_4331m_zps08770fda.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/ado15/media/IMG_4331m_zps08770fda.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 27 June, 2013, 09:50:36 pm
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/ado15/IMG_4322m_zpsdef3653c.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/ado15/media/IMG_4322m_zpsdef3653c.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 27 June, 2013, 09:55:54 pm
Near Elephant & Castle, a very understated but well-equipped Thorn.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/ado15/IMG_4359_zps19851920.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/ado15/media/IMG_4359_zps19851920.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 27 June, 2013, 10:21:51 pm
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/ado15/Rangefinder%20uploads/IMG_4317_zps83a6acea.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/ado15/media/Rangefinder%20uploads/IMG_4317_zps83a6acea.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 28 June, 2013, 07:15:34 pm
Caygill at Borough.  Owned by a chap with a geographically appropriate surname, according to the top tube.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/ado15/IMAG0195_zpsbd19f7f8.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/ado15/media/IMAG0195_zpsbd19f7f8.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 29 June, 2013, 07:08:34 pm
I saw this abomination in West Hampstead
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/ado15/CNV00018_zps061d3aad.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/ado15/media/CNV00018_zps061d3aad.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Deano on 29 June, 2013, 07:17:07 pm
What's the name on the Caygill's TT, clarion? I can't make it out on my phone.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Vince on 30 June, 2013, 10:01:34 pm
Spotted outside the supermarket
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t140/VinceHall/CyclingStuff/2013-06-30190835_zps02208dd5.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 01 July, 2013, 09:41:39 am
'space frame' moulton on the train this morning. Sadly couldn't take a photo.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 01 July, 2013, 09:42:34 am
What's the name on the Caygill's TT, clarion? I can't make it out on my phone.

Paul Wensley
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Canardly on 01 July, 2013, 09:06:20 pm
Bit cheesey.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Deano on 02 July, 2013, 09:51:05 pm
What's the name on the Caygill's TT, clarion? I can't make it out on my phone.

Paul Wensley

Ha - yes, very nearby.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Ham on 03 July, 2013, 09:56:24 am
On the commute today, one of these, a Schindelhauer single speed belt drive (apparently fixed as an option - not sure that would fill me with confidence)

(http://keepreal.org/wp-content/uploads/SchindelhauerBikes_dyt2.jpg)

Kept looking at it, had to ask the chap coz I couldn't work out how the belt could be changed. He didn't know either. Turns out to be an interesting bit of tech http://www.schindelhauerbikes.com/#/en/tech/

(and yes, I think he had come from Hackney)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 03 July, 2013, 10:28:55 am
I saw a green Van Moof.  Normally they are silver or white IME.

It's still ugly in green.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 04 July, 2013, 08:56:21 pm
Courier at Borough High St.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/ado15/IMG_4599e_zpsda0d4644.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/ado15/media/IMG_4599e_zpsda0d4644.jpg.html)

Lo-Pro frame (can't recall what).  'Spok front wheel.  Silly cut off riser bars.  Odd rear guard.

And Pringles tube.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 04 July, 2013, 08:57:16 pm
I've seen this guy a couple of times at Marshalsea

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/ado15/IMG_4631_zpsd3616d9d.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/ado15/media/IMG_4631_zpsd3616d9d.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 07 July, 2013, 08:18:40 pm
In Southwark
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/ado15/Rangefinder%20uploads/CNV00027_zps78f6ca54.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/ado15/media/Rangefinder%20uploads/CNV00027_zps78f6ca54.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 10 July, 2013, 08:46:44 am
A The Light Blue Trinity on my commute this morning.  It does look very smart.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 10 July, 2013, 02:13:03 pm
In Stockwell, I saw an orange cargo bike with a step through frame and quite square tubing.  Shorter than a Yuba Mundo or that sort of thing.  More like a Mamabike.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Greenbank on 10 July, 2013, 02:19:07 pm
In Stockwell, I saw an orange cargo bike with a step through frame and quite square tubing.  Shorter than a Yuba Mundo or that sort of thing.  More like a Mamabike.

One of the new TNT post bikes?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 10 July, 2013, 02:30:58 pm
Pooossible.  I've seen them before round there.  It didn't have as much (or as distinctive) luggage as before, but, reviewing pics online, I think you're probably right.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Reg.T on 12 July, 2013, 04:35:08 pm
While walking through the shopping centre in Bath at lunchtime, I saw a bike coming towards me in a slightly odd manner. Looking as it went past, it became apparent that it was tracking unusually because it was articulated just in front of the seat tube, so it could effectively bend around that axis.

Didn't have a chance to get a photo, but the nearest I've found from a quick online search is here (http://www.photographersdirect.com/buyers/stockphoto.asp?imageid=932357)

On the one I saw, the down tube went to around half-way down the seat tube, so more like a triangle than in the picture above.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 12 July, 2013, 05:16:13 pm
Paging Wobbly John.  Wobbly John to the trapezoid courtesy phone with mismatched receiver, please...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 12 July, 2013, 07:19:54 pm
I don't think he's in the Bath.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 12 July, 2013, 08:37:06 pm
Maybe he's run amok with his welder, in a Kettwiesel Ripper style?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Vince on 14 July, 2013, 09:49:20 pm
I'm not sure how unusual this is but I've never seen a folding tandem.

(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t140/VinceHall/CyclingStuff/2013-07-13113522_zps80e1c10e.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wobbly John on 15 July, 2013, 10:24:14 pm
Didn't have a chance to get a photo, but the nearest I've found from a quick online search is here (http://www.photographersdirect.com/buyers/stockphoto.asp?imageid=932357)

Bloody 'ell, that's me.  :D

On the one I saw, the down tube went to around half-way down the seat tube, so more like a triangle than in the picture above.

Must make it difficult to pedal when it's 'crossed up'

BTW, sorry I've not been around much - dropped my laptop and it ain't charging.  :facepalm:
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Juan Martín on 21 July, 2013, 05:50:47 pm
Out this morning on a longish extended loop on the Royal, on a country lane in the middle of nowhere between Biddenden and Bethersden I saw coming towards me in the distance what looked like a bloke on an Ordinary. I spotted him perhaps 200 yards away and I kept waiting for it to begin to look like something more...well ordinary, like a bloke on an Allez. But sure enough, it was a bloke on an Ordinary wearing what looked like Olympic Team GB kit. 'Morning, 'morning as we passed was the only comment.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Reg.T on 21 July, 2013, 10:26:41 pm
Quite a crop spotted at CarniVelo in Bristol today, including:

Quite a few Cruiser bikes (some with e-assist):
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/56557612/2013-07-21%2011.57.21.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/56557612/2013-07-21%2012.57.46.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/56557612/2013-07-21%2013.03.19.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/56557612/2013-07-21%2013.03.51.jpg)
... including one with a wooden frame ...
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/56557612/2013-07-21%2012.54.33.jpg)

A high bike:
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/56557612/2013-07-21%2012.59.12.jpg)

A (small) Ordinary with gorilla bars:
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/56557612/2013-07-21%2012.57.17.jpg)

Several bikes designed or adapted to carry children:
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/56557612/2013-07-21%2013.00.00.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/56557612/2013-07-21%2013.00.16.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/56557612/2013-07-21%2013.03.38.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/56557612/2013-07-21%2013.30.22.jpg)

And an old Raleigh Pro Race:
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/56557612/2013-07-21%2013.29.53.jpg)

Lots of small-wheelers too (it was when I went to take a photo of an RSW16, which brought back memories from my childhood, that I realised I'd left my phone behind somewhere, so I couldn't take a picture of it. Thankfully it had been found and retained by staff at Creative Commons).
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 22 July, 2013, 06:37:27 pm
^Looks like fun. I forgot all about it this year! But I was too busy anyway  :( and I recognise some of those bikes from last year!  :)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: alexb on 23 July, 2013, 09:27:57 am
I followed a Brompton with a Rohloff today, pretty impressive hub for such a small bike!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Deano on 23 July, 2013, 09:03:01 pm
Nothing that unusual in itself, but there was a bike parked up at a supermarket which was entirely blue, apart from on the rims and chain and the big chainring where the paint had worn off. I reckon someone had chucked it through a spraying booth. I was tempted to get a frame sprayed in JCB yellow at a previous place of employment, but I never got around to it (mainly cos I was waiting for the much lovelier Komatsu red to come back into production). I would have drawn the line at frame and forks, too.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 24 July, 2013, 06:57:13 pm
Cheating here, cos I haven't actually seen any of these, but a link to place making a variety of atypical bi(and other)cycles.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wobbly John on 24 July, 2013, 08:10:39 pm
Link ?  ???
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 24 July, 2013, 08:48:13 pm
Sorry.  :-[ http://rowerynietypowe.pl/home.html
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: phantasmagoriana on 30 July, 2013, 10:18:18 am
Spotted in Brugge - a bamboo bike:

(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7345/9400520342_0ce26f1fce.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/natnot/9400520342/)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: interzen on 30 July, 2013, 10:28:08 am
I followed a Brompton with a Rohloff today, pretty impressive hub for such a small bike!
There's no kill like overkill ...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 30 July, 2013, 11:00:44 am
Spotted in Brugge - a bamboo bike:

(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7345/9400520342_0ce26f1fce.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/natnot/9400520342/)


Dick Van Dyke's?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Deano on 11 August, 2013, 11:32:20 am
Rohloff-equipped Surly fat bike at Skelwith Bridge:

(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/57044735/DSC_0335.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/57044735/DSC_0336.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Bledlow on 13 August, 2013, 10:39:10 am
A little late, but last Wednesday (August 7th) I saw a recumbent hand trike being wound up the shared use path beside the A329 in Winnersh, between Reading & Wokingham. Never seen one of them before. The rider was female, fairly young & strong-looking.

I didn't have a chance to photograph it because I was cycling in the opposite direction on the other side of the road.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Toady on 20 August, 2013, 09:25:04 am
Spotted in Brugge - a bamboo bike:
It looks from the photo like a lugged frame with lugs made from duck tape.  Now, I know there are few uses to which this cannot be put, but that would be pushing it a bit.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wobbly John on 20 August, 2013, 10:06:22 am
Spotted in Brugge - a bamboo bike:
It looks from the photo like a lugged frame with lugs made from duck tape.  Now, I know there are few uses to which this cannot be put, but that would be pushing it a bit.

It may look like duct tape, but epoxy resin soaked hemp is the normal way the bike is built - sort of a natural carbon fibre (apart from the resin).
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Toady on 20 August, 2013, 10:50:43 am
Spotted in Brugge - a bamboo bike:
It looks from the photo like a lugged frame with lugs made from duck tape.  Now, I know there are few uses to which this cannot be put, but that would be pushing it a bit.

It may look like duct tape, but epoxy resin soaked hemp is the normal way the bike is built - sort of a natural carbon fibre (apart from the resin).
Pooh.
In my mind there is a Belgian out there happily riding a bike made from duc(k/t) tape and garden canes. 
;)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: matthew on 27 August, 2013, 03:57:59 pm
Folded Airminal boarding the train to London this morning as I crossed the footbridge to travel the other direction.

Equally unusual was the full Royal Navy cycling kit the rider had as her attire. Sunningdale is ~ 60 miles from the nearest naval port at Portsmouth.

Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Vince on 17 September, 2013, 01:03:26 pm
This is my friend Christopher with his new bike. He suffers from Pitt-Hopkins syndrome and this bike allows him to get awheel while his father controls the bike via the handle at the back which includes a cable operated steering linkage.
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t140/VinceHall/CyclingStuff/2013-09-15125607_zps16fff49f.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: woollypigs on 17 September, 2013, 01:19:28 pm
Nice wheels :)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Bledlow on 18 September, 2013, 01:27:47 pm
Not unusual when new, but interesting nowadays: locked up in Friar Street in Reading, an old red Graham Weigh in Reynolds 653, with what looked like all original kit from ca 1990. Shimano 105 throughout (I used to have some of those brakes! And they were excellent. Now owned by Woofage) with Biopace chainrings (at least, the big one) & 7-speed cassette. Braze-on front derailleur, downtube shift levers.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: David Martin on 18 September, 2013, 11:28:23 pm
Blink and you miss it. Mr Darwin must be watching with interest..

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-22604267
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: DrMekon on 18 September, 2013, 11:50:28 pm
Damn. I suspect he needs to keep his legs like that to accommodate his massive balls.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wobbly John on 19 September, 2013, 08:56:51 am
Didn't manage to get a photo, but yesterday I spotted a black, 'sit up & beg' dutch style bike - chain case, steel mudguards, wicker basket,...



...and 'hipster' wheels - white, deep section rims & white spokes!  :o
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: alexb on 19 September, 2013, 09:33:25 am
Blink and you miss it. Mr Darwin must be watching with interest..

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-22604267

Still not as fast as the motor-paced record!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 19 September, 2013, 10:42:04 am
Just outside work, I saw a chap pulling a wheelie on an electric bike.  Most unusual.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: menthel on 20 September, 2013, 09:58:39 am
Saw a recumbent bike coming through Tooting yesterday afternoon. Brave if you ask me, Toots is a bloody nightmare!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Canardly on 24 September, 2013, 06:11:01 pm
North Somerset week or two ago.

(http://img844.imageshack.us/img844/7348/hklw.jpg) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/844/hklw.jpg/)

Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 25 September, 2013, 10:46:32 am
Saw a Bullitt on Moinday near Guys Hospital.  And a woman yesterday calmly cycling up Denmark Hill with a bairn in the bucket of her trike - possibly a Christiania, I'm not sure.  I think she must have had a good low range of gears, or was very fit.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Juan Martín on 29 September, 2013, 06:56:47 pm
Coming back from a 40km pootle on the Royal this morning, my first outing for a couple of weeks as I have been away on my hols and just a couple of hundred yards from home, many interesting bikes. Many old steel heavyweights, quite a few trikes, several tandems, and even a triplet - presumably a group from the Vintage CC.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Bledlow on 02 October, 2013, 07:47:59 pm
Saw a Bullitt on Moinday near Guys Hospital.  And a woman yesterday calmly cycling up Denmark Hill with a bairn in the bucket of her trike - possibly a Christiania, I'm not sure.  I think she must have had a good low range of gears, or was very fit.
A pity it was a trike. You'd have had some good alliteration going if it had been a bike.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 02 October, 2013, 10:23:29 pm
In Croydon today, we saw a woman riding an unusual mixte.  The stem was reversed to point towards the rider, and the bars were at such an odd angle, I really couldn't make out how she was using the brakes, which had suicide levers.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 06 October, 2013, 08:55:33 am
A lovely curly Hetchins tandem at the end of the Tasty Cheddar yesterday. Actually made by Bob Jackson, who bought the rights to the name and design in the '70s, around 2002. Apparently he sold the rights on in 2005 but I don't know who makes the them now (if anyone).
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Deano on 06 October, 2013, 10:26:17 pm
(http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2820/10125335426_1db775f543_z.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/30024450@N04/10125335426/)

Not mine, thankfully, but one of a pair of tourers at the Bike Hub at Ouseburn, Newcastle upon Tyne. They were heading to the coast. I did speculate that the luggage could just be empty boxes, placed for effect.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 06 October, 2013, 10:28:41 pm
Interesting use of distinctly non-aero aero-bars.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Deano on 06 October, 2013, 10:30:14 pm
Butterfly bars, with tri-bars attached. It's pretty common in Germany - though the writing on the top tube looked like Spanish. I've never cycled in Spain, they might all have that set-up there.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 06 October, 2013, 10:37:48 pm
It seems to say "Critical mass" in English on the panniers. Evidently euro-tourers!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 06 October, 2013, 11:47:44 pm
It seems to say "Critical mass" in English on the panniers. Evidently euro-tourers!

I think that's just a warning that the luggage is about to implode...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Gus on 07 October, 2013, 09:50:27 am
Two days ago in the woods

(http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a618/Nagasawa25/DSC09585_zps6df8f754.jpg) (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/Nagasawa25/media/DSC09585_zps6df8f754.jpg.html)

I love the Ahearne flask  :P
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Ham on 07 October, 2013, 10:15:33 pm
I saw six very nice bikes today. Black, Condors. Onna top of a car with Rapha down the side. The first time riding through the Aldgate one way system could be considered pleasant.

Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 12 October, 2013, 09:25:25 pm
Moto Becane mixte. What made it slightly unusual was the top tube, which started at the head as one tube, then half-way to the seat tube split into two, instead of being two all the way from the head tube.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Squarewheels on 12 October, 2013, 10:21:17 pm
Two days ago in the woods

(http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a618/Nagasawa25/DSC09585_zps6df8f754.jpg) (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/Nagasawa25/media/DSC09585_zps6df8f754.jpg.html)

I love the Ahearne flask  :P

Bit irresponsible just to leave it there ( :facepalm:).
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: mikedrums on 13 October, 2013, 01:44:33 pm
Love those Flying Gates (not just cause Baines was a Bradford firm).  And TJ (Trevor Jarvis) is based near my parents' house.

Really really want one.

But...

but...

but...

...that colour scheme! :o
saw one the other day in a rather fetching dark bluey purple with gold lug lining. Nice!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 13 October, 2013, 03:37:45 pm
That sounds more like the thing.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 13 October, 2013, 06:35:39 pm
(http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2847/10250920873_3751710771.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/93751227@N04/10250920873/)
P9170309 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/93751227@N04/10250920873/) by TJ Clarion (http://www.flickr.com/people/93751227@N04/), on Flickr

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8411/10250409275_39fae94c7a.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/93751227@N04/10250409275/)
P9170303 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/93751227@N04/10250409275/) by TJ Clarion (http://www.flickr.com/people/93751227@N04/), on Flickr

Genuine courier.  Snapped with the sun in my eyes, so sorry I clipped the front wheel.
(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3760/10250148683_42e37bc577.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/93751227@N04/10250148683/)
P9170306 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/93751227@N04/10250148683/) by TJ Clarion (http://www.flickr.com/people/93751227@N04/), on Flickr

Note the LCEF cap.  I thought the incongruity interesting:
(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5492/10249916965_7d64cc051a.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/93751227@N04/10249916965/)
P9170308 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/93751227@N04/10249916965/) by TJ Clarion (http://www.flickr.com/people/93751227@N04/), on Flickr

Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 13 October, 2013, 07:30:40 pm
Hanging in the ginnel beside Pearson's:

(http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2876/10251348735_fe2203f454.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/93751227@N04/10251348735/)
PA130927 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/93751227@N04/10251348735/) by TJ Clarion (http://www.flickr.com/people/93751227@N04/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 16 October, 2013, 10:51:14 am
Interesting loadbike in West London.  I thought it was a Donky, but it seems not.

(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7380/10305108706_d6c5ebf9c2.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/93751227@N04/10305108706/)
PA060796 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/93751227@N04/10305108706/) by TJ Clarion (http://www.flickr.com/people/93751227@N04/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 16 October, 2013, 01:34:04 pm
Rare sighting of an old woman looking very elegant on a Pashley-clone trike with a front hub motor in Bournville yesterday.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 16 October, 2013, 10:56:28 pm
Lo-Pro in Borough:

(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7401/10317676596_24ac141e30.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/93751227@N04/10317676596/)
PA160995 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/93751227@N04/10317676596/) by TJ Clarion (http://www.flickr.com/people/93751227@N04/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Tim Hall on 17 October, 2013, 05:24:55 pm
No pic unfortunately, but today in Reigate a splendid child carrying bike. Big high rise handle bars with baby seat between them, facing the rider. Frame made of "substantial" tubing inna continental stylee.

Clarion, is that policeman up there ^, Charlotte and Julian's favourite Bike Squad copper?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 17 October, 2013, 06:00:31 pm
No, just a random chap.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: mikedrums on 19 October, 2013, 10:54:01 pm
Two days ago in the woods

(http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a618/Nagasawa25/DSC09585_zps6df8f754.jpg) (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/Nagasawa25/media/DSC09585_zps6df8f754.jpg.html)

I love the Ahearne flask  :P

Bit irresponsible just to leave it there ( :facepalm:).
think it was, y' know hanging waiting for the right photo op. ;)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 23 October, 2013, 09:40:25 am

Genuine courier.  Snapped with the sun in my eyes, so sorry I clipped the front wheel.
(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3760/10250148683_42e37bc577.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/93751227@N04/10250148683/)
P9170306 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/93751227@N04/10250148683/) by TJ Clarion (http://www.flickr.com/people/93751227@N04/), on Flickr

Is it my eyesight or is the front brake missing a brake pad?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 23 October, 2013, 09:42:36 am
I believe it was missing two.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wobbly John on 23 October, 2013, 11:25:54 am
Genuine courier.  Snapped with the sun in my eyes, so sorry I clipped the front wheel.
(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3760/10250148683_42e37bc577.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/93751227@N04/10250148683/)


Identical, apart from flat bars, to the bike I followed through Ely yesterday...


...except it was single speed, not fixed.  ::-)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 27 October, 2013, 11:32:24 pm
A Specialized hybrid/mtb/trecking type bike, quite nice with dynamo hub and lights to suit - and an adjustable stem set a couple of degrees off vertical and angled back towards the rider!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 07 November, 2013, 10:51:47 am
Sorry I didn't get a photo, but I spotted a first for me, and something I thought I might see sooner.  It was a customised Doris Bike.  The new 'owner' had replaced the handlebarswith something less upright and, of course, chromier.

I wonder how many have absconded from the scheme during the period.  I believe I saw something which indicated that losses were less than for Velib.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 10 November, 2013, 07:49:03 pm
An unusual cargo bike at Kings Cross on Friday night.  Blurry photo, but it was dark, and someone stood in my way just as I was about to press the shutter (to be fair, it was a busy crossing), so I had to pan round.

(http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2880/10778924306_e6fce5ab3e.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/93751227@N04/10778924306/)
PB081807 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/93751227@N04/10778924306/) by TJ Clarion (http://www.flickr.com/people/93751227@N04/), on Flickr

Seemed to have a long front end, but I couldn't fathom the load carrying or steering arrangement
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wobbly John on 10 November, 2013, 08:32:02 pm
It looks as if it is something like the Filibus (http://www.kemper-velo.de/fahrraeder/transportraeder/filibus/), only with a higher top tube.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 10 November, 2013, 09:18:55 pm
Yes, and yes.  Very much that sort of thing, though.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Gus on 11 November, 2013, 04:16:54 am
Most likely a Bilenky (http://www.bilenky.com/#!cargo/cjrp) or an Omnium (http://omniumcargo.dk/omnium-cargo/)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: pcolbeck on 11 November, 2013, 06:37:12 am
A half upright half recumbent tandem on Sunday grinding up Whitewall Bank towards Malton. The front half was conventional but rear half was recumbent with the stoker facing backwards.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 11 November, 2013, 07:06:48 am
Thanks, Gus.  Very much like one of those.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Tim Hall on 25 November, 2013, 11:33:58 pm
No pic unfortunately, but today in Reigate a splendid child carrying bike. Big high rise handle bars with baby seat between them, facing the rider. Frame made of "substantial" tubing inna continental stylee.


Saw it again today in action.  Not only is there a baby seat between the bars, there's a child seat on the back. I told the woman riding it I really liked it and did a U turn to get a better look. I fear she may have thought I was some kind of stalker.  The bike had "Gemini" (I think) on the top tube.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 26 November, 2013, 10:16:01 am
There's a bloke with two daughters at my son's school who rides a Gemini. Or rather, used to, his girls are rather too big for it now - in fact they've both moved up to secondary school!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 26 November, 2013, 03:03:21 pm
I saw a rider on Great Dover Street with a child seat which had an extending, pram-style, rain cover.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Gus on 30 November, 2013, 08:12:22 am
I saw a cargobike about a month ago, I couldn't really figure out what brand it was.
Now I know :
http://vimeo.com/79972861 (http://vimeo.com/79972861)

Don't really know if I like the concept with tilting bikes.  :-\
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 30 November, 2013, 02:13:17 pm
I saw a cargobike about a month ago, I couldn't really figure out what brand it was.
Now I know :
http://vimeo.com/79972861 (http://vimeo.com/79972861)

Don't really know if I like the concept with tilting bikes.  :-\

It gives you the stability of a trike with the (intuitive to a bicyclist) handling and cornering dynamics of a bike.  They don't say whether the mechanism has a lock-out to give the balance advantage of a tricycle at low/zero speed - that would seem like an obvious feature to want in a cargo cycle.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 30 November, 2013, 02:25:02 pm
What effect is tilting going to have on a load that's liquid or granular? I haven't ridden a trike since I was about 5, which I guess is fairly typical, and can't really grok how any of it handles now. If it were a regular, upright, delta trike, then I'd know I was relearning something, if it were a tadpole I'd be wondering if it would handle in the same way as a delta, but if it were leaning then the bike-like-ness might be helpful or might totally double-cross-disconnect-confuse me.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Jurek on 30 November, 2013, 02:37:14 pm

Genuine courier.  Snapped with the sun in my eyes, so sorry I clipped the front wheel.
(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3760/10250148683_42e37bc577.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/93751227@N04/10250148683/)
P9170306 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/93751227@N04/10250148683/) by TJ Clarion (http://www.flickr.com/people/93751227@N04/), on Flickr

Is it my eyesight or is the front brake missing a brake pad?
Judging by the angle of the cable outer, i suspect the inner isn't connected anything.
Sorry.
Bit late to this thread.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 30 November, 2013, 03:52:15 pm
What effect is tilting going to have on a load that's liquid or granular?

It'll be less inclined to slosh about, as the tilt will naturally keep the centri-whatever[1] force pointing towards the bottom of the load bed.  Just like a bicycle does, and a Virgin train doesn't.

That's the advantage of a tilting trike - less inclined to tip over!


Quote
I haven't ridden a trike since I was about 5, which I guess is fairly typical, and can't really grok how any of it handles now. If it were a regular, upright, delta trike, then I'd know I was relearning something, if it were a tadpole I'd be wondering if it would handle in the same way as a delta, but if it were leaning then the bike-like-ness might be helpful or might totally double-cross-disconnect-confuse me.

A trike (delta or tadpole) handles the way you think it will handle - turn the bars, it goes in that direction.  The problem with people who've only ridden bicycles since they were a child is that they're used to the more complex process of countersteering and leaning, and it takes a while to override than instinct and make an upright trike go in the right direction.  I've yet to re-acquire the skill, in spite of being fluent in both upright and recumbent bicycles, and recumbent trikes.

A tilting trike steers and balances like a bicycle.  D-Tek had a drop-in replacement for a bicycle front wheel (turning it into a tilting tadpole trike) on the stall at Mildenhall this summer.  I had a go, and it was completely intuitive to ride as a bicycle (the steering was 'heavy', a bit like you'd expect from a combination of big soft tyre and front panniers, only without the rolling resistance), and the stability under heavy braking (on damp grass!) was astounding.


[1] Not starting that debate.  ;D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 30 November, 2013, 05:54:07 pm
A trike (delta or tadpole) handles the way you think it will handle - turn the bars, it
...tips over?  ;)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 30 November, 2013, 06:25:13 pm
A trike (delta or tadpole) handles the way you think it will handle - turn the bars, it
...tips over?  ;)

Homes in on the nearest Worst Thing To Ride Into, in my experience.  Curb, nettles, parked bikes, guy ropes, whatever.  It's uncanny.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: JennyB on 30 November, 2013, 08:50:02 pm
A trike (delta or tadpole) handles the way you think it will handle - turn the bars, it
...tips over?  ;)

Homes in on the nearest Worst Thing To Ride Into, in my experience.  Curb, nettles, parked bikes, guy ropes, whatever.  It's uncanny.

Always fun to watch an experienced cyclist have their first go on a racing barrow!  :D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 30 November, 2013, 08:55:12 pm
A trike (delta or tadpole) handles the way you think it will handle - turn the bars, it
...tips over?  ;)

Homes in on the nearest Worst Thing To Ride Into, in my experience.  Curb, nettles, parked bikes, guy ropes, whatever.  It's uncanny.

Always fun to watch an experienced cyclist have their first go on a racing barrow!  :D

I tried one at Mildenhall a couple of years ago.  It had a fixed wheel drive, and I discovered that the steering was completely intuitive, as long as I rode it backwards.  Try to go forwards and I was all over the place!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Basil on 05 December, 2013, 08:52:36 am
I don't usually follow this thread and really can't look back through all of it to see, so sorry if this has come up before.

http://www.sculltrek.sk/index.php?lang=en&sekcia=video
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 05 December, 2013, 09:02:38 am
An unusual hybrid crossing Southwark Bridge Road this morning.  It looked like a normal hydroformed aluminium hybrid, but had a cable downtube.  I've seen that on old racing bikes (can't recall the names now), but not on modern bikes.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Reg.T on 05 December, 2013, 09:46:55 am
I don't usually follow this thread and really can't look back through all of it to see, so sorry if this has come up before.

http://www.sculltrek.sk/index.php?lang=en&sekcia=video
Was it somewhere flat?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 05 December, 2013, 11:00:58 am
An unusual hybrid crossing Southwark Bridge Road this morning.  It looked like a normal hydroformed aluminium hybrid, but had a cable downtube.  I've seen that on old racing bikes (can't recall the names now), but not on modern bikes.

Slingshot or Puma.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 05 December, 2013, 11:03:12 am
That kind of thing, yes, but with a curved top tube.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Rhys W on 14 December, 2013, 11:22:02 pm
Saw a bloke on a red Dursley Pedersen this morning going through Ffynnon Tâf, he turned off just as we caught up with him but I shouted "nice bike!" and he turned his head, surprised but appreciative. Anybody who rides something out of the mainstream is to be encouraged imo.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 14 December, 2013, 11:27:33 pm
Saw a bloke riding a Moulton this morning while clarion was busy taking a photo of half a dead BSO in the bushes...   ;D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Feanor on 19 December, 2013, 02:22:08 pm
Today in Aberdeen:

(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7401/11450501805_23d0d3cc16_z.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/62966413@N04/11450501805/)
IMG_20131219_112611 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/62966413@N04/11450501805/) by Ron Lowe (http://www.flickr.com/people/62966413@N04/), on Flickr

Yes, those are wooden handlebars.
Fashioned from a length of old broom-handle, and varnished it looks like.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 19 December, 2013, 04:03:29 pm
Rather nicer bars, IMHO:

(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3777/11450978436_cb3df8fc19.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/93751227@N04/11450978436/)
PC122797 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/93751227@N04/11450978436/) by TJ Clarion (http://www.flickr.com/people/93751227@N04/), on Flickr

I think it's a Roberts

and a Carlton with an unusual saddle position:
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7331/11449403483_a83e28a618.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/93751227@N04/11449403483/)
PC122785 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/93751227@N04/11449403483/) by TJ Clarion (http://www.flickr.com/people/93751227@N04/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 19 December, 2013, 04:04:43 pm
Plus a project on display in a window:
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7309/11449391664_ab370cf97e.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/93751227@N04/11449391664/)
PC122775 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/93751227@N04/11449391664/) by TJ Clarion (http://www.flickr.com/people/93751227@N04/), on Flickr

(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3731/11449383144_60a95aab1d.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/93751227@N04/11449383144/)
PC122776 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/93751227@N04/11449383144/) by TJ Clarion (http://www.flickr.com/people/93751227@N04/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 30 December, 2013, 11:58:19 am
Two of a great many Bromptons present yesterday:

(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5513/11635893664_e92d5855b5.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/93751227@N04/11635893664/)
PC293011 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/93751227@N04/11635893664/) by TJ Clarion (http://www.flickr.com/people/93751227@N04/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 30 December, 2013, 12:00:06 pm
Vernon didn't bring his Woodrup Chimaera, sadly, but he did bring another interesting bike - his Trevor Jarvis Flying Gate:
(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3696/11635754885_908dc645c6.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/93751227@N04/11635754885/)
PC293001 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/93751227@N04/11635754885/) by TJ Clarion (http://www.flickr.com/people/93751227@N04/), on Flickr
(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5544/11636557186_416086b50c.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/93751227@N04/11636557186/)
PC293002 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/93751227@N04/11636557186/) by TJ Clarion (http://www.flickr.com/people/93751227@N04/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Jurek on 30 December, 2013, 12:02:03 pm
I did wonder who's the 'gate was, when I saw it outside.
Now that I know it comes of little surprise  :)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 30 December, 2013, 12:13:33 pm
When I spotted it, I leapt up and, as far as I am able, I dashed outside to see it.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 31 December, 2013, 12:58:36 am
(http://www.ductilebiscuit.net/gallery_albums/cycling/Photo0742.sized.jpg)

I can't quite work this one out...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 31 December, 2013, 10:20:12 am
Sobviou sinnit! Child sits in child seat and pedals. Adult sits on saddle and hand cranks the front wheel. Family tandem, 4x4 (or rather 2x2).  :D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: phantasmagoriana on 07 January, 2014, 11:21:59 pm
I spotted a fatbike earlier. :thumbsup: (Riding up a pedestrian/cycle bridge, which I always walk because of the steps!)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wobbly John on 07 January, 2014, 11:34:10 pm
There's a fairly unusual bike on Ebay (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/121244604813) at the moment...


 :o

Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Tomsk on 08 January, 2014, 10:07:17 am
There's a fairly unusual bike on Ebay (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/121244604813) at the moment...


 :o

....and if converted back into a washing machine, I could win the Turner Prize  ;D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Oaky on 08 January, 2014, 10:13:57 am
There's a fairly unusual bike on Ebay (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/121244604813) at the moment...


 :o

Chain's a bit...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Reg.T on 08 January, 2014, 11:40:05 am
BB recycled from a washing machine
chain recycled from Emperor's clothes?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 08 January, 2014, 11:49:04 am
Actually it is the Mike Burrows machine, not 'Old Faithful', and the bottom bracket uses a custom narrow width but standard design. Obree almost never rode it again after failing to get the Hour Record on it.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wobbly John on 08 January, 2014, 12:43:18 pm
BB recycled from a washing machine
chain & tyres recycled from Emperor's clothes?

FTFY  :smug:
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 09 January, 2014, 07:17:41 pm
A hand-cranked recumbent. When I first saw it coming towards me, I thought it and the vertical bike behind it - and I say vertical because the recumbent was 100% horizontal - were one thing: either a trike or a bike with a two-wheel trailer. But it was a 'normal' bike following a machine whose rider was absolutely prone on his/her (couldn't tell!) back, as if in bed - with no pillow - and cranking with hands. Wow.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 10 January, 2014, 01:15:58 am
But it was a 'normal' bike following a machine whose rider was absolutely prone on his/her (couldn't tell!) back, as if in bed - with no pillow - and cranking with hands. Wow.

'Prone' as understood by darksiders is the opposite of recumbent, and means lying on your front.  For example, Graeme Obree's latest creation.

I have awesome respect for anyone who rides a hand-cranked cycle.  They're bloody hard work.  Not surprised they want to be as aero as possible (although it's equally possible they could have a good spinal reason for such a riding position).
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Reg.T on 10 January, 2014, 07:11:54 am
Supine, then.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 10 January, 2014, 10:16:23 am
Inversely prostrate.  :D

I knew as I wrote it that prone wasn't quite right, but unfortunately my brayne didn't send me the word supine.  :(
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Tail End Charlie on 14 January, 2014, 05:30:59 pm
Seen by my son in Newcastle City centre.

Edit. Turns out he didn't see it himself, but found the picture and sent it to me, and I assumed he'd seen it in the flesh.

(http://i40.tinypic.com/o0nsio.jpg)

Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Guy on 20 January, 2014, 12:44:53 pm
Yesterday afternoon in Shefford I saw a red car with a big roofrack with a tandem trike on top.

That's only the second one I've ever seen in my 40-mumble years of existence!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 28 January, 2014, 01:59:54 pm
Yesterday, two of the three bikes parked outside Mud Dock (LBS) were mixtes - the third was mine. One of them was a 'Jacques Anquetil' with attractively curved top tubes and a Huret mech on a three-speed block. It was orange.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 11 February, 2014, 12:50:17 pm
A Mission Cycles step-thru trike with drive to both rear wheels and a leccy front hub (as well as an impressive basket on the back, an example of that under-utilised material in cycle building, namely timber). Chained up at the bottom of a "step" road, both yesterday and today but never seen it before.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 11 February, 2014, 12:58:30 pm
Trikidoo yesterday with front childseat added, and a gaggle of (well, maybe two) small kids on their own bikes :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Vince on 11 February, 2014, 03:02:57 pm
A Brik Fiets

I couldn't get a picture of it, so from the manufacturer's web site...
(http://www.brikfietsen.nl/files/01-BRIK-Sec-men-olijfgroen.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 11 February, 2014, 04:07:36 pm
Trikidoo yesterday with front childseat added, and a gaggle of (well, maybe two) small kids on their own bikes :thumbsup:

I saw that Trikidoo this afternoon, heading out on the school run unladen :thumbsup:

Helena Bonham-Carter uses one, btw.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 11 February, 2014, 07:20:21 pm
A Brik Fiets

I couldn't get a picture of it, so from the manufacturer's web site...
(http://www.brikfietsen.nl/files/01-BRIK-Sec-men-olijfgroen.jpg)
That is a lot of frame.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Woofage on 18 February, 2014, 11:37:14 am
Pashley Guvnor.

(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5471/12610648274_6592a7f058_z.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/38357939@N02/12610648274/)
IMG_20140218_100852 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/38357939@N02/12610648274/) by pencyclist (http://www.flickr.com/people/38357939@N02/), on Flickr

Not a bike you see every day. At first I thought it was a vintage restoration as it certainly looks the part from a distance. Didn't think the frame was anything special for what these things cost.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Andrij on 18 February, 2014, 12:34:39 pm
I thought those came only in black, or is that a respray?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Ian H on 23 February, 2014, 10:26:24 am
Seen in Hay on Saturday.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/t1/1970810_10201714359208800_1918036489_n.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Canardly on 23 February, 2014, 04:01:22 pm
Chains a bit slack.......
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Ian H on 23 February, 2014, 05:14:00 pm
Chains a bit slack.......

That took longer than I thought.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Pingu on 23 February, 2014, 09:25:46 pm
Ruddy Norah, Never Ready lights  :o

(http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2867/12729565013_9868170c5b_z.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/the_pingus/12729565013/)
IMG_2711 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/the_pingus/12729565013/) by The Pingus (http://www.flickr.com/people/the_pingus/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Gus on 24 February, 2014, 08:38:24 am
Wow  :o looks like it's been hiding in a loft somewhere since the early '80's.
Just cleaned, pumped and lubed and back on the road.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Vince on 24 February, 2014, 09:00:55 am
It's obviously never been ridden over a pothole as the lights appear to be intact.

You could probably buy a set of LED lights for the cost of the first battery replacement!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: David Martin on 24 February, 2014, 09:35:41 am
Even better would be to swap out the battery compartment and rear reflective part and put a puncture repair kit in along with a standard blinky rear light. And fettle a suitable LED into the front one.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Ruth on 24 February, 2014, 09:41:18 am
The first battery replacement really won't be far away. Proper vintage that!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 24 February, 2014, 09:46:24 am
I do know someone who fettled a rear Neverready into a motion alarm.  It was a bit crude, though.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Jurek on 24 February, 2014, 11:55:24 am
Doesn't Adrian OTP have a Never Ready which has been gutted, and it's innards replaced with LED kit on his verdigris bike?
Or did I imagine it?

Aside: My first job when I left college was with the design consultancy who were responsible for the last incarnation of the ER lights. David Crisp had a lot to answer for.... like using the same tooling for both the front and the rear, for the first time in the history of ER lights.
Comme ca:
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5518/12745391634_0c99e8e755_o.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 24 February, 2014, 12:10:08 pm
Oh the hours of fun I've had with those brackets! :facepalm:
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 24 February, 2014, 10:11:13 pm
A Uri Geller folding bike ::-)

(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7344/12756599933_d0a17c77bf.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/93751227@N04/12756599933/)
P2240009 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/93751227@N04/12756599933/) by TJ Clarion (http://www.flickr.com/people/93751227@N04/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Andrij on 25 February, 2014, 08:19:26 am
It shouldn't need hinges - just concentrate and it should bend/fold on its own!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 25 February, 2014, 08:40:30 am
It did look like it wouldn't need that much concentration to make it flex.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 25 February, 2014, 11:47:04 am
Doesn't Adrian OTP have a Never Ready which has been gutted, and it's innards replaced with LED kit on his verdigris bike?
Or did I imagine it?

Aside: My first job when I left college was with the design consultancy who were responsible for the last incarnation of the ER lights. David Crisp had a lot to answer for.... like using the same tooling for both the front and the rear, for the first time in the history of ER lights.
Comme ca:
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5518/12745391634_0c99e8e755_o.jpg)
So I can blame you for my front light jumping off its bracket at the bottom of Park St! Those lights were good weight training on the way back up though, not that I appreciated it back then.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Deano on 09 March, 2014, 10:19:01 pm
A Hase Pino, and a hand cycle, both being ridden on the roads between York and Castle Howard.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: mcshroom on 09 March, 2014, 10:27:11 pm
A lovely orange Flying gate ridden by Vernon (Cyclechat) on the Ripon Canter yesterday
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 10 March, 2014, 09:31:02 am
Someone has just ridden past my window on a tall bike - one frame welded on top of another, the top one being a step-thru for ease of mounting and dismounting. He might well have been one of the Boneshaker boys, giving it serious welly up the short but steep hill.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Vince on 16 March, 2014, 03:47:28 pm
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t140/VinceHall/CyclingStuff/20140315_130404_zps580801f4.jpg)

My new neighbour's rear steering trike. It comes from the 'hippy quarter' in Copenhagen (Christiania?) and can carry 150kg in the box on the front, He says it handles better, the more it is loaded.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 19 March, 2014, 01:08:20 pm
I almost forgot about the tramp's bike I saw a while ago. It was literally a tramp's bike, he was pushing it along the pavement laden down with his belongings stuffed into panniers and tied onto various parts, as well as - the unusual bit - a two-wheeled shopping cart towed behind it. Unfortunately the hitch or possibly knot was hidden under his hordes of stuff so I don't know exactly how it worked or whether he ever rides it, nor whether it even was rideable.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Pingu on 25 March, 2014, 06:11:34 pm
Today in Aberdeen:

(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7401/11450501805_23d0d3cc16_z.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/62966413@N04/11450501805/)
IMG_20131219_112611 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/62966413@N04/11450501805/) by Ron Lowe (http://www.flickr.com/people/62966413@N04/), on Flickr

Yes, those are wooden handlebars.
Fashioned from a length of old broom-handle, and varnished it looks like.

Saw this at the railway station yesterday. Its chain was hanging off and the chainguard looked a bit bodged.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Trull on 25 March, 2014, 06:40:01 pm
I've seen that bike chained up in Golden Square, the bars look rather eco-friendly, and I bet they absorb vibrations from the road nicely.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 26 March, 2014, 08:19:51 pm
Rod-braked Raleigh in Balham.

(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3744/13413540543_5a23cdc57b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/mriUhp)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: cygnet on 29 March, 2014, 07:55:56 pm
A recumbent/upright tandem. Is there a name for them?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: tom_e on 29 March, 2014, 08:19:24 pm
Not sure there's a generic term, but there are at least a couple with upright back / recumbent front:

Hase Pino (http://hasebikes.com/84-1-Pino.html)
Morpheus tandem (http://www.circecycles.com/products/morpheus/tandem.php)

They do look like fun...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: MattH on 30 March, 2014, 05:28:10 pm
Remember - eat before you're hungry, drink before you're thirsty. Or you may end up like this chap.

(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3830/13514063915_13a04e4c76.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 02 April, 2014, 02:05:32 pm
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7205/13580987304_c4218acecc_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/mG77nw)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: tatanab on 02 April, 2014, 03:30:54 pm
/\  more forks in backwards?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 02 April, 2014, 03:35:02 pm
Yes, I think so, though I didn't notice that when I took the shot.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 03 April, 2014, 12:05:43 am
Good to see they've got a colour-coordinated lock.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Reg.T on 04 April, 2014, 08:15:53 am
Not seen except on-line, but Cav on a non-race bike: http://instagram.com/p/mVbJfCKS3f/ (http://instagram.com/p/mVbJfCKS3f/)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 04 April, 2014, 09:20:11 am
Cool and warm!^
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Deano on 04 April, 2014, 11:42:59 am
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7122/13620617695_643364c31e_z.jpg) (https://www.flickr.com/photos/30024450@N04/13620617695/)


The Leeds Fixie Crew were out in force round Hyde Park last night. And three out of the four bikes had a brake! (https://www.flickr.com/photos/30024450@N04/13620617695/)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 04 April, 2014, 04:43:43 pm
Nice looking, but well-loved, Roy Thame in Borough, London.

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7451/13625184555_8abe1b8517_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/mL1CF6)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 04 April, 2014, 04:44:28 pm
Old Triumph near Guys Hospital
(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2884/13625544544_5d0db510bf_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/mL3tFN)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: AlexR on 04 April, 2014, 07:34:57 pm
I saw a Quest velomobile today,from the inside,oh wait it was me riding it :P
Did see a nice  Colnago master today,looked like a new one in red,with Carbon Campag.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 04 April, 2014, 10:01:30 pm
Two Raleigh Choppers on Critical Mass earlier.  Ridiculous.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 04 April, 2014, 10:03:32 pm
Two Raleigh Choppers on Critical Mass earlier.  Ridiculous.
I'd say it was a good place for them and they were good bikes for that occasion. Fun bikes for not too serious cycling.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Vince on 05 April, 2014, 07:25:47 pm
Whilst riding down the Northsea cycle path I saw a confused tandem coming the other way. The front was recumbent and the rear upright. I'm not sure if it was steered from the front or the back.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: matthew on 06 April, 2014, 12:01:04 am
Whilst riding down the Northsea cycle path I saw a confused tandem coming the other way. The front was recumbent and the rear upright. I'm not sure if it was steered from the front or the back.

Sounds like a Hase Pino. Tim Hall has one and they are steered from the rear.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Butterfly on 06 April, 2014, 10:01:02 am
Whilst riding down the Northsea cycle path I saw a confused tandem coming the other way. The front was recumbent and the rear upright. I'm not sure if it was steered from the front or the back.

Sounds like a Hase Pino. Tim Hall has one and they are steered from the rear.

Or a morpheus.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Vince on 06 April, 2014, 12:30:14 pm
I think it had a large back wheel so the Hase Pino is more likely.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Salvatore on 09 April, 2014, 09:26:32 am
A Higgins Ultralite barrow with cottered chainset and rear disc brake.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Vince on 09 April, 2014, 09:27:46 am
An ICE Sprint, being ridden in the office car park by a guy with a beard and a flat cap.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Auntie Helen on 09 April, 2014, 04:28:01 pm
I hope you went out and had a chat to him!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 09 April, 2014, 09:43:56 pm
I've never seen a Merckx mixte before:
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3726/13745560073_a9b6cfe7e6_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/mWDA84)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: menthel on 09 April, 2014, 10:21:00 pm
Saw a bike with boingy forks and drop bars being propelled along Kingston Road this evening. May have been a 29er with new bars but can't be sure!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Ian H on 09 April, 2014, 11:02:21 pm
Had a very nice chat with a dog owner about his 60s Moulton this evening. Ten quid off Freecycle. He reckons it has one original tyre. Four speed Sturmey.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wobbly John on 10 April, 2014, 07:11:37 am
Had a very nice chat with a dog owner about his 60s Moulton this evening. Ten quid off Freecycle. He reckons it has one original tyre. Four speed Sturmey.

New tyres don't last as long - my '60s Moulton (used as a 'nipping down town bike' at work) still has the original front one, but the back one I replaced about 8 years ago is splitting >:(

Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 10 April, 2014, 10:14:30 pm
The owner saw me taking this shot, so I gave him a :thumbsup:, and he waved back with a :)
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3748/13765255255_468e517fe1_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/mYowPa)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 11 April, 2014, 01:51:42 pm
Needs locking up with handcuffs for the full effect.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: spesh on 11 April, 2014, 02:53:04 pm
Saw a bike with boingy forks and drop bars being propelled along Kingston Road this evening. May have been a 29er with new bars but can't be sure!

Very retro, obviously a John Tomac fan back in the day.

http://www.mountainbikes.net/carbon/c26.htm
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Reg.T on 13 April, 2014, 11:00:40 pm
Passed a bright red tadpole trike recumbent tandem today (its riders were standing beside it).
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Vince on 14 April, 2014, 06:35:26 am
I saw a child front tandem. On the pilot's handlebars was a child seat and another was on the rack behind the pilot.
Four on one bike!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 14 April, 2014, 08:58:03 am
A lady in her 60s or 70s riding a green tricycle of similar age. She told me she had 'rescued' it from Beaulieu Motor Museum. It's overall shape reminded very much of the trike I had when I was about 4 - obviously this one was somewhat larger! The wicker basket between the rear wheels was new as was the dog running alongside. Hub brakes, singlespeed and hard work, she said.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Bledlow on 14 April, 2014, 10:28:48 am
Passed a tandem club ride yesterday (with one couple Mrs B & I know  :thumbsup: ), on which there were TWO half-recumbent tandems.

Near Shurlock Row, Berkshire.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: jogler on 14 April, 2014, 10:42:05 am
Is a half recumbent tandem a Pino Hase type of construction?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 14 April, 2014, 01:38:58 pm
A very large number of unusual bikes spotted on the weekend.

Bespoked on Sunday had a wide range of weird and pretty machines http://www.bespoked.cc/ just has a small slice. The bike with electronic shifting controlled via conductive paint had the biggest buzz on the floor.

The Origami ride on Saturday had a couple of dozen folding and small wheeled machines from a Montague Bi-frame to a variety of Moultons. I don't think any bike was completely stock and about a quarter of the machines had Rohloffs fitted.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: woollypigs on 14 April, 2014, 06:29:59 pm
An electric folding bike, heavy as an heavy thing, though had a kick even with my 16± stones on it, when you pressed go. I wish the owner many many many happy miles on it and do hope he do his share of offerings to the faeries, fitting the rear wheel with the motor was a faff and a half.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Bledlow on 15 April, 2014, 03:31:59 pm
Is a half recumbent tandem a Pino Hase type of construction?
I had to look that up.

Yes - one rider upright, one recumbent.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: jogler on 15 April, 2014, 03:34:36 pm
Yes - one rider upright, one recumbent.

sounds like the result of a cycling pub crawl ;D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 16 April, 2014, 11:31:51 am
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3704/13879700154_98a43f14c3_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/n9v6i5)P4140009 (https://flic.kr/p/n9v6i5) by TJ Clarion (https://www.flickr.com/people/93751227@N04/), on Flickr

(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3681/13879288285_05ac826852_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/n9sYRT)P4140010 (https://flic.kr/p/n9sYRT) by TJ Clarion (https://www.flickr.com/people/93751227@N04/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 16 April, 2014, 11:44:37 am
Delivery bikes or are they just advertising (or maybe for shoppers to ride home with purchases?)

Love the window in the top photo showing Butterfly and Nye reflected and a customer looking out at you rather grumpily!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Vince on 16 April, 2014, 02:20:41 pm
One of these

(http://www.ihpva.org/projects/tstrike/rectrailer12.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: cycleman on 16 April, 2014, 04:06:39 pm
seen in London last week(http://i1333.photobucket.com/albums/w626/cycleman1081/IMG_0086_zps10ce471e.jpg) (http://s1333.photobucket.com/user/cycleman1081/media/IMG_0086_zps10ce471e.jpg.html)

Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Dibdib on 21 April, 2014, 07:31:23 pm
Spotted one of the rather nice looking Genesis Volares passing me this morning. Not that interesting, except it was the Madison-Genesis team-issue bike and had one of the team riders on it :)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 22 April, 2014, 12:18:17 pm
A Time Trial machine?
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7192/13961201365_81127ccfc9_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/ngGNLn)P4174235 (https://flic.kr/p/ngGNLn) by TJ Clarion (https://www.flickr.com/people/93751227@N04/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 26 April, 2014, 10:39:38 pm
Seen at the assembly point for Critical Mass (but a couple of hours early).  I think it belongs to our good friend Bob, but he was nowhere to be seen.

(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5230/14000624196_cdd2eed5a8_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/nkbRNm)P4254527 (https://flic.kr/p/nkbRNm) by TJ Clarion (https://www.flickr.com/people/93751227@N04/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 26 April, 2014, 10:42:31 pm
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7357/14024195184_af517bc12f_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/nngECG)P4254526 (https://flic.kr/p/nngECG) by TJ Clarion (https://www.flickr.com/people/93751227@N04/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 26 April, 2014, 11:04:37 pm
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7085/14020337141_1ec07d4c3a_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/nmVTLH)P4250065 (https://flic.kr/p/nmVTLH) by TJ Clarion (https://www.flickr.com/people/93751227@N04/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 26 April, 2014, 11:12:05 pm
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5280/14023547185_88ed22a48f_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/nndm1i)P4250055 (https://flic.kr/p/nndm1i) by TJ Clarion (https://www.flickr.com/people/93751227@N04/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 28 April, 2014, 01:14:44 pm
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7085/14020337141_1ec07d4c3a_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/nmVTLH)P4250065 (https://flic.kr/p/nmVTLH) by TJ Clarion (https://www.flickr.com/people/93751227@N04/), on Flickr
Do you have any idea what's going on here? From what I can find out, the Barclays sponsorship runs till next year, so it can't be that.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Chris L on 28 April, 2014, 01:21:39 pm
...
Do you have any idea what's going on here? From what I can find out, the Barclays sponsorship runs till next year, so it can't be that.

I believe they're a special TdF edition.  I was similarly perplexed until (I think) I saw something about the TdF on one of them.  Then again, I could easily have dreamed this.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 28 April, 2014, 01:24:52 pm
That would make sense - a go-faster Boris bike!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 28 April, 2014, 01:59:09 pm
It would be interesting seeing the TdF raced on London Hire Bikes.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 28 April, 2014, 02:00:45 pm
It would be interesting seeing the TdF raced on London Hire Bikes.

That should totally be an event, a la Brompton World Championship.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 28 April, 2014, 03:16:15 pm
It should be a team event: the blue team, dressed in blond wigs, and the red team, dressed as giant newts. Spectator interaction would be encouraged.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: rachel t on 30 April, 2014, 03:04:00 pm
...
Do you have any idea what's going on here? From what I can find out, the Barclays sponsorship runs till next year, so it can't be that.

I believe they're a special TdF edition.  I was similarly perplexed until (I think) I saw something about the TdF on one of them.  Then again, I could easily have dreamed this.

Yes Tdf related http://www.london.gov.uk/media/mayor-press-releases/2014/03/cycle-hire-bikes-go-yellow-as-countdown-to-tour-de-france-begins
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 08 May, 2014, 06:51:16 pm
(http://www.ductilebiscuit.net/gallery_albums/cycling/Photo0786.sized.jpg)

It was unclear as to whether they'd actually converted this one to run on a hydrogen fuel cell (which the exhibit was mostly about), but it remains the worst recumbent trike ever made.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Deano on 11 May, 2014, 12:54:46 pm
Moulton with deep section rims  :o

(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5554/13972675329_24a71a8c07_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/nhHBzk)IMG_2811 (https://flic.kr/p/nhHBzk) by dean.clementson (https://www.flickr.com/people/30024450@N04/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 11 May, 2014, 12:59:26 pm
I think that bike is ridden by father and son friends of ours. Both are pretty quick and the son has a fair amount of potential, though his racing club made him to swap to big wheels after a while.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Deano on 11 May, 2014, 01:05:20 pm
They were on the Burma Road 100 yesterday. I never spoke to the rider as I was on the 200.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 11 May, 2014, 03:33:53 pm
They were on the Burma Road 100 yesterday. I never spoke to the rider as I was on the 200.

I've been working on them to stretch their distances for a while now but no luck so far.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Pingu on 12 May, 2014, 10:55:47 pm
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7460/14165922091_edd3037f13_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/nzN474)
IMG_3098 (https://flic.kr/p/nzN474) by The Pingus (https://www.flickr.com/people/36539950@N00/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 14 May, 2014, 01:47:49 pm
I was rather taken with this Roberts ?Roughstuff I saw last night.

(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2913/13997743709_dc2b7b3161_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/njW6wM)P5130022 (https://flic.kr/p/njW6wM) by TJ Clarion (https://www.flickr.com/people/93751227@N04/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: jsabine on 14 May, 2014, 07:26:59 pm
That's a tiny frame. And how?! many braze-ons on the forks?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 17 May, 2014, 11:30:56 pm
Naturally, on the Tweed Run, we saw plenty of delights, including Hetchins, Mercians (including a Paul Smith), an Ellis-Briggs, a Bates, a Jack Taylor tandem and many others.  But highlight for me was this on last night's Marshals' recce ride:

(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2919/14228444853_48dc72ccab_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/nFjuWH)P5160028 (https://flic.kr/p/nFjuWH) by TJ Clarion (https://www.flickr.com/people/93751227@N04/), on Flickr

a TJCycles Flying gate.  Very special.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: cygnet on 18 May, 2014, 09:12:47 pm
Seen out in/on the Essex lanes while (I was) on the Great Escape

(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2898/14029094707_fc64b5d35b_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/nnGM6e)Pentacycle (https://flic.kr/p/nnGM6e) by Alcedoatthis (https://www.flickr.com/people/65361243@N04/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: delthebike on 19 May, 2014, 06:51:06 am
Seen out in/on the Essex lanes while (I was) on the Great Escape

(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2898/14029094707_fc64b5d35b_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/nnGM6e)Pentacycle (https://flic.kr/p/nnGM6e) by Alcedoatthis (https://www.flickr.com/people/65361243@N04/), on Flickr
John Davis's Pentacycle out on a Chelmsford CTC ride.
Here it is sans riders.
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-oLVECOZMcfo/U3ma39u_1qI/AAAAAAAAIZI/MbF5lJU-vdE/s640/pentacycle.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 19 May, 2014, 01:09:32 pm
Tadpole trike getting rear-ended by an upwrong rider who isn't paying attention isn't unusual, but where did that extra wheel come from?   :D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Basil on 21 May, 2014, 07:38:21 am

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/Bloke_on_a_bike/1400623701_zpsfcd09f5c.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Bloke_on_a_bike/media/1400623701_zpsfcd09f5c.jpg.html)

I've seen this lady around Five Ways a couple of times.
There appears to be some sort of electric assist, but after thanking me for liking her bike, she peddled off before I could ask her anything about it.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: T42 on 21 May, 2014, 08:25:47 am
(http://www.pbase.com/johnewing/image/155722865.jpg)
(http://www.pbase.com/johnewing/image/155722866.jpg)

This tadpole joined us on our 300k trot last Sunday. It weighs 45 kilos and the guy was practically chain-smoking.

I had to keep resisting the urge to holler "W-i-i-i-i-l-s-o-o-o-n -!" à la Tom Hanks in Castaway.

The trike is a Velomobiel Quest (http://www.velomobiel.nl/quest/).
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Vince on 21 May, 2014, 09:37:07 am
I was thinking of the neighbour in Home Improvements, but you can see too much of his face.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 21 May, 2014, 12:55:10 pm

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/Bloke_on_a_bike/1400623701_zpsfcd09f5c.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Bloke_on_a_bike/media/1400623701_zpsfcd09f5c.jpg.html)

I've seen this lady around Five Ways a couple of times.
There appears to be some sort of electric assist, but after thanking me for liking her bike, she peddled off before I could ask her anything about it.

Viktor power tricycle.  http://www.ji.dk/Webshop/Tricycles_for_adults/_Viktor_Power

I've seen it parked up a couple of times, too.

Usual advantages of a tadpole trike apply (chiefly that you can see the widest point while squeezing through gaps, rather than the improved cornering stability), without all the bending involved in mounting/dismounting a recumbent.  (Note the extremely step-through frame.)

The electrickery is older tech and not particularly impressive range-wise, but since the purpose is to get someone to the shops and back, it doesn't need to be anything special.

An excellent alternative to a mobility scooter for many people.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Tim Hall on 21 May, 2014, 06:02:57 pm
A Bickerton being put into, or taken out of, its Bag at Clapham Junction station.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 21 May, 2014, 06:17:38 pm
Sure they weren't putting it into a bin bag?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Auntie Helen on 22 May, 2014, 07:24:10 am
(http://www.pbase.com/johnewing/image/155722865.jpg)
(http://www.pbase.com/johnewing/image/155722866.jpg)

This tadpole joined us on our 300k trot last Sunday. It weighs 45 kilos and the guy was practically chain-smoking.

I had to keep resisting the urge to holler "W-i-i-i-i-l-s-o-o-o-n -!" à la Tom Hanks in Castaway.

The trike is a Velomobiel Quest (http://www.velomobiel.nl/quest/).
I'd be surprised if a Quest weighs 45kg, more like 35 when full of tools 'n stuff. They're pretty lightweight usually.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Vince on 25 May, 2014, 06:09:54 pm
A Long John with electric assist.
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t140/VinceHall/CyclingStuff/2014-05-25154447_zpsa9a18b73.jpg)

(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t140/VinceHall/CyclingStuff/2014-05-25154459_zps37ed47ac.jpg)

Oooh. Just noticed the finger covering the lens :(
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: hatler on 02 June, 2014, 10:06:58 am
No pics, but a peloton (about six I think) of Ken Bikes heading to Brighton having just crested Ditchling Beacon at about 3pm on Saturday.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Auntie Helen on 02 June, 2014, 10:31:54 am
Here's a video someone took of the Trike & Velomobile meeting I was at last weekend. The video was taken before I joined them so I'm not in it.

http://youtu.be/NClum8bmZLg

There was a 3-wheeled elliptigo-type machine with much larger wheels.

(http://www.auntiehelen.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Freecross-1-1024x768.jpg)

And this very interesting flevobike machine - the front end leaned a lot whilst the chap was cycling it.

(http://www.auntiehelen.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Interesting-flevobike-1024x768.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 02 June, 2014, 10:45:38 am
Cool stuff.

Meanwhile, on my way back from meeting the FNRttS riders, I rode through Hyde Park, which was a bit closed off.  There were handcycles zooming by, and a one armed chap on an upright.  Looked like a time trial.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: delthebike on 02 June, 2014, 10:46:51 am
There were handcycles zooming by, and a one armed chap on an upright.  Looked like a time trial.
There was a triathlon, the elite athletes were on the tellybox.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 05 June, 2014, 06:17:45 pm
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5120/14372708043_d715eeb48f_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/nU4Tn6)Scan0086a (https://flic.kr/p/nU4Tn6) by TJ Clarion (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: itsbruce on 06 June, 2014, 09:32:51 am
Looks a bit like a Velorbis Short John, but isn't.  Could be a Velorbis Churchill Balloon with added porteur rack.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 12 June, 2014, 11:16:12 am
(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2935/14217854908_d46e473574_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/nEodVs)P6100004 (https://flic.kr/p/nEodVs) by TJ Clarion (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 13 June, 2014, 11:04:27 am
Bonus points for the bottle dynamo! But what's that stretched between or linking saddle and rack?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 13 June, 2014, 11:58:04 am
I think it's a bungee.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 13 June, 2014, 12:04:25 pm
Makes sense.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 15 June, 2014, 10:56:49 am
Not sure how long this trike has been parked there, but the yellow line gives an indication.

(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3867/14235763057_acd4d0735f_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/nFY1oD)P6140034 (https://flic.kr/p/nFY1oD) by TJ Clarion (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 15 June, 2014, 11:14:23 am
(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2937/14418830501_bfec61293b_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/nY9gXT)P6140046 (https://flic.kr/p/nY9gXT) by TJ Clarion (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr

The Sun rod braked roadster with us on the ride yesterday.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 15 June, 2014, 11:51:08 am
A Ridgeback Solo.  Just like mine.  Well, just like mine would be if I hadn't covered it in stickers, swapped for bullhorns, fitted an S3X and dynohub and got the wheels rebuilt for a different bike.  And removed the mudguards for RaceBlades.

(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3919/14424831482_4eeb338dee_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/nYF2R5)P6135206 (https://flic.kr/p/nYF2R5) by TJ Clarion (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr

Only the second I've seen in the wild. 
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 15 June, 2014, 07:44:37 pm
(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2937/14418830501_bfec61293b_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/nY9gXT)P6140046 (https://flic.kr/p/nY9gXT) by TJ Clarion (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr

The Sun rod braked roadster with us on the ride yesterday.
With the chap on the right dressed as a 1940s schoolboy to match?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 15 June, 2014, 07:45:49 pm
(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2935/14217854908_d46e473574_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/nEodVs)P6100004 (https://flic.kr/p/nEodVs) by TJ Clarion (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr
#allin or nothing

(I think this is actually an Adidas advert, though I've no idea exactly what it refers to - pretty sure it's not bikes though!)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 16 June, 2014, 08:33:24 pm
No photo, but - a Raleigh Dynatech, lugged (and painted) titanium frame - 755Ti - and old style STI shifters (with the thumb lever) of which, curiously, the left was for a triple - but the bike had (old skoo, most definitely non-compact) double.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 17 June, 2014, 09:35:29 am
And one I'd forgotten about - a reinforced (ie double crossbar) roadster. "Hero" moulded into the pedals but an "F" on the lamp bracket, so not sure of the actual make (they almost all come out of the same factory in Ludhiana anyway!)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Woofage on 23 June, 2014, 04:42:11 pm
A Hase Pino, like the one Tim Hall (& Mrs Hall) otp have.

(http://hasebikes.com/files/pino_aufmacher.jpg)
(stock photo from hasebikes.com).

It was being ridden solo with cargo where the stoker would normally sit. Sort of makes sense now.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 23 June, 2014, 04:44:02 pm
The Circe Morpheus (which is a similar configuration) is designed to convert for easy cargo carriage as well.

http://www.circecycles.com/products/morpheus/
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Robh on 01 July, 2014, 03:54:44 pm
I spotted these two old beauties chained up outside a church in Rennes. I'd say they were from the 50s, and they were rusted to bits but appeared to be entirely authentic. What confused me was that at least one of the tyres still appeared to have air in it.

(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5596/14354255168_bb7eb40895.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/nSriY5)

(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5557/14537443181_2e7ba3fd7a.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/o9Cco6)

(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5078/14560954883_33e9f92a34.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/obGGAg)

(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2933/14537446441_292c260245.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/o9Cdmi)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 05 July, 2014, 09:16:16 pm
A lady in Balham with a ?Pashley
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3904/14395000658_4bbf83b30a_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/nW39bw)P7050004 (https://flic.kr/p/nW39bw) by TJ Clarion (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr

Two TNT bikes in the same place;
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3925/14578277231_ec6030d355_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/odetVr)P7050018m (https://flic.kr/p/odetVr) by TJ Clarion (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 05 July, 2014, 09:22:44 pm
Delayed report from last week:

Two cargo bicycles in the space of one minute, as I rode against the university commuter flow.  One looked like a Bakfiets, with a baby's car seat facing back towards the rider in the cargo bay.  Not sure what the other was, but similar overall geometry, full of Stuff and very YELLOW.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: billplumtree on 05 July, 2014, 09:59:22 pm
A Percy Stallard, in Hawes today for the Tour.  62 years old, according to its' Prestonian owner

(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Io0PZbBXdG0/U7hdLzZJwiI/AAAAAAAAF6Q/tB1p83iyQSM/s800/P2500177.jpg) (https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/jg1SAUjrZjk_xTmYdJsPSNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=directlink)

(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-xwddCKzK07c/U7hdO5cKn-I/AAAAAAAAF6g/ANCXw_0ENIg/s800/P2500178.jpg) (https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/cZGGubBFbOJgmIMnV1XK4NMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=directlink)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: TheLurker on 05 July, 2014, 09:59:48 pm
Earlier this week, being hauled out of the back of Transit in Lechlade, what at first glance I took to be an ancient Holdsworth was in fact a "Hugh Porter". 
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 06 July, 2014, 09:26:23 pm
More an interesting saddle than bike:
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3867/14567057426_daf39c5301_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/oceYEw)P7060014 (https://flic.kr/p/oceYEw) by TJ Clarion (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr

And an interesting set of panniers:
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3913/14403496439_421ea6a0a5_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/nWMFFv)P7060028 (https://flic.kr/p/nWMFFv) by TJ Clarion (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr

Plus a car carrying a lucky kid:
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5493/14403435170_70a42c8839_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/nWMnt9)P7060026 (https://flic.kr/p/nWMnt9) by TJ Clarion (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Crumbling Nick on 11 July, 2014, 10:04:00 pm
This morning a recumbent with a full fairing was trundling up The Radleys away from Marston Green. First one I've seen.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Otto on 15 July, 2014, 03:09:07 pm
This little beauty parked up in my office bike park... dirty and turned into a single speed but still lovely

(http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a257/ottocat/IMG_0112_zpsddfffe8a.jpg) (http://s13.photobucket.com/user/ottocat/media/IMG_0112_zpsddfffe8a.jpg.html)

(http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a257/ottocat/IMG_0114_zps0d218dfa.jpg) (http://s13.photobucket.com/user/ottocat/media/IMG_0114_zps0d218dfa.jpg.html)

(http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a257/ottocat/IMG_0116_zpsbb296950.jpg) (http://s13.photobucket.com/user/ottocat/media/IMG_0116_zpsbb296950.jpg.html)

(http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a257/ottocat/IMG_0115_zps543fa5bf.jpg) (http://s13.photobucket.com/user/ottocat/media/IMG_0115_zps543fa5bf.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 16 July, 2014, 12:12:00 am
Oh my!

I think that qualifies for the Nostalgia thread.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Vince on 16 July, 2014, 03:05:33 pm
Better to be a single speed and ridden, than to be hung on a wall.

(But it is really too good to be a Spare Parts Bike)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 16 July, 2014, 03:11:41 pm
Interesting brakes on the front
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Otto on 16 July, 2014, 04:21:15 pm
Interesting brakes on the front

not sure what the brake is I'll check it out when I go down to the bike park later
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Otto on 17 July, 2014, 11:48:08 am
rear brake is a miche the front brake is a set of squigly initials I can't make out and the words 'titanium components'
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 17 July, 2014, 05:59:31 pm
Kettwiesel at the weekend.  Among the cycle campers in the field we had two with titanium bikes, one Brompton, one recumbent tandem, a recumbent trike and an electric bike

(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3909/14697441123_01bfecb176_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/ooLeci)P7130159 (https://flic.kr/p/ooLeci) by TJ Clarion (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wobbly John on 17 July, 2014, 09:52:18 pm
Spotted an electricified Brompton this afternoon - because of the accereration without pedalling.

It looks as if the motor was in the front wheel, with the Magictm enclosed within the Brompton front bag.

BTW, I understand that Ely has the highest % Brompton ownership in the UK  :o (according to Cambs County Cycling officer).
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 18 July, 2014, 08:03:00 pm
Tooting

(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3900/14679507355_6a16c37156_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/onbj7p)Scan0261 (https://flic.kr/p/onbj7p) by TJ Clarion (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 18 July, 2014, 08:05:18 pm
Spotted an electricified Brompton this afternoon - because of the accereration without pedalling.

It looks as if the motor was in the front wheel, with the Magictm enclosed within the Brompton front bag.

BTW, I understand that Ely has the highest % Brompton ownership in the UK  :o (according to Cambs County Cycling officer).

I suspect you saw a Nano Brompton

http://www.nanoelectricbikes.co.uk/

Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wobbly John on 18 July, 2014, 10:36:38 pm
Yep, that looks like it.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: spesh on 18 July, 2014, 10:46:08 pm
rear brake is a miche the front brake is a set of squigly initials I can't make out and the words 'titanium components'

Going by looking at the full-sized image in your Photobucket, it's a TRP R960, and the brake shoes on the example you photographed are mounted the wrong way round.

http://www.trpbrakes.com/category.php?productid=1010&catid=183&subcat=0
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 19 July, 2014, 12:19:45 am
Raleigh Chopper on the M25 this afternoon.  No, you clots, it was on top of a VW Kombi painted in two contrasting (and vile) shades of green.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Moose57 on 20 July, 2014, 02:36:24 pm
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/t31.0-8/10536820_10152543985483399_7893180282259590789_o.jpg)
Mine.

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/t31.0-8/10382353_10152526683878399_6020239120132399385_o.jpg)

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/t31.0-8/1529967_10152526683688399_7581005629074999719_o.jpg)

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/t31.0-8/10511545_10152526685033399_7217471879544233753_o.jpg)

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/t1.0-9/10446632_10152526685638399_6026700130610709199_n.jpg)

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/t1.0-9/10475801_10152526686223399_7973175242304437580_n.jpg)

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/t31.0-8/10495978_10152526692813399_7603968387137962515_o.jpg)

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/t31.0-8/10505034_10152526693003399_8185104184952782462_o.jpg)

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/t31.0-8/10368370_10152526694178399_637930210118894635_o.jpg)

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/t31.0-8/10454256_10152532986648399_3933291796848303927_o.jpg)

(https://scontent-a-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/t31.0-8/10353429_10152543819578399_2121186756568657916_o.jpg)

Vintage Velo Anjou, so many interesting and unusual Bikes and People. Must go back next year.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Otto on 21 July, 2014, 10:46:37 am
rear brake is a miche the front brake is a set of squigly initials I can't make out and the words 'titanium components'

Going by looking at the full-sized image in your Photobucket, it's a TRP R960, and the brake shoes on the example you photographed are mounted the wrong way round.

http://www.trpbrakes.com/category.php?productid=1010&catid=183&subcat=0

Thats the chap... great detective work
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Andrij on 24 July, 2014, 09:50:33 pm
Well, seen online.  Small wheels, but fat tyres.

http://www.golfclubmanagement.net/2014/07/feel-golf-course-full-cyclists/
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Jurek on 24 July, 2014, 10:01:49 pm
Well, seen online.  Small wheels, but fat tyres.

http://www.golfclubmanagement.net/2014/07/feel-golf-course-full-cyclists/
What is this golf thing of which you speak?
Additionally, what colour is the sky on the planet from which you transmit?
Just askin'
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Andrij on 24 July, 2014, 10:16:36 pm
Sky is currently various shades of dark blue, bordering on black.  No surprise, considering it's now nearly tomorrow.

As for 'golf', it is a waste of time and effort  superimposed on a mis-use of space.  But I have friends who partake in such activities, and also occasionally ride bikes, so when I saw the link it caught my eye.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Jurek on 24 July, 2014, 10:23:49 pm
Sky is currently various shades of dark blue, bordering on black.  No surprise, considering it's now nearly tomorrow.

As for 'golf', it is a waste of time and effort  superimposed on a mis-use of space.  But I have friends who partake in such activities, and also occasionally ride bikes, so when I saw the link it caught my eye.
Touche  ;)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 24 July, 2014, 10:57:07 pm
Well, seen online.  Small wheels, but fat tyres.

http://www.golfclubmanagement.net/2014/07/feel-golf-course-full-cyclists/
Quote
“People are looking for a fun way to play golf. This is fabulous, it’s a great way to get a workout,” spokeswoman Nancy Dickens said.
This seems to be an admission that golf as it is usually played is not fun.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 24 July, 2014, 11:00:29 pm
Well, seen online.  Small wheels, but fat tyres.

http://www.golfclubmanagement.net/2014/07/feel-golf-course-full-cyclists/
Quote
“People are looking for a fun way to play golf. This is fabulous, it’s a great way to get a workout,” spokeswoman Nancy Dickens said.
This seems to be an admission that golf as it is usually played is not fun.

It's only fun if there's a windmill.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: JennyB on 25 July, 2014, 11:25:18 am
Sky is currently various shades of dark blue, bordering on black.  No surprise, considering it's now nearly tomorrow.

As for 'golf', it is a waste of time and effort  superimposed on a mis-use of space.  But I have friends who partake in such activities, and also occasionally ride bikes, so when I saw the link it caught my eye.

Golf - a good ride spoiled.  ;D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Oaky on 25 July, 2014, 03:31:51 pm

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/t31.0-8/10495978_10152526692813399_7603968387137962515_o.jpg)


Authentic period skinsuit?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: sg37409 on 27 July, 2014, 04:33:06 pm
Some exotic ti electric assist. Seen in a museum in Germany, no idea if these are in production.

(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3899/14754637031_b87c705d2d_z.jpg)
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3897/14571360787_d6525aa8f0_z.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 27 July, 2014, 11:53:53 pm
Splendid old-skool tandem in the City this afternoon.  No photo, alas, as I was driving round in small circles while Emily the TwatNav failed to direct me to L'poo St station >:(
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Vince on 28 July, 2014, 11:47:00 am
A sociable tricycle.

(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t140/VinceHall/CyclingStuff/20140727_105009_zpsso1sta88.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 28 July, 2014, 12:48:33 pm
That looks highly civilised. As long as you don't tussle over the steering!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 28 July, 2014, 12:50:53 pm
Good to see they've got a flag though, that must be almost invisible on the road...

Do I detect a trace of electrickery, also?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 28 July, 2014, 01:30:08 pm
That reminds me, how about a fully-faired single-speed/fixed recumbent sociable tricycle?  SEEKRIT for now, alas.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Vince on 28 July, 2014, 01:50:53 pm
That looks highly civilised. As long as you don't tussle over the steering!
Only the left-hand bars (coz it's foreign) are connected to the steering.

Good to see they've got a flag though, that must be almost invisible on the road...

Do I detect a trace of electrickery, also?

I think you're right. I didn't notice it while I was taking the photo, but that does look like a powered front wheel, unless it's a motor cycle drum brake.

Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 29 July, 2014, 09:46:47 pm
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5552/14579273308_5b815356e0_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/odjA2b)P7190001 (https://flic.kr/p/odjA2b) by TJ Clarion (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 29 July, 2014, 09:56:46 pm
Nice singlespeed Orbit in Brockwell Park:

(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2930/14579431277_0d702c60d7_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/odkoYM)P7190018 (https://flic.kr/p/odkoYM) by TJ Clarion (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 29 July, 2014, 10:41:01 pm
(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2896/14742851586_2219b58339_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/osLY9j)P7190056 (https://flic.kr/p/osLY9j) by TJ Clarion (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Andrij on 29 July, 2014, 10:48:52 pm
No front panniers?  Must be a rookie.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 29 July, 2014, 11:06:32 pm
A Revell mixte touring bike, from just before they rebranded as Ridgeback, which is when my Romany was built.

(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5560/14768317042_ec99fab926_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/ov2u8U)P7190136 (https://flic.kr/p/ov2u8U) by TJ Clarion (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr

(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5576/14765443541_af5b267ef8_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/ouLKWM)P7190140 (https://flic.kr/p/ouLKWM) by TJ Clarion (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 29 July, 2014, 11:42:32 pm
The contrast in bar widths with the bike next to it is almost comical.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: woollypigs on 30 July, 2014, 08:22:32 am
Very interesting

http://www.geekwire.com/2014/high-tech-battery-powered-bicycle-might-just-make-sell-car/

(http://cdn.geekwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/09_SEA-DENNY-Sideview_Teague_1280-1024x682.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 30 July, 2014, 10:11:45 am
!! Belt drive, disc brakes, leccy assist judging by the front hub - but is that the entire frame or are top tube and seat stays hidden by the rack? What's the platform at the front - presumably for a basket or similar? And most of all, what on earth are those things projecting back from each hub? Chunky stays for missing mudguards?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: woollypigs on 30 July, 2014, 10:16:37 am
No they are the mud guards :-) and the handle bars are also the lock. I really like the look of the frame.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: hatler on 30 July, 2014, 10:20:58 am
The 'mud guards' have a little brush which 'breaks up the water' so you don't get mucky. Apparently.

Integrated indicators (ugh), lights that get brighter as it gets darker, an automatic gear box. Did I see a brake light in the vid as well ?

What's wrong with the original concept of a bike ?

The handlebars come U-lock is neat though.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 30 July, 2014, 10:24:32 am
I'd overlooked the link  :-[

The mudguards could be a neat idea to keep you dry without the weight and aerodynamic drag of normal mudguards - as long as they work - except they swap aero drag for friction and the bike doesn't really seem to be designed with aerodynamics and weight as priorities. Innovative for certain.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: woollypigs on 30 July, 2014, 10:42:41 am
The indicators are naff for sure, but I like that someone is thinking a bit out of box. As I said I like the look of the frame, something different but still the diamond frame.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 30 July, 2014, 12:08:26 pm
I'd overlooked the link  :-[

The mudguards could be a neat idea to keep you dry without the weight and aerodynamic drag of normal mudguards - as long as they work - except they swap aero drag for friction and the bike doesn't really seem to be designed with aerodynamics and weight as priorities. Innovative for certain.

I thought the limited research into the matter concluded that the aerodynamic effect of mudguards was basically neutral.  Having a brush against the wheel is hardly a new idea, of course, and I'd be concerned about how it and/or the tyre would wear long-term.

Weight isn't a significant concern on an electric-assist bike.  The bike normally carries its own weight up hills.

They're making a decent effort at something practical.  And other than the mudguards, it looks good too.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: woollypigs on 30 July, 2014, 12:25:22 pm
From the video it just looks like a nylon brush, which will wear down and break over time. I'm sure the user will have a funny fight with their laziness, their wet bum and wallet before they mend their mudguards, but hey everyone has that with nearly anything.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 30 July, 2014, 02:01:42 pm
Why it needs what look like old-skool rigid MTB forks to support a shaving brush is a question for a better mind than mine.  And the luggage capacity is sub-optimal.  Veers closer to GbD1 than BbC2, IMHO.

1 - Garbage b\y Designer
2 - Bicycle by Cyclist
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Reg.T on 31 July, 2014, 03:30:06 pm
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/56557612/IMG_20140730_200315563.jpg)
(apols for poor image quality and distracting background)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 31 July, 2014, 04:54:56 pm
(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2900/14600871030_17c223e8bd_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/ofehgG)P7280008 (https://flic.kr/p/ofehgG) by TJ Clarion (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 31 July, 2014, 04:57:02 pm
What gear?! :o

(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2936/14600983490_a2a9b52153_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/ofeRGE)P7270003 (https://flic.kr/p/ofeRGE) by TJ Clarion (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 31 July, 2014, 05:00:35 pm
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5581/14601160007_110e23798f_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/offLb4)P7270014 (https://flic.kr/p/offLb4) by TJ Clarion (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr

(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3905/14600971460_4519a7ed39_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/ofeN8f)P7270015 (https://flic.kr/p/ofeN8f) by TJ Clarion (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr

(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3876/14601079889_cab449cb7a_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/offmmH)P7270016 (https://flic.kr/p/offmmH) by TJ Clarion (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 31 July, 2014, 05:19:34 pm
That tandem is a Thing of Splendid, and with the application of a little Shiny could be upgraded to Awsum :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 31 July, 2014, 06:26:55 pm
Weehoo:

(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3870/14808425383_2befbdc92c_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/oyz3X2)P7265838 (https://flic.kr/p/oyz3X2) by TJ Clarion (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wobbly John on 31 July, 2014, 07:28:16 pm
Weehoo:


We saw one of those in Norfolk last week, but we were driving in the opposite direction so no chance of a photo or proper look.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 31 July, 2014, 08:01:10 pm
Cool bit of kit.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Tim Hall on 04 August, 2014, 02:02:01 pm
No pic, as I was driving at the time, but Saturday morning I spied a Colnago.  Big deal you think. Except this was a child size Colnago on 20 inch, or possibly 16 inch.

A quick scan of the Colnago website doesn't show any child sized bikes in their current line up, so I suspect this was the result of tactical decals.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: matthew on 18 August, 2014, 12:27:58 pm
A very pretty restoration on the train from West Ham to Greys this morning.

Peugeot Reynolds 531 based on the stamps in the fork crown. Beautifully resprayed in a light blue with Gold decals and a gold head tube.

A nice frame that had been lovingly and tastefully restored.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 19 August, 2014, 01:20:51 pm
A Circe Helios tandem locked to some railings round the back of Mordor Central.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Auntie Helen on 24 August, 2014, 07:17:40 pm
Seen at Kloster Kamp in Kreis Kleve today.

(https://scontent-b-ams.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/10563024_10152218580266786_4589324836886344723_n.jpg?oh=31e0e503b00755e15115dd6ef53de2f4&oe=547A140E)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wobbly John on 24 August, 2014, 07:34:28 pm
At Mildenhall Rally today:

FWD, SWB

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y252/wobblyjohn/FWD_zps27e57281.jpg)

Another FWD, but lower

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y252/wobblyjohn/Centresteer_zps87b73444.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: pdm on 24 August, 2014, 07:52:06 pm
I saw a Bamboo framed Bike going west on the Ringinglow Road this afternoon......
Ultegra bottom bracket and hubs. 650C rims, I think.
 Sorry - no camera so no pic!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Deano on 27 August, 2014, 10:24:21 pm
A clubmate's very lovely Jack Taylor (as seen on the National 400).

(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3882/14870377790_66f2dfcd8d_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/oE3zeY)
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3876/14870377930_489b4efaca_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/oE3zho)

I might have to have a word about that saddle.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Deano on 27 August, 2014, 11:18:53 pm
French tandem at Applecross:

(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5567/14870796737_43aeb4c280_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/oE5HMc)French tandem, Applecross (https://flic.kr/p/oE5HMc) by dean.clementson (https://www.flickr.com/people/30024450@N04/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 27 August, 2014, 11:22:07 pm
Intriguing use of tri-bars...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 28 August, 2014, 12:10:26 pm
Tri-bars plus tandem equals quintuplet? !!!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Reg.T on 28 August, 2014, 12:57:43 pm
Certainly unusual. Maybe the stoker is a plane-spotter or star-gazer?

Though the back looks to have a very long reach by default...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Ian H on 30 August, 2014, 10:13:33 am
At the Steam fair.

(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-kWqIPZjEnnc/VADx7fkpcCI/AAAAAAAAG0I/svjO_ju1oI0/w320-h568-no/DSC_0222.JPG)

(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-pElFnqbhKbc/VADx_kzrl9I/AAAAAAAAG0g/ILTg2SZgvSY/w874-h492-no/DSC_0224.JPG)

(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-y0DD7sJCOrU/VADyBofkFTI/AAAAAAAAG0s/jcDvUYVqDBQ/w874-h492-no/DSC_0225.JPG)

Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 31 August, 2014, 11:52:12 am
That tandem chopper is wonderful and wrong in equal proportions!

There was a bike on yesterday's ride which, while not intrinsically interesting - a 1970s step-through Falcon of non-descript frameage - was in such original condition that it was worth describing. An AXA rear mech - I didn't even know AXA had ever made such a thing. A spoke-driven mechanical odometer. Click click click click click click! And the rider was wearing a 1980's style, smoothly domed, almost motorcycle style, helmet with tabs for attaching a visor. He'd bought it a couple of years ago for a whole £15 and the odometer had read 93 miles, which he thinks was a genuine mileage for its probably 25 plus years.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wobbly John on 04 September, 2014, 05:05:55 pm
No photo, but in town today - a Bickerton in very good condition.

Not that unusual, except this one had knobbly tyres and had been towing a trailer full of amp, speaker etc. as it was being used by a busker to get his gear into town.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 07 September, 2014, 09:34:55 pm
I thought Interzen might like this one:

(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5581/15170251282_9b1b271609_c.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Deano on 07 September, 2014, 10:05:44 pm
Too many gears ;)

Speaking for myself, the bar set-up is fabulous. And I bet that front light would freak out anything oncoming.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 08 September, 2014, 05:51:47 am
Having looked a bit more closely I've found it has electric assist with the motor down at bottom bracket level.  Frame hand-built by Dave Ince, who is actually a boat-builder by profession; his son Adam is competing at BM this year.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 09 September, 2014, 11:22:32 pm
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5568/15006362790_9b4e63db05_c.jpg)

Unusual things about this Litespeed, in the corridor of the Battle Mountain Super 8, unclude mudguards, rack, lights, mirror, Hamsterskins and a custom lip-balm holder...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 10 September, 2014, 12:42:05 am
Unusual things about this Litespeed, in the corridor of the Battle Mountain Super 8, unclude mudguards, rack, lights, mirror, Hamsterskins and a custom lip-balm holder...

Every bike should have one, though I must confess to making do with jersey pockets on upwrongs...    :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 10 September, 2014, 12:52:29 pm
Impressive bell as well.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Ian H on 10 September, 2014, 01:40:11 pm
That rack is an impressively bad piece of engineering design.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: nicknack on 10 September, 2014, 01:55:53 pm
Just remembered.
A 3 wheeled velomobile trundled alongside me as I was negotiating Hyde Park Corner in my motor car about a week ago. Quite short, fully enclosed thing. I think I'd have have wanted rather better all round vision for HPC. Nice to see though.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 10 September, 2014, 02:39:39 pm
I think I'd have have wanted rather better all round vision for HPC. Nice to see though.

People rarely choose their form of transport with HPC in mind.  Otherwise we'd all be driving tanks disguised as horses, or something.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 11 September, 2014, 09:36:06 pm
Unusual things about this Litespeed, in the corridor of the Battle Mountain Super 8, unclude mudguards, rack, lights, mirror, Hamsterskins and a custom lip-balm holder...

Every bike should have one, though I must confess to making do with jersey pockets on upwrongs...    :thumbsup:

Owner Cindy (probably Nash coz she's married to Steve Of That Ilk but you can't make assumptions these days) says the lip-balm holder is the most important thing on the bike :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Steph on 12 September, 2014, 11:07:30 am
Yesterday, at T*sco, an abomination, which the rather scruffy fag-smoker proceeded to ride the wrong way round the car park.

It was a flat-barred BSO onto which he had fastened slightly curved bar ends that were mounted facing almost straight up. Onto the curved ends of those, he had bolted another pair. He was thus riding sitting bolt upright and steering with his hands on the ends of two not-entirely-rigid levers and almost two feet away from his brake levers, which were still on the bars. If I see it again, I will try for a photo.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 12 September, 2014, 01:11:15 pm
It was a flat-barred BSO onto which he had fastened slightly curved bar ends that were mounted facing almost straight up. Onto the curved ends of those, he had bolted another pair. He was thus riding sitting bolt upright and steering with his hands on the ends of two not-entirely-rigid levers and almost two feet away from his brake levers, which were still on the bars. If I see it again, I will try for a photo.

I think you've just discovered the mountain bike equivalent of "DUI bars".
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wobbly John on 12 September, 2014, 02:12:45 pm
Yesterday, at T*sco, an abomination, which the rather scruffy fag-smoker proceeded to ride the wrong way round the car park.

It was a flat-barred BSO onto which he had fastened slightly curved bar ends that were mounted facing almost straight up. Onto the curved ends of those, he had bolted another pair. He was thus riding sitting bolt upright and steering with his hands on the ends of two not-entirely-rigid levers and almost two feet away from his brake levers, which were still on the bars. If I see it again, I will try for a photo.

Were you in the Fens?  - There's a few like that around Ely.  :facepalm:
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Steph on 13 September, 2014, 09:23:51 am
Nope, Horley Te*co. Dear gods it was a piece of shit.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 13 September, 2014, 01:08:04 pm
Nope, Horley Te*co. Dear gods it was a piece of shit.

And the bike wasn't very good either?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: matthew on 23 September, 2014, 09:35:15 pm
Today on bracknell station I saw a kirk that was being used as a BSO / Utility bike which seemed a little incongruous.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 24 September, 2014, 10:26:17 am
Yes, it should have been flying 99 Red Balloons!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Vince on 24 September, 2014, 10:36:12 am
On Sunday I saw a Blue Dursley Pedderson being ridden between Leidschendam and Voorschoten. I assume it was a reproduction.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Butterfly on 24 September, 2014, 10:16:31 pm
That's a coincidence, we saw a Pedderson in London on Monday :)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 24 September, 2014, 10:18:21 pm
Pedersen

I'm a pedent. ;)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: andrew_s on 26 September, 2014, 10:59:38 pm
We were sitting outside the Kazematten bar last week, enjoying our St Bernardus, when the Beer Cycle pedalled past
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/1g2b2hpkkx3lh8g/beer-cycle1_zpscd7552fd.jpg?raw=1)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: JonJo on 29 September, 2014, 08:52:00 pm
Have a look at this http://www.gumtree.com/p/bicycles/tandem-bike/1082247715 (http://www.gumtree.com/p/bicycles/tandem-bike/1082247715).

Could be used for an interesting approach to audax. Put a mattress on the flat bed and you could take turns pedalling/sleeping. Wouldn't be very quick but you'd never have to stop.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 30 September, 2014, 09:58:01 am
And an advantage(?) over a traditional tandem is that each rider can choose their own gear. Looks like they have to coordinate braking too, which could be interesting. In fact: "Wouldn't be very quick but you'd never have to stop" the first part might be wrong and the second only too right, going down some hills!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 30 September, 2014, 01:49:49 pm
And an advantage(?) over a traditional tandem is that each rider can choose their own gear. Looks like they have to coordinate braking too, which could be interesting.

This sort of thing can be usefully achieved by coupling delta trikes.  You can daisy-chain them indefinitely, so within the limits of practicality of coordination, that would be a good platform for testing the moar riders == moar faster hypothesis.

Any Kettwiesel enthusiasts care to comment?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 30 September, 2014, 01:59:37 pm
Just imagine this idea^ once Critical Mass gets hold of it.  :o
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 30 September, 2014, 02:57:06 pm
An infinite loop of Kettwiesels blocking $big_scary_roundabout?  That I'd like to see.  Preferably somewhere where the police have a sense of humour.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Andrij on 05 October, 2014, 09:13:20 pm
A Willier Triestina.

While nice, the bicycle itself is not particularly interesting and/or unusual.  But it caught my attention because of where I saw it locked up - on East Ham High Street, on multiple evenings!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Tigerbiten on 07 October, 2014, 03:04:39 pm
I've just seen my first bike with the front forks fitted backwards on the road .........  ;D

I was just parking the trike at one of the local Morrisons when it pulled up to the Sheffield stands.
A quick look caused me to think "There's something wrong with that bike" and it took a second look to work out what.
As the bike looked brand new, I told the owner that the forks where fitted wrong way around and take it back to where you got it from to get them corrected.
No idea if that will happen.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Deano on 09 October, 2014, 04:06:15 pm
Sinclair C5 in the wild! Or at the pub, anyway. Apols for crappy phone pics.

(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3937/15464542586_79c1b3be78_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/pyxPJA)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: sg37409 on 11 October, 2014, 05:52:02 pm
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3937/15483023006_dcb503caa1_z.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: iddu on 12 October, 2014, 01:31:22 pm
Tandem pair giving it welly.
So?
The stoker was on handcranks...

Adaptations FTW  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Vince on 13 October, 2014, 09:43:49 am
Not so unusual here abouts, but I saw my first Circe Helios on Friday. It was most impressive.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 13 October, 2014, 10:32:03 am
A while ago now but a red Tony Oliver tandem at the top end of the Kingston mall.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Moultonaught on 17 October, 2014, 02:39:17 pm
Parked at my local Waitrose was a very lovely Fosse flat barred 631 (I think) fillet brazed, Alfine and deore disc brakes,  flat bars, dyno hub and full guards.

As I returned to my bike after doing my shopping, the owner was there  - turns out she's the sister of the frame builder.

lovely workmanship...

no pics but  its on

http://fosseframesets.co.uk/gallery.html  - described as a light touring bike.



Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 17 October, 2014, 02:50:40 pm
Nice.  Where are they based?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Moultonaught on 17 October, 2014, 03:16:26 pm
I think Daventry was mentioned. The sister's based in Thame   ;D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 20 October, 2014, 11:33:23 am
I saw a very ordinary bike this morning, which nevertheless made me smile because of the way it was being used - girl who looked about 4 in a child seat at the back and a boy, who seemed a bit older, on the crossbar (all helmetless). And a basket full of stuff in front.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: spesh on 20 October, 2014, 12:56:20 pm
In North End, Portsmouth the other day - a Kirk Precision road bike, set up as a singlespeed with flat bars and purple deep section rims. Given it was in Cash Generator, there's a hipster in the locality who's either had a bike nicked, or had a slight case of too much month at the end of the money.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 20 October, 2014, 04:46:07 pm
There was a youngster racing a Kirk road bike at the BHPC meeting yesterday.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Moultonaught on 22 October, 2014, 08:10:24 am
Interesting commuter choice
of squared tubed loveliness spotted at the station this morning

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/westywagen/DSC_0195_zpsg2457sdo.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: tiermat on 22 October, 2014, 08:57:16 am
Interesting commuter choice
of squared tubed loveliness spotted at the station this morning

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/westywagen/DSC_0195_zpsg2457sdo.jpg)

A PACE! With the proper, RC35 forks! Look out for Mint Sauce on your train! :) :D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 22 October, 2014, 11:36:25 am
Coooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooool!!!!!!!!!! :D :D :thumbsup: :D :D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: spesh on 22 October, 2014, 02:28:41 pm
Interesting commuter choice
of squared tubed loveliness spotted at the station this morning

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/westywagen/DSC_0195_zpsg2457sdo.jpg)

Interesting commuter choice of how to lock it to the stand.  :facepalm:
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: tiermat on 22 October, 2014, 02:32:29 pm
Good point, maybe the Dlock won't fit through the back wheel, frame and sheffield stand.

Either that or the owner is lacking in clue.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: spesh on 22 October, 2014, 02:58:10 pm
If that Pace was mine, I'd place the D-lock through the rear triangle and wheel, just below the brakes (which maximises filling the space inside the 'D' to protect against levering it open) , and use the cable lock to secure the front wheel to the D-lock.

Oh, and I would take the seat pack with me if it's holding my tools and spare tube/s as well.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: tiermat on 22 October, 2014, 03:31:14 pm
If that Pace was mine, I'd place the D-lock through the rear triangle and wheel, just below the brakes (which maximises filling the space inside the 'D' to protect against levering it open) , and use the cable lock to secure the front wheel to the D-lock.

Oh, and I would take the seat pack with me if it's holding my tools and spare tube/s as well.

If it were mine it would stay in the garage whilst I rode an old beater to work/the station.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Moultonaught on 22 October, 2014, 03:36:42 pm
I think in general this particular station is perceived as a low risk area. 

Lots of bikes have their lights left on (on the bikes, not witched on) all day. A fair few have their computers left on too. One chap leaves his spd shoes in a bag hung over the handlebars (not locked).  :o

Friendly security staff do keep a regular eye on things, and they know most of the regular commuters, so they *might* notice anything nefarious

But I'm afraid I'm not that trusting!  Regardless of whether it's the tip bike or the swanky cross bike, everything not fixed down gets removed, a D-lock through the frame, back wheel and Sheffield stand, a cable lock through the front wheel and Sheffield stand, and  if there's a Brooks on the bike it gets covered with a plastic bag!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Bledlow on 03 November, 2014, 11:21:16 pm
A Bill Hannington (EWH) parked outside the Black Horse at Checkendon. Used to be some ridden by people I knew, & I remember someone finally getting a new one after a long wait. Bill was rather old by then, & I think the frame building had become more like a paid hobby than a job.

He was president of Reading CC for some years, I think. Died in 2007.

Reynolds 531.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 09 November, 2014, 08:41:04 pm
Spotted a sparsely populated Pedibus (http://www.pedibus.co.uk/) with no one in the steering position (one of the stokers was reaching over and tweaking the wheel occasionally) proceeding slowly along Tooley Street yesterday.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 09 November, 2014, 09:30:22 pm
We saw two of those filled with drunken punters hurtling down Duke Street Hill towards Tooley Street.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: TimO on 10 November, 2014, 01:08:21 pm
It's not strictly speaking correct for this thread, but it seems like the most appropriate thread to use.  Last thursday, when leaving work for the Dentist, I saw this guy going along Exhibition Road at around 2-30.

(http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/xanthus/GeneralBike/MotorisedUnicycle20141106.jpg)

I gave up trying to decide how many offences he's committing (no single vehicle approval certificate, no insurance, no VED, no MOT ...) but it's certainly a relatively unusual sight, anywhere.  I suspect you'd need to get new laws passed to make any sort of motorised unicycle legal in the UK (not dissimilar to the same sort of problems with a Segway).
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: delthebike on 10 November, 2014, 01:31:21 pm
I parked my Brompton next to this Puch at the supermarket this morning. It says Clubman 6 on the top tube but Skyline on the down tube. Not sure what it is but it's a nice example and appears to have a spoke lock on the seat stay. A nice fixed project anyway and just my size!  ;)
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-BFb2LEgn0d0/VGCqkqZ5WBI/AAAAAAAAJVM/nsSmMbBa5zA/s720/pb101200.jpg)

Is it a spoke lock or something else?  ???
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-cQB_sWX5Ri8/VGCqlX0Gh4I/AAAAAAAAJVU/Pf17KemVVTI/s720/pb101201.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 10 November, 2014, 01:33:23 pm
TimO's sighting probably only yards from the very spot where one of my fellow PSOs got nicked in 1983.  Riding helmetless on the pavement on an untaxed, un-MOT'd and uninsured VeloSolex.  He didn't understand why Plod was so riled.  Surely this was normal behaviour?  Everybody does it in Paris...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Bledlow on 20 November, 2014, 01:25:07 pm
A Cycles Bobet (as in Louison) frame turned into a fixie. Note the attempt at colour matching of the saddle, rear rim, & one valve cap. A pity about the fork.

(http://i432.photobucket.com/albums/qq48/Bledlow/Bikes/IMG050-01.jpg)

Crappy phone picture in low light.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Tim Hall on 20 November, 2014, 10:48:04 pm
A Chopper, in the wild, on Brixton Hill.

And then, going through Fort Neath, an unknown bike, no lights (but what the heck), being ridden in a very controlled wheelie. I spotted him around a hundred metres away, and watched him in my mirror for at least the same distance.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Karla on 20 November, 2014, 11:34:14 pm
At the site where I work on Thursdays and Fridays, there's a simply gorgeous 90s Spesh Rockhopper: 7 speed gearing, Dia Compe Vs, a RockShox Indy and a paintjob that's almost too good to be true: has it really been offroad these past twenty years? 

Don't mind me if I slip a pair of bolt croppers in my work bag ...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: matthew on 21 November, 2014, 07:28:12 pm
There is a new bike in the cage at work, Fred James frame, chromed forks, seat stays, and chain stays, baby blue head tube and band on the seat tube chrome head tube lugs. Otherwise the frame is baby pink. Looks gorgeous.l fortunately far too small for me.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: mzjo on 21 November, 2014, 10:20:54 pm
I parked my Brompton next to this Puch at the supermarket this morning. It says Clubman 6 on the top tube but Skyline on the down tube. Not sure what it is but it's a nice example and appears to have a spoke lock on the seat stay. A nice fixed project anyway and just my size!  ;)
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-BFb2LEgn0d0/VGCqkqZ5WBI/AAAAAAAAJVM/nsSmMbBa5zA/s720/pb101200.jpg)

Is it a spoke lock or something else?  ???
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-cQB_sWX5Ri8/VGCqlX0Gh4I/AAAAAAAAJVU/Pf17KemVVTI/s720/pb101201.jpg)

It is indeed a bike lock. My brother had one of those on the Puch Jungmeister he had to go to school in the early 70s. Didn't stop the bike getting pinched though (probably because he didn't use it). The Jungmeister was quite heavy, had quaint continental styling and used a Styria three speed that apparently was a copy of the Sturmey AW (I'm always surprised that they didn't use a Sachs hub).
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 30 November, 2014, 02:35:39 pm
A fairly run-of-the-mill hybrid outside Pizza Hut at Tottenham Hale.  Locked neatly to a Sheffield stand.  Stand-frame and rear wheel-another rear wheel-front wheel.  Eh ???
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Pingu on 30 November, 2014, 10:42:44 pm
Met someone on an Elliptigo today  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Pingu on 07 December, 2014, 06:03:47 pm
Yooniq:

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7506/15780521868_0f2ec5588c_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/q3tinf)
IMG_4454 (https://flic.kr/p/q3tinf) by The Pingus (https://www.flickr.com/people/36539950@N00/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Torslanda on 07 December, 2014, 07:06:23 pm
My first thought was Cannondale Hooligan but the frame is wrong . . .
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Moultonaught on 07 December, 2014, 07:09:21 pm
given the number of stem spacers presumably it's a Thorn....  :)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Oaky on 15 December, 2014, 09:36:43 am
(sorry - no pictures) Saw a push-me-pull-you back to back recumbent tandem crossing the A12 near Hatfield Peverel yesterday, around 11am.

Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Auntie Helen on 15 December, 2014, 11:58:25 am
Tippers_Kiwi saw it too and put a photo in 'have you been out today'

Tandem Rowing Bike, as below....

(http://www.rowingbike.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/1604.1-736x414.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 15 December, 2014, 02:42:56 pm
I've been trying to work the drivetrain out.  Presumably it's string all the way down, and the ratchet/?gearing gubbins is all in that enormous hub...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Reg.T on 15 December, 2014, 05:12:55 pm
The enormous hub is a spiral that the string pulls on. For more of a clue than that description affords, there's a video on how to change the string on the rowingbike website here (http://www.rowingbike.com/en/posts/kabel-wisselen-gemakkelijker/)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 15 December, 2014, 05:21:26 pm
Ah, simple and effective!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Ruthie on 15 December, 2014, 07:43:56 pm
That kind of reminds me of the swingboats we used to go on at the fair.  But they're facing out instead of in.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: SlowCoach on 17 December, 2014, 01:32:43 pm
That kind of reminds me of the swingboats we used to go on at the fair.  But they're facing out instead of in.

Perhaps we could call it a "Shuggy Boat Drive" (but then, I tend to find that no-one outside the North-East has heard of shuggy boats - what does the rest of the world call them?)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Reg.T on 17 December, 2014, 01:42:35 pm
Dunno - what are they?  ;D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Exit Stage Left on 17 December, 2014, 01:48:08 pm
I got an interview of one of the crew of the tandem row bike before PBP 2007. I think they got to Brest before the drive cables gave problems and they packed. We also saw a solo row-bike a lot. He packed at a bar just before Mamers on the way back. He'd had cable problems, but he stopped because of strained abdominal muscles. I interviewed him as he had his first beer.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 17 December, 2014, 07:19:12 pm
A solo Thijs rowing bike was the first darksider home on LEL 2009.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 18 December, 2014, 10:46:08 am
A bog standard, ordinary Kona hybrid. But pulling two kids on a trike tagalong. Actually, it's not a trike cos it has two wheels, but they're both at the back. Together, the whole combination is like an articulated delta trike but with four wheels (three seats, two drive chains, and a humoungous plastic box above the rear axle). Quite outrageous, in a very good way. Unfortunately, when I saw them again yesterday, it turned out that morning they'd had a tip over - cos the front is a bike and the back is a trike, I guess the handling's a bit contrary, and it had tipped over going round a sharp corner up a steep hill. No damage or injuries though.  :)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 18 December, 2014, 02:10:59 pm
Presumably if the riders on the tagalong put out more power than the one on the bike, you end up with an effect not dissimilar to braking with a heavy trailer.  Whereas downhill, you end up with an effect like braking with a heavy trailer...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 18 December, 2014, 10:47:30 pm
From what I've seen, the riders on the tagalong - the elder is about 8, maybe - regard pedalling as something you don't do when you're going uphill, because that's hard work.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Deano on 21 December, 2014, 08:04:24 pm
Spotted on flickr:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/27047646@N00/15435515073/
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: aidan.f on 21 December, 2014, 08:49:33 pm
Quote
But pulling two kids on a trike tagalong. Actually, it's not a trike cos it has two wheels, but they're both at the back. Together, the whole combination is like an articulated delta trike but with four wheels (three seats, two drive chains, and a humoungous plastic box above the rear axle). Quite outrageous, in a very good way.
SJS  U+2 tandem trailer, we did once  hook one  up to a  DF tandem trike, it  was quite an awesome combination, 5 wheels 3 chains and four riders, actually very easy to handle and manoeuvre.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 22 December, 2014, 11:26:34 am
Spotted on flickr:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/27047646@N00/15435515073/
So Wowbagger's using the new alias Wagner? I thought old Wilhelm Richard was a bit modern for him. Still, good way to get out with the grandchildren.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: nikki on 22 December, 2014, 03:22:32 pm
That Flickrstream is full of joy!  ;D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Jakob W on 23 December, 2014, 03:17:25 pm
Yesterday evening: stealthy black frame with track bars and gears-inna-can on back pulled up beside me at lights. I squint at the badges on the head and down tubes: "Bob Jackson?" "Yes." "Nice."

And later a stealthy black old-school trike heading the other way with a well-patinated black-and-white carradice hanging down back.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: hulver on 07 January, 2015, 02:45:36 pm
Saw this thing in Germany over Christmas.

(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8639/15602720723_4d4135667c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/pLL2hg)

It was pretty big, but I think it looks bigger because of the fairly small wheels.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Torslanda on 07 January, 2015, 06:04:40 pm
They look like 700c.

Paging Mr Raffe. Mr G. Raffe to the white courtesy telephone please . . .
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: jsabine on 08 January, 2015, 04:23:23 am
They look similar in size to the other bike that's parked, which to my mind looks like it could be an MTB and have 26" (559) wheels. Skinny slicks for 559s if so.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 08 January, 2015, 10:48:40 am
Perhaps they're 650B, the old French favourite.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 08 January, 2015, 11:28:23 am
There was a red machine similar to that hanging up at the end of the ginnel down which Covent Garden Cycles used to lurk.  I think it was a 29" frame and possibly a Bob Jackson.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 08 January, 2015, 12:18:23 pm
That's right!  I remember it. :)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Jakob W on 10 January, 2015, 10:39:27 am
Interesting that the extra stays end on the seatstays rather than at the dropouts; I'd have thought it would put more of a bending moment on the seatstays.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: JonBuoy on 29 January, 2015, 06:34:57 pm
A Belfort Boris Bike


(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7281/16396975615_84d83fdf1e_c.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Guy on 02 February, 2015, 01:45:38 pm
Chained to a post on Northbridge St yesterday afternoon was a tatty old silver MTB/Hybrid thingy. It had a KIA badge on the head tube and the words "THINK BEFORE YOU DRIVE" in red capitals on the down tube.

I didn't know KIA made bikes, but I think it wonderful that a car manufacturer can stick a warning against unnecessary car use on a bike :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 02 February, 2015, 02:43:16 pm
I didn't know KIA made bikes, but I think it wonderful that a car manufacturer can stick a warning against unnecessary car use on a bike :thumbsup:

Maybe they should stick them on cars? :)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 02 February, 2015, 07:39:47 pm
They have such signage plastered all over F1 circuits.  As the message is flagged as "Bernie says..." the immediate reaction is, natch, the opposite.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 03 February, 2015, 10:01:34 am
Quote
But pulling two kids on a trike tagalong. Actually, it's not a trike cos it has two wheels, but they're both at the back. Together, the whole combination is like an articulated delta trike but with four wheels (three seats, two drive chains, and a humoungous plastic box above the rear axle). Quite outrageous, in a very good way.
SJS  U+2 tandem trailer, we did once  hook one  up to a  DF tandem trike, it  was quite an awesome combination, 5 wheels 3 chains and four riders, actually very easy to handle and manoeuvre.
I had a U+1. Awesome machine. The rack was a great piece of engineering. We had a wicker box (almost laundry chest sized) on it.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 16 February, 2015, 10:12:24 am
Not unusual individually, but it was impressive to see a dozen tandems descending Coxgrove Hill at a variety of speeds from sedate to manic on Saturday, as I was going up.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Torslanda on 16 February, 2015, 12:19:29 pm
Chained to a post on Northbridge St yesterday afternoon was a tatty old silver MTB/Hybrid thingy. It had a KIA badge on the head tube and the words "THINK BEFORE YOU DRIVE" in red capitals on the down tube.

I didn't know KIA made bikes, but I think it wonderful that a car manufacturer can stick a warning against unnecessary car use on a bike :thumbsup:

Yup. Both Kia & Daewoo branded bikes in the noughties.

Kia used them as a carrot. Offering two with any of their MPVs.

Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 16 February, 2015, 12:44:41 pm
This is a cheat, because I haven't seen it:
(http://images.craigslist.org/00W0W_5ehenw4uroy_600x450.jpg)

What's unusual about it is not so much the bike itself (though apparently it was built as a one-off, adapted from something(s) else) but where it is - in India. That it is even being discussed shows that Bangalore Bikers' Club is probably even less representative of Indian cycling as a whole than YACF is of British.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 17 February, 2015, 08:23:32 pm
A total of 5 Bromptons (not including my own) over the course of about half an hour as I walked CrinklyLion and cubs to Mordor Central earlier.  I've never seen that many in the wild (as opposed to on an organised ride, or in the local Brompton shop) in Middle Earth before.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Jakob W on 21 February, 2015, 09:57:53 am
A Brompton with a child seat, fitted in an interesting arrangement - an L-shaped tube clamped to the main frame tube and the seat post, with the child seat between the seat and the bars. I didn't see whether the clamps had a QR arrangement; if so, I suppose you'd still have a reasonably portable bike with child-carrying capability.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 21 February, 2015, 10:04:00 am
Sounds like http://bikefix.co.uk/it-chair
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Jakob W on 21 February, 2015, 06:14:00 pm
That's the one - crikey, not exactly cheap! But then I suppose if your main bike's a Brompton, it's cheaper than n+1, and the foldability is pretty nifty.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: alexb on 02 March, 2015, 05:52:33 pm
Last Thursday I was chatting with a lady who was riding a beautifully restored Moulton F-type fitted with a Brooks saddle, Carradice Barley and bullhorn bars. It looked very stylish and seemed like a lot of fun to ride.

Today I arrived at the lights alongside someone on a Paul Smith Mercian, complete with Rhubarb and Custard paint scheme. quite stylish, but I hate to think how much it cost.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Deano on 06 March, 2015, 04:45:21 pm
There was an expensive-looking Specialized parked up in Darlo town centre - Hed wheels, I didn't get a close look at the rest of the kit.

Two grand bike, Poundland lock.

He was hardly travelling light, either - his backpack was bigger than my Carradice Super C pannier. Kudos to him for stripping down to his cycling kit in the middle of High Row, though ;D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 06 March, 2015, 05:43:57 pm
Two grand bike, Poundland lock.

Ah, a visiting Brummie.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: menthel on 07 March, 2015, 12:08:52 pm
Saw a lovely Canary yellow longstaff trike in New Malden earlier!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 07 March, 2015, 12:26:56 pm
An upright trike of indeterminate breed has just gone past Larrington Towers.  Full size wheels, disraeli gears and a big wire basket on the back :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Deano on 13 March, 2015, 09:55:45 pm
Aluminium 90s Orange in Darlo:

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7646/16804974201_668bb318b2_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/rAZTmv)

...Complete with Girvin FlexStem! :o

(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8736/16186159283_02ae71b90f_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/qEjieM)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: PrettyBoyTim on 16 March, 2015, 10:34:32 pm
The other day I saw a Hase Pino going through the junction between Old Shoreham Road and Sackville Road in Hove. I was in the car and almost missed my lights turning green, I was lusting after it so much.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Vince on 17 March, 2015, 03:38:56 am
I saw an Islabike Luath 24 on the back of a car and thought it a superb scaled down version of a road bike. By choosing 24" wheels and sizing everything to the wheels it's reminiscent of the Moulton Mini 7/8 scale version of the original Moulton.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: nikki on 19 March, 2015, 02:37:53 pm
Was a bit confuddled as to where to post this, but here you go...

Henry Dagg with his Voicycle:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGUhGKbr1x8

Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Butterfly on 19 March, 2015, 09:59:01 pm
That is a thing of beauty and wonder  :D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 20 March, 2015, 09:37:33 am
Wonder, yes. And fun. Not sure about the beauty.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Moultonaught on 20 March, 2015, 10:28:04 am
Seen as I was riding into the office the other morning so no pic.

A very loooong - bicycle made for 3 - all sitting in line -  conventional not recumbent seating - two (empty at the time) child seats at the front with adult pilot at rear. Looked impressive with only one rider - would look great with all three  :)

Looked like it would suit 2 kids up to about the age of 8-ish.

My Google fu has failed to find an image to illustrate my poor description.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wobbly John on 20 March, 2015, 10:49:41 am
A Thorn Me'n'u2 ?

(https://chrisgerhard.files.wordpress.com/2010/02/3up.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: jsabine on 20 March, 2015, 11:07:09 am
A Thorn Me'n'u2 ?

Probably not ...
two (empty at the time) child seats at the front with adult pilot at rear.

Child seats lower than the pilot or the same level? If lower, maybe something like a Bakfiets or a modified Long John?

I'm thinking something not entirely unlike
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4080/5412524455_22c5a77892.jpg) or (http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8667/16003386234_79d88a0cb0_m.jpg) - though of course to carry three rather than either five or two.

(Both images from http://www.bakfiets-en-meer.nl/2011/02/08/guest-post-cargo-bikes-and-the-information-revolution/)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Moultonaught on 20 March, 2015, 11:16:16 am
only if the Thorn me 'n' u 2 were going backwards!  ;D

Child seats were lower than the pilots. The yellow one jsabine posted is similar in frame design.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Jakob W on 20 March, 2015, 12:13:00 pm
The yellow one looks like an Onderwater tandem; I'm pretty sure they do a triplet, as I think I've seen one around town.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Vince on 20 March, 2015, 12:55:51 pm
One of these?
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7207/6946941938_2d53ef1b29_b.jpg)
They are popular in Holland for the school run.

I saw one of these yesterday, which I guess is the starter for the above.
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CLSB7FDz-ZQ/Uk3GfqZGFdI/AAAAAAAAE2Q/QYdrSc0tCek/s1600/rsz-rolling-orange-bakfiets-cargo-bike-e.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Moultonaught on 20 March, 2015, 02:16:55 pm
Yup, that's the one, Vince.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 20 March, 2015, 02:18:52 pm
I want one of those! I don't much mind which type, ether would be good. I don't even have the requisite number of sprogs and I doubt I'd be able to pedal it up, for instance, the hill the sprog's school is on - or the one we live on, come to that - but they are such outrageously sensible bicycles, damn I want one!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 20 March, 2015, 06:12:31 pm
One of these?
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7207/6946941938_2d53ef1b29_b.jpg)

That's just crying out for Wobbly John to fit a series of cams so the seatposts and handlebars bob up and down as it rides along...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 21 March, 2015, 07:15:57 pm
...and it plays tunes as the expanding and contracting seat tubes force air through strategically drilled holes in the frame, with valves operated by the gear and brake levers.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 25 March, 2015, 09:17:50 am
A Vitus. Plain alu forks and stays bonded to green painted main tubes. Looked a little scruffy and was marred, for me, by fugly stem-mounted shifters, but fundamentally good looking and clearly in good working order.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Reg.T on 31 March, 2015, 01:44:16 pm
In Bath on Friday...
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/56557612/IMG_20150327_175712890.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Reg.T on 01 April, 2015, 03:44:02 pm
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/56557612/IMG_20150401_104645881.jpg)

ETA: Just found out that it's a Cannondale Hooligan
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 01 April, 2015, 04:54:08 pm
Where's that? John's Bikes? The red somewhat Moultonish one looks like something I'd like to see but probably not ride.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Moultonaught on 01 April, 2015, 05:13:34 pm
Where's that? John's Bikes? The red somewhat Moultonish one looks like something I'd like to see but probably not ride.

My bold: Heresy!  ;D  It hasn't got any suspension....

I'll restore cosmic balance with the below: Mrs Moultonaught's steed:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/westywagen/moulton_zps0aacb334.jpg)

for any Moulton purists the 'tail' was docked before we bought it...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Reg.T on 01 April, 2015, 06:29:09 pm
Where's that? John's Bikes? The red somewhat Moultonish one looks like something I'd like to see but probably not ride.
Today's picture was taken in Cadence in Bath (near the RUH).
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 01 April, 2015, 10:37:32 pm
Where's that? John's Bikes? The red somewhat Moultonish one looks like something I'd like to see but probably not ride.
Today's picture was taken in Cadence in Bath (near the RUH).
That's where I got my Spacehopper - good shop!

Where's that? John's Bikes? The red somewhat Moultonish one looks like something I'd like to see but probably not ride.

My bold: Heresy!  ;D  It hasn't got any suspension....

I'll restore cosmic balance with the below: Mrs Moultonaught's steed:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/westywagen/moulton_zps0aacb334.jpg)

for any Moulton purists the 'tail' was docked before we bought it...

Yeah, well, as I said, somewhat -ish. A little bit, sort of, kind of thing, more or less but less than more?
 ;)

I did see a spaceframe Moulton yesterday, upside down on the pavement near the Stokes Croft roundabout - not a place you want to leave any bike, really, especially not a rather nice one - so took the opportunity to (try to) explain to my son its principles of triangulation, suspension and blah blah yes very interesting, Dad.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Reg.T on 04 April, 2015, 07:35:48 pm
How do you convert a Mountain BSO into a Cargo BSO on a budget?
- Replace the back wheel with a small wheel
- Remove rear brake and mount rack and bin to it
- Add rack and wire stationery tray to the front
- Convert to SS (not sure why, but why not!)
- Replace rear suspension with extended fixed hardware to allow for the smaller wheel
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/56557612/IMG_20150404_142146252.jpg)

Sorted!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 04 April, 2015, 07:44:01 pm
Wow.

Presumably the single-speed conversion is because 14" WSOs are only available in single speed.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Reg.T on 04 April, 2015, 07:56:04 pm
It's still got a triple on the front and a block of 5 or so on the back, but no derailleurs. It was in a big gear ratio, presumably because of the small driven wheel.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 04 April, 2015, 08:02:38 pm
Given the ultimate load limit dictated by the BSO construction, there probably isn't any point in using the lower gears.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: citoyen on 05 April, 2015, 07:17:58 pm
Saw a tandem Bike Friday pootling along the prom in Whitstable this afternoon. My wife didn't seem quite so impressed for some reason.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Torslanda on 05 April, 2015, 08:54:52 pm
Today? Shedloads. Manchester Tweed Ride had trikes by Higgins & Royal Enfield. A modern Ordinary (60" wheel?). A couple of Guvnors. Bromptons abounded, Gazelles were abundant along with a smattering of modern stuff (and a fat bloke onna weird bike). Waxed moustaches and dearstalkers. (Some of the blokes were quite nattily dressed, too!)

I got sunburned - in APRIL!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 07 April, 2015, 01:31:57 pm
How do you convert a Mountain BSO into a Cargo BSO on a budget?
- Replace the back wheel with a small wheel
- Remove rear brake and mount rack and bin to it
- Add rack and wire stationery tray to the front
- Convert to SS (not sure why, but why not!)
- Replace rear suspension with extended fixed hardware to allow for the smaller wheel
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/56557612/IMG_20150404_142146252.jpg)

Sorted!
Shame it's not fixed. Just imagine how many points that would be worth on a Bristol v Hackney ride!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: jsabine on 07 April, 2015, 02:18:35 pm
It would really need to be a Carradice crate though.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Ham on 07 April, 2015, 04:21:48 pm
Guess who's been to Amsterdam?

OK so it was a bit like shooting fish in a barrel, but here's one worthy of note

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Jtu6gxAUBIk/VR4xx-pNceI/AAAAAAAAtFA/KdZlNspr6fg/s640/upload_-1.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Ham on 07 April, 2015, 04:55:20 pm
And here we have an interesting bike park, rather than a single bike

(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-MOLYozfkzsE/VSP9SdNElVI/AAAAAAAAtIQ/HTLBmvzyg1c/s640/P4020519.jpg)

What makes it particularly noteworthy is that is just a single floor

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5lY6yDxMrvY/VSP9TNI3WaI/AAAAAAAAtIY/g7DY3HycYh4/s640/P4020524.jpg)

Of a single park around Central Station - there are still more around the station.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Deano on 07 April, 2015, 05:02:21 pm
Kid just rode past (solo) on a bmx tandem...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 07 April, 2015, 11:23:27 pm
"Full-sus" BSOs are sadly far from unusual and definitely fall into the "Not Interesting" category, but the one I saw this evening at the Whipps Cross roundabout was a bit different, in that it had a rear rack.

The top end was attached to the main frame at the top of the seat tube.

The bottom end, yes, you've guessed it, was attached to the rear triangle in the usual sort of place for such things.

This probably improved the efficacy of the rear boing by at least 30000%, but may also have been why its owner was pushing it ;D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Vince on 08 April, 2015, 08:09:09 am

I'll restore cosmic balance with the below: Mrs Moultonaught's steed:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/westywagen/moulton_zps0aacb334.jpg)

for any Moulton purists the 'tail' was docked before we bought it...
That's nice. I didn't think the Moulton Speed had the extended cross bar, or did it get the Speed designation because of the lacking?
I will get another Moulton one day (or get the missing parts to make the back wheel and rack I have into a full bike)!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Moultonaught on 08 April, 2015, 09:17:34 am

I'll restore cosmic balance with the below: Mrs Moultonaught's steed:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/westywagen/moulton_zps0aacb334.jpg)

for any Moulton purists the 'tail' was docked before we bought it...
That's nice. I didn't think the Moulton Speed had the extended cross bar, or did it get the Speed designation because of the lacking?
I will get another Moulton one day (or get the missing parts to make the back wheel and rack I have into a full bike)!

The sticker is down to the previous owner.  I'd not have put it on, and what we sticker up as when it eventually gets a re-paint will be a matter of much consideration I'm sure!  :facepalm:

It's an early pop-riveted Series 1 that's been 'speed-ified': tail docked, alloy rims, cotterless alloy cranks, dual pivot brakes, 5 speed Sturmey sprinter in a 28h 3 speed (AW?) shell,  AM mudguards, Nitto moustache bars and stem, Ti B17 and matching bar tape, Kojak tyres, and carbon bar end brake levers just for the juxtaposition... :)

Your comment reminds me that there's a mkIII Moulton frame and fork hanging from my garage roof's rafters... so many bikes,so little time (and money)...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: fruitcake on 11 April, 2015, 08:33:30 pm
Presumably the single-speed conversion is because 14" WSOs are only available in single speed.
A rear mech would likely drag on the ground when you turn right.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Torslanda on 16 April, 2015, 09:32:18 am
No time for pictures but within 2 minutes of exiting the E17 near Eindhoven on Monday we saw loads of bikes, mostly the typical Dutch high bar, step thru frame design fiets and a Kettwiesel trike. Roadies were everywhere. Interesting cargo trike outside a bar, too.

What a fabulous infrastructure for bikes!* The traffic lights in the centre of Valkenswaard have separate lights for bikes, cars and pedestrians. Unlike some in the UK the pushbuttons for crossings actually work . . .



*Thanks mainly to the RAF/USAAF, the transport infrastructure of most of Northern Europe was obliterated about 70 years ago which resulted in some joined up thinking for a change.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Jakob W on 17 April, 2015, 10:22:49 pm
Coming home this evening on the river path I came across what looked like a Dursley-pedersen in full touring mode, with double front and back panniers  8). Coming in the opposite direction it was gone too quickly for a close look (I was also concentrating on not going down into the water off the narrow track as we squeezed past one another), but I managed to give the rider an admiring glance and a 'nice wheels'. The slightly shocked expression suggested he might be more used to oiks shouting at cyclists...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Andrij on 20 April, 2015, 10:46:21 am
Too many to keep track of on Saturday's Tweed Run.  One could spend the day just checking out the bikes and still likely miss a few good ones.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: gerwinium on 20 April, 2015, 08:11:11 pm
Almost forgot to mention this here... I spotted someone on an ElliptiGO in Dagenham (of all places!) on Saturday. Do those technically count as bikes?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 20 April, 2015, 08:28:18 pm
Two wheels, human powered. Sounds close enough for government work.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Ruthie on 23 April, 2015, 09:12:30 pm
This beautiful Moulton, today.  Shame about the crap camera photo.

(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8701/17060171018_a61c617812.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/rZxQtC)20150423_102209 (https://flic.kr/p/rZxQtC) by ruthturner3 (https://www.flickr.com/people/106826773@N02/), on Flickr

And just after that, there was a trike, except it was a three-wheeled wheelchair with a small wheel on the front (you know like those pushchairs?) and it had a wee engine on it, like the ones on an electric bike.  It was very cool.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Canardly on 23 April, 2015, 09:45:02 pm
I would love one of those.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 23 April, 2015, 10:29:50 pm
Yesterday, an improbable number of tricycles, quads, handcycles, wheelchair tandems and the like as they emerged from a Transit in Perry Barr.  I even got to ride a few of them (that Chopper trike's chain is a bit slack).  More here (http://pushbikes.org.uk/content/wheels-all).

(http://www.ductilebiscuit.net/gallery_albums/wheels_for_all/20150422065_G.sized.jpg)

(http://www.ductilebiscuit.net/gallery_albums/wheels_for_all/20150422068_G.sized.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Oaky on 28 April, 2015, 08:50:03 pm
Spotted chained to a bike stand in Pittsburgh.  It's not so much the bike as the braking system that is unusual.

WTF am I looking at here?  One brake lever with a strange domed housing, with two cables (or tubes? early hydraulic?) heading to cylindrical drums, push operating the front and rear brakes.

(http://www.oakden.org/mark/bike/yacf/pics/pit_brake_wtf1.jpg)
(http://www.oakden.org/mark/bike/yacf/pics/pit_brake_wtf2.jpg)
(http://www.oakden.org/mark/bike/yacf/pics/pit_brake_wtf3.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 28 April, 2015, 08:57:10 pm
I think that is a 1970s hydraulic brake (American? Is it on a Huffy or similar?) but can't remember the details. I don't I've read about it since the 1980s.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 29 April, 2015, 05:18:31 pm
Last night a Lady toting two sprogs on a Yuba Mundo-stylee bike :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Tim Hall on 06 May, 2015, 01:08:02 pm
At the weekend, a tandem being pushed up an incline by Mother and Younger Child </ask the family>.

The timing chain had come off, so I asked if they needed help.  Golly, what an "interesting" bike.  No crossover chainset, but two re-purposed MTB stylee triples fitted to the LHS of the bike. And a chain tensioner of sorts to keep it running sweet.  The Mother explained it was her husband's bike and he'd gone off on hers. No tea for him then.  She also said "there was a method to getting the chain back on. Everything he does has a method." <boggle>.

Anyhoo, after a few minutes I'd worked out to put the chain on the inner of each of the triples and how to wind the spring in the tensioner. The BB on the front triple was as loose and wobbly as a BB that had lost its lock ring, which this one had.  It was about then I noticed the captain's RHS pedal was what looked like a motorbike foot peg. The Mother confirmed that the original had fallen off. It wasn't until much later that I realised that precession in the wrong way round chainset would cause this.

Finally they were on the road again. I met the husband just up the hill, coming back to look for them.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 06 May, 2015, 02:42:23 pm
We need a new thread: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Fettled

 :D

Well done, Tim!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 07 May, 2015, 09:08:32 am
Five minutes ago, a couple of streets away: a DIY bike-carrying cargo bike. Take one full-boing child's bike, remove rear triangle and bolt BB into rear dropout of an old cheapo rigid mountain bike. Weld a rod from what would have been the sproing point of the full-susser to the seat tube of the bigger bike. Attach planks of wood over and to each side of rear wheel, Yuba Mundo style, with suitable slots in the side ones to carry wheels. Bingo! Bloke said it cost him about £100 in parts, took 5 or 6 MIG welds and he could make one a day. He wants to start making them for sale at the Create Centre.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: itsbruce on 10 May, 2015, 05:48:34 pm
Caren Hartley's amazing custom made porteur bike at Spin London.  Pure bicycle porn.

(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8738/17493604325_8667d6e589_c.jpg)

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7734/17467560466_f253d0c91d_c.jpg)

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7695/16870973384_afc6b802e3_c.jpg)

(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8828/17305884150_4efd727b43_c.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Moultonaught on 11 May, 2015, 07:20:02 pm
Saw a lovely blue mk3 Moulton with a large green Carradice saddlebag being ridden apace towards me in Hyde Park this evening.

An an original Birdy but fettled with XT rear mech and Magura hydraulic rim brakes in dayglo yellow with matching levers(!) waiting next to me at a set of traffic lights earlier in my ride
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 12 May, 2015, 11:07:31 am
I saw a Moulton TSR ER2 (I think that was the name — a spaceframe design) on my way home* on Sunday. Very nice glossy dark blue.

*Not that I reached home on Sunday!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: hulver on 18 May, 2015, 10:16:11 am
An electric Giant yesterday. The battery pack looks quite neat.

(http://i.imgur.com/7jn9rp3l.jpg) (http://imgur.com/7jn9rp3)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Ian H on 19 May, 2015, 04:32:42 pm
Locked up outside a cafe.

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3oDTitraxlY/VVsLGBtBPjI/AAAAAAAAJnk/sIquxjclJOM/w732-h568-no/2015%2B-%2B1)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Tim Hall on 20 May, 2015, 10:53:34 am
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6EuIvE5pcVI/VVxXvNQFp3I/AAAAAAAAG-k/xNn6260VPsk/s800/20150520_081927.jpg)

Today I am mostly working at the Transport Museum in Coventry.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 20 May, 2015, 11:01:57 am
(Sniffs)

How very Ordinary!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Moultonaught on 25 May, 2015, 11:23:46 am
three very lovely 'old skool' audax / fast tourers being ridden by three hirsute and (if i can be so bold) somewhat grizzled looking chaps - riding towards Long Crendon.

No pics as I was in the car waiting to turn right into the petrol station.

The front bike was a red Mercian, the second a Green (I think) FW Evans and  third remains unidentified but had, I think, chrome forks and white blumels mudguards. Nice to see three 'proper' bikes out together...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Deano on 01 June, 2015, 05:54:23 pm
Getting on the train at Newcastle at the same time as us:

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/306/18350874851_8a0724d15c_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/tXB2KZ)

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8867/18161651280_8aec0f3266_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/tETdbC)

Front disc brake only (as far as I could see), single speed at the rear but a double chainset.

If there was a thread for Interesting and Unusual Owners, this bike's owner/inventor/chief marketeer would be in it. He was a frenetic Italian bloke who knew all the tricks of the trains (and appears to have had an argument with every train conductor between Kirkcaldy and Kidderminster - the Cross Country guard came along, clocked the bike in the doorway, clocked this chap, shook his head as if to say "too hard!" and carried on walking), and claimed to have built the bike himself.

He was scornful of standard bikes - he looked at Graeme's very nice ti Spa Audax, waved his hand and said "this is a caged bird, mine is free range".

What appear to be dual handlebars are.. something else - the outer ones have bearings and can turn, they seem to be some sort of prototype for a system of propulsion which would use the arms as well as the legs. He was very keen on this idea.

Note the saddle:

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7745/18349403365_147193f000_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/tXtukx)

He was dismissive of traditional saddles, and reckoned that the only reason his saddles haven't taken off is that people are too tied into the traditional saddle.

I asked his name (basically so I could Google him), and he said something like "names are unimportant, they mean nothing". I asked if he was touring, and he said he is always travelling. Apparently mostly by train - I should have asked if he ever rides that thing.

He did briefly show semi-polite interest in what we were doing, before carrying on talking about his various train-related shenanigans. Loon or genius? Only time will tell...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: fuzzy on 01 June, 2015, 08:52:08 pm
We have a pre owned Futec Roadrunner at the shop currently (full sus road bike)-

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b360/mattlangridge/Photo0097.jpg) (http://s23.photobucket.com/user/mattlangridge/media/Photo0097.jpg.html)

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b360/mattlangridge/Photo0098.jpg) (http://s23.photobucket.com/user/mattlangridge/media/Photo0098.jpg.html)

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b360/mattlangridge/Photo0099.jpg) (http://s23.photobucket.com/user/mattlangridge/media/Photo0099.jpg.html)
Crap photo of internal cable routing

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b360/mattlangridge/Photo0100.jpg) (http://s23.photobucket.com/user/mattlangridge/media/Photo0100.jpg.html)
Lockout on front fork

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b360/mattlangridge/Photo0101.jpg) (http://s23.photobucket.com/user/mattlangridge/media/Photo0101.jpg.html)
Full Dura Ace groupset

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b360/mattlangridge/Photo0102.jpg) (http://s23.photobucket.com/user/mattlangridge/media/Photo0102.jpg.html)
The lightest full suspension bike I have ever experienced.

Tried to ride it but the previous owner was very tall and I could'nt lower the saddle enough. Previously owned and ridden by a multi Olympic gold medallist.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wobbly John on 01 June, 2015, 09:27:42 pm
My Orange X1 has a Stratos air shock - slightly different model to the one on the Futec. We couldn't believe how light it was when we took it out to get it serviced.  :o
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: JonJo on 13 June, 2015, 04:26:39 pm
This is being built up in the LBS. Sorry for the crap photo, I only had my phone camera.
(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo275/jongooligan/modernHetchins_zpsldb64r7o.jpg)
It's a modern take on the curly Hetchins. Apparently some geezer who used to build frames for Bob Jackson is knocking them out. It's badged as a Hetchins so I guess he must have some sort of licence to use the name. Shame about the photo cos it really doesn't do justice to the standard of workmanship that's gone into this bike.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 13 June, 2015, 04:53:39 pm
Bob Jackson had a licence to use the Hetchins name. They made a Curly tandem for a while.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: mark on 15 June, 2015, 12:26:29 am
Someone has been riding a very cool penny-farthing up and down the Clear Creek cycle path (between Golden and Wheat Ridge, CO) for the last few weeks. If I see it stationary I will try to get pictures. The front wheel appears to reach just above my shoulders, it's huge.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: tiermat on 15 June, 2015, 07:50:57 am
mark, I'll ask my friends to keep an eye out for that, they use that path regularly (and I may well get a chance to ride down there this summer).
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Jakob W on 15 June, 2015, 11:34:35 am
Fixie going the opposite way on the commute this morning. A lovely deep green with what looked like a chromed head tube and semi-chromed forks. Matching green bar tape on the track bars. Looked like an old frame - very large and with slack angles, but didn't get a closer look.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: fuzzy on 15 June, 2015, 02:11:09 pm
In a Gentleman's Outfitters window in Marlow is what I take to be a fixed wheel bike (because it only has a front brake- drum style and there are no cables or indexers entering the axle which enters a Sturmey Archer rear hub). Interesting or unusual features? A beautifully varnished marine ply (I think) frame and a chain with weird non standard (not half) links.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: canny colin on 15 June, 2015, 05:42:17 pm
www.exigobikes.co.uk exigothunder   Strange  GT  bikes  copy !!!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 15 June, 2015, 07:09:07 pm
That Sturmey hub could be an S2C, which incorporates a brake and 2 gears.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: pcolbeck on 23 June, 2015, 01:45:25 pm
Forgot my phone so no photo. In York on Sunday chained up in Goodramgate I saw a very neglected Woodrup obviously being used as a hack.
Looked like an 80s frame 531 with Campagnola gears and brakes and a Cinelli stem. The paintwork was all chipped and there was rust on the frame and forks as well. The chain was so rusty and dry I was amazed it worked.  I assume that the current owner has no idea what they have.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 24 June, 2015, 10:40:17 am
Coincidentally, I saw a Woodrup this morning. Couldn't say anything more about it except that it's black and, er, has Woodrup written in white letters on the downtube. Being ridden down the hill past the Royal Infirmary.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 25 June, 2015, 10:57:47 am
And today an Overbury's road bike, probably 1980s, blue with child seat.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Man of the Mountains on 28 June, 2015, 10:15:48 pm
Spotted in transition at Mountain Mayhem 2013
(http://www.fettle.cc/yacfImages/konaRust_bike.jpg)

(http://www.fettle.cc/yacfImages/konaRust_seatTube.JPG)

I lurve the way the clamp-on items have been refitted perfectly
(http://www.fettle.cc/yacfImages/konaRust_rBrake.JPG)

(http://www.fettle.cc/yacfImages/konaRust_headTube.JPG)

(http://www.fettle.cc/yacfImages/konaRust_chainset.JPG)

And the shiniest rear mech in the world
(http://www.fettle.cc/yacfImages/konaRust_rMech.JPG)

I'm pretty sure it's a Kona, the owner only had chance to tell me the rust took a few months to form naturally outside. The build was clearly a labour of love...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Andrij on 29 June, 2015, 11:27:31 am
Had a quick look online, but couldn't find anything on this tandem I spotted on Saturday's ride:

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AeTyqgUix1M/VZB6wYK1TSI/AAAAAAAADNY/SH7lNwT7-VI/s1024/20150627_151557.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 29 June, 2015, 01:12:00 pm
Isn't that what King Arthur will ride back on, when he comes to save England etc etc?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Tim Hall on 29 June, 2015, 01:26:00 pm
Isn't that what King Arthur will ride back on, when he comes to save England etc etc?

Explains Bryan Ferry's cycling habit too...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Andrij on 29 June, 2015, 01:29:01 pm
Isn't that what King Arthur will ride back on, when he comes to save England etc etc?

As Captain or Stoker?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 29 June, 2015, 01:33:05 pm
Isn't that what King Arthur will ride back on, when he comes to save England etc etc?

Explains Bryan Ferry's cycling habit too...
:thumbsup:
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 08 July, 2015, 04:16:29 pm
Shaft drive seen in Covent Garden.  Frame was a Biomega, with unusual square profile tubing:

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/540/18904189573_0e07099bbb_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/uNuUWZ)P7040057 (https://flic.kr/p/uNuUWZ) by TJ Clarion (https://www.flickr.com/photos/93751227@N04/), on Flickr

Could be one of these:

http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/reviews/bike-reviews/biomega-copenhagen-first-ride
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: pcolbeck on 08 July, 2015, 04:39:04 pm
I love the idea of that. Simple and compact. Once they put it on a diet I might be tempted. Surely someone with good materials technology experience can lighten that shaft assembly, what are they using brass ?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 08 July, 2015, 05:02:08 pm
Tis a bit agricultural, isn't it?  I'm sure better shaft drive can be developed, but it will take a lot of investment (which isn't going to come from low sales), and it'll never match the efficiency of a belt drive or a chain :/
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: hatler on 08 July, 2015, 05:31:56 pm
Yup, there's two right angle changes of drive there which means it can never be as efficient as a conventional chain driven system.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 08 July, 2015, 07:41:25 pm
Raleigh Chopper, in suspiciously good condition, being loitered on by an oik outside a newsagent.

They're not making new CSOs something, are they?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: jsabine on 09 July, 2015, 12:30:21 am
Yup. Special edition (http://www.raleigh.co.uk/Company/News/?item=/2014/08/14/new-raleigh-chopper-evokes-golden-era-of-motor-sport/) that's supposed to evoke the golden era of Formula 1 (but manages to evoke a JPS Capri).
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 09 July, 2015, 12:34:57 am
Yup. Special edition (http://www.raleigh.co.uk/Company/News/?item=/2014/08/14/new-raleigh-chopper-evokes-golden-era-of-motor-sport/) that's supposed to evoke the golden era of Formula 1 (but manages to evoke a JPS Capri).

Ah.  Not those colours, but googling around it could well have been the 2004 re-release.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: jsabine on 09 July, 2015, 12:56:51 am
Aye - they've done a Beano one and all sorts ...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: tiermat on 09 July, 2015, 08:38:31 am
Trying to capture the greying pound, aren't they? Instead of buying a soft-top sports car your averge midlife crisis bloke buys a Raleigh Chopper...

Sign of the times, innit? :)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: hatler on 09 July, 2015, 09:22:53 am
No pics sadly, but I saw a Kirk Precision MTB at Poole Harbour on Saturday.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Efrogwr on 09 July, 2015, 10:29:17 am
Spotted in transition at Mountain Mayhem 2013
(http://www.fettle.cc/yacfImages/konaRust_bike.jpg)

(http://www.fettle.cc/yacfImages/konaRust_seatTube.JPG)

I lurve the way the clamp-on items have been refitted perfectly
(http://www.fettle.cc/yacfImages/konaRust_rBrake.JPG)

(http://www.fettle.cc/yacfImages/konaRust_headTube.JPG)

(http://www.fettle.cc/yacfImages/konaRust_chainset.JPG)

And the shiniest rear mech in the world
(http://www.fettle.cc/yacfImages/konaRust_rMech.JPG)

I'm pretty sure it's a Kona, the owner only had chance to tell me the rust took a few months to form naturally outside. The build was clearly a labour of love...


So am I; the seat tube mounted brake cable guide is the type that Kona fitted.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 10 July, 2015, 11:51:58 am
No pics sadly, but I saw a Kirk Precision MTB at Poole Harbour on Saturday.

Kirk.  Salt.  Bad idea.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 10 July, 2015, 01:45:45 pm
It didn't look unusual, not that I got much of a look at it, but a Freddie Grubb.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Reg.T on 10 July, 2015, 09:23:05 pm
My first geared bike was a dull-green Grubb  8) - 531, half-chrome forks, SA 3-speed and flat bars.
Unfortunately a small frame, so I grew out of it by about age 13 or 14. </sigh>
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Torslanda on 13 July, 2015, 01:57:57 pm
A rash of carbon mamil fodder yesterday but in amongst all those thorns was a rose in the shape of a beautiful Mercian in silver. DT shifters, all 24" of it with a horizontal crossbar and sporting a mainly Deore DX based group.

No pics, sorry. It was pissing down and there was coffee & lemon drizzle cake. Priorities first.  ;D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 13 July, 2015, 04:58:24 pm
I'm rather surprised to hear that Robin Thorn is now making carbon frames.

Oh look, there's my bus.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Deano on 13 July, 2015, 09:01:44 pm
We bypassed Stockton Cycling Festival yesterday, and spotted a red Jack Taylor trike going the other way.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Vince on 14 July, 2015, 10:48:29 am
A steel Pinarello equipped with Campagnolo Super Record group set. Very nice!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: sg37409 on 05 August, 2015, 10:21:12 pm
When I heard the holiday home we rented had bikes I was really pleased.
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/338/20139134589_cfc93fcf59_z.jpg)
I couldnt find any tools to fix it, so I never used it.  :o
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: sg37409 on 07 August, 2015, 08:32:41 am
An imaculate old raleigh courier this monring. Still had the original boxy never-ready lights, white wall tyres and saddle bag. Spoke with the rider at the lights, he'd bought it for 50 quid on gumtree, it was a really nice looking old bike
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: fuzzy on 17 August, 2015, 08:37:23 pm
An interesting or unusual Pashley we took in P.X. at the shop recently-

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b360/mattlangridge/Photo0130.jpg) (http://s23.photobucket.com/user/mattlangridge/media/Photo0130.jpg.html)

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b360/mattlangridge/Photo0131.jpg) (http://s23.photobucket.com/user/mattlangridge/media/Photo0131.jpg.html)

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b360/mattlangridge/Photo0133.jpg) (http://s23.photobucket.com/user/mattlangridge/media/Photo0133.jpg.html)

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b360/mattlangridge/Photo0134.jpg) (http://s23.photobucket.com/user/mattlangridge/media/Photo0134.jpg.html)

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b360/mattlangridge/Photo0135.jpg) (http://s23.photobucket.com/user/mattlangridge/media/Photo0135.jpg.html)

Wearing some Brooks pron.

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b360/mattlangridge/Photo0136.jpg) (http://s23.photobucket.com/user/mattlangridge/media/Photo0136.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Andrij on 17 August, 2015, 08:44:26 pm
Spotted on yesterday's stroll:

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EP_BT-wZ67E/VdEWhKTDR5I/AAAAAAAAD6Q/Ah-0hZkhXlg/s800-Ic42/DSC_0089.NEF.jpg)

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iavSMovfXIw/VdEiPXE2pCI/AAAAAAAAD6Q/v1w1qoR3YH8/s800-Ic42/DSC_0128.NEF.jpg)
Best I could do without actually entering the front garden.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Andrij on 25 August, 2015, 10:21:59 am
(http://40.media.tumblr.com/47c933587e597994a5ea57c8fde1dcc7/tumblr_nb7apdyAEr1s3hp12o2_1280.jpg)
spotted on-line
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 25 August, 2015, 11:16:13 am
That ^^^^ really is rather splendid :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 25 August, 2015, 01:07:47 pm
1.  Where is it?

2.  Who owns it?

3.  Why haven't they given it to me yet? ;D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 25 August, 2015, 01:31:20 pm
Oh yes.  Though it needs a braking upgrade for Blue Bank...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 27 August, 2015, 03:43:34 pm
Giant Halfway in Bexleyheath.  Despite being a tad on the agricultural side, it did bear witness to Burrow's input if you counted the number of secure axle ends.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: cycleman on 27 August, 2015, 07:45:35 pm
I saw a Raleigh bomber in good nick at sainburys in Slough .three speed was hub gear and wide steel bars :)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Torslanda on 29 August, 2015, 10:26:17 pm
A pink Woodrup. Late 80s or so from the Biopace 105 group. On a bike carrier with a silver & black Spesh roadie outside our hotel in Arras.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: rafletcher on 30 August, 2015, 12:25:19 pm
A convoy of 5 recumbent - nay, horizontal! -handcyclists between Long Marston & Wingrave in leafy Bucks. And it looked very like there was one solo, and two tandems! They should have had "convoi exceptionnel" plates!! I'd always assume that the cranks would be conventional - 180 degree opposed - but all these had 0 degree separation between left and right "pedal"
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: rafletcher on 30 August, 2015, 01:11:18 pm
My first geared bike was a dull-green Grubb  8) - 531, half-chrome forks, SA 3-speed and flat bars.
Unfortunately a small frame, so I grew out of it by about age 13 or 14. </sigh>

So was mine, but a 23" frame. Got nicked (or more likely sold off by the landlady) from my uni digs one Easter break.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: jsabine on 30 August, 2015, 01:45:32 pm
A convoy of 5 recumbent - nay, horizontal! -handcyclists between Long Marston & Wingrave in leafy Bucks. And it looked very like there was one solo, and two tandems! They should have had "convoi exceptionnel" plates!! I'd always assume that the cranks would be conventional - 180 degree opposed - but all these had 0 degree separation between left and right "pedal"

I think all the handcycles I've seen have been like this (certainly the one used by the guy who completed PBP was) - presumably it means you can use a kind of rowing motion with your torso rather than simply keeping your back in one place and spinning with your arms.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: rafletcher on 30 August, 2015, 02:35:27 pm
I can see that working with a semi-reclined position, but these were horizontal! First I saw of them were the flags on the 2.5m high poles attached to each.

Best I can find online is the Invacare Force RX but they don't do a tandem version. Maybe they weren't tandems, but they looked so close together.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 30 August, 2015, 03:02:43 pm
There are two main styles of handcycles. One is the fully reclined, more aerodynamic type that doesn't require any torso movement (useful for riders who don't have that option). The second has the rider more upright, closer to a wheelchair position, which allows the rider to use their torso muscles for extra power, at the expense of greater wind resistance. An image search for "handcycle racing" will show both types pretty quickly.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: rafletcher on 30 August, 2015, 03:05:30 pm
There are two main styles of handcycles. One is the fully reclined, more aerodynamic type that doesn't require any torso movement (useful for riders who don't have that option). The second has the rider more upright, closer to a wheelchair position, which allows the rider to use their torso muscles for extra power, at the expense of greater wind resistance. An image search for "handcycle racing" will show both types pretty quickly.

I amended my post above - they were definitely fully reclined. And maybe not tandem but it certainly looked like two pairs were linked somehow - but I was doing 50kph in the opposite direction!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 30 August, 2015, 08:47:14 pm
Al Grace adopted a kneeling-and-leaning-forward with his record contender in Battle Mountain last year.  It'll be interesting to see what the team from Plymouth come up with this year.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: tonycollinet on 31 August, 2015, 07:38:46 pm
A postal.... pentacycle? tuppence? On display at Blists Hill recreated victorian village - one of the Ironbridge museums.

(http://www.collinsho.me/photos/pentacycle.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: orienteer on 31 August, 2015, 07:56:55 pm
A Pre-Camber bike?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wobbly John on 31 August, 2015, 08:16:51 pm
A Pentacycle indeed. These were also known as a 'Hen and Chickens'.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: orienteer on 01 September, 2015, 02:42:08 pm
Interested to see that Japanese utility bikes, Mamachari (short for Mama's chariot), are being imported by an east London shop:
http://mamachari.co.uk (http://mamachari.co.uk)

Have ridden these in Japan, very practical, with a nurses lock built in (the sort that projects a bar into the wheel).
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 01 September, 2015, 03:43:10 pm
Omafiets, mamachari; the next thing is 'daughter bikes'!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 01 September, 2015, 09:46:18 pm
A Claud Butler Electron.  i know nothing about said bike it was fitted with period-piece Bluemels mudguards which, improbably, were not cracked, split, or otherwise b0rked.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: marcusjb on 07 September, 2015, 04:18:58 pm
Crossing Putney Bridge - I then stopped to take photos as he sedately rode up New Kings Road.  He stopped for photos (including me taking a couple with his camera). 

No real reason seemed to be the concept behind the machine.  But a little bit of fabulous to cheer up a Monday:

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/COTgfElWgAA-9Hu.jpg:large)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 07 September, 2015, 08:00:39 pm
Bet he still gets SMIDSYed, thobut.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: marcusjb on 08 September, 2015, 07:17:25 am
Interested to see that Japanese utility bikes, Mamachari (short for Mama's chariot), are being imported by an east London shop:
http://mamachari.co.uk (http://mamachari.co.uk)

Have ridden these in Japan, very practical, with a nurses lock built in (the sort that projects a bar into the wheel).
Noah (who owns the shop) is great.

I have a single gear mamachari from him as my shopping bike. Sits out the front of the house year around, gets very little love and attention, but it is just great. Out of all the bikes I own, it probably puts the biggest smile on my face to ride this one - big tyres, upright position, no ability to go very quickly. Love it.

He has recently opened another store (or relocated?) to Walthamstow I believe.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Jakob W on 08 September, 2015, 08:22:33 am
A very ORANGE old-skool Viking, presumably a kid's bike, as it looked to have 24" wheels. The thing that caught my eye was that it had a Brooks Imperial that looked to have been put through a hot wash - did they make a children's version?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Zipperhead on 10 September, 2015, 02:02:58 pm
I saw someone commuting on a BMX today. I was coming up behind him (no great difference in our speeds) and I realised that not only was he riding a bmx, but I couldn't see the glow from his knees melting reflecting off the car in front.

He was a fairly petite person, but the bike had a long (but not so long that it looked silly) seatpost and bars that looked a bit wider than normal..

When the traffic stopped us both I rolled up behind him to look and see what sort of gearing he head. Just the one, but the sprocket was only marginally larger than the wheelnuts.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Steveindenmark on 11 September, 2015, 09:32:54 am
This is my alu Kickbike

(http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w182/steveindenmark/Scooters/image_zpsc59536c1.jpg) (http://s176.photobucket.com/user/steveindenmark/media/Scooters/image_zpsc59536c1.jpg.html)

My Winter Steel Kickbike

(http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w182/steveindenmark/Scooters/IMG_1197.jpg) (http://s176.photobucket.com/user/steveindenmark/media/Scooters/IMG_1197.jpg.html)

I would like this.

(http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w182/steveindenmark/image.jpg1_zpsukcv03pw.jpg) (http://s176.photobucket.com/user/steveindenmark/media/image.jpg1_zpsukcv03pw.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Torslanda on 11 September, 2015, 11:05:07 pm
That last one looks interesting! Welcome to yacf.

Not that it's compulsory, you understand but new members are encouraged to visit The Office (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?board=7.0) and introduce themselves.

Her you can tell us all about your KickBikes. I for one, would be interested to know a little more...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 17 September, 2015, 04:11:23 pm
A non-Rohloffed Thorn in blue with the usual ten-yard steerer and a curious Y-shaped front low rider rack. But what caught my eye was the glitteriness of this:
(http://www.brooksengland.com/images/cache/shop/shop_saddles/classic_saddles___heavy_duty/b33/colors/b33_black_1_w375_h275_vamiddle_jc95.jpg)

I think that's the first front and rear sprung saddle I've seen since India!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wowbagger on 17 September, 2015, 06:41:48 pm
One of these in Gunners Park, Shoebury.

http://www.greyp.com/gallery

Very not legal - goes up to 70kph, apparently, and the website claims a battery range of 120km on an 80 minute charge.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 17 September, 2015, 07:18:27 pm
Zoinks! The Blue Thunder model appears to have twin front discs – that's more than most small motorbikes!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 17 September, 2015, 08:15:20 pm
One of these in Gunners Park, Shoebury.

http://www.greyp.com/gallery

Very not legal - goes up to 70kph, apparently, and the website claims a battery range of 120km on an 80 minute charge.

It's got a 250W mode, but who's going to use that?  TBH, I'm not sure what the legality of switchable limiting actually is.  On one hand, it makes sense for a powerful off-road bike to have a way to easily make it legal.  On the other, anything that doesn't involve unplug-the-battery or plug-in-a-laptop-and-reflash-the-firmware levels of faff is too easy to do while riding along.

I'd expect more than 120km from a bicycle with a 1.5kWh battery at legal speeds.   Ah, there's a graph that suggests that's with knobbly tyres fitted, and it'll do a bit more on road tyres.


Zoinks! The Blue Thunder model appears to have twin front discs – that's more than most small motorbikes!

I, for one, would want a 48kg mountain bike to have as much braking as it possibly could!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 18 September, 2015, 08:56:06 am
But does it need more than a 100kg motorbike which reaches 100-120km/h? Of course it could be that bicycle disc brakes are less powerful, perhaps because lighter and thinner, than even a cable-operated motorbike disc with big chunky rotor and beefy caliper.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 18 September, 2015, 11:30:54 am
Twin brakes on the fork eliminates any twisting, which can be very useful for a lightweight fork.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: jsabine on 18 September, 2015, 12:03:28 pm
It would be fair, I think, to say that the Greyp Blue Thunder is not equipped with a lightweight fork.

(No doubt reducing twist remains a benefit, of course.)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wowbagger on 18 September, 2015, 08:49:51 pm
The example I saw had twin discs at the front, and the forks did not look lightweight. it was fitted with road tyres, though.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 20 September, 2015, 10:25:59 pm
A recumbent delta trike with underseat steering. And lots of bags. Carrier bags, mostly.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 12 October, 2015, 02:29:43 pm
This morning, the tallest tall bike I've ever seen. Saddle must have been six feet off the ground. No idea how it was mountable, rideable, or dismountable, but a guy with dreadlocks (of course!) was riding it – with a couple of panniers on its lower levels.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Reg.T on 13 October, 2015, 08:57:23 pm
In Bristol on Sunday afternoon - kind of mini-BMX bikes being ridden by some folk of various ages
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/56557612/IMG_20151011_150357.jpg)
(College Green)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 13 October, 2015, 09:03:44 pm
Looks like they've nicked their five-year-old brothers' bikes and put wheelbarrow wheels on them!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 13 October, 2015, 09:49:34 pm
Also looks like they're molishing a fillum, so that may make some kind of sense.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Reg.T on 14 October, 2015, 07:31:22 pm
Yes, they were being filmed...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 14 October, 2015, 09:42:02 pm
Seen a few of these. Bit of a craze going on.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Andrij on 15 October, 2015, 09:31:20 pm
At Manor Park* Sation.  Not quite what you expect so far out in East London.
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5734/22200666045_966147d227_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/zPNdye)
20150822_105821 (https://flic.kr/p/zPNdye) by Andrij (https://www.flickr.com/photos/bebchenko/), on Flickr
* No, not Manor House, Manor Park, they're nowhere near each other!


Sooo much going on here.  Imperial College, London.
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5643/22210997021_a5cdbaef3f_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/zQHaAv)
20150911_165443 (https://flic.kr/p/zQHaAv) by Andrij (https://www.flickr.com/photos/bebchenko/), on Flickr


Seen in Soho, a Soma mini-velo (http://www.somafab.com/archives/product/mini-velo).
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5831/21579638693_6b4a731ccd_c.jpg)
 (https://flic.kr/p/ySVhL6)Soma mini-velo, spotted in Soho (https://flic.kr/p/ySVhL6) by Andrij (https://www.flickr.com/photos/bebchenko/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: spesh on 15 October, 2015, 09:42:02 pm
At Manor Park* Sation.  Not quite what you expect so far out in East London.
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5734/22200666045_966147d227_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/zPNdye)
20150822_105821 (https://flic.kr/p/zPNdye) by Andrij (https://www.flickr.com/photos/bebchenko/), on Flickr
* No, not Manor House, Manor Park, they're nowhere near each other!

Oh, the buggers are everywhere - there are plenty of fauxies with colour-coordinated rims and chains in Pompey, never mind the ironic beards and pomaded quiffs.

"'ipsters, sah! Thahsahnds of 'em..."

Quote
Sooo much going on here.  Imperial College, London.
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5643/22210997021_a5cdbaef3f_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/zQHaAv)
20150911_165443 (https://flic.kr/p/zQHaAv) by Andrij (https://www.flickr.com/photos/bebchenko/), on Flickr

That would not look out of place on Yourbikehatesyou's Facebook page.  ;D

https://www.facebook.com/Yourbikehatesyou-244725472237310/
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Andrij on 15 October, 2015, 09:51:05 pm
Sooo much going on here.  Imperial College, London.
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5643/22210997021_a5cdbaef3f_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/zQHaAv)
20150911_165443 (https://flic.kr/p/zQHaAv) by Andrij (https://www.flickr.com/photos/bebchenko/), on Flickr

That would not look out of place on Yourbikehatesyou's Facebook page.  ;D

https://www.facebook.com/Yourbikehatesyou-244725472237310/

What a terrific page!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 16 October, 2015, 10:10:34 am
At Manor Park* Sation.  Not quite what you expect so far out in East London.
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5734/22200666045_966147d227_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/zPNdye)
20150822_105821 (https://flic.kr/p/zPNdye) by Andrij (https://www.flickr.com/photos/bebchenko/), on Flickr
* No, not Manor House, Manor Park, they're nowhere near each other!

Oh, the buggers are everywhere - there are plenty of fauxies with colour-coordinated rims and chains in Pompey, never mind the ironic beards and pomaded quiffs.

"'ipsters, sah! Thahsahnds of 'em..."

Surely the unexpected thing is that it has brakes. Two of them and they appear to function.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Jakob W on 16 October, 2015, 06:54:08 pm

Sooo much going on here.  Imperial College, London.
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5643/22210997021_a5cdbaef3f_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/zQHaAv)
20150911_165443 (https://flic.kr/p/zQHaAv) by Andrij (https://www.flickr.com/photos/bebchenko/), on Flickr

When I was there I had some mech eng mates that were into freak bikes and the like, but that's just nasty - I really hope that doesn't belong to one of the nation's future engineering superstars...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Andrij on 16 October, 2015, 07:08:37 pm
IIRC, taken along Prince Consort Road, between the Royal College of Music and Exhibition Road.  Checking maps, the MechEng building is nearby.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Jakob W on 17 October, 2015, 07:36:50 am
Thank goodness - we can blame a miner...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 19 October, 2015, 09:38:38 am
Had a brief play with one of these yesterday:

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/665/22109712898_6af588131e_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/zFL4mw)
Got to be Gordon's (https://flic.kr/p/zFL4mw) by Mr Larrington (https://www.flickr.com/photos/mr_larrington/), on Flickr

Attached to a soot frame hand-crufted by Mike Burrows.  Monoblade, monostay doubling as a chaincase, drum brakes.  Unsurprisingly it felt just like a bicycle.  It's off to Mike Nelthorpe to be prettificated which, Mr Burrows says, will double the mass of the bike due to the quantity of filler required to smooth things out.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 19 October, 2015, 02:19:28 pm
HK and I visited a friend who has had a Burrows 'expensive Raleigh 20' (called a 1D perhaps) with carbon chaincase/ chainstay and drum brakes for quite a while. A lovely bit of kit but the single speed is quite limiting. A Pinion gearcase would be heavy but very nice.

Tony also showed me an ex-Dutch national team motorpace bike with an enormous drilled Campag ring and a beautiful chrome Carlton with headclip headset, Airlite hubs, Chater-Lea cranks and inch pitch block chain. The Carlton is just about my size and I'd love to take it around a proper velodrome at speed, after gluing on a couple of reliable tyres!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: matthew on 23 October, 2015, 06:23:59 pm
Was surprised to see a delta recumbent trike in town today while I was out shopping. Turned out to be a Hase ridden by a gent with cerebral palsy and therefore one side stronger than the other.

His comments were that he can break the seat frame as he is stronger on one side than the other and that because the rear axle is tilted to match the camber of the wheels it twists the chain and therefore eats them.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: paul851 on 23 October, 2015, 07:59:07 pm
My youngest on his new trike supplied by Cyclists Fighting Cancer (http://www.cyclistsfc.org.uk/) He's been hammered by the side effects of one of his chemo drugs , so much so that they have had to reduce the dose as he was totally unable to walk for the first 5 months of treatment .


Paul
 
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/698/22229020719_9219271ed3_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/zSixpV)theraplay (https://flic.kr/p/zSixpV) by Paul Markey (https://www.flickr.com/photos/31711148@N08/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: woollypigs on 23 October, 2015, 09:13:25 pm
Brilliant :)

BTW great hat :)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 23 October, 2015, 09:42:58 pm
I was thinking the same about the hat!
Have heard of Cyclists Fighting Cancer before, though can't remember quite where, so it's good to see them in action.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Ruthie on 23 October, 2015, 09:47:47 pm
Great picture!

Somebody needs a pirate flag.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Vince on 24 October, 2015, 10:31:45 am
A great picture and what a worthwhile cause.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Speshact on 24 October, 2015, 08:30:43 pm
I've just put some pictures on my blog from today's Veteran-Cycle Club 60th Anniversary Autumn Cavalcade in Southwark http://kenningtonpob.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/the-veteran-cycle-club-60th-anniversary.html
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 25 October, 2015, 07:36:34 pm
On today's ride I saw someone on an upwrongular tricycle up ahead.  Except when I caught up, it turned out to be a miniature horse & cart.   :facepalm:

This is even sillier than my usual trick of spotting people riding in the saddle on BMXes and thinking they're on a recumbent.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: menthel on 26 October, 2015, 01:23:26 pm
Crossing Putney Bridge - I then stopped to take photos as he sedately rode up New Kings Road.  He stopped for photos (including me taking a couple with his camera). 

No real reason seemed to be the concept behind the machine.  But a little bit of fabulous to cheer up a Monday:

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/COTgfElWgAA-9Hu.jpg:large)

See him every so often going through Wimbledon, last time was on Queens Road a couple of weeks ago.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Ruthie on 27 October, 2015, 06:57:39 pm
What a gorgeous spectacle!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Ruthie on 28 October, 2015, 09:17:03 pm
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/661/21488595044_47f7b58f0f_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/yJSEE1)Northwest Highlands 2015 001 (https://flic.kr/p/yJSEE1) by Ruth Irving (https://www.flickr.com/photos/106826773@N02/), on Flickr

I liked this bike because it's so obviously fit for purpose, and exactly what its owner needs.  Also, nice cycling helmet.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: madcow on 28 October, 2015, 11:26:59 pm
The three pics on this page all capture what two wheels can do for us all and there's not a piece of lycra in sight.
Paul - best wishes to your little lad. He's obviously dead chuffed to be on his bike and let's hope that cheers him up a bit as he's been through the wringer by the sound of it.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 01 November, 2015, 07:16:18 am
(http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t51/asorim1/IMG_20151009_124250812_zpsrcv8eelw.jpg)

http://www.dynamicbicyclesuk.co.uk/shafttechnology/

Anyone tried this?  Any good?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 02 November, 2015, 05:01:59 pm
I liked this bike because it's so obviously fit for purpose, and exactly what its owner needs.  Also, nice cycling helmet.
Yes. It's the antithesis of cycling and the epitome of transport.

Or the antitome and the thesis, or something.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Andrij on 03 November, 2015, 08:25:36 pm
Levocyclette Terrot (http://www.sterba-bike.cz/album/83/category/the-gallery?lang=EN) - online, not in the flesh.

Teaser pic:
(http://www.sterba-bike.cz/media/foto/3/img7677eaae4e7a5c61ea6eec6128a5c1c3.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 03 November, 2015, 09:22:22 pm
I think that wins the cake for however they said pensée bleu ciel back in 1905.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wobbly John on 03 November, 2015, 09:47:24 pm
10 speed, grip-shift with cantilever brakes... 

...in 1905? :o


What you're looking at there, young man, is a time machine!  :demon:

Treddle drive?  :facepalm:
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Basil on 05 November, 2015, 01:20:01 pm
Not as unusual as the BBC seem to think.

Baked Bean Bike (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-south-west-wales-34722335)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 12 November, 2015, 12:05:51 am
On the way home this evening a Raleigh Shopper which looked as though it rolled out of the factory this morning.  Have Raleigh suddenly started making them again?

This was followed in short order by a couple riding a tandem, which I hold to be quite brave in Upper Street N1 at 10:30 pm.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Torslanda on 12 November, 2015, 12:12:38 am
Like this . . . ? (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYzdoz94dus)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 12 November, 2015, 12:51:04 am
Similar, except for the lights.  And the antennae.  And the childish "beep beep" noises.

Though I did later see a couple with red illuminated wheel rims.  The illuminated bit was about a quarter of the circumference and remained steadily in the 3 o'clock position when viewed from the left of the bikes.  Most eyecatching.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Andrij on 12 November, 2015, 01:03:58 pm
Five Interesting Tandems (https://www.freedating.co.uk/articles/5-unromantically-tricky-tandem-bicycles.html)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 12 November, 2015, 01:14:03 pm
A small-wheeled (16"), presumably folding, bike with disc brakes, electric assist and some unorthodox lighting decisions, performing a slingshot manoeuvre around Holloway Circus while I was stopped at the lights last night.

Aesthetically somewhere between a Mezzo and the dropship from Aliens.

The Germans are in town, so anything is possible.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 12 November, 2015, 01:35:24 pm
Five Interesting Tandems (https://www.freedating.co.uk/articles/5-unromantically-tricky-tandem-bicycles.html)
The tandem unicycle is a wonderfully bonkers idea.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: sg37409 on 01 December, 2015, 09:09:33 pm
This was a new one me,
http://birdofpreybicycles.ning.com
Don't know where to put this: I technically didnt see one.

I did see this though.
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5666/23158068170_293986e14c_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Bhp9Rq)sweet 16 (https://flic.kr/p/Bhp9Rq) by sg310 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/24775321@N02/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Torslanda on 05 December, 2015, 10:06:40 am
Of the two I much prefer the Raleigh . . .

 . . . as for the other, file under 'It'll never catch on!'
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: JennyB on 05 December, 2015, 10:27:41 am
Five Interesting Tandems (https://www.freedating.co.uk/articles/5-unromantically-tricky-tandem-bicycles.html)

I remember, long ago, a fast-looking tandem where the stoker sat in front, facing backwards. Presumably it was  intended that their back should act as a fairing.  ???
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: sg37409 on 05 December, 2015, 05:29:29 pm
Of the two I much prefer the Raleigh . . .

 . . . as for the other, file under 'It'll never catch on!'


Yep. The wee raleigh was parked up outside big Als alongside De Rosa's, ti Van Nichs, etc. It was cool.
The comments on the birdofprey bike are the usual crap.  It looks like it'd be a killer on your back apart from anything else.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 05 December, 2015, 07:36:09 pm
Five Interesting Tandems (https://www.freedating.co.uk/articles/5-unromantically-tricky-tandem-bicycles.html)

I remember, long ago, a fast-looking tandem where the stoker sat in front, facing backwards. Presumably it was  intended that their back should act as a fairing.  ???

And promptly banned from competition.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Reg.T on 06 December, 2015, 08:07:55 am
Of the two I much prefer the Raleigh . . .

 . . . as for the other, file under 'It'll never catch on!'
I remember my neighbour had a sixteen when I was a kid.
Re the Bid of Prey: since when has 60x36 been "mountain bike low" equivalent? Not sure the other advantages would help much on Devil's Staircase.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Andrij on 09 December, 2015, 06:22:50 pm
Where does one buy 36" tyres?? (http://www.bicycling.com/culture/people/shaqs-new-custom-bike-is-huge-and-totally-awesome?cid=soc_BICYCLING%20magazine%20-%20bicyclingmag_FBPAGE_Bicycling__)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Deano on 09 December, 2015, 06:57:43 pm
From Dylan Thomas, of course! (http://www.pimcycles.co.uk/36er-faq/)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 18 December, 2015, 06:28:48 pm
About a week ago, a Montagu on the single rack outside the chip shop where for months there was some abandoned-looking bso.

Today, an old man, beard just a bit shorter and greyer than Wowbagger's, on an electric bike with a lot of tinsel wrapped all round the handlebar and frame, and a ghetto blaster pounding out the greatest hits of Mr He's-Your-Uncle Marley. This caused Adam* to exclaim, possibly ironically, "Hipster!" Possibly not ironically, the beard would qualify.

*Roundabout newly coined forum nickname for my son, which will probably change again very soon.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: tiermat on 21 February, 2016, 09:10:48 am
Yesterday, as I was on my way to the tip, I spied a Idai-alike walking bike thingy. Strange to see it out here...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wobbly John on 21 February, 2016, 10:13:39 am
Yesterday, as I was on my way to the tip, I spied a Idai-alike walking bike thingy. Strange to see it out here...

He was out on a DIY 300 yesterday - maybe he went your direction?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 08 March, 2016, 12:04:49 pm
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1490/24964652423_a149cde97e_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/E33npM)Carlton 1 (https://flic.kr/p/E33npM) by TJ Clarion (https://www.flickr.com/photos/93751227@N04/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: MagnusOpus on 08 March, 2016, 12:20:37 pm
What's with the breadboard and wires on that Carlton?

Is it a suicide bomb bike?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 08 March, 2016, 12:22:02 pm
No idea.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Diver300 on 08 March, 2016, 12:27:02 pm
What's with the breadboard and wires on that Carlton?

Is it a suicide bomb bike?
Front light? It looks like an LED to me.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: nomeansno on 10 March, 2016, 10:18:55 am
My next door neighbours bike what he made....

http://(http://i571.photobucket.com/albums/ss152/michael_melvin1/wGiBkk7p9soCebfnxRlxAmupI12Uep3DS1vwUybZVqU-2048x1536_zpsn0zqatkx.jpg) (http://s571.photobucket.com/user/michael_melvin1/media/wGiBkk7p9soCebfnxRlxAmupI12Uep3DS1vwUybZVqU-2048x1536_zpsn0zqatkx.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: hatler on 10 March, 2016, 10:54:10 am
!!  Why ?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Pingu on 10 March, 2016, 10:55:54 am
That's bananas
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: fuzzy on 13 March, 2016, 09:25:12 pm
Once again, sorry for the orientation-

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b360/mattlangridge/Photo0229.jpg) (http://s23.photobucket.com/user/mattlangridge/media/Photo0229.jpg.html)

An originl ball buster :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Jurek on 14 March, 2016, 07:15:19 am
Ball buster?
What about my cricked neck?
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1478/25751194656_6469c457c2_b.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 14 March, 2016, 08:34:34 am
Surely vertical is the correct and natural orientation for a Chopper?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Zipperhead on 14 March, 2016, 02:25:57 pm
Surely vertical is the correct and natural orientation for a Chopper?

It certainly is for my chopper.

IGMC.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Blodwyn Pig on 16 March, 2016, 06:35:46 pm
(http://i884.photobucket.com/albums/ac41/yostumpy/WP_20160313_12_59_27_Pro_zpshdsa8jno.jpg) (http://s884.photobucket.com/user/yostumpy/media/WP_20160313_12_59_27_Pro_zpshdsa8jno.jpg.html)

a leathered up cannondale lefty
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Pingu on 18 March, 2016, 11:08:39 pm
Science bike

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1479/25263251153_7f310726ec_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/EuqLpK)
IMG_6412_01 (https://flic.kr/p/EuqLpK) by The Pingus (https://www.flickr.com/photos/the_pingus/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Tim Hall on 20 March, 2016, 06:42:06 pm
At tanhouse farm, Newdigate, The Boy and I spotted a bunch of older bikes, including: 

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mcrMhQWGlBs/Vu7sjHbIH1I/AAAAAAAAHzQ/OiZBGUQFTb40yiZt6QvyRvsOfsLi3Zr6wCCo/s912-Ic42/2016-03-20%2B13.36.08.jpg)

A BSA heavy duty roadster.

And a (can't remember) but the owner said the frame was from the 1930s, while the natty Osgear wasa little later.

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YeG4IBzunxo/Vu7sq-KiEtI/AAAAAAAAHzQ/U418EQmVlFYoY1SJnaq_ZIJx1Xce_rCBwCCo/s512-Ic42/2016-03-20%2B13.40.09.jpg)

The riders were suitably attired in woolen cycling jerseys (Kenton RC was one of them) and a preponderance of knee britches.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Ruthie on 30 March, 2016, 02:57:28 pm
I had some new shiny things delivered today, and this was the courier.  The vehicle's name is Maximus.

[img=http://(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1530/25531077913_89da7ae16f_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/EU6rYv)Maximus! (https://flic.kr/p/EU6rYv) by Ruth Irving (https://www.flickr.com/photos/106826773@N02/), on Flickr][/img]

I asked the chap with the knees if his name was Decimus Meridius, but it isn't.  He didn't seem to find that as funny as I did

You probly get lots of Maximuses in London and Mordor and suchlike.  Not so many in Darlo though.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 30 March, 2016, 03:06:27 pm
Maximuses or Maximi or whatever you want to call them – Maximus cycles – are made in Bath, so you can consider that a little bit of Cuban* sunshine under the grey skies of Co. Durham.  8)

*Counties that Used to Be Avon.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 30 March, 2016, 06:25:38 pm
You probly get lots of Maximuses in London and Mordor and suchlike.

*giggles*

I suspect that Brizzle or York are more likely habitats.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 30 March, 2016, 08:34:40 pm
I think there is a fair number of Maximi on pedicab duty in that there Lundun ton.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 30 March, 2016, 08:42:00 pm
I think there is a fair number of Maximi on pedicab duty in that there Lundun ton.

Well yes, but That London is big enough that it's got a fair number of pretty much anything.

It's the idea of cargo trikes in Birmingham that I found hilarious.  I mean, there are a couple of privately-owned Babboes lurking in the Mosley-King[']s Heath lentil belt, but if you attempted to use one to deliver things in the city centre you'd probably get beaten up by irate motorists.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 31 March, 2016, 04:25:13 pm
There is a cycle courier service (https://velopostuk.wordpress.com) in Brizzle but I've never seen a Maximus. And I've never heard of a Babboe, so Mordor is at least one up on us. I've seen a bloke on a bright orange cargo bike delivering stuff, not sure if he was with Velo Post though. Apart from that, a couple of box bikes and Christiana trikes, all used for kid deliveries, and that seems to be it.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 02 April, 2016, 12:26:37 am
(http://www.ductilebiscuit.net/gallery_albums/cycling/2016_04_01_17_26_38.sized.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 02 April, 2016, 08:39:14 am
As much use as a... chocolate Alp?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Andrij on 02 April, 2016, 08:49:46 am
An obvious fake - the real thing would have triangular 'tubes'.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 02 April, 2016, 01:37:45 pm
An obvious fake - the real thing would have triangular 'tubes'.

The proximity to Bournville is suspicious, too...


(Though googlepedia tells me they've all been borged by the Mega-Global Food Product Corporation of Northfield, USAnia.  So maybe they phased out triangular frames at the same time.)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 06 April, 2016, 11:32:37 am
Yesterday a Small Person on a BMX with a pair of huge mirrors shaped like rabbit ears, a piece of silver-painted cardboard tube strapped to the LH chainstay and a massive grin.  I expect to see him on a MotoGP bike in ten years' time.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Andrij on 12 April, 2016, 10:15:08 am
Man gets strangers to draw bicycles from memory then renders them in 3D.
http://www.gianlucagimini.it/prototypes/velocipedia.html

 :o
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 12 April, 2016, 11:36:21 am
(http://www.gianlucagimini.it/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Gianluca_Gimini-Velocipedia-4.jpg)
CDC?

(http://www.gianlucagimini.it/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Gianluca_Gimini-Velocipedia-15.jpg)
Wobbly John special?

(http://www.gianlucagimini.it/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Gianluca_Gimini-Velocipedia-17.jpg)
Help!

(http://www.gianlucagimini.it/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Gianluca_Gimini-Velocipedia-5.jpg)
Modern bicycles are too complicated. Who really needs all those gears, those hydraulic disc brakes, clipless pedals and aero-profiled frame tubes? Who really needs brakes at all? Or frame tubes? Or pedals?

Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 12 April, 2016, 11:52:58 am
I've played this game before.  Most people who aren't regular fettlers of bicycles (or perhaps clever enough to design them from first principles when given the task) seem to have gaps in their awareness of how the things fit together.  Interesting parallels with the sort of mistakes you find in young children's drawings.

Puts those cycle lane stencils in perspective anyway.

As for the 3D renderings, the next logical step is to create a computer game in which to simulate them.  A kind of Kerbal Bike Program, as it were.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 12 April, 2016, 11:58:36 am
Kerbal or Curveball?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: tom_e on 12 April, 2016, 12:18:50 pm
It's interesting - I've had to make a small cartoon bike drawing before.  If you can't get much detail in, it works much better to entirely miss out many bits than it does to produce a blob of lines all on top of one another.  Might see if I can find it again.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: tom_e on 12 April, 2016, 12:27:00 pm
And this all-wheel drive fatbike is just utterly awesome:

(http://www.gianlucagimini.it/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Gianluca_Gimini-Velocipedia-7.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: hatler on 12 April, 2016, 01:20:37 pm
Unless the chain wraps round the chain wheel (how ??), I predict quite a bit of chain slip.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 12 April, 2016, 01:21:46 pm
That's okay, lack of chain tension can be easily remedied by steering to the left...

Ah no, the pivot's in the wrong place, it won't even do that.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 12 April, 2016, 03:51:31 pm
I'd expect something not dissimilar to that fatbike to emerge from Mike Burrows' Sheds.  The wheels would be on the right of the frame, but apart from that ;D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: tom_e on 12 April, 2016, 04:22:37 pm
Unless the chain wraps round the chain wheel (how ??), I predict quite a bit of chain slip.

I fear the toe overlap will get you before you can make the chain slip...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Ningishzidda on 13 April, 2016, 12:54:09 pm
Cannondale once had a design that drove the front wheel via a cable. Can’t find a photo.
It didn’t catch on.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 13 April, 2016, 01:21:30 pm
Mountain bikes with front hub motors seem to be quite popular with certain USAnians, though.  Makes sense: If you're going to cheat at climbs, you might as well get two-wheel drive and anti-lock braking as part of the deal.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Jurek on 18 April, 2016, 02:30:06 pm
I saw that image last week on WeTransfer's opening page, it intrigued me to the point that I took a screen grab of it.
Something not quite right about it in a CGI kind of way - never mind the mechanics of it....
The website it comes from
http://www.gianlucagimini.it
Is that of a designer, who's work appears to be CGI heavy.
Just sayin'.......
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Jurek on 18 April, 2016, 02:43:12 pm
From the same designer....

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1718/26411119592_3744996feb_b.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: tom_e on 18 April, 2016, 02:46:20 pm
I saw that image last week on WeTransfer's opening page, it intrigued me to the point that I took a screen grab of it.
Something not quite right about it in a CGI kind of way - never mind the mechanics of it....
The website it comes from
http://www.gianlucagimini.it
Is that of a designer, who's work appears to be CGI heavy.
Just sayin'.......

Indeed - discussion started back here
Man gets strangers to draw bicycles from memory then renders them in 3D.
http://www.gianlucagimini.it/prototypes/velocipedia.html

 :o
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 18 April, 2016, 03:34:34 pm
From the same designer....

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1718/26411119592_3744996feb_b.jpg)

How long will that head tube remain attached to the rest of the bike if the rider is so foolish as to use the front brake :facepalm:  Although given that the brake levers occupy a different time zone from the handlebar grips perhaps that's less of an issue than might be supposed.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Jurek on 18 April, 2016, 03:43:23 pm
I expect that on that bike, the chain will never look a bit slack.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: rogerzilla on 18 April, 2016, 03:44:44 pm
A weird monocoque utility thing, not apparently folding.  Had a large brand name on the side ending in "cycle".  not very helpful, I know.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 18 April, 2016, 04:29:21 pm
Gocycle?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Efrogwr on 20 April, 2016, 08:12:41 pm
This afternoon I saw a Whyte PRS-1, aka Preston.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Torslanda on 20 April, 2016, 11:32:37 pm
Completely slipped my mind until now. A couple of Fridays ago we were in Antwerp and spotted a bakfiets with a precious cargo. Babette was in a layback car seat in the front with a proud dad pedalling along. Seemingly an everyday ocurrence for all the reaction . . .
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 21 April, 2016, 10:09:12 am
Yesterday, a Trikidoo and a Gocycle. Not sure quite what the latter is, it looked to have similar proportions to a Strida possibly combined with electric power.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: L CC on 21 April, 2016, 12:58:14 pm
Gocycle are a folding bike with a belt drive, single rear seat stay and internal cabling.
Made (at least some components) at one of my previous employer's suppliers at Ely.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: fuzzy on 08 May, 2016, 12:26:00 am
Today, for a little while, I got to play with this beastie-

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7712/26272754133_c5a3e70503_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/G2CJtx)Photo0267 (https://flic.kr/p/G2CJtx) by fuzzy4130 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/59790646@N05/), on Flickr

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7446/26877007855_23b3b8ace0_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/GX2G4a)Photo0268 (https://flic.kr/p/GX2G4a) by fuzzy4130 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/59790646@N05/), on Flickr

Here are a couple of crap pictures of me grinning like a cheshire cat as I rode the ICE Full Fat around Marlow-

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7436/26877006335_05f5a5b4fc_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/GX2FAX)Photo0264 (https://flic.kr/p/GX2FAX) by fuzzy4130 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/59790646@N05/), on Flickr

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7338/26877005925_680a345a3b_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/GX2FtT)Photo0262 (https://flic.kr/p/GX2FtT) by fuzzy4130 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/59790646@N05/), on Flickr

We had ICE come to the shop today with a selection of toys for folk to try, including the beast. A number of people asked why anyone would want a full fat trike. I thought for a while and all I could really say was that if you had to ask the question, you would never understand the answer ;D

The full fat is absolutley bonkers. What better reason to want one? It was a hoot to ride. This example is fitted with a Rohloff X1 14 speed tin of gears so was nice and smooth. Ascending was a bit of a struggle to start with but I soon got into it. Riding around the park, looking for lumpy bits had me wishing I had time to get into the woods to really play. Sadly, the ICE boys needed to get back to Falmouth.

I am now in big trouble as I really wants one my preciousssssssss.

Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Jayjay on 09 May, 2016, 08:50:59 pm
Chained to a post on Northbridge St yesterday afternoon was a tatty old silver MTB/Hybrid thingy. It had a KIA badge on the head tube and the words "THINK BEFORE YOU DRIVE" in red capitals on the down tube.

I didn't know KIA made bikes, but I think it wonderful that a car manufacturer can stick a warning against unnecessary car use on a bike :thumbsup:

I had one-a-them, was given from my father-in-law, and about 10 thousand miles later donated to a friend's college student son. Yes they used to make bikes, the recent ones were promotional given free with a Kia 4x4 . ???
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5083/5223175195_137ac288d3.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/8Xy91K)Kia parked in the snow. (https://flic.kr/p/8Xy91K) by John Jackson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/29179705@N02/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 09 May, 2016, 09:06:56 pm
Today, for a little while, I got to play with this beastie-

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7712/26272754133_c5a3e70503_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/G2CJtx)Photo0267 (https://flic.kr/p/G2CJtx) by fuzzy4130 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/59790646@N05/), on Flickr

Had a go on one of those at York last year.  It does wicked endos.  Sadly there weren't any Sands Of Doom to hand to really test it out on.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Riggers on 11 May, 2016, 12:58:26 pm
From the same designer....

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1718/26411119592_3744996feb_b.jpg)

How long will that head tube remain attached to the rest of the bike if the rider is so foolish as to use the front brake :facepalm:  Although given that the brake levers occupy a different time zone from the handlebar grips perhaps that's less of an issue than might be supposed.

S'funny, I was thinking exactly the same thing m'self young Larrers.

Actually, what the hell's happened the the chain stays!!?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 11 May, 2016, 01:00:34 pm
Methinks you haven't read the article?

They are 3D renderings of bicycles based on people's drawings-from-memory of what a bicycle looks like (it turns out that people are surprisingly bad at remembering how a bicycle fits together).  For once it's not designer cluelessness that's at fault.

SCIENCE: https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/~rlawson/cycleweb.html
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 11 May, 2016, 01:10:31 pm
Today, for a little while, I got to play with this beastie-

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7712/26272754133_c5a3e70503_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/G2CJtx)Photo0267 (https://flic.kr/p/G2CJtx) by fuzzy4130 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/59790646@N05/), on Flickr

Had a go on one of those at York last year.  It does wicked endos.  Sadly there weren't any Sands Of Doom to hand to really test it out on.

My chum Mr Hill has one, which he brought to Battle Mountain last year.  Wasted on the motel car park...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: matthew on 11 May, 2016, 01:26:53 pm
From the same designer....

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1718/26411119592_3744996feb_b.jpg)

How long will that head tube remain attached to the rest of the bike if the rider is so foolish as to use the front brake :facepalm:  Although given that the brake levers occupy a different time zone from the handlebar grips perhaps that's less of an issue than might be supposed.

S'funny, I was thinking exactly the same thing m'self young Larrers.

Actually, what the hell's happened the the chain stays!!?


Auto magical chain tensioning  ;) or rather a member of the public who forgot their necessity
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 11 May, 2016, 02:07:01 pm
A chrome Carlton track bike with Airlite hubs, Chater Lea cranks and inch pitch block chain. Seen in my garage after a friend said he was running out of storage room and thrust it upon me.

Now interested as to whether it meets the specification for the Olympic velodrome, which might lead to riding there.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Riggers on 11 May, 2016, 02:17:10 pm
Methinks you haven't read the article?

They are 3D renderings of bicycles based on people's drawings-from-memory of what a bicycle looks like (it turns out that people are surprisingly bad at remembering how a bicycle fits together).  For once it's not designer cluelessness that's at fault.

SCIENCE: https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/~rlawson/cycleweb.html

Ha ha! Methinks you are right Kimmers. Quick scan. Get the jist, then jump in with a comment!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Chris N on 11 May, 2016, 03:47:43 pm
Last weekend, a very early Proflex full suspension MTB.  Well, not quite full - this was one of the models with elastomer rear suspension and a Girvin Flexstem up front.  Looked like it was quite well used, but looked after. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Riggers on 11 May, 2016, 03:51:31 pm
^
I had one of those too. Steel frame. Sadly the frame cracked around the bottom bracket area.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: JonBuoy on 11 May, 2016, 06:12:31 pm
A bit like this one spotted a couple of weeks ago outside Loughborough Tesco ?

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7477/26921456176_e264c83b8b_z.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wobbly John on 12 May, 2016, 07:42:50 pm
In the absence of an 'Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen for sale' thread, there's one of Obree's bikes for sale on Ebay again...  :demon: (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1-Of-Graeme-Obrees-Hour-Record-Bikes-From-Hamar-Oslo-/252386322281?hash=item3ac365a769:g:izYAAOSw1KxXM04i)

Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: fuzzy on 13 May, 2016, 11:44:13 pm
Today, for a little while, I got to play with this beastie-

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7712/26272754133_c5a3e70503_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/G2CJtx)Photo0267 (https://flic.kr/p/G2CJtx) by fuzzy4130 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/59790646@N05/), on Flickr

Had a go on one of those at York last year.  It does wicked endos.  Sadly there weren't any Sands Of Doom to hand to really test it out on.

My chum Mr Hill has one, which he brought to Battle Mountain last year.  Wasted on the motel car park...

A ride on a Beastie is never wasted, no matter where it is. A severe case of underutilisation maybe but never a waste.  Having said that though, I could say that about any time I go out on my carbon fibre Wilier ;)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 14 May, 2016, 11:07:11 am
It's even more a waste of potential given that Mr Hill hails from suburban Ohio, but then he has Lots of Money which is surely better wasted spent supporting the artisans of Falmouth than those of Zuffenhausen or Maranello.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Bledlow on 16 May, 2016, 12:14:34 am
Matching his & hers yellow Thorn Nomads, complete with him & her riders, & Ortlieb panniers & bar bags which matched except for colour. IIRC his were red & hers were green.

Second sighting, the first being last weekend in the same spot going in the opposite direction. I think they probably live nearby & have just spent a week touring.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Ham on 16 May, 2016, 12:35:11 pm
Only a video, mind https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KKICMEYDkbw
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: giropaul on 17 May, 2016, 08:58:26 pm
A chrome Carlton track bike with Airlite hubs, Chater Lea cranks and inch pitch block chain. Seen in my garage after a friend said he was running out of storage room and thrust it upon me.

Now interested as to whether it meets the specification for the Olympic velodrome, which might lead to riding there.
Bottom bracket height should be fine, probably 6 1/2 cranks, if so all ok. New tyres will be needed, old rubber goes hard, and therefore slippy. The late Bob Maitland fitted some lovingly kept Dunlops for a Manchester vets worlds, and promptly slid down the banking every time he got off the cote.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 18 May, 2016, 10:05:12 am
I saw a Circe Helios on Monday, with dad and little daughter aboard. The first I've seen in the wild, I think, other than Butterfly and Nye's (which doesn't count as "wild" really, but certainly real life!)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Auntie Helen on 19 May, 2016, 08:38:04 am
(https://scontent-fra3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13241350_10153433368611786_1333853767458000412_n.jpg?oh=d58fedd98dd120b2942e8d6953c155a4&oe=57A4E505)

(https://scontent-fra3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13233146_10153433369086786_3443997213455723775_n.jpg?oh=6e2f9acd446222689abca6ffea251821&oe=57E62F5F)

Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 19 May, 2016, 09:14:36 am
A chrome Carlton track bike with Airlite hubs, Chater Lea cranks and inch pitch block chain. Seen in my garage after a friend said he was running out of storage room and thrust it upon me.

Now interested as to whether it meets the specification for the Olympic velodrome, which might lead to riding there.
Bottom bracket height should be fine, probably 6 1/2 cranks, if so all ok. New tyres will be needed, old rubber goes hard, and therefore slippy. The late Bob Maitland fitted some lovingly kept Dunlops for a Manchester vets worlds, and promptly slid down the banking every time he got off the cote.

New tyres were on the cards anyway but point noted.

It seems that the Lee Valley velodrome has specific requirements regarding tyres (e.g. no Michelins) and even get upset about cogs on double-sided hubs. https://ebookings.leevalleypark.org.uk/docs/track-clothing-spec.pdf The accreditation process seems very drawn out, particularly if you can't get to sessions during a working week.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: giropaul on 19 May, 2016, 09:31:21 am
A chrome Carlton track bike with Airlite hubs, Chater Lea cranks and inch pitch block chain. Seen in my garage after a friend said he was running out of storage room and thrust it upon me.

Now interested as to whether it meets the specification for the Olympic velodrome, which might lead to riding there.
Bottom bracket height should be fine, probably 6 1/2 cranks, if so all ok. New tyres will be needed, old rubber goes hard, and therefore slippy. The late Bob Maitland fitted some lovingly kept Dunlops for a Manchester vets worlds, and promptly slid down the banking every time he got off the cote.

New tyres were on the cards anyway but point noted.

It seems that the Lee Valley velodrome has specific requirements regarding tyres (e.g. no Michelins) and even get upset about cogs on double-sided hubs. https://ebookings.leevalleypark.org.uk/docs/track-clothing-spec.pdf The accreditation process seems very drawn out, particularly if you can't get to sessions during a working week.

Same everywhere for accreditation. What is less well known is that nowadays accreditation "lapses" if you don't use that particular track for a few months. My Manchester accreditation lapsed with no warning, before then it was a once-only requirement.
I have taken the view that unless I wanted to seriously race on the track again ( with all the costs of travel and new carbon kit) I'll stick to the odd club session, that don't usually need any accreditation.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 19 May, 2016, 10:00:33 am
Really? Bloody awkward to get accredited, lapses if you don't ride at that track for a few months, non-transferable between tracks and little or no account taken of previous experience. Is BC actively trying to stop people riding the track, except for those actually in the national squad?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Vince on 19 May, 2016, 10:02:10 am
I saw a Circe Helios on Monday, with dad and little daughter aboard. The first I've seen in the wild, I think, other than Butterfly and Nye's (which doesn't count as "wild" really, but certainly real life!)
We saw one on Friday in Henleaze, perhaps the same one.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: hatler on 19 May, 2016, 12:38:02 pm
I saw a Circe Helios on Monday, with dad and little daughter aboard. The first I've seen in the wild, I think, other than Butterfly and Nye's (which doesn't count as "wild" really, but certainly real life!)
We saw one on Friday in Henleaze, perhaps the same one.
I saw one in Richmond Park last week. Matching jerseys for mum and dad, kid in a kiddy seat and a trailer with a mahoosive hard case box on it. Very cool.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 19 May, 2016, 12:50:31 pm
(https://scontent-fra3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13233146_10153433369086786_3443997213455723775_n.jpg?oh=6e2f9acd446222689abca6ffea251821&oe=57E62F5F)

Look at the state of that chain!  Tch!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 19 May, 2016, 01:02:02 pm
Scoring well on cable-ties though.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 19 May, 2016, 01:04:10 pm
Interesting spokes.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 25 May, 2016, 05:36:41 pm
A Klein mountain bike in orange, mostly. I swear it had a hinge in the middle. Did Klein make a folder?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: tiermat on 25 May, 2016, 05:51:04 pm
A Klein mountain bike in orange, mostly. I swear it had a hinge in the middle. Did Klein make a folder?

That would be a Mantra. Rear suspension, not a folder.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 25 May, 2016, 05:54:52 pm
Yes, that was it. Thanks. Like this:
(http://www.retrobike.co.uk/gallery2/d/101475-1/Klein+Mantra+2011-4.JPG)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 25 May, 2016, 06:49:27 pm
Fatbike-shaped-object.  Being ridden along the pavement in Northfield by a kid in his early teens.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Torslanda on 27 May, 2016, 07:47:07 am
Flat terrain presumably. The first hint of up around here and they're walking . . .

Something to do with the bike weight being in excess of 25 kilos
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 27 May, 2016, 12:21:39 pm
Flat terrain presumably. The first hint of up around here and they're walking . . .

Reasonably.  Northfield High Street is basically the top of a hill though, so he was either very local, had just bought the bike (it was suspiciously clean and rust-free), or fitter than he looked.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Jaded on 30 May, 2016, 04:55:48 pm
(http://www.alfiecat.co.uk/yetacf/IMG_8781.jpg)

(http://www.alfiecat.co.uk/yetacf/IMG_8780.jpg)

(http://www.alfiecat.co.uk/yetacf/IMG_8779.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: L CC on 30 May, 2016, 05:47:25 pm
(http://www.alfiecat.co.uk/yetacf/IMG_8781.jpg)
"It's for audax- I couldn't risk a low spoke count"
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: delthebike on 30 May, 2016, 05:55:39 pm
Saw this at Tesco this morning.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4HnqCia4HoI/V0wHOg7415I/AAAAAAAAJvU/7smrA-lgjiYsUeTf5oCUjmV4HGwanB-LwCCo/s720/p5303336.jpg)

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zjesdETJEQ4/V0wHPYYFCWI/AAAAAAAAJvU/9n-yVCf7lxYSmdW-rum5yiGp8LTqaeelwCCo/s720/p5303337.jpg)
A2B Octave.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 30 May, 2016, 07:10:27 pm
Coming soon from the people who brought you "Lesbian or German lady?": "Electric bike or BSO?"
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Tim Hall on 30 May, 2016, 07:58:46 pm
Seen in Lewes last week with mcshroom and the Darlo massive:
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vGYXpZDn9yM/V0dCiBxkAQI/AAAAAAAAIDI/6L7efjy3ceUdR-7KdJtianbeiPDQIY6gACCo/s512/IMGP9416.JPG)
I was a bit slow getting a snap, but it's a folder with teeny wheels and what looks like a battery pack (or well protected sandwiches)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 31 May, 2016, 09:19:21 am
Saw this at Tesco this morning.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4HnqCia4HoI/V0wHOg7415I/AAAAAAAAJvU/7smrA-lgjiYsUeTf5oCUjmV4HGwanB-LwCCo/s720/p5303336.jpg)

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zjesdETJEQ4/V0wHPYYFCWI/AAAAAAAAJvU/9n-yVCf7lxYSmdW-rum5yiGp8LTqaeelwCCo/s720/p5303337.jpg)
A2B Octave.
Is it an electric bike? Is it a moped? No, it's the latest prototype high-mobility reconnaissance battlefield vehicle from the MoD!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Vince on 31 May, 2016, 09:27:31 am
It's grey. Must be from the navy.  ;D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 31 May, 2016, 09:49:34 am
It looks olive green to me! And the optician said I have excellent eyesight, so nerr! But my monitor does need adjusting...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 09 June, 2016, 08:12:33 pm
Yesterday evening, an electric downhill mtb.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: andrew_s on 18 June, 2016, 03:00:38 am
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/h2lgwqsfzcnbytk/Copenhagen_Dursley_zpsynynmbtf.jpg?raw=1)
Sunday, on the A836 a bit east of Bettyhill, going into a brisk headwind.
A Copenhagen Dursley, with a Pinion gearbox (failed to ask whether 12 or 18-speed), belt drive, hydraulic discs and dynohub.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Paul on 23 June, 2016, 03:09:22 pm
I saw a gold bike yesterday just like this one (http://www.deescycles.com/m1b0s6p1705/RALEIGH-centenary-limited-edition-57cm-1978).

Samways (https://www.samwayscycles.co.uk/) is an independent bike shop in Derby. They were at one time a 5 star Raleigh dealer and - as such - were offered one of 100 hundred of the Raleigh centenary bikes. They took one and put it in the attic for 29 years and now it's for sale.

It's not really my cup of tea, but seeing it hanging in the shop, in untouched condition, was interesting.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: fuzzy on 24 June, 2016, 12:00:43 pm
A double top tube machine (one above the other as opposed to side by side) with moustache type bars with a pilot wearing an cap and a Molteini jersey. Seen at about 6:45 p.m. yesterday as I exited The Wee Waif in Charvill
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 24 June, 2016, 01:11:55 pm
Bairdy otp has such a machine and that jersey! Doubt it was him though.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Torslanda on 24 June, 2016, 01:36:00 pm
A double top tube machine (one above the other as opposed to side by side) with moustache type bars with a pilot wearing an cap and a Molteini jersey. Seen at about 6:45 p.m. yesterday as I exited The Wee Waif in Charvill

Aw'ight, Guvnor!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: DrMekon on 24 June, 2016, 01:54:23 pm
(http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t207/andrew_sw/Copenhagen_Dursley_zpsynynmbtf.jpg)
Sunday, on the A836 a bit east of Bettyhill, going into a brisk headwind.
A Copenhagen Dursley, with a Pinion gearbox (failed to ask whether 12 or 18-speed), belt drive, hydraulic discs and dynohub.

That man has exceptional taste. Bravo.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Vince on 01 July, 2016, 08:12:05 am
Spotted by Mrs Wunja in Delft.
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t140/VinceHall/CyclingStuff/Child%20seat%20on%20a%20brompton_zpsawgrjcdk.jpg)
Clever child seat extension. No idea if it effects folding though,
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 01 July, 2016, 03:25:24 pm
Clever child seat extension. No idea if it effects folding though,

You've got an extra knob to unscrew, then the child seat folds down alongside the adult one.  It makes the package slightly bigger, but not unreasonably so.

http://documentally.com/2011/08/20/a-child-seat-for-a-brompton-folding-bike-review/ has some photos
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 17 July, 2016, 09:33:00 pm
On the Kennet and Avon towpath between Devizes and Bradford:
A Mission cycles cargo trike
Numerous utilitarian trailers
Numerous dog trailers
A couple of brace of Bickertons; I suspect someone in BoA must be hiring them out
A Hase Pino
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: cycleman on 27 July, 2016, 08:26:05 pm
A triumph three speed  :)

(http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah22/tricyclingman108/Mobile%20Uploads/CIMG0876_zpsmgnrp1zg.jpg) (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/tricyclingman108/media/Mobile%20Uploads/CIMG0876_zpsmgnrp1zg.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 27 July, 2016, 08:46:38 pm
I saw a tandem in the wild!  It's been ages since that's happened, and last time didn't count as it was a forumite-spotting incident anyway.

(I also saw - or more accurately heard - two wild Nissan Leafs in the space of about 30 seconds, but Vroom is over there -->)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Jakob W on 27 July, 2016, 09:23:30 pm
Are tandems in Mordor unusual then? The ones I've seen have been mostly locked up or being wheeled along platforms at Mordor Central, but it's happened a couple of times in the past six months.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 27 July, 2016, 09:51:33 pm
Yeah, I've seen a couple in and around Mordor Central, but I think that's more like captivity.

This was being ridden on the lanes of Worcestershire.   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: MagnusOpus on 28 July, 2016, 09:31:40 am
I saw a tandem trike in Lichfield the other week.  As I passed I gave a hello and as I was checking out if it was a nice Longstaff or something (it wasn't) I promptly veered at the kerb and only narrowly escaped landing on my arse in front of them.... Whoopsie
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Pingu on 28 July, 2016, 09:40:33 am
Just remembered that a couple of weeks ago on the Border Raid audax I saw a Velomobile-type thing somewhere near Penrith.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 28 July, 2016, 09:50:58 pm
Milan SL velomobile in darkest Derbyshire today but since I know the owner anyway it probably doesn't count.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Andrij on 28 July, 2016, 10:16:58 pm
Tuesday, Duke Street Hill, east-bound, a Stormer e-bike (https://www.stromerbike.com/en/int).
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Deano on 28 July, 2016, 10:24:29 pm
Just remembered that a couple of weeks ago on the Border Raid audax I saw a Velomobile-type thing somewhere near Penrith.

Yes, we spotted him too - it's probably the only road around there he can ride ;D Rich was going to ask if he'd just come back from a loop of the Lakeland passes.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Peter on 28 July, 2016, 10:41:47 pm
Milan SL velomobile in darkest Derbyshire today but since I know the owner anyway it probably doesn't count.

D, what are you doing in Derbyshire?  You're not up for the National 400, are you?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 29 July, 2016, 12:35:53 am
I'm not in Derbyshire any more and as it was announced in the local papers it's not much of a SEEKRIT; I and my grate frend Mr Woolrich, plus our other grate frend Chairman Al were peripherally involved in the filming of an episode of "Speed With Guy Martin1", in Lincoln on Weds and Darkest Derbs Thurs, but we're not allowed to say anything else until it's been broadcast "later this year".  The owner of said velomobile also knows TV's Mr Martin a bit so wandered over to see what was going down.

1: See also the "tenuous claims to fame" thread
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Peter on 29 July, 2016, 01:30:35 am
Ah, I'll look forward to that!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: fuzzy on 29 July, 2016, 09:27:22 am
On the A4 Bath Road in Maidenhead this morning I spied an Fat Bike in the distance. I engaged Commuter Racing Mode but struggled to gain ground on my Cannondale R800 road bike. When I did finally catch up I noticed an enlarged rear hub and a frame triangle filled with an plastic box. I suspect it encased electrikery hence the struggle ;D

In fact, research indicates it was a shiny black with yellow highlights one of these (https://electricbikereview.com/sondors/kickstarter-ebike/)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Si S on 29 July, 2016, 11:27:39 am
A woolly bike

(https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8035/28392976492_0f6b6bc376_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/KfZqHs)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 30 July, 2016, 11:23:57 am
A plywood bike in chopper style. It was taking part in Critical Mass (which I didn't realise was still happening – looked quite small... ) and was by far the most outlandish bike there. Rider leaning bike in semi-recumbent posture, legs and arms stretched out in front of him; he just needed a stars-n-stripes helmet and a manic grin to look like Jack Nicholson.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Bledlow on 01 August, 2016, 07:47:53 pm
An old Alan bike, set up as a single speed. The seatstays were held on by Allen bolts, recessed into the stops of the stays. It was supporting a sign for Pankhurst Cycles, & I'm collecting a repaired bike from them tomorrow, so I'll ask about it.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 02 August, 2016, 01:31:14 pm
After last week's tandem, an upright trike, on the Middleway of all places.  Looked like a conversion of a low-end hybrid (suspension fork and all).  I see a few Pashley-style small wheeled trikes from time to time, but that one's a new spot.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Si on 03 August, 2016, 09:00:05 pm
Bike with a child seat on the back.  Home made......it had a standard plastic school chair tied to the rack, hadn't even bothered removing the legs.  Leaned alarmingly in corners.  Was tempted to follow and watch but didn't want to have to expend any more of my first aid kit.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: DrMekon on 06 August, 2016, 11:56:01 pm
Been toying with the idea of augmenting our 2x200w hub motor assisted cargo trike with a mid drive motor, and in researching mid drive motors. I came across this. I think this setup looks such fun, I wish I could justify it.

Busy bike trailer towed by an urban arrow xxl with a cool box

https://youtu.be/ogFa3lFP-Sk
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 07 August, 2016, 09:29:33 pm
(https://c8.staticflickr.com/9/8051/28832235255_8cf7d61e9c_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/KVNK3p)
Not particularly interesting or unusual but we don't have a thread for "Bikes you kind of wanted but never had many many years ago".
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Torslanda on 09 August, 2016, 09:33:48 am
Ypres, Saturday evening . . .

(http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d55/shedbike/Mobile%20Uploads/WP_20160806_009_zpskyewokax.jpg)

Very cool.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: rogerzilla on 17 August, 2016, 08:34:00 pm
A Raleigh Lizard ATB circa 1990, unmolested and in reasonable nick, with its original Cheng Shin amberwall tyres.  Quite heartwarming since most will be in landfill.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 19 August, 2016, 10:04:31 pm
(https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8073/28473055734_0612263916_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Ko4Ru3)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: matthew on 28 August, 2016, 09:15:23 am
Fat bike on the cycle lanes of Bracknell. Rather out of place on tarmac, Unfortunately I didn't have time to slow and chat.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 28 August, 2016, 11:17:40 pm
(https://c6.staticflickr.com/9/8426/29220162061_4abfdebdda_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Lw5YaB)
Not a Pontiac (https://flic.kr/p/Lw5YaB) by Mr Larrington (https://www.flickr.com/photos/mr_larrington/), on Flickr

This was lurking somewhat incongruously in the Pontiac & Oakland Automobile Museum in, er, Pontiac IL.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Pancho on 29 August, 2016, 05:18:22 pm
In Gosport the other day; bloke on a "Cruz" 'bent and woman on a trike with a rear bench seat for kids.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: HeltorChasca on 31 August, 2016, 08:42:27 am
I love the Dutch. It's the gaffer tape and brand new Schwalbes that I liked.

(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160831/55d0217b259613180881434928527aa4.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Philip Benstead on 31 August, 2016, 02:26:28 pm
The link below shows my collection of photographs of unusual and interesting cycle plus part of cycle that may be of interest.


https://www.facebook.com/CyclingLondon/media_set?set=a.1764435463831398.1073741843.100007948832733&type=3&uploaded=158
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Vince on 01 September, 2016, 01:58:35 pm
I love the Dutch. It's the gaffer tape and brand new Schwalbes that I liked.

(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160831/55d0217b259613180881434928527aa4.jpg)
It's not there at the moment! ;D
(Currently enjoying a coffee in Wassenaar)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: HeltorChasca on 01 September, 2016, 03:09:24 pm
I love the Dutch. It's the gaffer tape and brand new Schwalbes that I liked.

(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160831/55d0217b259613180881434928527aa4.jpg)
It's not there at the moment! ;D
(Currently enjoying a coffee in Wassenaar)

Splendid observational skills. Best coffee I had there was in the first ice cream van on the beach. Delicious!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: MagnusOpus on 01 September, 2016, 04:32:57 pm
I'm somewhere hiding at the back.....

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8452/29097614480_4bd44dec1f_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/LkfT3h)tall (https://flic.kr/p/LkfT3h) by Mike Clampitt (https://www.flickr.com/photos/67686073@N08/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 01 September, 2016, 05:50:25 pm
I love the Dutch. It's the gaffer tape and brand new Schwalbes that I liked.

(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160831/55d0217b259613180881434928527aa4.jpg)
It's not there at the moment! ;D
(Currently enjoying a coffee in Wassenaar)

Splendid observational skills. Best coffee I had there was in the first ice cream van on the beach. Delicious!
What I really like is the knitting around the frame tubes.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 03 September, 2016, 12:51:21 am
(https://c4.staticflickr.com/9/8538/29413689515_2a47ef3930_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/LPbR8R)
P9020181 (https://flic.kr/p/LPbR8R) by Mr Larrington (https://www.flickr.com/photos/mr_larrington/), on Flickr

Like a VeloSolex, only not one.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 05 September, 2016, 12:51:07 pm
I saw a chap with his Chopper in his hand at London Bridge this morning.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Zipperhead on 05 September, 2016, 01:28:01 pm
I saw a chap with his Chopper in his hand at London Bridge this morning.

But did he have a bicycle?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Andrij on 06 September, 2016, 08:17:01 pm
(http://i.amz.mshcdn.com/2T0X0is6f9v6bOZvBHklhNeBrNI=/http%3A%2F%2Fa.amz.mshcdn.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2015%2F08%2Fbicycle-20.jpg)
c. 1920
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 07 September, 2016, 02:41:45 am
My grate frend Mr Woolrich made something similar out of half a Bickerton many years ago.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Dman01 on 07 September, 2016, 01:11:37 pm
My grate frend Mr Woolrich made something similar out of half a Bickerton many years ago.

That sounds amazing - are there any photos?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Zipperhead on 07 September, 2016, 02:13:53 pm
My grate frend Mr Woolrich made something similar out of half a Bickerton many years ago.

Intentionally?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 07 September, 2016, 02:52:29 pm
My grate frend Mr Woolrich made something similar out of half a Bickerton many years ago.

That sounds amazing - are there any photos?

I can probably rustle up a really crap B&W one tonight (local time, it's 06:45 here ATM) but if I've got anything better it'll be:
where I won't be for about three of your Earth weeks.

My grate frend Mr Woolrich made something similar out of half a Bickerton many years ago.

Intentionally?

Why, yes!  Following the success of Mr Woolrich's Velocino (as such machines are sometime known) my grate frend the late Hairy McSteve also built one with a monocoque wooden frame while the offering of monocoque maven Mike Burrows was built from a BMX frame and had a fixed gear.  I bike-sat Mr Woolrich's example for a while when he was moving house or something and found it very handy for nipping to the shops and so forth, though you did get a certain number of comments from the Cheerful Cockney Urchins when riding it up the Leytonstone High Road.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 07 September, 2016, 03:56:30 pm
Google, TimO and yacf to the rescue:

(http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/HPV/Album1/Image03_480.jpg)

Being ridden by a younger, slimmer and rather less hairy Mr Larrington.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: hatler on 07 September, 2016, 03:58:16 pm
Neat. How does the steering work on that ?  Are the handlebars operating like a tiller ?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wobbly John on 07 September, 2016, 06:45:49 pm
Didn't Mr Woolrich's Velocino fit inside the fairing of his recumbent?

I have a photo somewhere of the Bickertoncino being inspected by a certain Sir C Sinclair...

It also inspired me to make one from a RSW that was cluttering up the workshop, as detailed on the XnTRICK Cycles website (http://homepages.nildram.co.uk/~talizmar/xntrick/velocino.htm).
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: TimO on 07 September, 2016, 07:30:05 pm
Google, TimO and yacf to the rescue:
...

Reading the earlier post, I was thinking : ''Didn't I take a photo of that, and scan it in a couple of years ago ...''. ;D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 08 September, 2016, 01:35:30 am
Neat. How does the steering work on that ?  Are the handlebars operating like a tiller ?

Pretty much, so lock is a bit limited depending on the mightiness of the rider's thighs.

Today's offering:

(https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8502/29421964802_4bbf1e7a43_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/LPVg6d)
P9070007 (https://flic.kr/p/LPVg6d) by Mr Larrington (https://www.flickr.com/photos/mr_larrington/), on Flickr

Santa Monica's answer to the Boris Bike - complete with shaft drive.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 08 September, 2016, 08:37:12 am
I suppose shaft drive makes sense on a bike that will see abuse, neglect and minimal maintenance. And of course it has a proud American tradition.
(http://www.roadswerenotbuiltforcars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/RooseveltColumbia.jpg)
http://www.roadswerenotbuiltforcars.com/roosevelt/
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Dave_C on 08 September, 2016, 01:25:31 pm
(http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p86/Dave_Crampton/20140708_103732_zpsfe650e2b.jpg) (http://s126.photobucket.com/user/Dave_Crampton/media/20140708_103732_zpsfe650e2b.jpg.html)

Taken a couple of years ago in Mahon, Menorca.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: TimO on 09 September, 2016, 10:02:28 pm
...
(http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/HPV/Album1/Image03_128.jpg)

Being ridden by a younger, slimmer and rather less hairy Mr Larrington.

A German chap tried to Crowdfund a similar thing, although I don't think he managed to get enough interest.  It's using an S2C, which is probably a good idea in that sort of design.  Lacking a brake on the front wheel, it's probably not street legal in the UK.

(http://balius.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/stuff/halbrad.jpg) (http://www.halbrad.com/)

http://www.halbrad.com/ (http://www.halbrad.com/)

Halbrad on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ldU776CEtpU)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 12 September, 2016, 02:32:53 pm
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/9/8332/29550648201_43514a3736_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/M2hNbv)

This was one of the non-standard cycles that came round during the half-time interval of the Bristol stage of Tour of Britain (the stage was in two parts: a TT in the morning, a circuit race in the afternoon). There were others, far more unusual, which seemed to be pedal-powered farm machinery: huge wheels about 2m high with a rider sitting in the middle and straining like an ox to keep the thing moving.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 12 September, 2016, 02:36:08 pm
A curious method of locking a bike:

(https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8226/29232670110_e173de0beb_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Lxc5nC)

It's not that clear on the photo but the cable appears to be electrical cable, the outer covering is coming off at the top and you can just make out metal filaments all held together with, of course, cable ties. Somehow bodged into some kind of connecting thing at the top and wedged between tyre and mudguard. Very odd.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 19 September, 2016, 07:10:57 am
So there we were, doing the cat-herding thing that is rounding up all the machines and people for a group photo when our party was gatecrashed by Uncle Sam:

(https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8252/29454428740_ecede1b5a8_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/LSMDuh)
P9170322 (https://flic.kr/p/LSMDuh) by Mr Larrington (https://www.flickr.com/photos/mr_larrington/), on Flickr

Actually Nikita Vatin, a Florida-domiciled Russian and assistant to the Tetiva team from that Moscow, that they have now.  Natch one of our gang decided to have a go:

(https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8892/29454448090_05a7797d27_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/LSMKeU)
P9170331 (https://flic.kr/p/LSMKeU) by Mr Larrington (https://www.flickr.com/photos/mr_larrington/), on Flickr

Aurélien Bonneteau, rider with the IUT Annecy team.  The height of the unicycle may be estimated from the height of Auré, which is about 6'6".
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 19 September, 2016, 02:24:50 pm
This IHPVA thing's just a cover for a tall people convention, isn't it?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wobbly John on 19 September, 2016, 02:46:20 pm
I wonder if Mr Larrington can remember when a giraffe-unicyclist turned up to a BHPC event at Herne Hill velodrome and was persuaded to do a 1km (or was it one lap?) sprint!  :D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 21 September, 2016, 01:53:00 am
This IHPVA thing's just a cover for a tall people convention, isn't it?

Not entirely.  See for e.g. this lot:

(https://jnyyz.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/dsc09574.jpg)

Team Policumbent rider Andrea Gallo is 4th from right.

(https://jnyyz.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/dsc09615.jpg)

Fastest three chaps.

OK, so Yasmin Tredell is 6'1" ;D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: matthew on 24 September, 2016, 08:16:48 am
Yesterday lunchtime I saw a very special bike.

I think it started out as a fairly standard lady's or child back tandem. ie no top tube for the stoker. However it had then been heavily modified.

The rear carrier had been adapted to mount the stokers wheel chair behind the stoker.
the stokers saddle had been changed to allow her feet to rest in high foot plates and was more like a chair with a waist belt. The stokers bottom bracket having been repurposed as the pivot point for a very sturdy, cable operated by the pilot centre stand.
The pilots saddle had been moved forward from it's seat post to accommodate the stokers hand cycle cranks with a chain following the seat post down to the pilots cranks.

I could have spent half an hour looking and chatting with the owner and still not seen all the little tweeks and modifications he had made to make it work.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: tatanab on 24 September, 2016, 08:36:49 am
^^^^ I know them, rather I have met them several times.  Hounslow club as I remember.  She puts in some real power with those hand cranks and is a real character.  Inspirational the pair of them.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: matthew on 24 September, 2016, 10:36:32 am
then they had put in some significant miles as well because I was near Bracknell.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 24 September, 2016, 10:54:44 am
I didnt' get a photo, and it was jammed in racks of bikes.

Rear wheel steering, front wheel drive, cargo trike, tadpole config.

Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: TimO on 25 September, 2016, 11:31:17 am
Rear wheel steering, front wheel drive, cargo trike, tadpole config.

It's a cargo trike, so I suppose that the owner never gets too enthusiastic about speed !

I remember seeing a quite spectacular crash at a BHPC event, with a rear wheel steering trike, where he thought he'd solved the problems with that configuration.  He walked away, but not without dripping some blood.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Deano on 25 September, 2016, 11:36:38 am
Ted Wood track bike in a Belgian bike shop:

(https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8042/29827082266_34fda706dc_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/MrHAp5)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: ElyDave on 26 September, 2016, 01:06:13 pm
Ted Wood track bike in a Belgian bike shop:

(https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8042/29827082266_34fda706dc_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/MrHAp5)

That reminds me, I need to dig out my Stokholm photos
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Deano on 28 September, 2016, 07:00:13 pm
New bike in the work sheds!

Dunno where to start with this - I'd love to imagine it was the result of a conversation with a bike shop starting "I'd like a practical bike to ride to work which must take mudguards".

(https://c6.staticflickr.com/9/8418/29989468765_693d11f0b6_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/MG4Sfi)
(https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8048/29875718282_546b5f5414_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Mw1Sc5)

You don't see many of those sets of wheels with Gatorskins on them, and I assume the massive set of spacers under the stem are so the owner can have a quiet game of draughts during an idle moment.

I'm guessing it's a knock-off, as not many owners of genuine Pinarellos would adjust the lettering to read ELPORNO. Otherwise I'd send the photos to Pinarello and demand that they come and rescue this bike from a life of menial servitude.

(https://c3.staticflickr.com/8/7530/29875704282_2b5833fd82_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Mw1N2G)

Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Joe.B on 28 September, 2016, 10:28:31 pm
very odd to see a bike like that, set up like that.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: TimC on 30 September, 2016, 12:13:24 pm
That is bizarre. I'd guess the wheels are fake too, and 105 and that saddle and bars on such a bike? I have never seen a steerer set so high!

ETA: Deffo fake wheels - Ultra Twos are tubular only, and there ain't no Hamsterskintubs made yet!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: cycleman on 30 September, 2016, 07:07:31 pm
I was heading East from colnbrook this afternoon and saw a burrows Barrow ( windcheater ) recumbent trike heading in the other direction  :)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Paul on 30 September, 2016, 07:18:46 pm
Not sure they count as interesting or unusual in themselves, but there's suddenly a lot of new carbon in the bike sheds. 3 new ones in as many weeks, the flashiest being a Trek Domane 105-equipped, hydraulic disc braked thing in the blackest of blacks. Not pitch black, but Disaster Area black.

They're not really my cup of tea, but it's a great thing, all this cycling.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 07 October, 2016, 03:22:09 pm
(https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8639/29875684430_9db357e60f_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Mw1G8q)

Neither interesting nor unusual as a bike but interesting, unusual, encouraging and to be encouraged that someone chose to do London to Brighton on a shopping bike with basket.

Unless, of course, it was Hummers. He has form for that sort of thing.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 09 October, 2016, 11:02:12 pm
(https://c6.staticflickr.com/9/8705/29593074493_49910e5142_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/M63f3i)
PA090081 (https://flic.kr/p/M63f3i) by Mr Larrington (https://www.flickr.com/photos/mr_larrington/), on Flickr.  Double-decker recumbent tandem.  No, I don't know why.

(https://c4.staticflickr.com/6/5724/29593043083_6070756fef_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/M635GK)
PA090083 (https://flic.kr/p/M635GK) by Mr Larrington (https://www.flickr.com/photos/mr_larrington/), on Flickr.  Miles Kingsbury with his new Shiny - first QuattroVelo in BRITAIN.

(https://c8.staticflickr.com/6/5778/30222431655_5fda66bf89_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/N3DRZR)
PA090089 (https://flic.kr/p/N3DRZR) by Mr Larrington (https://www.flickr.com/photos/mr_larrington/), on Flickr.  Unusual to see a streamliner like Neil Hood's Ristretto on a velodrome...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Karla on 09 October, 2016, 11:17:55 pm
Spotted today in York: a yellow Thorn triplet.  Anyone we know?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 10 October, 2016, 02:00:25 pm
An acquaintance of mine owned one; if it had a childback and was made for people with very short legs then it was probably her.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 10 October, 2016, 02:05:40 pm
(https://c6.staticflickr.com/9/8705/29593074493_49910e5142_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/M63f3i)
PA090081 (https://flic.kr/p/M63f3i) by Mr Larrington (https://www.flickr.com/photos/mr_larrington/), on Flickr.  Double-decker recumbent tandem.  No, I don't know why.

Well I suppose it's easier to transport than the more sensible arrangements.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Karla on 10 October, 2016, 04:34:07 pm
An acquaintance of mine owned one; if it had a childback and was made for people with very short legs then it was probably her.

That's the one.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Jakob W on 14 October, 2016, 03:38:19 pm
Are Raleigh titanium Dyna-Techs interesting and/or unusual? Not sure I've seen one on the road (or in this case parked up outside Walsall Art Gallery) before. I'm ignorant of MTBs, but it looked to have original paint and period-correct-ish parts, apart from the forks, which looked modern.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Joe.B on 15 October, 2016, 11:52:36 pm
Not too sure whether this belongs under Interesting and Unusual Bikes or Interesting and Unusual Boaty Things.
(https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8420/30230829002_31a1068e0e_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/N4oUeG)20161015_162036 (https://flic.kr/p/N4oUeG) by Joe.Audax (https://www.flickr.com/photos/84858164@N02/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: TimO on 16 October, 2016, 10:38:38 am
(http://balius.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/stuff/small.php?size=500&file=PA150115_crop_adj.jpg) (http://balius.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/stuff/PA150115_crop_adj.jpg)

Not so much the bike, as the Suicide Levers, which are unusual to see on a bike during an FNRttC.  I had hoped they had died out some decades ago.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 18 October, 2016, 10:01:21 am
Also "Not so much the bike" but the wheels; a tandem with 28-spoke bladed wheels. Not racing.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Andrij on 18 October, 2016, 03:58:56 pm
Spotted last week at a farmer's market in Amish country.

(https://c3.staticflickr.com/6/5607/30256174482_e2bc0bf290_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/N6CNyJ)
DSC_0967.NEF (https://flic.kr/p/N6CNyJ) by Andrij (https://www.flickr.com/photos/bebchenko/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 18 October, 2016, 07:54:29 pm
That front hub doesn't look very Amish :)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 18 October, 2016, 10:00:49 pm
A Perfectly Good Gentleman's Mountain Bicycle bizarrely equipped with a 20" front wheel ???

Also some sort of electric unicycle, like a one-wheeled Segway.  I assume some sort of gyroscopic stability gadget as the rider didn't appear to be doing any of the usual hip-swivelling and shimmytastic Stuffs that normally go with unicycle progress.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 19 October, 2016, 10:37:50 am
As Kim said, I thought electric power was not allowed for the Amish.

A one-wheeled Segway opens up a whole new boulevard of nightmares. People will be riding them round Tesco's soon.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Jakob W on 19 October, 2016, 11:29:21 am
I saw one of those in Brum the other week; the chap did loomike he could be an extra in the matrix, with his black coat flapping in the wind behind him. As with segways and hoverboards my immediate thought was 'I really hope the gyro control system is triply redundant...'

Yesterday in Walsall, a twofer: a Gazelle Chamonix city bike parked up at the supermarket, in Dutch ORANGE. It had a Cycle Heaven dealer sticker, so had found its way down from York somehow, and seemed to have had the suspension fork replaced with a rigid. The other thing I noticed was that it had unusual wheels in that the spoke holes aren't evenly spaced around the rim, but rather in groups of two; I presume this is just for aesthetics.

Then on the way home I was caught by the chap on the bike I've often admired when I've seen him go by when I've been on foot; we only had about a minute to chat as he got me as I was turning into my street, but we exchanged mutual appreciation of our bikes; I was on the bakfiets, and I saw that his bike had a belt drive and hub gear to go with the SS/Ti(?) frame, purple anodised bits, and well-worn Carradice on the back.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: sg37409 on 19 October, 2016, 10:49:04 pm
(https://c7.staticflickr.com/6/5621/30319522582_feba9a638f_n.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/NcetKm)Chopper ! (https://flic.kr/p/NcetKm) by sg310 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/24775321@N02/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: hatler on 19 October, 2016, 10:53:19 pm
Strewth. I struggle to think of a set of circumstances where that would be my choice of ride.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Torslanda on 20 October, 2016, 01:03:04 am
(https://c7.staticflickr.com/6/5621/30319522582_feba9a638f_n.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/NcetKm)Chopper ! (https://flic.kr/p/NcetKm) by sg310 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/24775321@N02/), on Flickr

That is **SO** cool.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: sg37409 on 20 October, 2016, 09:03:53 am
Yeah, I liked it too !.   Twin discs at the front too  ;D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 20 October, 2016, 09:16:22 am
I've seen something similar but without so many lights made of plywood taking part in Critical Mass in Bristol. I was just walking along the street when they rode past so didn't get a good look at it, but it was a similar shape and plywood. So they can be ridden, even if more for ostentation than transportation. However, I do wonder if sg37409's example isn't meant as street art?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 20 October, 2016, 01:44:38 pm
There's a guy in Birmingham who rides around on something slightly less ornate with similar geometry.  But then we also have someone who rides around on the back half of a BMX...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Andrij on 21 October, 2016, 03:53:39 am
Strewth. I struggle to think of a set of circumstances where that would be my choice of ride.

PBP?  I've been told it's mostly flat.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: hatler on 21 October, 2016, 08:45:34 am
:-)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Andrij on 21 October, 2016, 03:01:35 pm
That front hub doesn't look very Amish :)

There were a few other English there, so I assume it belongs to one of them.

This was pretty much standard for the Amish we saw on bicycles (and there were quite a few of them):
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/6/5345/30256196192_513ac6c794_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/N6CV23)
DSC_0952.NEF (https://flic.kr/p/N6CV23) by Andrij (https://www.flickr.com/photos/bebchenko/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 21 October, 2016, 03:04:04 pm
Isn't that a deleted scene from Call the Midwife?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Pingu on 23 October, 2016, 11:20:17 pm
Strewth. I struggle to think of a set of circumstances where that would be my choice of ride.

Going to the local craft beer bar, shirley?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Jasmine on 24 October, 2016, 01:33:45 pm

Also some sort of electric unicycle, like a one-wheeled Segway.  I assume some sort of gyroscopic stability gadget as the rider didn't appear to be doing any of the usual hip-swivelling and shimmytastic Stuffs that normally go with unicycle progress.

A solowheel? - see http://www.solowheel.com/

My sister-in-law has one.  She rides it to work (in Portland).  I've tried it and can confirm it's an acquired skill.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 24 October, 2016, 03:10:24 pm
Don't think it was one of they as I'm pretty sure the one I saw had some sort of handlebar arrangement, no doubt for indispensible hipster accessories.  Only got a brief sighting as it was going the opposite way while I was mired in traffic, and it was dark.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 26 October, 2016, 01:10:57 pm
There's a whole assortment of unicycles and unicyclers on this Singletrack article
http://singletrackworld.com/2016/10/wtf-muni-cycling-electric-unicycles/
including electric, self-balancing ones, but those don't have handlebars. The electric ones actually make mountain unicycling seem pretty reasonable.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: cygnet on 28 October, 2016, 06:50:33 pm
A recumbent tandem tadpole trike, coming out of Southwark Park this morning
Had a http://fietser.be/ (http://fietser.be/) decal on it.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: fuzzy on 31 October, 2016, 01:39:16 pm
In't workshop yesterday was an early Specialized Stumpjumper (orange in colour) and a Raleigh hard tail with a lugged Ti frame.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Andrij on 31 October, 2016, 06:22:07 pm
A 'car-go' trike. (http://www.agnellimilanobici.com/?product=2cv-paris)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 01 November, 2016, 01:00:00 pm
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/6/5760/30410087520_f0b3b7f6ae_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/NkeDxN)
It appears to be a wheelchair-fronted tandem with electric assist.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: mattc on 01 November, 2016, 01:55:09 pm
Are they charging it from that lamppost?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 01 November, 2016, 02:17:50 pm
Are they charging it from that lamppost?
Perhaps via a solar panel?  :D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Pingu on 13 November, 2016, 03:51:14 pm
Bloody cyclists clogging up the roads.

(https://c3.staticflickr.com/6/5649/22777119858_bf7a34985e_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/AGJGc5)
IMG_7723_01 (https://flic.kr/p/AGJGc5) by The Pingus (https://www.flickr.com/photos/the_pingus/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 30 November, 2016, 12:59:11 am
I aten't seen a BikeE

(http://www.bicycleman.com/recumbents/bike_e/images/bike_e_at_1_lg.jpg)

since forever but a woman rocked up and parked one outside Islington Town Hall this evening.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 30 November, 2016, 02:22:30 pm
Interestingly (FSVO interesting) the last time I encountered a BikeE was outside Birmingham Town Hall.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 30 November, 2016, 02:37:53 pm
They look like something assembled from a box of scraps in a junkyard.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 30 November, 2016, 02:42:03 pm
They look like something assembled from a box of scraps in a junkyard.

They ride like ...well, not quite that bad.  :)

(Actually they're dead easy to ride.  This style of bike is the next logical step in the evolution of the traditional city bike:  Rubbish performance, but comfortable, easy to mount and good at stop-start riding.  The problem is that nobody's really worked out how to make them non-fugly.)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 30 November, 2016, 03:02:00 pm
I think it looks quite good. But then I also think Nokon cables, which according to road.cc are one of the nine most bad-ass components you can put on your bike, (http://road.cc/content/buyers-guide/212866-9-components-make-your-bike-look-badass) look like they belong on a Thorn with 10" of spacers on the steerer.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 30 November, 2016, 03:27:52 pm
Love the first comment on that article, which was completely asking for it.

Discussion of the baddassery of specific components is best avoided, lest we have a repeat of the YACF Cool Wall.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 30 November, 2016, 03:37:06 pm
I think it looks quite good. But then I also think Nokon cables, which according to road.cc are one of the nine most bad-ass components you can put on your bike, (http://road.cc/content/buyers-guide/212866-9-components-make-your-bike-look-badass) look like they belong on a Thorn with 10" of spacers on the steerer.
They look designed to collect dirt to me.

Actually the only thing on that entire list that looks 'badass' to me is the trpbrake.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 30 November, 2016, 03:48:21 pm
Yeah! I hadn't looked at the comments when I posted that link. The first one is total badass! IMO the very word 'badass' is naff, but that ridden by any of these riders (http://www.charlottebarnes.co.uk/p722875892) would be, let's say, "don't-fuck-with-me cool".
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 30 November, 2016, 03:49:32 pm
FAOD, 'that' refers to the bike in the 'badass' comments, not the BikeE.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 30 November, 2016, 03:55:11 pm
They look designed to collect dirt to me.

As I understand it they do work well at reducing friction.  Though other than for riders with dexterity impairments or Silly Bikes™ with particularly convoluted cable runs, I'm sceptical that the friction of a properly maintained traditional cable is actually a problem.  Particularly since DI2 is now a thing.


Quote
Actually the only thing on that entire list that looks 'badass' to me is the trpbrake.

My thoughts exactly.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 30 November, 2016, 04:05:12 pm
I rather like the look of the crankset as well.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Pingu on 30 November, 2016, 06:40:09 pm
What would be badass would be to see it on Audax (preferably Écosse).
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Basil on 02 December, 2016, 11:02:23 am
Not really seen, but rather a photo of it in the village shop amongst all the other usual for sale cards.
http://www.worksmancycles.com/carryall.html
I'm a little surprised that such a thing exists around here.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Torslanda on 04 December, 2016, 09:23:51 pm
Interestingly (FSVO interesting) the last time I encountered a BikeE was outside Birmingham Town Hall.

Quite a coinkidink. The last time my Giant Revive* was seen in the wild was outside Manchester town hall . . .


*Giant's attempt at bringing recumbents to the masses. Great fun but a soggy blancmange when it comes to climbing. The gearing's crap too!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wobbly John on 09 December, 2016, 11:45:40 pm
Spotted someone else with a wooden bike in Ely.  :o

It might have been one of these (http://www.materiabikes.com/bike7.html) as it had contrasting seat stays
No picture as I was driving.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: TPMB12 on 19 December, 2016, 04:57:30 pm
On my commute I often see a guy with two handlebars on his bike. One is a swept back, old fashioned shopper type, high up for a sit up position. The other is a set of drop bars underneath.

The guy sits at lights using the top shopper bars and sets off. At some point he'll move to the drops, then back again in traffic. Not sure why he has this setup, but once up to speed he's fast. He's slow off the blocks at lights but soon passes me and just cruises away. I've never had the chance to question him about his set up.

Anyone know why you would want such an unusual setup?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 19 December, 2016, 05:01:25 pm
Didn't Sheldon have something like that?

Ah yes: http://www.sheldonbrown.com/org/thorn/

(Interesting approach to controlling the front brake from two levers, there.)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: McWheels on 20 December, 2016, 11:21:48 pm
Probably a dark-side discussion, but few match this for getting double-takes.

(https://c7.staticflickr.com/1/703/30947685414_9a716459ac_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/P9JYF1)Bike reclined (https://flic.kr/p/P9JYF1) by jdp298 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/jdp298/), on Flickr


edit: Maybe that will do it
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: hatler on 21 December, 2016, 07:28:36 am
Probably a dark-side discussion, but few match this for getting double-takes.

(http://cruzbike.com/forum/attachments/bike-reclined-jpg.3532/)
Linky no worky.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: McWheels on 21 December, 2016, 08:31:09 pm
Fixed?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 21 December, 2016, 08:34:11 pm
I don't think it's fixed, it looks like a hub gear to me.

Sorry. Yes, it's working.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 24 December, 2016, 10:27:57 am
Trek with very unusual seatbolt arrangement.

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/1/690/31839344825_0af25f8c67_o.jpg)

Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 28 December, 2016, 03:28:43 pm
Circe Helios triplet at Cycle Heaven in York.  Some interesting stuff going on with the frame there.
Also the electric assist version of the tandem.
(The regular tandem is on display in the CrinklyDen)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 14 January, 2017, 09:15:48 pm
Domino's pizza bike. Unlike other delivery services, they appear to be using a fleet. Looks a bit like a Royal Mail bike, but with a huge box on the back, obvs. Built in lighting, which is good.

Also with built in lighting and looking quite odd in the metal, one of these:
(https://contents.mediadecathlon.com/p820190/550x550/tilt-720-folding-bike-limited.jpg/)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: aidan.f on 21 January, 2017, 08:27:10 pm
James Arrow Ace  Tandem - I have dibs on this - What do the forum think of this old, pre 1966, but rather unusual tandem? From the  photo it  appears to be in rather good condition.

(http://i1191.photobucket.com/albums/z468/hedley_a/JamesCycle_1.jpg)

(http://i1191.photobucket.com/albums/z468/hedley_a/JamesTandem_1.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Torslanda on 21 January, 2017, 10:34:43 pm
Needs a frame builder to sort it out.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: PhilO on 22 January, 2017, 07:56:59 am
Needs a frame builder to sort it out.

That's a design feature.  Note "Detachable top bar..." In the advert.
[Apologies if you comment was tongue-in-cheek.]

It certainly looks an interesting machine...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 22 January, 2017, 08:02:22 am
There have been a few convertible solos made over the years but not many tandems.

http://bikeville.blogspot.com.tr/2012/04/schwinn-bantam-childs-bike.html
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: aidan.f on 22 January, 2017, 01:06:17 pm
I think it's worth saving from the scrap man which is where it was heading. Bit of a museum piece. Suspect it's a beast to ride.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: tatanab on 22 January, 2017, 02:56:13 pm
old, pre 1966
Pre by a long way.  More like 1930s.  As for a beast to ride, frames of this sort of geometry is where many of us started our tandem riding.  I had 3 of them in the 1970s, an E.H Carter, a Sun Wasp and a Claud Butler Silver Ace.  They are perfectly fine, but just like slack angled solo machines of the time it feels to us as if you have to start turning into a corner a fortnight before you get there.  In 1981 I had a custom tandem frame built with modern geometry - a revelation.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 22 January, 2017, 05:12:12 pm
Definitely it should be saved. It is a cool piece of kit.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 22 January, 2017, 07:09:16 pm
It's very interesting, regardless of whether it's actual decent to ride.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 22 January, 2017, 07:11:11 pm
A Schwinn Stingray. Modern one, with V-brakes and stuff. Chain stays at least as long as the James tandem. "Easy rider" styling. Bloke riding it looked a bit like Denis Hopper too! Said he'd had a lot of trouble with it.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: cygnet on 24 January, 2017, 01:32:51 pm
What on googling appears to have been a milk bike
https://www.milkbikes.com/#/rda/ (https://www.milkbikes.com/#/rda/)
Drop bars, disc brakes, dyno hub, hub gears and a belt drive. Looked ideal to replace my stolen commuter bike until I saw the price.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Torslanda on 26 January, 2017, 01:46:35 am
Needs a frame builder to sort it out.

That's a design feature.  Note "Detachable top bar..." In the advert.
[Apologies if you comment was tongue-in-cheek.]

It certainly looks an interesting machine...

Didn't look at the advert so I'll rephrase that. Put 20 stone of me on the stoker's saddle and in very short order it will need a frame builder to sort it out.

Interesting in a 'i can't believe it folded up so easily on the first pothole we hit' kind of way?

The strongest structure in engineering is a triangle. That's a hinge.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 30 January, 2017, 03:56:45 pm
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/543/32611269485_f57bb0d051_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/RFKhfZ)
Somebody's serious about shopping. Seen outside Sainsbury's.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: phil653 on 30 January, 2017, 04:00:11 pm
But not so serious about chain lube.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Torslanda on 03 February, 2017, 09:54:58 pm
So what else is new?

Menawhile, today on the East Lancs Road* between Swinton & Worsley, a cargo bike (with the platform/box behind the rider - otherwise no details) last seen disappearing under the M60 towards Walkden.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 05 March, 2017, 05:31:25 pm
A remarkable ape-hanger, easy-rider style bicycle with elongated frame to accommodate the bars.  Gawd knows how it got rounds corners but it looked cool.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: rogerzilla on 03 April, 2017, 09:23:49 pm
A proper, early-1990s, Marin MTB, the sort with matt black paint but fluorescent orange highlights.  I've often searched fleaBay for one of these or a Kona of the same era, but goodness knows what happened to them all.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: PeteB99 on 04 April, 2017, 10:15:55 am
They're all slowly composting in the back of peoples sheds awaiting the day when they'll be demoted to landfill.

I've got a 1991 Saracen (from when Saracen still made decent bikes) which will probably become an Ebike this summer.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 10 April, 2017, 03:19:36 pm
A Thompson tandem in the bikeshed at work.  Interestingly, though it has Thompson transfers, it has Orbit markings at the top of the seatstay.

The shed also includes a Mercian in trad garb with incongruously flashy deep v wheels, a shiny Holdsworth, several electric bikes (a lot of Brighton is up an 'ill), and a handful of fancy roadbikes.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 11 April, 2017, 06:13:06 pm
When I was a Penniless Student Oaf a flatmate had a tourer which, IIRC, was badged both Orbit and "Parker-Thompson".
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 17 April, 2017, 05:47:22 pm
Mini-fat bikes (semi-skimmed?) are a thing:
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2938/33968451801_4638c9d5d5_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/TKFch6)

I expect having tyres wider than your feet makes for easy balance and low-speed manoeuvrability.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 17 April, 2017, 05:50:13 pm
And an ordinary bike but with an interesting gizmo in its rear wheel. Monkey Electric. Presumably some sort of dynamo? Or is it a motor?It doesn't seem to be actually connected electrically to the hub, it's just clipped on. In fact it's not connected to anything. ???
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2945/33256112974_7b89e5a8ba_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/SEJgLb)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Sergeant Pluck on 17 April, 2017, 05:55:01 pm
It’s the battery holder for those LED lights that you see on rims / spokes.

(http://www.monkeylectric.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/m232_pattern.gif)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 17 April, 2017, 06:04:31 pm
I am enlightened.* There weren't actually any of those lights in the wheel at the time I saw it though. Thanks.

*Taxi!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 20 April, 2017, 07:23:32 am
(http://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/americas/cuba/5by7ia/picture143537899/alternates/FREE_768/tallbikeflag)

Tall bike record attempt falls short, but Cuban will try again (http://Tall bike record attempt falls short, but Cuban will try again)

Not wearing a helmet parachute?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 01 May, 2017, 07:02:01 pm
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2863/34256919221_5928392233_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/UcaEAi)
Diana's bike is bobbins. (http://bobbinbikes.com)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 11 May, 2017, 07:26:15 pm
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4191/34597889275_518601a698_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/UHie7k)
Yes, that's a three-part stem. I guess this kind of thing is inevitable if you try to make a BMX fit a grown up.

Close up:
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4171/34597892665_041de6e013_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/UHif7M)

Could just get a Thorn!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: DuncanM on 12 May, 2017, 10:34:57 am
This is a "spotted on the internet", but it's a really curious bike with some interesting features, so I thought I'd post it here:
http://retrorides.proboards.com/post/2314539

The fork is this:
(http://i.imgur.com/7S527d2.jpg)

Any suggestions as to who would make something with such a fork, or what the rear brakes are?
Cheers
Duncan
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 12 May, 2017, 10:46:11 am
It is a variation on a triple plate fork crown (fairly cheap to manufacture) but I don't know which manufacturer did that style.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: tatanab on 12 May, 2017, 11:16:52 am
or what the rear brakes are?
It is a Lion brake from the 1930s.  I have failed to easily find any internet information but have a picture in a book which describes it as "low end".
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: rogerzilla on 30 May, 2017, 03:30:12 pm
A full-sus BSO with only one front wheel nut  :o
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Pingu on 04 June, 2017, 01:28:39 pm
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4289/34958694581_a55b5dc502_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/VgbrXt)
IMG_8735_01 (https://flic.kr/p/VgbrXt) by The Pingus (https://www.flickr.com/photos/the_pingus/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Torslanda on 30 June, 2017, 03:01:46 pm
A full-sus BSO with only one front wheel nut  :o

NFS...?  :D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: nikki on 30 June, 2017, 03:20:57 pm
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4288/34210047104_14a03a0e43_b.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wobbly John on 30 June, 2017, 09:41:32 pm
I didn't get a photo of it, but earlier in the week, I saw a carbon framed road bike, in the old white and blue (with red & yellow stripe) team Raleigh colours...


...and a Specialized name on the downtube.  :o
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 03 July, 2017, 01:45:43 pm
Interesting or at least unusually large collection of knitwear for summer in nikki's photo.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: itsbruce on 06 July, 2017, 10:28:19 pm
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4212/35722020626_35ffd129a8_c_d.jpg)

A Brox quadricycle - early model. Not only did I see it, I have been riding it around Brixton :-)

In a week, I'll be using it to transport a (live) beehive through London.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 06 July, 2017, 10:53:47 pm
In a week, I'll be using it to transport a (live) beehive through London.

What could *possibly* go wrong?   :D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: itsbruce on 06 July, 2017, 10:54:45 pm
In a week, I'll be using it to transport a (live) beehive through London.

What could *possibly* go wrong?   :D
Chance of a spectacular Darwin award

Sent from my Pixel C using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 07 July, 2017, 10:06:01 am
Turning Brixton into Broxton!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: DuncanM on 07 July, 2017, 01:47:47 pm
Oooh.  The jackshaft arrangement looks interesting - why convert from standard to left hand drive?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: itsbruce on 07 July, 2017, 02:31:26 pm
The Brox has a rear differential gear (and a clutch).  Not a traditional layout.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: TimO on 07 July, 2017, 02:34:22 pm
The Brox has a rear differential gear (and a clutch).  Not a traditional layout.

... so you can change derailleur gear whilst stationary, which is damned useful if you've stopped in the wrong gear, with a heapload of cargo on the back.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 07 July, 2017, 06:16:53 pm
Some sort of generic hybridy MTBSOish thing.  700c back wheel, 26" front.  I didn't get a proper look, as I was negotiating a junction at the time.  Possibly the suspension fork was a retrofit?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Arellcat on 08 July, 2017, 11:37:00 am
What could *possibly* go wrong?   :D
Chance of a spectacular Darwin award

A good ratchet strap around the hive will keep it together, and a polystyrene bung in the front door will keep the bees inside.  Should be fairly safe as long as the bung stays put!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: sg37409 on 17 July, 2017, 08:32:36 am
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4326/35166389433_f7732854d3.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/VzwWpc)Peugeot mixte (https://flic.kr/p/VzwWpc) by sg310 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/24775321@N02/), on Flickr
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4304/35587407130_f1d5da90b9.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/WdJLi1)Peugeot mixte (https://flic.kr/p/WdJLi1) by sg310 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/24775321@N02/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 17 July, 2017, 01:37:01 pm
Bonus points for an interesting and unusual bike stand.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: itsbruce on 17 July, 2017, 01:44:09 pm
What could *possibly* go wrong?   :D
Chance of a spectacular Darwin award

A good ratchet strap around the hive will keep it together, and a polystyrene bung in the front door will keep the bees inside.  Should be fairly safe as long as the bung stays put!
I survived

Sent from my Pixel C using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 17 July, 2017, 01:50:26 pm
How about the bees? :)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: itsbruce on 17 July, 2017, 01:59:18 pm
How about the bees? :)
About a dozen managed to escape the hive into the mesh wrapping, in transit but nobody was stung  and most of them found their way back into the hive once unwrapped and in place.  I'm sure the jolts of the trip worried the hive some, but they seem to be reoriented and calm now.

Sent from my Pixel C using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Jurek on 17 July, 2017, 02:10:27 pm
So, based on that, nobody can actually say I'm covered in bees (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xs-tl6GBOBo) :D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Tigerbiten on 18 July, 2017, 03:01:18 pm
A day of trikes for me.
Cycling into Northampton, I saw an standard trike coming the other way .....  :)
Then cycling out of Northampton on the Nene way, I saw a Christiania type cargo trike adapted to carry a disabled adult in front of the cyclist .......  ;D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Russell on 19 July, 2017, 10:37:36 am
I didn't see it  but Dr Miss R did.  Can anyone identify what it is?

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4307/35887970871_a2386aaeb3_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/WFieqt)35838160822_ac6df17f11_o (https://flic.kr/p/WFieqt) by Russell Wiles (https://www.flickr.com/photos/156615223@N02/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 19 July, 2017, 12:34:49 pm
Looks like a design student to me.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Ian H on 21 July, 2017, 02:26:12 pm
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2EykX46lsyQ/WXH-m1u2nEI/AAAAAAAAUWQ/HVfNF9EMUEgTyxFCAhL5iIzHc_pBdgrEgCJoC/w530-h398-p/IMG_20170721_114250062.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Vince on 24 July, 2017, 12:25:09 pm
In rather better condition and in touring mode
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4303/36085798176_248d2713a2_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/WYM9A5)2017-07-24_09-00-47 (https://flic.kr/p/WYM9A5) by Vince Hall (https://www.flickr.com/photos/122020004@N05/), on Flickr
It has a Campagnolo derailleur, possible record.
Taken in Stroud on Saturday.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Feanor on 30 July, 2017, 12:37:52 am
Old Moulton Speed nailed to the wall in a stupormarket:

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4292/35417737154_e31a682bd7_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/VXKajA)
20170729_164516 (https://flic.kr/p/VXKajA) by Ron Lowe (https://www.flickr.com/photos/62966413@N04/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: DuncanM on 01 August, 2017, 11:16:36 am
That's cool. Chainring not far off the size of the wheels and a tiny little sprocket.  :)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 01 August, 2017, 08:16:05 pm
Cargo bike with electric assist, which you'd probably want if you had to ride it up the incredibly steep Marlborough Hill behind Bristol Royal Infirmary.

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4304/36149632302_d5badecca9_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/X5qjfs)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 01 August, 2017, 08:25:32 pm
This Thanet was made in 1952 to take the present owner's father-in-law up Alps and safely down again.

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4306/35922313300_4dcfdb767c_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/WJkfej)1952 Thanet ds (https://flic.kr/p/WJkfej) by Cudzoziemiec (https://www.flickr.com/photos/7832028@N02/), on Flickr

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4315/36182537091_2c783550bc_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/X8jXGp)1952 Thanet (https://flic.kr/p/X8jXGp) by Cudzoziemiec (https://www.flickr.com/photos/7832028@N02/), on Flickr

That explains the gearing: double chainring with a tiny inner, two rear cogs and a three-speed hub. Unfortunately the original parallelogram linkage to chain between the two cogs has broken, hence the anachronistic Shimano mech.

The brakes have been uprated, I think. The set back seat post is obviously an alteration, as the current owner has much longer thighs, and for the same reason he had to lop the final inch or so off the bars! The Thanet bottom bracket design results in a very steep seat tube design: 74 degrees, I think he said. The rest of the unusual frame is basically marketing.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Bledlow on 15 August, 2017, 10:48:36 pm
Interesting & unusual because it looks like an un-updated classic.

A Raleigh, model unknown, but seller's label is F.W.Golding, 72-74 High Street, Milton Regis, Sittingbourne, Kent. It looks as if it was open a couple of years ago. No surviving tubing or other transfers apart from that shop label, but I wouldn't be surprised if it was 531.

Obviously old Campagnolo gruppo: double chainring, 5 speed block, downtube shifters. Looked fully functional. Damn! I didn't check what the brakes were. Everything looked as if it could be original except the tyres & saddle.

Locked up at Cemetery Junction, Reading.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Vince on 25 August, 2017, 10:39:41 pm
Spotted outside the Pump House in Bristol.

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4413/36803271675_ab18cc4230_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Y5bosP)1939 Elswick. The Pumphouse Bristol. (https://flic.kr/p/Y5bosP) by Vince Hall (https://www.flickr.com/photos/122020004@N05/), on Flickr

According to the man with the pint sitting next to it, it dates from 1939. Wheels are not original.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 01 September, 2017, 12:09:35 am
A Lightning F-40 like unto this:

(https://www.lightningbikes.com/f40/gallery/data/images1/dougs_new.jpg)

but less thoroughly yellow, doing a healthy clip westbound on US-36 in NW Kansas this morning.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Diver300 on 13 September, 2017, 05:43:22 pm
(https://www.mtrak.co.uk/pictures/personal/IMG_0109.JPG)

This has been left unused, and unlocked at work for 3 months now.

I reported it to business protection, with the same lack of response as when a company vehicle nearly ran me off the road.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Ian H on 13 September, 2017, 09:20:38 pm
(http://malin.me.uk/IMG_0109.JPG)

This has been left unused, and unlocked at work for 3 months now.

I reported it to business protection, with the same lack of response as when a company vehicle nearly ran me off the road.

It would make a good fixed-wheel, though methinks someone has had to replace the forks.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Ian H on 13 September, 2017, 09:39:42 pm
A Brompton was tied up outside the church this afternoon.  Painted black, it had what looked rather like a fuel tank mounted on the frame-tube—I think it housed a battery—and a smallish electric motor underneath.  I didn't have time to examine the details of the drive system.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: itsbruce on 23 September, 2017, 01:45:43 pm
Seems Greenway have made a special monster electric MTB for this delivery company:

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4360/37215235006_95af68245d_b.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 03 October, 2017, 08:29:22 pm
Orange Velomobile sporting smalltyreshop.com branding going round a roundabout in Repton on Wednesday.  First time I've spotted a velomobile in the wild.  I assume it came from Melbourne.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 11 October, 2017, 04:19:51 pm
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4491/37604734182_7093daf6f2_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Zi16kU)

It has a Rohloff Speed hub!
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4495/36926470524_77e5c32d76_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Yg4PbU)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: jsabine on 11 October, 2017, 08:03:48 pm
Isn't that Claire's bike? I reckon Grayson Perry can afford to put nice kit on it ...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 11 October, 2017, 08:08:33 pm
 :thumbsup:

It looks as if it has a remotely controlled (ie from a handlebar lever) centre stand too.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 16 October, 2017, 06:57:52 pm
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4461/37480442700_5a89ace675_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Z724Pj)

This is not a Dursley Pedersen, nor is it a Cheltenham Pedersen. It's a "Bristol Pedersen", built by the owner out of, well, tubes, by himself. Note modern chainset, derailleur, etc.

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4456/37706392402_30b1c99724_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/ZrZ7MQ)

Seat not modern though...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: alexb on 18 October, 2017, 11:26:38 am
I overtook someone using a set of reversed moustache bars today. The rider had the least amount of knee room of any bike I've seen for a long time!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: DuncanM on 27 October, 2017, 09:02:35 pm
Today I saw a sensibly dressed man riding a reasonable Trek hybrid with the forks on backwards  :o . How is it that he's not noticed that his bike looks different to every other bike in Oxford (and that the V brakes are on the back of his forks)?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 27 October, 2017, 09:07:46 pm
Today I saw a sensibly dressed man riding a reasonable Trek hybrid with the forks on backwards  :o . How is it that he's not noticed that his bike looks different to every other bike in Oxford (and that the V brakes are on the back of his forks)?

Most people don't know what a bicycle looks like (http://road.cc/content/blog/90885-science-cycology-can-you-draw-bicycle).  They just see a bicycle.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: spesh on 22 November, 2017, 01:27:03 pm
On the way back from the shops yesterday, I spotted a Strida being folded up and loaded into the boot of a car. I'm guessing that the owner works somewhere in Pompey where parking is non-existent/expensive/requires a permit, so he's parking up in a residential street near me and doing the last mile or two a velo.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Russell on 29 November, 2017, 11:24:55 am
I didn't see it  but Dr Miss R did.  Can anyone identify what it is?

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4307/35887970871_a2386aaeb3_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/WFieqt)35838160822_ac6df17f11_o (https://flic.kr/p/WFieqt) by Russell Wiles (https://www.flickr.com/photos/156615223@N02/), on Flickr

Saw another one of these last night, it was black but the same.  The frame held the battery for a motor in the back wheel.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: cygnet on 30 November, 2017, 12:52:40 pm
^ a Trayser https://www.ettindustries.com/ (https://www.ettindustries.com/)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 30 November, 2017, 10:45:39 pm
Half a dozen Gocycles belting towards Kingston high street at a rate of knots Wednesday evening. I'd not seen a multiple of them before.
https://gocycle.com
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wobbly John on 01 December, 2017, 06:53:33 am
Half a dozen Gocycles belting towards Kingston high street at a rate of knots Wednesday evening. I'd not seen a multiple of them before.
https://gocycle.com

They used to be built in a factory a few hundred yard from where I work.  :thumbsup:

I've not seen any particularly unusual bikes for a while, but spotted an unusual cyclist yesterday - A guy cycling in the Fenland-wind and light snow...


...wearing a KILT!  :o :o :o
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: hubner on 05 February, 2018, 03:20:34 pm
A huge Gianni Motta.

(https://i.imgur.com/XN9y8Vn.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/ij9gOfC.jpg)

Dura Ace parts, Mavic headset, Cosmic wheels, Columbus tubing,rear rack fixed to seatpin.

Although the rider didn't seem that tall. Seemed to be long in the legs though.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 07 March, 2018, 03:51:02 pm
Amongst the droves of cargo trikes in Playas (Ecuador) were at least three original rusty Raleigh Choppers (or very close copies). They even had the herons on the chainwheels.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 09 March, 2018, 11:35:55 am
That reminds me, yesterday 5 o'clockish I saw about four cargo bikes at various points up and down the Gloucester Road, including one loading up with fruit and veg from the greengrocer's – seemed to be distributing them to another shop(?).
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 13 March, 2018, 12:04:50 pm
Outside homebase Bury St Edmunds yesterday a cargo bike you can borrow for free to get your stuff home.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Torslanda on 18 March, 2018, 08:55:17 am
Imagines normally motorized morons 'being green' taking flat pack wardrobes home, balanced precariously ACROSS the bike...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 18 March, 2018, 02:23:31 pm
Imagines normally motorized morons 'being green' taking flat pack wardrobes home, balanced precariously ACROSS the bike...

Sounds like an excellent strategy to avoid close passes.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Torslanda on 18 March, 2018, 04:31:51 pm
Or getting the load caught in the wheelarch of a bus and ending up being towed to Solihull . . .
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: clarion on 19 March, 2018, 08:49:29 am
..and nobody wants to go to Solihull!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: andrew_s on 25 March, 2018, 11:34:10 pm
An Ordinary, whizzing down the road outside the Hop Pole in Tewkesbury yesterday afternoon.

And on a related note, as I left Gloucester in a vaguely Tewkesbury-wards direction, I overtook a Pashley Guvnor, ridden by a chap in the full tweedy outfit
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: andrew_s on 22 April, 2018, 07:50:32 pm
Also in Tewkesbury, yesterday, a Sinclair C5
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: ElyDave on 09 May, 2018, 10:27:51 pm
A nice Airnimal on the train this morning, with a custom paint job

A rather odd looking MTB at the railway station this evening with a fatbike rear end and normal front.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 13 May, 2018, 10:57:39 am
A nice Airnimal on the train this morning, with a custom paint job

Just as long as they didn't paint over the rather fine head-tube badge 8)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 20 May, 2018, 04:26:51 pm
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/979/28357718778_311a99dfc5_c.jpg)
Errmm...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: JennyB on 20 May, 2018, 06:50:10 pm
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/979/28357718778_311a99dfc5_c.jpg)
Errmm...

Cotic Roadrat  circa 2012. The odd disc mount position was claimed to help keep the front wheel in the right place 7n the days before thru axles.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 21 May, 2018, 01:46:53 pm
I see! Being used with Vs makes it look all the odder though!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wobbly John on 21 May, 2018, 01:55:56 pm
I see! Being used with Vs makes it look all the odder though!

...especially when cable-ed to bar end brake levers that probably give the wrong amount of pull...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Ham on 21 May, 2018, 02:16:52 pm
In Cuba

(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ej8Z73rBNxI/WwLGb8kFRgI/AAAAAAABVsg/DXj3RYsU6xwltCoOfkstGZyOErTm3ZmcQCKgBGAs/s1600/MVIMG_20180314_191323.jpg)

In France

(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g0Li_Qx-4Ic/WwLGb5vO3fI/AAAAAAABVsg/zqyTPRTqVHk3hQ65gkVPBZ1rNinMJDUcQCKgBGAs/s1600/MVIMG_20180507_172943.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Torslanda on 24 May, 2018, 08:38:13 pm
Chap brought in a Lazer something or other. 1970s DDR manufactured with 27" wheels, Sachs derailleurs and Altenburger brakes. And rust. LOTS of rust.

No, it's not collectable. No, thank you but I really don't want it.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 24 May, 2018, 09:06:49 pm
Being manufactured in the DDR might give it a certain cachet in hipster circles. Maybe, perhaps, possibly? Or perhaps he should advertise it in the classifieds section of Marxism Today, if there is such a thing.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Torslanda on 26 May, 2018, 09:05:12 pm
Or just take it round the corner to the tip and put it out of its misery.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Steve GT on 06 June, 2018, 05:18:10 pm
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1742/42621328011_1ae1a6044b_z.jpg)

I met this lady at Bolton Abbey while out for a ride this morning.
The unusual front configuration is because she has a bad neck, but chapeau to her for still getting out on the bike!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: hatler on 01 July, 2018, 09:14:08 pm
In Streat Lane earlier today there was a little gathering eyeing up a Sinclair C5 and a fantastically obscure 1800s trike with one big wheel on the left and two smaller inline wheels on the right.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 01 July, 2018, 09:15:33 pm
Sounds like a Veteran-Cycle Club run.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Pingu on 01 July, 2018, 10:30:07 pm
Postman Pat Berlin style.

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1787/43094040021_000f8fbbd2_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/28E5dJ2)
IMG_1204_01 (https://flic.kr/p/28E5dJ2) by The Pingus (https://www.flickr.com/photos/the_pingus/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: cycleman on 02 July, 2018, 07:49:33 am
Home made front wheel drive recumbent built by a boat owner on the grand union canal near west Drayton   :)

https://photos.app.goo.gl/9N3wNKr9VsED3eQa6
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: ElyDave on 02 July, 2018, 11:00:50 am
that's a unicycle with a training wheel!  Don't want to even consider the handling of that thing
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Torslanda on 02 July, 2018, 11:15:26 am
Looked at that and wondered if anyone survived the crash!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 02 July, 2018, 11:16:27 am
It does rather look like someone's ridden an old mountain bike into a Silly Sustrans Gate™ at full pelt...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: cycleman on 02 July, 2018, 08:09:44 pm
He says it handles pretty well and it looked OK as he rode towards me a long the towpath yesterday  :)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 02 July, 2018, 11:49:05 pm
Well, if it works it's all good.   :thumbsup:  I imagine it rides a bit like that USS upwrong contraption of Wobbly John's that I rode at Mildenhall some years ago.   

I'm still trying to get my head around the geometry... must be quite an upright riding position, given the steep seat back, and the low BB.  But the pedals look quite close to the seat, which leaves me wondering how they get a foot down.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: cycleman on 03 July, 2018, 09:17:15 am
I am hoping that he will join us hear on the forum so you can ask him about it . he is thinking of building a trike next  :)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: rafletcher on 03 July, 2018, 02:16:33 pm
Yesterday morning in Long Marston in Bucks, a recumbent e-bike with a rear hub motor, doing around 35kph.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: rogerzilla on 03 July, 2018, 05:03:35 pm
I'm in Zell am See.  Lots of bikes here.  A Klein MTB yesterday, lots of e-things and, today, a guy riding an unassisted MTB up the Schmittenstrasse (2km of 1 in 7-ish) while wheeling another, cheap and heavy, MTB.  Chapeau!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 11 July, 2018, 12:44:44 pm
A bloke in a wheelchair with the usual two large 'pushing' wheels at the back but without the little front wheels, instead of which it had a hand-cranked steerable trike front wheel, also electric drive. Looked like quite a nifty transport solution though presumably too cumbersome for indoor use.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 19 July, 2018, 07:39:28 pm
A Rudge roadster. Okay, that's neither interesting nor unusual other than being fairly old, but what made it... erm, interesting... was that in addition to being sensibly locked, having a well-oiled chain and seeming rust-free, so obviously in use, the front rod brake ended in metal brake block holders – with no blocks – and the rear brake rod terminated in... a break in the rod. And it definitely didn't have a back-pedal brake, and I very much doubt it was fixed. So no brakes at all.  ::-)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Moose57 on 20 July, 2018, 10:43:21 pm
(https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/37559704_10156515643413399_8268807648283983872_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=1d00bc09342ee7e3a1dafa5ed42c1011&oe=5C115E9A)

Just started putting this together for a friend, a Norman Cyle from Ashford in Kent. Decided to do a light resto on it but wondered if any one else has come accross them?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 24 July, 2018, 06:55:41 pm
On the towpath of the K&A on Saturday, an electric fat bike. It was h.u.g.e.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 27 July, 2018, 07:03:14 pm
Box-front bikes and trikes specifically for child-carrying seem to be getting quite popular. The new one I saw today was Winther brand, like a slicker Christiania tadpole, but the front section resembled a commercial dual buggy. Ran on hamsters, of course.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 28 July, 2018, 12:05:00 am
This is undoubtedly good news for all those children who would otherwise be wedged between a child seat and a rucksack.   :hand:
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: cycleman on 28 July, 2018, 07:16:38 am
4 what looked like street machines heading towards slough in Eton high street  :)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 28 July, 2018, 10:26:17 am
A wheel, with tyre attached.  Single-speed, no wheel nuts.  Not locked forlornly to a Sheffield stand but just lying in the road between two parked cars.  No other evidence of bicycle activity. ???
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Ian H on 28 July, 2018, 10:49:25 am
A friend claims to have seen a French family on a triplet recumbent* with a child trailer and two children on solos.  On a UK campsite.

*I googled and found nothing like it, just one where the rear stoker faces backwards.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 29 July, 2018, 09:57:47 am
Never seen a triplet recumbent, although there was the joke comedy machine that Jean-Charles Gosselin built as a protest against the high entry fees for the 1999 World Championships in Interlaken.  Prone rider at the front, upright one in the middle and recumbent at the back.  All operating the same cranks :o

My chum Barney is scheming a scheme to convert his double-decker recumbent into a triple, but mercifully that hasn't happened yet.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 29 July, 2018, 12:11:44 pm
Never seen a triplet recumbent, although there was the joke comedy machine that Jean-Charles Gosselin built as a protest against the high entry fees for the 1999 World Championships in Interlaken.  Prone rider at the front, upright one in the middle and recumbent at the back.  All operating the same cranks :o
Ridden by Tim Brooke-Taylor, Graeme Garden and Bill Oddie?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: TimO on 04 August, 2018, 10:01:19 pm
(http://balius.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/cycling/spring-bike.jpg)

I haven't seen this personally, but it was in a YouTube video by "Colin Furze", it's The Bicycle of Springs.  One for Wobbly John, I think !

The Bicycle of Springs, on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N39uwTykTQk)  (broken link tidied up)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Torslanda on 05 August, 2018, 09:57:54 am
He lives with his mum, right...?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: TimO on 05 August, 2018, 02:09:15 pm
He lives with his mum, right...?

Well, even if he is, he can probably afford to do otherwise.  With that many people following his YouTube account, the bottom estimate of his income from that alone is £2000 a month, and it could be up to 15 times more. :o
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: fuzzy on 08 August, 2018, 08:48:32 pm
Came into the shop for a bit of TLC the other day. Hadn't seen one for yonks. The chrome ws in great shape (possibly redone).

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1817/43027355715_3333f78bb6_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/28ybrNB)IMG_0029 (https://flic.kr/p/28ybrNB) by Matt Langridge (https://www.flickr.com/photos/59790646@N05/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: matthew on 09 August, 2018, 03:19:36 pm
I think I can count it as a bike....

This morning I saw an Eliptigo in Bracknell proceeding from the direction of the Coppid Beech Hotel towards Wokingham.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Torslanda on 09 August, 2018, 03:53:55 pm
 . . . in an orderly fashion, M'lud!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: mr_brooks on 09 August, 2018, 07:49:39 pm
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/851/43046288625_edb98915c1.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/28zRtU6)Fika time for police in Stockholm, Sweden (https://flic.kr/p/28zRtU6) by J C-B (https://www.flickr.com/photos/jcb1973/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: matthew on 09 August, 2018, 08:31:17 pm
. . . in an orderly fashion, M'lud!

Given that at that point he was by the water tower and therefore at the top of the hill the rider was looking in good shape.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Clare on 09 August, 2018, 11:36:16 pm
A friend claims to have seen a French family on a triplet recumbent* with a child trailer and two children on solos.  On a UK campsite.

*I googled and found nothing like it, just one where the rear stoker faces backwards.

I saw that (or a simillar triplet plus two DFs) in Portsmouth today, heading for the ferry port. It is an incredible looking machine. The set up is:

trailer adult child adult.

It is very long and I am glad I didn't meet it on the shared use path by the dockyard wall. Also not entirely sure how they got it round the turn at the end of the cycle path at Unicorn gate.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 22 August, 2018, 05:37:16 pm
A pale green Sven with racks, shiny mudguards and, slightly oddly IMO, headlight mounted on the left fork leg.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: T42 on 24 August, 2018, 11:21:23 am
This morning, a couple of k from home:

(http://www.pbase.com/image/168015357.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 24 August, 2018, 11:29:16 am
 :thumbsup: :) :)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Basil on 30 August, 2018, 04:02:21 pm
Carmarthen Castle Council House has an unusual bike parked.
(Shaky phone picture taken from a moving bus)

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1866/43649024834_0aebb65c28_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/29v7EnG)
20180830_141306 (https://flic.kr/p/29v7EnG) by Basil W (https://www.flickr.com/photos/153328377@N08/), on Flickr

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1870/43459365215_f1eaf3d523_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/29dmBbg)
20180830_141402 (https://flic.kr/p/29dmBbg) by Basil W (https://www.flickr.com/photos/153328377@N08/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: rr on 30 August, 2018, 06:36:48 pm
Brompton fitted with a, Infront of rider, child seat.

Sent from my moto x4 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Andrij on 30 August, 2018, 09:18:57 pm
A Brompton e-bike. 

Could this be the ultimate city bike?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 30 August, 2018, 10:43:00 pm
A Brompton e-bike. 

Could this be the ultimate city bike?

Depends on the size of the potholes, I think.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 31 August, 2018, 06:43:03 am
More unusual riders then actual bikes but in Berlin Ohio lots of Amish on bikes, quite a few with Burley cycles trailers. Best one was a guy in full on Amish clothing on a sit up bike absolutely carving through turns down hill. I was a good distance back doing 40mph and he was pulling away from me.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Jaded on 31 August, 2018, 08:10:26 am
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=TSkwY9EuP5E

 ;D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: fuzzy on 31 August, 2018, 12:23:09 pm
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/851/43046288625_edb98915c1.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/28zRtU6)Fika time for police in Stockholm, Sweden (https://flic.kr/p/28zRtU6) by J C-B (https://www.flickr.com/photos/jcb1973/), on Flickr

Puts me right into flashback mode :thumbsup:

Happy days ;D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: PeteB99 on 01 September, 2018, 10:55:34 am
Not quite a bike but yesterday an electric unicycle going at a fair pace.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Jakob W on 01 September, 2018, 01:40:09 pm
electric unicycle

Er, what now? Is this some kind of Segway/auto-stabilised thing, or something else?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: PeteB99 on 01 September, 2018, 04:06:20 pm
Yes, A stabilised single wheel with a small step each side to stand on. Google electric unicycle and you'll get the idea.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Jakob W on 01 September, 2018, 07:54:30 pm
My initial thought was of the traditional kind with a hub motor fitted, which would seem to be a way of getting to the faceplant a heck of a lot faster...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wobbly John on 01 September, 2018, 08:01:02 pm
On a social ride today, with a local group, a Redmount Roller recumbent trike. (if you were at Mildenhall cyling festival, you may have seen it there)

(https://www.cyclechat.net/attachments/20180330_103252-jpg.402182/)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: JennyB on 01 September, 2018, 09:00:28 pm
My initial thought was of the traditional kind with a hub motor fitted, which would seem to be a way of getting to the faceplant a heck of a lot faster...


The ever-inventive Justin Lemire-Elmore has that sorted (http://www.ebikes.ca/news/say-what/).  :o
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Jakob W on 01 September, 2018, 09:03:27 pm
That's proper crack-fuelled engineering, that is...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: rr on 02 September, 2018, 07:52:56 am
This week in Amsterdam we have seen both a Segway style unicycle and a Segway style two wheeled wheel chair.

Sent from my moto x4 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: cycleman on 02 September, 2018, 08:18:49 am
On a social ride today, with a local group, a Redmount Roller recumbent trike. (if you were at Mildenhall cyling festival, you may have seen it there)

(https://www.cyclechat.net/attachments/20180330_103252-jpg.402182/)
I rode on one of them on a test ride years ago. I recall it having a frightening amount of brake steer   :)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: PeteB99 on 02 September, 2018, 10:19:41 am
My initial thought was of the traditional kind with a hub motor fitted, which would seem to be a way of getting to the faceplant a heck of a lot faster...

The guy was doing a decent speed of about 10 to 15 mph so my first thought was of the possibility of a face plant. He was still upright when he went out of sight though.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Zipperhead on 02 September, 2018, 11:05:35 am
My initial thought was of the traditional kind with a hub motor fitted, which would seem to be a way of getting to the faceplant a heck of a lot faster...


The ever-inventive Justin Lemire-Elmore has that sorted (http://www.ebikes.ca/news/say-what/).  :o

That's completely, utterly, wonderfully barking. I love it.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: SteveC on 02 September, 2018, 07:42:23 pm
Have we had this one before? (Beamish Museum)
Direct drive to the big wheel in the middle (as for an Ordinary). All four of the other wheels steer.

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1887/30562222678_c587c15803_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/NyFo2L)
Five wheeled ‘bike’ (https://flic.kr/p/NyFo2L) by Steve Cunio (https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevecunio/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 02 September, 2018, 07:45:18 pm
I think it was known as the 'Hen and Chicks' and was quite useless on uneven roads as the drive wheel kept losing contact.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Andrij on 02 September, 2018, 07:46:15 pm
I need that for next year's Tweed Run.  Someone else can use it for the Dun Run.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: menthel on 06 September, 2018, 12:40:04 pm
Chap on a tall bike going down Hampton Court Road towards the palace.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: rogerzilla on 21 September, 2018, 09:36:26 pm
Girl on a pink sort of mixte frame, obviously rescued from somewhere and resprayed.  Singlespeed and Deep V rims.  Common sort of thing in London but not out here in mouth-breathing, Brexit-voting yokeldom.

My daughters said she had a nice bottom.  I was looking at the bike.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Jurek on 21 September, 2018, 09:39:42 pm
Girl on a pink sort of mixte frame, obviously rescued from somewhere and resprayed.  Singlespeed and Deep V rims.  Common sort of thing in London but not out here in mouth-breathing, Brexit-voting yokeldom.

My daughters said she had a nice bottom.  I was looking at the bike.
My bold.
Of course.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Jakob W on 22 September, 2018, 12:54:48 pm
In the centre of town, a chap on what looked to be a homebrew-painted MTB(SO?). So far, so normal, but it was the full-face MTB helmet, leathers, and hi-viz vest, along with the moped plastic tailbox mounted to a seatpost beam rack that really caught the eye.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 22 September, 2018, 06:06:12 pm
In the centre of town, a chap on what looked to be a homebrew-painted MTB(SO?). So far, so normal, but it was the full-face MTB helmet, leathers, and hi-viz vest, along with the moped plastic tailbox mounted to a seatpost beam rack that really caught the eye.

I saw one of those a while ago.  Did he have about 50 LED blinkies?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Jakob W on 22 September, 2018, 06:47:28 pm
They would have fitted the aesthetic (which is: lost your motorcycle license?), but alas, no.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Ian H on 22 September, 2018, 08:00:22 pm
They would have fitted the aesthetic (which is: lost your motorcycle license?), but alas, no.

So that means there's more than one!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Milo lance on 24 September, 2018, 07:57:59 am
In the centre of town, a chap on what looked to be a homebrew-painted MTB(SO?). So far, so normal, but it was the full-face MTB helmet, leathers, and hi-viz vest, along with the moped plastic tailbox mounted to a seatpost beam rack that really caught the eye.

I've seen a couple of guys with the same stuff. Must be a fad or something.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Jakob W on 24 September, 2018, 08:46:44 am
This morning, twiddling along the pavement, a chap on a fatbike (with fashionable ultra-wide bars) looking as if he was out for a day on the trails: rucksack, GoPro on the helmet, bottles on the front fork mounts and in a dual TT-style saddle mount; retina-searing torches mounted under the bars. Apart from the unusual sight of a non-BSO fatbike, the mystery remains as to where he was going; he went past multiple entrances to the canal towpath system, and AFAIK there's only miles of urban sprawl in the immediate direction he was heading.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 24 September, 2018, 09:44:34 am
Could be that he was returning to his place of abode or labour in the miles of urban sprawl following a Sunday night microadventure?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: pumpkin on 24 September, 2018, 09:51:45 am
Chap on a dutch cargo bike this am in Salford. Child in the frontcargo section and small child pedalling along behind.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Jakob W on 24 September, 2018, 10:40:52 am
Could be that he was returning to his place of abode or labour in the miles of urban sprawl following a Sunday night microadventure?

The thought had occurred, but the rucksack looked too small - and the bike too clean - for this to be the end of an adventure.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 24 September, 2018, 02:05:02 pm
Could be that he was returning to his place of abode or labour in the miles of urban sprawl following a Sunday night microadventure?

The thought had occurred, but the rucksack looked too small - and the bike too clean - for this to be the end of an adventure.

Maybe a shakedown ride after a weekend of fettling...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: k_green on 24 September, 2018, 03:06:13 pm
Chap on a dutch cargo bike this am in Salford. Child in the frontcargo section and small child pedalling along behind.

I've seen a dutch cargo in Salford before. Looked surprisingly maneuverable.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 24 September, 2018, 03:14:39 pm
Chap on a dutch cargo bike this am in Salford. Child in the frontcargo section and small child pedalling along behind.

I've seen a dutch cargo in Salford before. Looked surprisingly maneuverable.

Locals hadn't nicked the wheels yet, you mean? ;)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Ham on 24 September, 2018, 09:35:18 pm
Only in the web, but it is original

https://www.ceramicspeed.com/en/driven/
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Torslanda on 24 September, 2018, 10:46:43 pm
Gut reaction. 6 months of commuting, covered in shite and the biggest ever rejected warranty claim...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 25 September, 2018, 12:11:06 am
Gut reaction. 6 months of commuting, covered in shite and the biggest ever rejected warranty claim...

I was having similar thoughts.  Fully enclose it in an oilbath or something, and it might work.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Jurek on 25 September, 2018, 06:11:18 am
Isn't a well maintained chain something like 98% efficient in terms of power transfer?
This claims to be 98.37% efficient  ::-)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Jakob W on 25 September, 2018, 08:50:34 am
From the discussion over on the CTC forums they've not yet built (or even fully figured out?) the shifting, so it's a SS proof of concept, and the mechanical engineering types there reckoned it would have big thrust loads in the bearings and incredibly sensitive to wear...

(OT: what are the Liverpool hire scheme bikes like to ride? I noticed they all use shaft drive, and wondered how they held up under typical (ab)use...)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: hatler on 25 September, 2018, 09:16:59 am
I would have thought that the losses turning crank direction spin into shaft spin are more than 2%.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Jurek on 25 September, 2018, 09:18:56 am
More like 25%.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: hatler on 25 September, 2018, 09:20:30 am
I recall dimly a figure of 5%, though I have no idea from whence that came.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 25 September, 2018, 11:53:08 am
Only in the web, but it is original

https://www.ceramicspeed.com/en/driven/

That one was doing the rounds in Mr Zuckerberg's Walled Garden a month or two back.  Apart from the SkogTM issue, there's also the problem of moving the gear on the end of the shaft.  If they're think "sliding splined shaft" they'll be adding a lot of weight, seals and little balls to stop it from binding solid if you try to change gear while applying significant torque.  Car manufacturers stopped using splined half-shafts for this very reason.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 25 September, 2018, 02:10:50 pm
I think the key point here is that since I know about as much about mechanical engineering as a venture capitalist, and reckon it might just about work (if not for any particular benefit), they're probably in with a decent chance...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 25 September, 2018, 09:07:48 pm
I saw a woman cycling down the A38 on a Strida. Bright orange. The Strida, not the woman – she looked totally non-Trumpesque. Every time I see one (a Strida, not a woman), I wonder what the point is. I suppose the same feeling, but even more so, would be appropriate on seeing the Trump.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Torslanda on 26 September, 2018, 05:03:39 pm
In the dim & distant past ISTR someone - possibly Bob Dixon or maybe his Mikeness - saying that the real difficulty was in making a shaft that would withstand the torque generated by the average human. He explained it as the 'instantaneous load' being much higher than even automotive transmission components could withstand. The driveshaft appears to be a carbon fibre tube. There might be some wonder science employed in its construction . . .
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 26 September, 2018, 06:40:09 pm
Shaft drive bikes have been around since the 1890s at least, using hub gears normally.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Torslanda on 26 September, 2018, 07:37:28 pm
Yes. No argument there. I left out the bit about 'lightweight' shaft components.

I blame Thatcher...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: mzjo on 26 September, 2018, 09:47:29 pm
Gut reaction. 6 months of commuting, covered in shite and the biggest ever rejected warranty claim...

I was having similar thoughts.  Fully enclose it in an oilbath or something, and it might work.

The Limoges bike scheme  (Vel'Lim) has 200 out of 250 bikes with full enclosed shaft drives. They are all the electric ones; the other 50 are unassisted and use ornery d'railleurs. Yes that is 4 out of 5 are electric bikes and they go very well. Kinda hilly, Limoges
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: mzjo on 26 September, 2018, 09:54:04 pm
My daughter has just posted this one to me - fishing line drive anyone?
 https://www.facebook.com/Curioctopus.fr/videos/2039541016283980/
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 26 September, 2018, 10:27:52 pm
"Let's take a rowing bike and put cranks on it."
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 27 September, 2018, 02:02:05 pm
In the dim & distant past ISTR someone - possibly Bob Dixon or maybe his Mikeness - saying that the real difficulty was in making a shaft that would withstand the torque generated by the average human. He explained it as the 'instantaneous load' being much higher than even automotive transmission components could withstand. The driveshaft appears to be a carbon fibre tube. There might be some wonder science employed in its construction . . .

My e-chum Bill, who is a big strong lad, noted that even an average human engine can generate as much torque as a small-block V8*.  Quite what makes a V8 block "small" is debatable but the cutoff seems to be somewhere north of 6 litres.

* he's USAnian
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: DuncanM on 27 September, 2018, 02:12:39 pm
In the dim & distant past ISTR someone - possibly Bob Dixon or maybe his Mikeness - saying that the real difficulty was in making a shaft that would withstand the torque generated by the average human. He explained it as the 'instantaneous load' being much higher than even automotive transmission components could withstand. The driveshaft appears to be a carbon fibre tube. There might be some wonder science employed in its construction . . .

My e-chum Bill, who is a big strong lad, noted that even an average human engine can generate as much torque as a small-block V8*.  Quite what makes a V8 block "small" is debatable but the cutoff seems to be somewhere north of 6 litres.

* he's USAnian
Block size is (semi) independent of cubic capacity - it's literally about how big the block is.  You can get 400ci small blocks and 350ci big blocks. Big blocks have a higher ceiling in terms of capacity and are much heavier though. The original Shelby Cobra 427 used a big block. The engine probably weighed twice as much as the rest of the car (and the passengers).
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 28 September, 2018, 11:41:53 am
Though it was still surprising to find the 6.2L lump in Corvette is a small block...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 08 October, 2018, 06:34:52 pm
There are always a variety of bikes outside the sports centre up the road but they're not normally particularly interesting. On Sunday however there was a striking contrast between two bikes parked either side of the same stand. On one side was a Temple. This is a locally based brand using neo-retro frames produced in, I think, Taiwan, using lugs and Reynolds tubes. This one was 720. It was painted glossy battleship grey (if "glossy battleship" isn't an oxymoron :o), which seems to be Temple's favourite colour, and finished in typical modern components. But the bike on the other side of the stand was an unmarked (not even a manufacturer's badge) burnished titanium fat-tube frame, with S and S couplings. It was road geometry with drop bars but, interestingly, a telefork. And Sram one-by drivetrain. I would presume it was intended for cyclocross – but are suspension forks allowed in 'cross? and why would you go to the expense and extra weight of making a cross bike foldable? So instead, I guess it was a gnarmac adventure bike for far-flung travel.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: handcyclist on 09 October, 2018, 07:32:10 pm
A very blue fully enclosed HPV recumbent winding up Western Road out of Tring yesterday ......
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wobbly John on 09 October, 2018, 09:02:51 pm
That reminds me, on my way home from work on Friday, I spotted a very laid back highracer recumbent, heading into Ely from the North. I think it was a Schlitter as the frame tubes looked flat sided.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 15 October, 2018, 06:19:12 pm
This cracking example from the department of "just glue some gears on it and call it Steampunk" just popped up in one of my eBay searches: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/382591714123

All together now...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFCuE5rHbPA
https://youtu.be/TFCuE5rHbPA
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Butterfly on 17 October, 2018, 09:30:58 pm

All together now...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFCuE5rHbPA
https://youtu.be/TFCuE5rHbPA

That is brilliant  ;D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 18 October, 2018, 10:41:40 am
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1948/45402920871_e3e8d348da_c.jpg)

Robin Mather was a custom builder in Bath from about 2012 to roughly 2015. I don't know how many bikes he built but you very rarely see them.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 18 October, 2018, 10:42:35 am
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1945/31528106898_36b35c0511_c.jpg)

Bike with Buddhist prayer flags (or something very similar).
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: grams on 18 October, 2018, 11:36:33 am
(OT: what are the Liverpool hire scheme bikes like to ride? I noticed they all use shaft drive, and wondered how they held up under typical (ab)use...)

The shaft-drive Mobikes (that I've ridden in That London, and That Berlin) have a single, very low gear so you have to spin at 150 rpm to go anywhere. This must greatly limit the amount of torque you can put through the shaft.

(Second generation Mobikes that use chain drives and 3-speed IGH are more common now, or at least were until Mobike retreated to a pointlessly small operating area in London)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 19 October, 2018, 12:32:50 pm
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1940/43608718070_031bb48c5a_c.jpg)

A Pashley with handpainted chaincase seen in LBS window.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Jakob W on 22 October, 2018, 10:55:11 pm
(OT: what are the Liverpool hire scheme bikes like to ride? I noticed they all use shaft drive, and wondered how they held up under typical (ab)use...)

The shaft-drive Mobikes (that I've ridden in That London, and That Berlin) have a single, very low gear so you have to spin at 150 rpm to go anywhere. This must greatly limit the amount of torque you can put through the shaft.

(Second generation Mobikes that use chain drives and 3-speed IGH are more common now, or at least were until Mobike retreated to a pointlessly small operating area in London)

I *think* the Liverpool bikes had shaft drive + 3-speed IGHs, though I may well be mistaken.

My most recent interesting bike was a Flying Gate being used for shopping - racks front and back, with what looked like a wooden wine box fitted to the front one.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wobbly John on 03 November, 2018, 07:53:39 pm
Strada velomobile spotted in my village - had a brief chat with the rider outside the co-op.

Another local took this photo:
(https://image.ibb.co/ckO3OL/Velomobile.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Auntie Helen on 03 November, 2018, 10:00:34 pm
Do you know who it was? Was he a Brit?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 10 November, 2018, 06:53:44 pm
Yesterday, a Kingcycle (80s or 90s looking recumbent).
Today, a Circe Helios with little girl as pilot and dad as stoker.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wobbly John on 10 November, 2018, 07:07:16 pm
Do you know who it was? Was he a Brit?

I had a chat to him - A Brit, I believe from Cambridge area. I believe this is the one Andrew English sold earlier this year.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Andrij on 02 December, 2018, 07:03:39 pm
A 'tandem' unicycle.

(https://media.giphy.com/media/76x4MucncJFRe/giphy.gif)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Jurek on 02 December, 2018, 07:06:34 pm
A 'tandem' unicycle.

(https://media.giphy.com/media/76x4MucncJFRe/giphy.gif)
Witchcraft!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 02 December, 2018, 07:11:24 pm
Did they ever reach the stage of not hanging onto the rail? Impressive work just to reach that level in any case.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Jakob W on 02 December, 2018, 07:14:39 pm
Wouldn't a sociable unicycle work better? Though function is clearly very much secondary to rad-/silliness here...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Andrij on 02 December, 2018, 07:17:28 pm
Here's another.

(https://media.giphy.com/media/w4F5zNphOa3Di/giphy.gif)

Spotted on giphy.com, tagged #unicycle.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Jurek on 02 December, 2018, 07:19:19 pm
Here's another.

(https://media.giphy.com/media/w4F5zNphOa3Di/giphy.gif)

Spotted on giphy.com, tagged #unicycle.
Troublemaker.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 02 December, 2018, 07:24:25 pm
Cranks in phase seems to work better for tandem unicycles.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 28 December, 2018, 11:32:14 am
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4882/45774813484_ab9b77aeb8_c.jpg)
Nice homemade skirt/luggage guard. Shame about the tyre and general air of dilapidation.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 28 December, 2018, 11:32:59 am
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7900/46446800402_08ac4af70a_c.jpg)

Let's build it!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Torslanda on 28 December, 2018, 11:46:02 am
I think Nikki's doing just that . . .
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 28 December, 2018, 11:50:35 am
I think nikki's is more of a double-diamond, isn't it? This one's more of a reverse-delta...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: SoreTween on 29 December, 2018, 09:31:42 am
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4882/45774813484_ab9b77aeb8_c.jpg)
Nice homemade skirt/luggage guard. Shame about the tyre and general air of dilapidation.
That rear mech is dilapidated with a capital f.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 01 January, 2019, 06:24:16 pm
The odd thing is there used to be a decent Boardman locked to the railings in the same spot. Appeared and disappeared at times consistent with commuting. And for the last few weeks that has taken its place (but not moving at all, obviously).
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 01 January, 2019, 08:43:07 pm
In the window of Swindon Cycle Care, which is actually in Purton, on Saturday evening I spied a Pedersen.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: cygnet on 04 January, 2019, 12:19:19 pm
A Lime hire e-bike in central London
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 12 January, 2019, 10:36:07 pm
Interesting new mobility aid alongside the assortment of wheelchairs and mobility scooters at the RAF museum, Cosford:

(http://www.ductilebiscuit.net/gallery_albums/cycling/2019_01_12_16_02_40.sized.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wobbly John on 12 January, 2019, 11:02:17 pm
How the hell does that curved head-tube work??????
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 12 January, 2019, 11:15:55 pm
There's some sort of flimsy linkage down through the middle to connect to the track rods, but I didn't get a proper look at the steerer.  The tiny rear wheel seems like an interesting decision, too.

ETA: Found this video.  I see grub screws on the head tube...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JBP2cejzp0
https://youtu.be/3JBP2cejzp0
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 13 January, 2019, 06:55:01 am
Seems like a civilised (and more attractive) version of a racerunner, which can look quite ungainly without anybody on it and takes up a lot of room.
http://www.racerunning.org/FrontPage/?id=15

I imagine that the small back wheel fits into the black bracket in the middle of the front crossbeam and reduces the overall size in use and when folded.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Andrij on 15 January, 2019, 08:33:25 am
Last night, a Santandar cycle being piloted by a deliveroo rider.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Pingu on 19 January, 2019, 07:56:02 pm
Not the bike, the carrier. For a snowboard?

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7845/46750531322_66e5de7d48_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2eebGcu)
IMG_2394_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2eebGcu) by The Pingus (https://www.flickr.com/photos/the_pingus/), on Flickr

ETA: ah-ha (http://www.gearfreak.nl/pd4311/Northcore-Lowrider-Bike-Board-Carry-Rack)!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 28 January, 2019, 02:26:05 pm
A Kingcycle with yellow tail box, drafting an EAPC hybrid up the Gloucester Rd at other people's commute o'clock this morning.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 28 January, 2019, 03:46:47 pm
(http://www.ductilebiscuit.net/gallery_albums/cycling/2019_01_25_11_30_04.sized.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Jurek on 28 January, 2019, 05:54:24 pm
(http://www.ductilebiscuit.net/gallery_albums/cycling/2019_01_25_11_30_04.sized.jpg)
'Slectric!  :o

See here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oF5lLz4qIMI).
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 28 January, 2019, 06:00:07 pm
It has to be, given the general impracticality of putting a mechanical drivetrain in there.  Other issues left as an exercise for the reader, but the whole thing comes across as one of those design student creations which has escaped into the real world:  https://neofold.com/

File under not-road-legal vehicles that have wheels and are faster than walking.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 28 January, 2019, 06:27:45 pm
Looks as if it's based around an oversize pair of handcuffs!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Jurek on 28 January, 2019, 06:36:58 pm
It has to be, given the general impracticality of putting a mechanical drivetrain in there.  Other issues left as an exercise for the reader, but the whole thing comes across as one of those design student creations which has escaped into the real world:  https://neofold.com/

File under not-road-legal vehicles that have wheels and are faster than walking.

My bold.
This. Very much so.
£956.13?
I don't think so.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Butterfly on 29 January, 2019, 12:41:56 pm
It has to be, given the general impracticality of putting a mechanical drivetrain in there.  Other issues left as an exercise for the reader, but the whole thing comes across as one of those design student creations which has escaped into the real world:  https://neofold.com/

File under not-road-legal vehicles that have wheels and are faster than walking.

My bold.
This. Very much so.
£956.13?
I don't think so.

Well, exactly. You could buy a folding e-bike for that, which would have more uses.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Jakob W on 29 January, 2019, 03:48:38 pm
How many attempts have there been at all-electric drivetrains? Folding utility bikes might be one application where they just might make sense, especially if you can add a small battery for e-assist.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 29 January, 2019, 04:11:46 pm
How many attempts have there been at all-electric drivetrains? Folding utility bikes might be one application where they just might make sense, especially if you can add a small battery for e-assist.

The efficiency gets you if you rely on human power alone, but as you say, that's not such a problem if it's an e-assist bike anyway.  It's something that would be interesting to play with, as you effectively get a software-defined CVT.  And no exposed oily bits.

I suspect the compelling argument against it is that you can make it even more mechanically simple by swapping the genset at the cranks for a simple sensor and adding a bit more battery capacity instead.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Jakob W on 29 January, 2019, 06:17:06 pm
 
The efficiency gets you if you rely on human power alone, but as you say, that's not such a problem if it's an e-assist bike anyway.  It's something that would be interesting to play with, as you effectively get a software-defined CVT.  And no exposed oily bits.

How big are the losses likely to be - 10% overall? In which case it might still make sense (FCVO) for a utility bike in places with civilised infrastructure, especially if the lack of chain means you can design a cunning fold or what have you.

Quote
I suspect the compelling argument against it is that you can make it even more mechanically simple by swapping the genset at the cranks for a simple sensor and adding a bit more battery capacity instead.

Which makes me wonder in a rules-lawyery kind of way: is a vehicle with a 250W motor and cranks that aren't connected to anything but a pedal sensor, a road-legal bicycle?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: grams on 29 January, 2019, 06:26:26 pm
I test rode a Mando Footloose that tried this a few years ago. The basic problem is that spinning a generator that has no feel to it in relation to your riding is really unpleasant. It also had very little resistance to the pedals so you probably weren't contributing much power.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 29 January, 2019, 07:30:13 pm
Which makes me wonder in a rules-lawyery kind of way: is a vehicle with a 250W motor and cranks that aren't connected to anything but a pedal sensor, a road-legal bicycle?

AIUI the pedals have to be capable of 'propelling' the cycle, so probably not.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: JennyB on 30 January, 2019, 02:35:23 pm
How many attempts have there been at all-electric drivetrains? Folding utility bikes might be one application where they just might make sense, especially if you can add a small battery for e-assist.

The efficiency gets you if you rely on human power alone, but as you say, that's not such a problem if it's an e-assist bike anyway.  It's something that would be interesting to play with, as you effectively get a software-defined CVT.  And no exposed oily bits.

I suspect the compelling argument against it is that you can make it even more mechanically simple by swapping the genset at the cranks for a simple sensor and adding a bit more battery capacity instead.

One possiblity for a heavy cargobike that has to stop a lot is a hub motor for regen and a low single-speed for maximum human assistance on starts and steep climbs where the motor is least efficient. Once up to minimum speed the pedals freewheel an power a genartor, giving a constant regen of say 100 watts.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: JonBuoy on 18 February, 2019, 08:22:37 pm
Biplane handlebars.

Wrong on so many levels.

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7855/46224099565_dfbd091396_z.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 18 February, 2019, 09:04:53 pm
Depends how you feel about Snoopy.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Butterfly on 19 February, 2019, 07:34:33 pm
Biplane handlebars.

Wrong on so many levels.

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7855/46224099565_dfbd091396_z.jpg)

Yay! Room for my bell, my tea, my light (high enough to see over the bar bag), my gps and my bag! Exactly what I need.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: cygnet on 20 February, 2019, 01:47:12 pm
Wrong on so many levels.

ISWYDT  ;D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Andrij on 20 February, 2019, 01:54:16 pm
(https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/52902791_1933831396685055_6955483507606945792_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&_nc_ht=scontent-lhr3-1.xx&oh=1b0d00a66a0a686ace3cdc387ad012bd&oe=5CDEB644)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 20 February, 2019, 02:17:41 pm
"The goddess Kali depicted as a bicycle."
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Clare on 22 February, 2019, 07:00:47 pm
(https://i.imgur.com/I6Qom2B.jpg)

Parked next to my bike at work the other day.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 16 March, 2019, 08:15:13 pm
Do bikes in shops count? This was in Colston Bike Workshop.

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4891/33521095508_d57f92c3cf_k.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 16 March, 2019, 08:16:53 pm
Chain's a bit...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 16 March, 2019, 08:45:26 pm
Pedaling effort sets up a wave motion in the chain, which in this case was in exact counter-frequency to the wave in the stays and therefore the entire chain dematerialised. The rims and spokes are invisible due to their extremely high speed, whereas hubs of course are essentially stationary.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: spesh on 16 March, 2019, 09:19:38 pm
(https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/52902791_1933831396685055_6955483507606945792_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&_nc_ht=scontent-lhr3-1.xx&oh=1b0d00a66a0a686ace3cdc387ad012bd&oe=5CDEB644)

<Pimp My Ride> "Yo dawg, I heard you like bar ends so we put bar ends on your bar ends..." </Pimp My Ride>
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 29 March, 2019, 06:13:47 pm
Noticed an interesting modification to an otherwise normal hybrid as its owner unlocked it outside the shop yesterday:  A Mk 1 bit of knicker elastic linking the top of the lower front mudguard stays to one of the down-tube cable stops.  I couldn't work out whether this was an exasperated bodge to prevent the mudguard rubbing, or an attempt at a rudimentary steering damper.  It didn't look like it was stunningly effective at either.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Paul on 29 March, 2019, 06:58:02 pm
Trophy?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Robh on 29 March, 2019, 11:41:11 pm
I saw this monstrosity in Amsterdam in February:

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7855/47442828592_9dbdbf8c06.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 30 March, 2019, 04:14:47 pm
Very poor show: they haven't synchronised top and bottom cranks.  ;)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: orienteer on 30 March, 2019, 05:14:38 pm
Looks as though the gearing could be different  :demon:
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 31 March, 2019, 07:44:04 am
About 70 of them yesterday, at the Wayfarer Centenary ride. Not just the individual bikes but also the mix. Everything from a dual suspension E-MTB through carbon gravel bikes and steel tourers (and a tandem) to SA-hubbed and fixed veteran cycles that were a century old. All ridden (and walked) to the Wayfarer's memorial via road, gravel and bog. Many of us continued over the top and looped round for over 70km for the day with some seriously tough pitches. Isla showed she is still a formidable rider, on a vintage single speed with original brakes. She floated away from me on the initial technical climb, seemingly without breaking a sweat.

https://grahamnevett.smugmug.com/2019-Wayfarer-RSF/?fbclid=IwAR3YCPM0zcs1oz04a7CJV6ReVRXDXtxuzxQ500QBzZh13iU0CXbU7LPK4JM
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 10 April, 2019, 10:41:08 am
That looks like a wonderful day.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Pingu on 17 May, 2019, 10:20:48 am
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47864354291_ed7a67c69e_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2fVBjXM)
IMG_2949_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2fVBjXM) by The Pingus (https://www.flickr.com/photos/the_pingus/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 22 May, 2019, 08:37:17 pm
The number of box bikes locally continues to increase. There are two Dutch bakfiets and a couple of days ago I saw a homemade version, made by cutting and welding bits on to a Raleigh hybrid. Deeper box than the Dutch variety. I did take a photo but it was dark and it's too dull to be worth posting here.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: lmm on 01 June, 2019, 06:10:50 am
Something like 20 tandems went past in Amiens yesterday afternoon as I sat in le café. I guess it must've been a rally or something?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: matthew on 04 June, 2019, 10:08:01 pm
Last friday I was walking with my neice in Swinley Forest when we stepped aside for a pair of fat bikes. The amount of tire noise was horrendous but seeing the amount of effort required to climb the next hill was worse.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: rogerzilla on 07 July, 2019, 07:35:30 pm
A fully plastic Itera bike on the back of a car
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 07 July, 2019, 07:48:57 pm
(http://www.ductilebiscuit.net/gallery_albums/cycling/2019_07_07_15_31_41.sized.jpg)

I couldn't work out if this was a deliberate attempt to make an expensive bike look as uninteresting as possible, or just accidental.  Little details like the fabric reflective triangle hanging from the rear rack, the pipe lagging and duct tape concealing the S&S coupler on the toptube, and the decent-looking bike computer fitted to the *underside* of the stem.  The Chinese bar bag and double bar-ends went a long way towards throwing me off the scent, too.

Indeed, I'd got as far as attaching my panniers to my bike and was fumbling for my keys when the Rohloff-dar kicked in, shortly followed by "hang on, it's a Thorn", "wait, there's a SON and Edelux, too" and "how did I miss the Brooks?".
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: rogerzilla on 07 July, 2019, 08:37:03 pm
Cyclecare in Purton have a very nice gravel bike by The Light Blue in the window.  I don't really want or need a gravel bike but TLB colours are always good.

I also find the photo on their website amusing: https://www.thelightblue.co.uk/Sport/complete-bikes

I remember us doing the same helmet-slung-on-the-bars thing for the long hot slog up to the Dartmoor plateau, back when we went MTBing most weekends.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 08 July, 2019, 10:13:47 am
Reminds me a bit of LEE's avatar.  :D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 08 July, 2019, 10:33:04 pm
Wandered into Mud Dock today, not for anything particular but because I happened to be passing, and they have four (4) Tern GSD electric-assist cargo bikes. These have small wheels and a wheelbase not much bigger than a standard solo, on a similar principle to a Circe Helios. They had them set up in various modes, one was rider + cargo, one was rider + two child seats, multiple configurations possible on any one bike. They cost four grand and apparently are selling well (cargo bikes generally seem to be going through the beginnings of a mini-boom) to "people who are buying them instead of a second car" in the words of Mud Dock staff.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wobbly John on 02 August, 2019, 06:41:45 pm
Upright tadpole configuration, electric assist cargo trike seen twice today, carrying a youngster in the front 'basket' - not that unusual, except this ones LEANED  :o

A bit like one of these: https://www.butchersandbicycles.com/, except I'm pretty sure it wasn't identical to the ones shown.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: essexian on 03 August, 2019, 09:26:11 am
Heading along the Wolverhampton Road towards Stafford town centre at 8.58am this morning, an Ordinary.  :thumbsup:

Can't say I have ever seen one in the flesh before....blimey, they look high up!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: T42 on 03 August, 2019, 10:31:09 am
Riding our canal towpath on one of those would be interesting, especially on the bits where it's ~1m wide.

Path whereon I met a 4-wheel "tandem"* coming the other way on Thursday, sedately pedalled by a collection of old bones on side-by-side saddles. Fortunately there was a verge wide enough for them to panic onto. I might take a life jacket next time I go that way.

* it can't really be a tandem because tandem (from the Latin for eventually) means one behind the other.  Periugum mightn't be a bad alternative, with overtones of being yoked together.

The pedant subsides, for the nonce.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: SoreTween on 03 August, 2019, 11:06:39 am
the pipe lagging and duct tape concealing the S&S coupler on the toptube
That part could well be rider protection.  My left knee & ankle orbit in very weird 3 or possibly 4 dimensional arcs.  A permanent bruise on my inner thigh is one result and at the moment I have a sore patch on my calf resulting from chafing on some new water bottles.  The latter will stop once I've worn the mould lines smooth.  Frame bags, especially velcro attached are an absolute no-no.  If I had S&S couplings on a bike I would most certainly need to protect myself from them in a manner such as this.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 03 August, 2019, 12:13:46 pm
Riding our canal towpath on one of those would be interesting, especially on the bits where it's ~1m wide.

Path whereon I met a 4-wheel "tandem"* coming the other way on Thursday, sedately pedalled by a collection of old bones on side-by-side saddles. Fortunately there was a verge wide enough for them to panic onto. I might take a life jacket next time I go that way.

* it can't really be a tandem because tandem (from the Latin for eventually) means one behind the other.  Periugum mightn't be a bad alternative, with overtones of being yoked together.

The pedant subsides, for the nonce.

A second pedant notes that the correct term for such a side-by-side vee-hickle is a sociable, at least in English As She Is Spoke.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: T42 on 03 August, 2019, 01:25:10 pm
Riding our canal towpath on one of those would be interesting, especially on the bits where it's ~1m wide.

Path whereon I met a 4-wheel "tandem"* coming the other way on Thursday, sedately pedalled by a collection of old bones on side-by-side saddles. Fortunately there was a verge wide enough for them to panic onto. I might take a life jacket next time I go that way.

* it can't really be a tandem because tandem (from the Latin for eventually) means one behind the other.  Periugum mightn't be a bad alternative, with overtones of being yoked together.

The pedant subsides, for the nonce.

A second pedant notes that the correct term for such a side-by-side vee-hickle is a sociable, at least in English As She Is Spoke.

Harrumph.  Bringing such a contraption onto a towpath might be termed downright unsociable.  I suppose that they must get rather fed up with the outraged klaxons on the main highway.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: ElyDave on 07 August, 2019, 10:15:52 pm
what I would call a semi-recumbent tandem on Islay last Saturday.  As I was returning from Jura via Port Askaig, I assumed they'd come from the same ferry port.  Two interesting bikes, one semi-recumbent tandem with a small child asleep in the front seat, notable by the lack of front pedal turning, adult at the rear. Second bike was a cargo-bike, small child in front and father pedalling

They were about halfway to Bowmore and mostly downhill from there.  Not sure how they dealt with the 9-14% ramp out of the ferry port.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: lmm on 10 August, 2019, 06:03:55 pm
Just rode past a family (presumed) on two tandems in Hay.
(https://i.ibb.co/S6ChsgY/20190810-155432.jpg) (https://ibb.co/b69SWVw)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 03 September, 2019, 11:36:43 am
Saw a Hase Pino this morning, which looks a bit bizarre with only the rear-mounted pilot and no stoker.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: bludger on 04 September, 2019, 06:19:38 pm
From social media today.

(https://i.imgur.com/SJXpRPE.png)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 04 September, 2019, 06:24:24 pm
I keep seeing more things and realising they're also attached to the bike...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 04 September, 2019, 06:32:30 pm
Okay, he's got chunky plastic boxes of industrial strength catering size mayonnaise (or something) for panniers. Unusual, inelegant, but tough and cheap and fits in with a certain heavy duty utility aesthetic. And he's got a huge yellow pack on top of the back rack. Then at the front he's got a big basket. Oh, and more yellow panniers, but these are Ortlieb. And, woah, is that huge pale roll also attached to his front rack? But that blue bag at leaning against the back of the bike just happened to be in the guy's shed, surely? No? No!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: bludger on 04 September, 2019, 06:40:48 pm
I really want to know who the wheelbuilder is!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 04 September, 2019, 06:43:11 pm
Isn't Denali mountainous? I want to know what this guy's thighs are like!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Deano on 04 September, 2019, 06:57:15 pm
Couple of tadpole trikes descending Col de Chioulha southbound. They didn't look like they were enjoying themselves, but I'll bet they were about to.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: tatanab on 04 September, 2019, 07:06:51 pm
Couple of tadpole trikes descending Col de Chioulha southbound.
Upright or recumbent?  Upright tadpoles are rare indeed, so if you saw a couple that is probably your quota for a few years.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Deano on 04 September, 2019, 07:09:50 pm
Recumbent, so not that unusual (though I saw about a dozen motorised tadpole trikes a few days back), but they're the first I've seen in the mountains.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 05 September, 2019, 02:12:44 am
Isn't Denali mountainous? I want to know what this guy's thighs are like!

Denali itself is the highest mountain in North Leftpondia but you can't ride a bike up it ;D  The road from Fairbanks south to the Denali National Park isn't that lumpy, but to get there from Deadhorse there's the small matter of the Dalton Highway, wot is about 400 miles of mostly dirt and crossing a near-5,000 foot pass and many other lumps too before you get to the not-at-all-flat Elliott Highway for another hundred-odd miles to Fairbanks.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 05 September, 2019, 01:17:00 pm
Isn't Denali mountainous? I want to know what this guy's thighs are like!

Denali itself is the highest mountain in North Leftpondia but you can't ride a bike up it ;D  The road from Fairbanks south to the Denali National Park isn't that lumpy, but to get there from Deadhorse there's the small matter of the Dalton Highway, wot is about 400 miles of mostly dirt and crossing a near-5,000 foot pass and many other lumps too before you get to the not-at-all-flat Elliott Highway for another hundred-odd miles to Fairbanks.

Also, following usual cycling stereotype rules, the rider is bound to be either:

a) Hippy gap-year student type, probably from the southern hemisphere, who doesn't consider themselves to be a cyclist.
or
b) Scrawny old man in his 70s.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 08 September, 2019, 05:12:30 pm
Spotted someone onna Brompton with Ortliebs on a Kinetics pannier rack (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=91394.msg1878181#msg1878181) this afternoon.  I don't think I've seen one in the wild before.

I was then immediately distracted by a pedestrian with a spectacular Pat Sharp mullet.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: nikki on 09 September, 2019, 09:29:34 am
With a hat tip to Wobly John, this got it's inaugural ride yesterday:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48701928132_08af0af168_z.jpg)

(click to show/hide)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48701817832_29b7c30a2a_z.jpg)
Noice going down hill and around corners, not so good for pedalling (that's right crank at 6 o'clock, left knee on left pedal). Will have to try a super long seatpost, although I imagine that'll take it into tall swing bike territory and that could get interesting.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 17 September, 2019, 07:44:21 am
RANS Screamer recumbent tandem in Bryce Canyon National Park this afternoon.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 17 September, 2019, 08:10:02 am
Presumably not this guy...
https://youtu.be/OTkob_0B2oc
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wobbly John on 17 September, 2019, 10:51:45 am
With a hat tip to Wobly John, this got it's inaugural ride yesterday:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48701928132_08af0af168_z.jpg)

(click to show/hide)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48701817832_29b7c30a2a_z.jpg)
Noice going down hill and around corners, not so good for pedalling (that's right crank at 6 o'clock, left knee on left pedal). Will have to try a super long seatpost, although I imagine that'll take it into tall swing bike territory and that could get interesting.

That looks as if it would benefit from shorter cranks. If it’s one, piece, you may be able to get them from kids bikes.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 17 September, 2019, 11:45:53 am
Nikki has form for crank modifications  :)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 17 September, 2019, 06:21:06 pm
An electric Brompton, screaming past me at warp 11.

Not so unusual in some ways - apart from the electrification method. Battery pack where a Brommy normally has luggage, a motor in a tube the size of a medium thermos, resting directly on the front tyre.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: bludger on 21 September, 2019, 05:25:22 pm
Spotted for sale on a facebook group

(https://i.imgur.com/c18jAEb.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/FOa1Ytg.png)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 23 September, 2019, 12:01:54 pm
Presumably not this guy...
https://youtu.be/OTkob_0B2oc

Nope, the one I saw was green.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: fuzzy on 29 September, 2019, 11:23:04 pm
One of these fuglies came into the shop for work on the brakes today

https://www.motoparilla.it/italian-e-bike/carbon-mimetica-part-1/

I dunno about work on the brakes. This thing hit all the branches as it fell out of the ugly tree. Big, heavy, flexible as fuck and very pointless. The one we had in today had a quad light set up on the bars as well. I don't know how much the whole rig cost but some folk have more money than sense or taste.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: spesh on 30 September, 2019, 12:07:45 am
One of these fuglies came into the shop for work on the brakes today

https://www.motoparilla.it/italian-e-bike/carbon-mimetica-part-1/

I dunno about work on the brakes. This thing hit all the branches as it fell out of the ugly tree. Big, heavy, flexible as fuck and very pointless. The one we had in today had a quad light set up on the bars as well. I don't know how much the whole rig cost but some folk have more money than sense or taste.

While hunting the webs trying to find which motorbike that thing reminds me of (imagine the Confederate B120 Wraith minus its v-twin lump), I have discovered that the Moto Parilla E-bike was originally a project by the Caterham F1 company.

https://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/remember-that-caterham-e-bike/
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1270196288/new-carbon-suv-e-bike
https://www.bikeradar.com/news/caterham-to-launch-two-e-bikes-in-2014/

Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 30 September, 2019, 03:44:13 pm
It looks like something that really isn't meant to be pedalled.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: fuzzy on 01 October, 2019, 11:11:23 pm
We were doing some work on the brakes. We discovered that the rear caliper mount adapter was arse about face causing the caliper to be far enough away from the rotor that only half the pad was active.

We dismantled the rear end to get the wheel out, rectified the situation and rebuilt.

That is when we discovered why the adapter was base about apex. When mounted the right way round, the rotor mounting bolts foul on the adapter :facepalm:

It's a good job this hideously fugly thing has got shit loads of what is apparently carbon fibre as structural members. It weighs a fucking ton!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 02 October, 2019, 09:26:15 am
WTF?  If you want a motocross bike, why not buy one?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Ham on 02 October, 2019, 04:55:49 pm
Talking of which the other day I saw a small wheel folder fat bike.

And in Hollandland a recumbent electric trike, with number plate

(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7A1OJrYOiXI/XZTIPY6D4OI/AAAAAAADFrA/eq8RzvebTCgLmXyeMEb97a6--VsJbvyUQCKgBGAsYHg/s1600/IMG_20190918_181343.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 02 October, 2019, 08:06:38 pm
Looks like a Scorpion.

That'll be conforming to the 45kph basically-a-moped classification that they have over there, rather than the usual 25kph pedalecs, which are treated as pedal cycles.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Auntie Helen on 02 October, 2019, 09:13:29 pm
Although by law he has to wear a helmet with an s-pedelec.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 03 October, 2019, 10:18:10 am
I note he has dangly cables which make Cycleman's look positively well tidied.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 03 October, 2019, 01:21:44 pm
I note he has dangly cables which make Cycleman's look positively well tidied.

At least they're bowden cables, rather than anything electrical.  Bet they're good at collecting foliage.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: rogerzilla on 05 October, 2019, 04:42:55 pm
Not on the road, but hanging up in Argos' workshop, some exotica including a Mk2 "prismatic" Chopper, an Alpinestars Al-Mega, a Gillott with very fancy lugs, and, amusingly, a BSA Javelin.  That last one must have cost £250 to restore and is a schoolboy gaspiper from the late 70s...someone must be handing it down to their kid.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 05 October, 2019, 05:17:15 pm
Argos' workshop is a place that everyone should visit at least once. Not just cyclists, anyone who appreciates colour and pattern.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Ham on 05 October, 2019, 07:02:12 pm
I note he has dangly cables which make Cycleman's look positively well tidied.

At least they're bowden cables, rather than anything electrical.  Bet they're good at collecting foliage.

Just FTR, the guy on the bike is a mechanic, doing mechanichy things. The owner was a lady - mid 30's? - out of frame to the right who said I could take the picture.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: fd3 on 05 October, 2019, 11:19:42 pm
Bamboo framed bike outside Stirchley library.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: fuzzy on 05 October, 2019, 11:21:49 pm
We supply groupsets and advice to a fettler of bamboo bikes.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 05 October, 2019, 11:24:00 pm
We supply groupsets and advice to a fettler of bamboo bikes.

"Next time try metal"?  ;D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: fuzzy on 05 October, 2019, 11:55:39 pm
We supply groupsets and advice to a fettler of bamboo bikes.

"Next time try metal"?  ;D

I didn't say he listened to our advice ;)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: rogerzilla on 06 October, 2019, 08:17:01 am
Bamboo framed bike outside Stirchley library.
I didn't know Stirchley had a library, and I lived there for a couple of years.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 06 October, 2019, 10:27:56 am
No idea where Stirchley is, but I know a father and son duo who've done Lejog and countless other fully-laden and unladen long and short rides on a pair of bamboo bikes.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 06 October, 2019, 11:24:30 pm
It's about halfway between Silly Oak and Straight-outta-Moseley[1].  IIRC the library's next to the old swimming baths.


[1] AKA Kings Heath.  (No apostrophes spared.)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: fd3 on 08 October, 2019, 11:59:30 pm
It's the beer capital of Birmingham, with (count #em) four breweries within a ten min walk and a nationally recognised beer shop (or two).  The library is very good, re-energised by the Tory attempt to close it down, it's now opened more days a week and hosts Lego club and Scratch club once a month.  Also the baths are now a community centre.
Birmingham, "it's not shite".

(sadly we have lost our vegan pie shop)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Torslanda on 09 October, 2019, 11:53:54 pm
For some reason that made me think of Max Boyce.

'The pit head baths is a supermarket now...'
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Pingu on 10 October, 2019, 09:20:10 pm
Hopefully this won't end up in the Sh!te Courier thread.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48872166903_fffe640a22_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hsECxi)
IMG_4084_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2hsECxi) by The Pingus (https://www.flickr.com/photos/the_pingus/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Pingu on 10 October, 2019, 09:21:48 pm
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48872428096_84253ef240_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hsFYbC)
IMG_4029_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2hsFYbC) by The Pingus (https://www.flickr.com/photos/the_pingus/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 10 October, 2019, 10:13:04 pm
Hopefully this won't end up in the Sh!te Courier thread.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48872166903_fffe640a22_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hsECxi)
IMG_4084_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2hsECxi) by The Pingus (https://www.flickr.com/photos/the_pingus/), on Flickr

John Williams did a video about those:  https://youtu.be/xY52u5fAp0I
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 11 October, 2019, 04:53:57 pm
Disappointing lack of Imperial March.^^ But great vehicle.

I saw a Lemond Buenos Aires today. One of those interesting early 90s (I'm guessing) uses of carbon fibre: carbon top and seat tubes bonded to aluminium other tubes.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Pingu on 26 October, 2019, 04:54:25 pm
Bit of trailer action.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48962329103_cb9a74f485_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hACJBZ)
IMG_4215_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2hACJBZ) by The Pingus (https://www.flickr.com/photos/the_pingus/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: bludger on 28 October, 2019, 09:39:08 am
Another one off social media. With a moped box on the back. Photo from Sofia.

(https://i.imgur.com/3lgZCEL.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 28 October, 2019, 10:19:41 am
Well worn-in saddle.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 28 October, 2019, 11:42:36 am
The pedal-mounted lowrider is an unusual innovation :)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 28 October, 2019, 12:20:52 pm
Presumably that's tent poles in the long black bag fixed to the forks – or does the bike belong to a peripatetic snooker player?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: L CC on 12 November, 2019, 10:10:22 am
A fat tyred ICE (a guess- tadpole trike with a bigger back wheel). In full touring mode with all the bags and mudguards. Can't believe it's  local, the natives are quite restless round here.
He (or possibly she, but they looked he-ish) was heading to Greencroft village, which I assume meant the C2C path.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: grams on 13 November, 2019, 10:05:27 pm
An unremarkable steel bike with an integrated seat clamp with what was very clearly a shortened QR skewer clamping it shut, complete with plastic nubbin screwed on the end.

You’ve got to admire the mix of complete bodgery combined with access to an appropriately sized die.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: rogerzilla on 17 November, 2019, 12:37:19 pm
One of the local scratters on an MTB with a BMX front wheel.  I suppose it looked a bit like a Chopper, but with the (still present) V-brake pads somewhat north of the tyre, it probably had little stopping power.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Jakob W on 06 December, 2019, 06:37:03 pm
Locked up outside a spoons, a shiny-looking Mercian frame - presumably a recent respray - fitted out with parts that were hardened-audaxer levels of tattily well-worn, including a Carradice that was sun-bleached almost white.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: SteveC on 07 December, 2019, 05:28:34 pm
This in Bath earlier today.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49182951458_390d066459_4k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hW8tXG)
IMG_8095 (https://flic.kr/p/2hW8tXG)
by Steve Cunio (https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevecunio/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 07 December, 2019, 06:18:57 pm
Looks like a relatively harmless way to get around billboard regulations.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 18 December, 2019, 04:40:48 pm
Spotted an interesting one earlier:  I was passed by a muggle-looking cyclist (flat pedals, civvy shoes, hi-vis jacket under rucksack, waterproof trousers) going well on some kind of hybrid.  Then I spotted the belt drive and gave it a bit more effort to try to satisfy my curiosity....  Large grey rear hub that I didn't recognise as a Rohloff, Alfine or Nexus, but might have passed for an older NuVinci if you squint (it was bigger and less shiny than the Sturmey-Archer hubs).  There was a black bottle in the one cage on the downtube, so if that was a battery, it was a fairly stealth one.  Just the two brake cables at the handlebars, didn't spot an obvious eBike console (though I only caught up for a second at some traffic lights before we went different ways, so didn't get a good look at the controls).

 ???

My gut instinct says some sort of stealth-ninja e-bike, in which case kudos to the manufacturer for commuter-oriented minimalism.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: quixoticgeek on 18 December, 2019, 04:55:36 pm
Spotted an interesting one earlier:  I was passed by a muggle-looking cyclist (flat pedals, civvy shoes, hi-vis jacket under rucksack, waterproof trousers) going well on some kind of hybrid.  Then I spotted the belt drive and gave it a bit more effort to try to satisfy my curiosity....  Large grey rear hub that I didn't recognise as a Rohloff, Alfine or Nexus, but might have passed for an older NuVinci if you squint (it was bigger and less shiny than the Sturmey-Archer hubs).  There was a black bottle in the one cage on the downtube, so if that was a battery, it was a fairly stealth one.  Just the two brake cables at the handlebars, didn't spot an obvious eBike console (though I only caught up for a second at some traffic lights before we went different ways, so didn't get a good look at the controls).

 ???

My gut instinct says some sort of stealth-ninja e-bike, in which case kudos to the manufacturer for commuter-oriented minimalism.

Something like this?

(https://www.vanmoof.com/media/catalog/product/v/m/vm01-180-2g_2.png)

J
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 18 December, 2019, 05:16:05 pm
Nahh, I'd have recognised a Vanmoof.  This had a normal looking frame.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 18 December, 2019, 05:22:59 pm
There are lots of e-bikes with batteries integrated 'invisibly' into the down tube nowadays, though I've only seen them in road style.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Neil C on 18 December, 2019, 06:13:34 pm
How about this one.
Belt drive, bottle battery, two cables, no handlebar controls.
https://www.gtech.co.uk/ebikes/ebike-sport.html
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 18 December, 2019, 06:38:43 pm
How about this one.
Belt drive, bottle battery, two cables, no handlebar controls.
https://www.gtech.co.uk/ebikes/ebike-sport.html

And we have a winner!   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 08 February, 2020, 12:54:31 pm
An Enigma with hand-painted Lauf fork. It was the first Lauf I've seen in reality and it's a far simpler mechanism than the videos make it look.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: phantasmagoriana on 11 February, 2020, 08:34:52 pm
(https://i.ibb.co/ZNqgVFC/IMG-2141.jpg) (https://ibb.co/R7R69sW)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 04 March, 2020, 10:12:35 am
Thought I spotted an e-Moulton.  It had front and rear hubs like dyno-hubs (no derailleur) and a small battery-pack like object.  The rider was making progress look effortless.   

On the website I could find nothing like it though.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 04 March, 2020, 10:44:12 am
 A few folk have retro-fitted Nano motors and suchlike to Moultons. Moultoneer orienteer OTP has done so to his Moulton tandem, which isn't on the Moulton website either.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: orienteer on 04 March, 2020, 06:02:52 pm
I'm orienteer not moultoneer!

Mine is an ARCC system, they can supply new Moultons already fitted or convert existing ones and Bromptons:

https://www.arccbikes.com/ (https://www.arccbikes.com/)

Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 04 March, 2020, 09:06:35 pm
Morpheus/Pino, that turned out to be a pair of teenagers falling off a mountain bike when I got closer.

"Sitting on the handlebars?  That's never going to work..." says I, wiggling my under-seat steering for emphasis.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Moose57 on 12 March, 2020, 11:38:48 pm
(https://scontent.flhr3-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/p720x720/73539205_10157605525243399_8296060431252848640_o.jpg?_nc_cat=111&_nc_sid=110474&_nc_ohc=KpyMPKGolAoAX-I3YhT&_nc_ht=scontent.flhr3-1.fna&_nc_tp=6&oh=1c19e1aa2b3df936c9b1c8b671d09268&oe=5E90B504)

Seen in Belgium last year.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 22 April, 2020, 05:30:13 pm
Ice cream update:  Henley Ice Cream appear to be operating some sort of self-service ice cream dispensary out of the (presumed) owner's front garden in Ullenhall.  I'll slow down and get a proper look next time.

It appears to qualify for this thread  :thumbsup:

(http://www.ductilebiscuit.net/gallery_albums/cycling/2020_04_22_15_56_13.sized.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: diapsaon0 on 23 April, 2020, 10:59:47 am
I remember the ice cream trike was always signwritten 'Stop me and buy one' (as opposed to the condom salesman who marked his 'buy me  and stop one)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 25 April, 2020, 07:47:34 pm
A folding trike. Upright delta. Ridden for Barakta-type reasons (but e-less) and has been living a couple of streets away from me for at least five years but never seen it till today. One of these. (https://www.pashley.co.uk/bikes/tricycles/tri-1-7-speed.php)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wobbly John on 09 May, 2020, 08:44:45 pm
I've not seen this IRL, but saw the video and thought this was the best place to mention it...

https://www.publimetro.com.mx/mx/destacado-tv/2020/05/08/increible-ciclista-inventa-hogar-flotante-propulsado-pedal.html?fbclid=IwAR2doaKGG35Bc-qKcaOrh_lTXl092EzG6PPUdw2MzxAtt16u2OLUxurZaVM (Video)  :o :o :o
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: MattH on 14 May, 2020, 05:58:25 pm
Coming home tonight saw a double child trailer  - apparently a WeeHoo iGo (https://www.edisoncycleco.com/product/weehoo-igo-two-double-child-trailer-5190.htm). A lovely bit of kit.

(picture from the website)
(https://www.sefiles.net/merchant/4105/images/zoom/two.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 20 May, 2020, 07:05:04 am
This kinda fits here

Around 2001 I had a job in Halfords. Of all the bikes we sold the worst adult bike we sold was a Gemini out rider. Crap side pull brakes and made from gas pipe and often would have to bend bits back into shape. In short I hated them but they were cheap. I think sub 70 quid.

Out for my morning run and saw an dumped/stolen bike by the side of the path. Wheels mashed and tyres hanging off. Before I even got to it the hideous colour had me in cold sweats and yes it was the aforementioned out rider. No idea when they stopped selling them but shows some are still about
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Fennec on 21 May, 2020, 02:53:05 pm
A lovely Peer Gynt being ridden towards Cheltenham early this morning by a smiley gent with a beard.

It looked to be in superb condition. Either very well cared for, or recently renovated. It was a sort of pewter colour I think, I’m not sure whether that was an original option.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: rogerzilla on 26 May, 2020, 10:24:27 am
All sorts of old bikes are coming out of sheds due to the "lockdown" (now in name only) and dry weather.  I saw a fluo pinky/orange Mt. Shasta yesterday, and there have been some 80s mixte "racers" in pastel colours.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: hatler on 26 May, 2020, 10:29:17 am
Have I already reported that one of my local LBSs has reported that the trade is running out of 26" inner tubes as sheds are raided for long-neglected bikes and they're handed over to LBSs to get them going again ?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 02 June, 2020, 02:10:57 pm
And another Halfords BOS from back in the day. Cant recall it's name but full suspension with triple crown forks with probably a massive 42mm of travel.

Was another of the bikes we sold when I worked there when everyone was in a race to flog the cheapest full suspension bike they could. One was cycled past me on a ride with kids the other day by a lad who was probably younger then the bike
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: andytheflyer on 19 June, 2020, 09:33:01 am
Well, hands up, I've not seen one, yet..

https://www.triumphmotorcycles.co.uk/inside-triumph/trekker-gt

I coughed into my coffee at this point.  I'm afraid, as far as I am concerned, the Hinckley-built (well, now mostly Asian-built, so even less Triumph) Triump*s are not Triumphs (i.e. Coventry or Meriden built), and this e-bike is even less of a Triumph.  But, it could be a nice e-bike though, not that I want one.  Yet.

If you get my drift......
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: MsG on 27 June, 2020, 09:51:18 pm
(https://i.ibb.co/4Tx5rck/IMG-20200625-150149-992.jpg)

Spotted in Wells next the Sea. Appears to be a Schwinn Stingray Chopper, modified or a custom job?
Front brake seemed to be for decorative purposes only; rider used feet to slow and brake for junction.(http://)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: hatler on 27 June, 2020, 11:26:33 pm
Why ?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 27 June, 2020, 11:53:27 pm
Same reason as for some motorbike rigs. Looking cool while cruisin’ in the sunshine.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: hatler on 27 June, 2020, 11:57:24 pm
Am I alone in thinking that a rig like that just looks daft ?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Jurek on 27 June, 2020, 11:58:27 pm
Nope  :D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 28 June, 2020, 12:04:44 am
Of course it looks daft. They think it looks cool.

Whatever floats etc.

Lowrider bikes have been around for decades. Where ya been, daddio?
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lowrider_bicycle
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: rogerzilla on 28 June, 2020, 10:00:01 am
Has Wobbly John been building again?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: orienteer on 28 June, 2020, 10:15:37 am
Does he bunny-jump speed bumps?  ;D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 28 June, 2020, 10:35:53 am
Before Peter Fonda died last year, his DNA was extracted in a secret ceremony and this clone created. What he's doing in Norfolk, I do not know.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 28 June, 2020, 01:03:38 pm
There was, and possibly still is, a bike shop in Epping that specialised in such monstrosities.  Made me feel quite, well, normal riding past on a mudguarded, Brooksed, SON-sporting, disc-braked fixer.  With aero-bars.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 28 June, 2020, 05:24:02 pm
Someone just went by my window effortlessly riding a unicycle.  It looked very simple.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 11 September, 2020, 09:05:11 am
I was just strolling back from the bakery and saw a three-wheeled device which turned out to be basically a wheelchair minus its little front wheels and a chunky front wheel attached. Electric assist in the front wheel, I think. And a dog on a lead attached to the contraption. I'm not sure if the chair detached or was permanently part of the trike, though I think probably the latter. Whether the dog pulls the trike or the trike pulls the dog is hard to say as they were heading down a big hill at the time.

Also a Bakfiets with noisy electric front wheel, twice; once with kids and then returning.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: trekker12 on 11 September, 2020, 09:26:48 am
Someone just went by my window effortlessly riding a unicycle.  It looked very simple.

I've never tried but I don't think it's simple
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: SoreTween on 11 September, 2020, 08:11:41 pm
I was just strolling back from the bakery and saw a three-wheeled device which turned out to be basically a wheelchair minus its little front wheels and a chunky front wheel attached. Electric assist in the front wheel, I think. And a dog on a lead attached to the contraption. I'm not sure if the chair detached or was permanently part of the trike, though I think probably the latter. Whether the dog pulls the trike or the trike pulls the dog is hard to say as they were heading down a big hill at the time.
Back when I used to work in Woking I used to see a 3rd wheel chained up to the downpipe outside the front of a small office building.  It had 'pedals', it had one wheel, it had odd bracketry and a very strangely shaped frame.  Obviously some kind of bike but what on earth?.  I could not for the life of me figure out what it was.  Until, of course, one day I saw it attached to the front of the owners wheelchair hand cranked and progressing well towards Horsell.

Probably should be in the div thread.

Anyway, I came here to post this (https://mathewsons.co.uk/auctions/auction-dates/vehicles/15369-new-entry-quadracycle):
(https://mathewsons.co.uk/images/directory/p3/f15358/gallery7/20200904_155344.jpg)
It looks heavy and uncomfortable and yet I find myself strangely taken by it.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 11 September, 2020, 09:29:26 pm
It looks very sociable. Not at all distant enough for the current times.

In associated news, I've just discovered that six out of the seven basic models offered by Hase Bikes are actually trikes. Well, I guess das Bike can have as many wheels as it wants.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Jakob W on 11 September, 2020, 09:53:26 pm
IIRC one of the London-based inclusive cycling organisations has fitted perspex dividers down the middle of their sociables so they can continue to offer rides...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: yorkie on 12 September, 2020, 04:55:39 pm
Anyway, I came here to post this (https://mathewsons.co.uk/auctions/auction-dates/vehicles/15369-new-entry-quadracycle):
(https://mathewsons.co.uk/images/directory/p3/f15358/gallery7/20200904_155344.jpg)
It looks heavy and uncomfortable and yet I find myself strangely taken by it.


We had a couple of those at work once upon a time. Very heavy, seriously **very** heavy, as well as incredibly low geared, not far off 1:1 gearing! We had them given to us, the boss and my mate took one for a lap of the 1km cycle circuit. About 3 days later, they got back, locked them up and they never moved again! I think we eventually weighed them in at the scrap merchants. The components were so crap that even Get Cycling didn't want anything removing to use on their Frankenbikes!  :jurek:
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wobbly John on 12 September, 2020, 07:03:11 pm
Is that a ZEM? http://www.zembikes.com/


When we did Cyclemagic events, we were lent a 4 seater one by the predecessors of 'Get cycling' but had to haul it from Abbey park, throught the centre of Leicester, and out to near the race-course - one drivechain was 'stuck in top and the other in bottom, and I think the front drivetrains wern't working at all - so most of the time only one person (out of the four on board) was doing all the work.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Salvatore on 13 September, 2020, 11:17:53 am
In Dumfries this morning, a cool dude riding what appeared at first to be a stretched BMX. But when he turned from Newall Terrace into Lovers Walk I noticed that the rear wheel was steerable as well as the front. I.e. Both wheels were pointing towards Gretna but the frame was aligned with Ecclefechan. Very Wobbly John.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wobbly John on 13 September, 2020, 11:48:33 am
 :D :D :D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: orienteer on 14 September, 2020, 04:03:31 pm
An ordinary in Uxbridge High Street today. Ridden by a young woman in modern clothing, flashing rear lights (didn't see the front), looked like a modern build rather than antique, apparently being ridden as a means of transport rather than for leisure. Rider slowed right down before the pelican crossing at red to avoid a stop and restart.

I suppose it's a way of minimising the chances of a SMIDSY!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Jakob W on 24 September, 2020, 05:41:31 pm
Being ridden through the car park at my local Morrison's: a Mercedes-Benz belt-drive e-stay hybrid (similar to the one here, except it had straight bars rather than the butterfly ones: http://www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=322281 ). Looked not to be quite as rubbish as motor manufacturer cycle collaborations usually are...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 24 September, 2020, 05:45:36 pm
Oh Lord won't you buy me...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Andrij on 25 September, 2020, 08:12:02 am
An ordinary in Uxbridge High Street today. Ridden by a young woman in modern clothing, flashing rear lights (didn't see the front), looked like a modern build rather than antique, apparently being ridden as a means of transport rather than for leisure. Rider slowed right down before the pelican crossing at red to avoid a stop and restart.

I suppose it's a way of minimising the chances of a SMIDSY!

Possibly Kat (NOTP).
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 25 September, 2020, 05:56:26 pm
An ordinary in Uxbridge High Street today. Ridden by a young woman in modern clothing, flashing rear lights (didn't see the front), looked like a modern build rather than antique, apparently being ridden as a means of transport rather than for leisure. Rider slowed right down before the pelican crossing at red to avoid a stop and restart.

I suppose it's a way of minimising the chances of a SMIDSY!

Possibly Kat (NOTP).
Jungnickel?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 25 September, 2020, 06:02:31 pm
An ordinary in Uxbridge High Street today. [...]
I suppose it's a way of minimising the chances of a SMIDSY!

When riding a recumbent I never turn down the opportunity to tell an ordinary or tallbike rider that they must be invisible all the way up there, and they should get a flag...   ;D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Andrij on 25 September, 2020, 06:05:04 pm
An ordinary in Uxbridge High Street today. Ridden by a young woman in modern clothing, flashing rear lights (didn't see the front), looked like a modern build rather than antique, apparently being ridden as a means of transport rather than for leisure. Rider slowed right down before the pelican crossing at red to avoid a stop and restart.

I suppose it's a way of minimising the chances of a SMIDSY!

Possibly Kat (NOTP).
Jungnickel?
Yes.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: matthew on 27 September, 2020, 10:42:15 am
Not the bike but the riders attire;

East bound on the A30 in Berks whilst wearing a storm trooper costume and with an escort vehicle behind. Unfortunately I was driving the other way so I couldn't read the posters on the back of the van.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Jakob W on 09 October, 2020, 11:53:45 am
In the bike sheds at the hospital, this: https://www.meteorworks.co.uk/trystans-fast-commuter

I clocked the Warwickshire bear on the seat tube, didn't recognise the framebuilder's name, and went over to have a look; Campag and Hope/DT made me think this was probably fairly bling. It had different mudguards and seatpost to the ones in the promo shots on the website, but a rather nice piece of kit, especially for the location...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 31 October, 2020, 11:12:31 am
..and a Brooks saddle.


I saw a tandem.

But not your usual tandem.  This had a recumbent front end with an upright back so the stoker was able to see ahead over the rider on front.  I only got a quick glance when passing through York's South Bank going t'other way.  Would it be the best of both worlds or the worst? I have never ridden a recumbent or a tandem*.

* Mrs A said I would go too fast.  8mph was her limit.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 31 October, 2020, 11:28:44 am
Sounds like it might have been a Hase Pino. The person in front is actually the stoker, I think.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 31 October, 2020, 12:12:20 pm
Hase Pino and Circe Morpheus are the common ones.  The rider on the front is the stoker[1], and has a freewheel so they don't have to pedal.

It's a pretty good solution for stokers of varying sizes, disabled stokers who need securing to the bike or can't use normal saddles/handlebars, and of course stokers who are recumbent-fit.  A bit less unwieldy length-wise than an upright tandem.  Performance-wise it will be a big 'It Depends'.

The main downside as I see it is the horrible seating arrangement for the pilot.  The main downside as barakta sees it is the alarming way it leans in a bicyclular manner on corners.


[1] I recall Kinetics modifying a Pino for front steering.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: yorkie on 31 October, 2020, 04:26:08 pm
I know of at least one Hase Pino in York, the lady stoker (a former customer at the cycle circuit at work) is unable to ride an upright so the Pino is perfect for them as a couple. I believe she also has a Trice now for solo excursions.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 31 October, 2020, 06:31:37 pm
Hase Pino and Circe Morpheus are the common ones.

AFAIK the original was the Opus from long-defunct USAnian outfit Counterpoint but it ent likely to be one o' they.  The Pashley PDQ was also based on one of their machines – the Presto – but with the crucial difference that it didn't break in the middle thereby leading to company-destroying lawsuits.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 02 November, 2020, 06:30:22 pm
An Omnium Cargo. (https://omniumcargo.dk) I've seen it around before but today had a chat with the owner. He teaches (in normal years) circus skills at Circomedia.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: grams on 02 November, 2020, 08:40:00 pm
A guy riding a mountain bike down Charing Cross Road with a normal size front wheel and a 16 or 20 inch rear wheel. The derailleur was close to dragging on the ground. It actually looked quite fun.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 03 November, 2020, 01:02:10 am
A guy riding a mountain bike down Charing Cross Road with a normal size front wheel and a 16 or 20 inch rear wheel. The derailleur was close to dragging on the ground. It actually looked quite fun.

Back in the primeval swamps of mountain bike development someone – quite possibly Jeremy Torr – built such a device, yclept “The Rat”.  It was claimed to be better for climbing.  It probably wasn’t.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: RobertW on 06 November, 2020, 09:02:03 pm
Between Fishbourne & Bosham today, head-on it looked like a wheelchair being pushed by an upright bike.  The apparent distance between the pilot and the lady in the wheelchair seemed small - so some form of trike ?  I suspect you could feel quite exposed at the front.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 06 November, 2020, 09:03:09 pm
https://www.specialbikesuk.com/duet maybe
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wobbly John on 06 November, 2020, 10:52:39 pm
Didn't Josie Dew do LEJOG on one of they?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 07 November, 2020, 12:28:10 am
Between Fishbourne & Bosham today, head-on it looked like a wheelchair being pushed by an upright bike.  The apparent distance between the pilot and the lady in the wheelchair seemed small - so some form of trike ?  I suspect you could feel quite exposed at the front.

If you're used to being pushed around in a wheelchair, it's probably just more of the same, thobut.

I found stoking a Pino a bit interesting in that respect, though probably nowhere near as much as someone without USS recumbent bike experience would - it being the lack of steering rather than the feet-first aspect that was novel.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: RobertW on 07 November, 2020, 08:18:42 am
https://www.specialbikesuk.com/duet maybe

Possibly.  My memory says the passengers feet were closer to the ground, but I could be wrong.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 07 November, 2020, 08:17:42 pm
Another Omnium Cargo! This one engage in actual deliveries and with electric assist.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 16 November, 2020, 07:35:47 pm
While waiting at the lights today (yes, I've actually been out on my bike!) I saw a woman ride by on a fairly non-descript dark blue 'town' bike – with back to front forks. It didn't actually seem to be causing her any problems...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: rafletcher on 22 November, 2020, 04:06:53 pm
Not unusual, more uncommon, and not really a bike either... two Elliptigo’s this afternoon, ‘twixt Wingrave and Ledburn in damp Bucks.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Hilldodger on 27 November, 2020, 04:10:38 pm
Is that a ZEM? http://www.zembikes.com/


When we did Cyclemagic events, we were lent a 4 seater one by the predecessors of 'Get cycling' but had to haul it from Abbey park, throught the centre of Leicester, and out to near the race-course - one drivechain was 'stuck in top and the other in bottom, and I think the front drivetrains wern't working at all - so most of the time only one person (out of the four on board) was doing all the work.

I remember that ride. Bloody awful thing. Thanks to Simon it went back to York in a much better condition than when we got it.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 29 November, 2020, 05:36:10 pm
Brief chat yesterday with the maker of a homebaked e-bike. He'd taken a nondescript frame and stuck a large battery pack, with vinyl cover, between down and top tubes. This drove a large motor in the rear wheel. This develops 7hp and propels the machine to about 40mph, he said (so according to UK law it's an – unregistered – electric motorbike). Pedals and drive chain all present but almost entirely unused, he's got it all on throttle control. Regenerative braking along with the V-brakes and he'd somehow wodged a small amount of telescopic suspension between fork crown and wheel. All finished off with always-on headlight and a tough rear carrier with comfy pad for his girlfriend to sit on.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 29 November, 2020, 07:56:29 pm
HK and I overtook a cargo trike about 5km outside of Maidenhead. Something like https://www.babboe.co.uk/cargo-bikes/curve but with a DJ desk and sound system pumping out a banging tune as he was cycling along. Apparently he was riding from West Wycombe to Maidenhead for charity.

He might have just squeaked in to the finish before lighting up time, though we had lights on all day on account of the heavy fog.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Tim Hall on 07 December, 2020, 11:52:43 pm
A Brompton with a Suspiciously Large front hub. Closer examination showed it to be an official Brompton E conversion. I'm guessing the battery was in the bar bag, on account of the wires going in there.

Ironically it seems such an electrified bike was devoid of lighting, as I saw the rider pedalling,unlit, on the pavements of the 'sham.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 08 December, 2020, 12:43:38 am
A Brompton with a Suspiciously Large front hub. Closer examination showed it to be an official Brompton E conversion. I'm guessing the battery was in the bar bag, on account of the wires going in there.

The official one does a rather neat job of making the electrical connection automagically via the front luggage block to the battery and controller in the bag.  They may even have got them to work properly by now.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 18 December, 2020, 05:41:40 pm
Back in the summer, on my way to the Co-op, I went past a garage where a bloke was fettling a 1950s tandem. Italian, I think. Sort of cruiser style. Had a chat with the owner. Today I saw him (and it) again. It's almost finished, but he needs to recover the saddle, which he's trying to do himself. The rails are okay but needs new leather. It sounds like a job that's actually less simple than you'd think.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Salvatore on 22 December, 2020, 12:54:37 pm
An E-fat-trike, or fat E-trike, or something. Jorvik Odin. It looked brand new.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50747144157_45f34599a6.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kjmnXk)

Looks identical to Electric Bike Technologies Electric Fat Tire Trike (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wh9kzmb39jo) (youtube link) apart from the name and the wattage.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: seasider on 24 December, 2020, 06:53:35 pm
just been looking up thread at the Meteorworks bike. What a lovely looking machine. Quite taken by the mudguards. Does anyone know what make they are? I landed on these threads on a root through boards that I don't usually look at. Surprised what you find when there's not a lot on your usual pages. Thanks.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: nikki on 24 December, 2020, 07:54:01 pm
Velo Orange, perhaps?

https://freshtripe.co.uk/velo-orange-700c-x-45mm-hammered-mudguards/
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: seasider on 25 December, 2020, 05:44:22 pm
Thank you Nikki, I am sorely tempted for a new bike early next year.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 28 February, 2021, 08:52:32 pm
Among the huge numbers of bikes on the Bristol-Bath Railway Path today – I've never seen it anywhere near so busy – was a family group of dad on a 90s mtb, little girl on a Frog or something similar, and boy on a trail-gator thing – seat, pedals, back wheel, no front wheel, hitches on to back of dad's bike – but this one was recumbent! First I've seen.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 28 February, 2021, 09:46:31 pm
Among the huge numbers of bikes on the Bristol-Bath Railway Path today – I've never seen it anywhere near so busy – was a family group of dad on a 90s mtb, little girl on a Frog or something similar, and boy on a trail-gator thing – seat, pedals, back wheel, no front wheel, hitches on to back of dad's bike – but this one was recumbent! First I've seen.

Cool.  Closest thing I've come across is the Hase Trets which is a child-sized delta trike that can have the front wheel replaced with a hitch to make it a trailer, erm, bike.  (Does that make the usual kind a trailer-unicycle?)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 28 February, 2021, 10:24:08 pm
Had a look. Possibly that was it but I think it looked a bit more homemade. To my shame, I didn't even notice the number of rear wheels.  :facepalm: The path was so busy and I guess I was just happy at going for a bike ride... Boy was pedalling but didn't look as if he was really putting out any power.

Anyway, Hase do make some cool stuff.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 28 February, 2021, 10:28:23 pm
https://www.kinetics-online.co.uk/framebuilding/attachment/recumbent-trailerbike/

There are a few homemade and rare small-run recumbent trailerbikes.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wobbly John on 01 March, 2021, 07:16:28 am
Was it the WeeHoo Igo? https://www.weehoo.co.uk/

I've seen a couple of them in use.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: PhilO on 01 March, 2021, 08:22:10 am
Among the huge numbers of bikes on the Bristol-Bath Railway Path today – I've never seen it anywhere near so busy – was a family group of dad on a 90s mtb, little girl on a Frog or something similar, and boy on a trail-gator thing – seat, pedals, back wheel, no front wheel, hitches on to back of dad's bike – but this one was recumbent! First I've seen.

Cool.  Closest thing I've come across is the Hase Trets which is a child-sized delta trike that can have the front wheel replaced with a hitch to make it a trailer, erm, bike.  (Does that make the usual kind a trailer-unicycle?)

I've come across the term 'Dicycle' to differentiate a vehicle with two wheels side-by-side from a bicycle with wheels front and rear.  Abbreviating in the normal way would create all sorts of confusion, I fear.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 01 March, 2021, 09:49:44 am
Was it the WeeHoo Igo? https://www.weehoo.co.uk/

I've seen a couple of them in use.
Don't think it was that, and the kid looked a bit bigger than those. Good suggestion though!

Among the huge numbers of bikes on the Bristol-Bath Railway Path today – I've never seen it anywhere near so busy – was a family group of dad on a 90s mtb, little girl on a Frog or something similar, and boy on a trail-gator thing – seat, pedals, back wheel, no front wheel, hitches on to back of dad's bike – but this one was recumbent! First I've seen.

Cool.  Closest thing I've come across is the Hase Trets which is a child-sized delta trike that can have the front wheel replaced with a hitch to make it a trailer, erm, bike.  (Does that make the usual kind a trailer-unicycle?)

I've come across the term 'Dicycle' to differentiate a vehicle with two wheels side-by-side from a bicycle with wheels front and rear.  Abbreviating in the normal way would create all sorts of confusion, I fear.
Double-track two-wheeler would describe it ; but dicycle is neater!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Jakob W on 13 March, 2021, 10:57:21 pm
Passing in the opposite direction, a flam orangey-red Bob Jackson; pretty though it was, the unusual bit was that the frame must have been at least 27" - I didn't think they made such oversized ones.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 13 March, 2021, 11:06:29 pm
(Tries to remember the brand of the red 29” frame that used to dangle from a gallows outside Covent Garden Cycles when Norman Hiller ran it; fails)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Jakob W on 14 March, 2021, 10:31:24 pm
I think Dave Yates made a 31" road frame; presumably at this point you're having to get custom-drawn tubing...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 15 March, 2021, 12:32:45 am
You could buy plain-gauge 531 in gert big long lengths back in the Olden Days - the main chassis tubes of the pedal car we built over the winter of 1982-3 must have been at least 2 metres long.  Butted would have been a different matter.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: MsG on 27 March, 2021, 10:38:33 pm
Seen this time last year, an odd specimen wedged in a tree, out in Fenland.

(https://i.ibb.co/cFdRs2R/IMG-20200322-155223.jpg) (https://ibb.co/3NHVPSV)

(https://i.ibb.co/7J7dXtv/IMG-20200322-155232.jpg) (https://ibb.co/svLd29j)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: RobertW on 03 April, 2021, 06:03:06 pm
Not quite a bike ... A single wheel 'Segway' trundling down a lane near W Ashling.  Looked rather strange when approaching from behind, I was expecting it to be some kind of e-scooter.  The rider's road sense let something to be desired, when he turned R at a T junction onto the RH side of the road I was ready to take evasive action if he veered to the left as I passed.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: cycleman on 06 April, 2021, 07:09:49 pm
Seen in Slough this morning. Based in Langley apparently  :)
52 inch wheel  :thumbsup:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/nuM221NVkjUotSMh9
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Ian H on 06 April, 2021, 07:17:57 pm
Was it the WeeHoo Igo? https://www.weehoo.co.uk/

I've seen a couple of them in use.
Don't think it was that, and the kid looked a bit bigger than those. Good suggestion though!

Among the huge numbers of bikes on the Bristol-Bath Railway Path today – I've never seen it anywhere near so busy – was a family group of dad on a 90s mtb, little girl on a Frog or something similar, and boy on a trail-gator thing – seat, pedals, back wheel, no front wheel, hitches on to back of dad's bike – but this one was recumbent! First I've seen.

Cool.  Closest thing I've come across is the Hase Trets which is a child-sized delta trike that can have the front wheel replaced with a hitch to make it a trailer, erm, bike.  (Does that make the usual kind a trailer-unicycle?)

I've come across the term 'Dicycle' to differentiate a vehicle with two wheels side-by-side from a bicycle with wheels front and rear.  Abbreviating in the normal way would create all sorts of confusion, I fear.
Double-track two-wheeler would describe it ; but dicycle is neater!
Back in the century before last it was a toss-up whether dicycle or bicycle would become the accepted term for yer average bike.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: mzjo on 06 April, 2021, 08:02:37 pm
You could buy plain-gauge 531 in gert big long lengths back in the Olden Days - the main chassis tubes of the pedal car we built over the winter of 1982-3 must have been at least 2 metres long.  Butted would have been a different matter.

Columbus Aelle was available (and probably still is) in standard 6m lengths. I am not sure what range of sizes. Standard cromoly (25Cr4?) is available in all sorts of sizes in similar lengths, or was until quite recently. Light aircraft builders use it apparently (but when I was looking all the sources were in Germany or RPC).
531 was much favoured by custom motorcycle frame builders. It's worth remembering that bicycles aren't the only things built from nice steel!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Nelson Longflap on 29 April, 2021, 04:40:13 pm
A friend of mine has acquired a pre-war French bike very similar to the one in the photo with the French woman on board; in particular the chainguard is styled like a bird's wing (see photo), and the style of the frame looks identical. Otherwise my friend's bike has been painted black all over with no indication of the make (see second photo below). An interesting detail is that it still has the tag that during WWII French people were required by the occupying nazi forces to attach to their bikes with name and address details (I imagine that after the war most people got rid of these!). Your challenge, should you wish to accept it, is to ID the make of this bike:

(https://i.postimg.cc/vcDcBdqP/Bicyclette-Francaise.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/vcDcBdqP)

(https://i.postimg.cc/7JhYfgVC/20210212-172100s.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/7JhYfgVC) 
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Nelson Longflap on 30 April, 2021, 05:50:05 pm
Apologies to those who couldn't see the photos in the first version of my previous post ... it certainly wasn't my intention to suck you into the google domain.  I've used a different hosting service for the images which seems to work well enough.

Sorry there are no more clues ... French; chainguard shaped like a bird's wing; 700B tyres (if it had tyres).

Any ideas?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Poacher on 30 April, 2021, 09:37:36 pm
Hirondelle?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Nelson Longflap on 01 May, 2021, 09:47:18 am
Thanks Poacher.

Hirondelle was my first thought as well. Their fancy chainguards were about the same size, but embossed with a swallow's head over the chainring with the tail forming the actual guard over the chain.

I haven't ruled them out, but can't find a chainguard like that in their old posters and online images (although my searching may be sub-optimal ...).
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 02 May, 2021, 08:04:15 pm
Hase Pino, on the bend at Forhill.  I didn't stop because I was mid-right-turn and it looked like one of the riders was inspecting a hedge.

And later on, an upright tandem slowly catching up with me in my mirror.  They turned off before overtaking.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 03 May, 2021, 03:56:35 pm
A Jorvik trike, must have been e assist possibly even just e as couldn't see if the captain was actually pedaling. They stopped to change passenger and pilot and we had a chat as my beloved but stupid dog decided to stand in the middle of the shared use path. They didn't mind and made a fuss of him. Wasnt as wide as I imagined (the trike not my dog) but seemed a good option as looked like one of the people on it had mobility issues

Edit and they're not as expensive as I thought they would be. Having seen e cargo bikes for 4k or more they trikes seem to start around 2k
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: peterc on 10 May, 2021, 12:14:10 pm
Every month or so I see a "well used" Pedersen locked up at my local Morrisons, but today I saw it out and about.
Was rather lovely to see, I think my wave and "nice bike" was received.

On the way back I saw a GT40 (or clone/kit there of) but that is for another thread.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: matthew on 17 May, 2021, 09:27:57 am
Whilst walking in Sunningdale on Saturday afternoon I had to wait to cross the road as a Quest came by, an unexpected sight and allowed me to explain what we had just seen to my 8yr old nephew.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: SoreTween on 23 June, 2021, 06:37:19 pm
A Jorvik trike, must have been e assist possibly even just e as couldn't see if the captain was actually pedaling. They stopped to change passenger and pilot and we had a chat as my beloved but stupid dog decided to stand in the middle of the shared use path. They didn't mind and made a fuss of him. Wasnt as wide as I imagined (the trike not my dog) but seemed a good option as looked like one of the people on it had mobility issues

Edit and they're not as expensive as I thought they would be. Having seen e cargo bikes for 4k or more they trikes seem to start around 2k
I recently saw a Jorvik trike in Cheltenham.  Awesome bit of kit, Mrs Tween liked muchly.  Had a look about it that said 'I'll go anywhere my rider damn well pleases, and do it without fuss'.  If Bentley made armoured personnel carriers they'd compare to a Humvee the way that Jorvik looked to shame a regular e-assist MTB.

Anyway, I came here to say...
A gentleman of a laid back disposition winding a tadpole trike up the short rise out of Lower Lydbrook towards Kerne Bridge.  No idea what type, my knowledge of such things is close to nil. I waved, don't think he saw.

Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 09 July, 2021, 03:44:38 pm
At the weekend in Watlington, a WW2 scramble bike. Not motocross, the sort of scramble that got pilots to their Spitfires. The bike was an upright Raleigh with a 32cc petrol-drive two-strike engine driving the front wheel. Thre motor had an Italian sounding name but given the use, it presumably wasn't Italian. The whole thing was road legal, in that it was registered, taxed (presumably zero rated for age) and insured as a motorcycle.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Tynan2 on 15 July, 2021, 02:58:59 pm
saw a fella going up Farringdon road two weeks ago in a kind of a wheelchair/bike, he clearly has something very wrong with his legs, powering the bike with handlebars like cranks, it did not look mechanically efficient at all, respek.

and a long time a go a wild looking fella going like the clappers with only one arm, quite alarming until you worked out what was wrong
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Pingu on 17 July, 2021, 10:36:34 pm
Forgot to mention the Elliptigo a couple of weeks ago and today a Velombile on the outskirts of Furryboottoon.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 17 July, 2021, 11:50:34 pm
Thinks: has Andy Harrington aka Scotch Andy* got a velomobile these days?  He certainly hails from that part of the world.

* to distinguish him from Andy Harrington aka English Andy, of course
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Pingu on 18 July, 2021, 12:05:51 am
Thinks: has Andy Harrington aka Scotch Andy* got a velomobile these days?  He certainly hails from that part of the world.

* to distinguish him from Andy Harrington aka English Andy, of course

Andy Harrington - that name rings a bell [No that's Quasimodo - Ed.]
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Beardy on 03 August, 2021, 03:12:51 pm
I’ve just seen a full size Ordinary go past on the main road in town. It looked ‘modern’ though the handlebar did seem to be a moustache style. 

I was waiting to pull out of the carpark so couldn’t get a picture.  :(
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: grams on 25 August, 2021, 09:22:26 pm
A small wheeled bike with drop bars in the Moulton style, but with a much simpler conventional frame. Non folding. Ring any bells?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: fd3 on 25 August, 2021, 11:39:57 pm
^Minivelo?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: PeteB99 on 26 August, 2021, 10:39:11 am
Giant Escape Mini One ?


Edited to get the name right
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: chrisbainbridge on 26 August, 2021, 12:04:51 pm
Orange velomobile outside Nottingham Trent Uni last night
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: grams on 26 August, 2021, 01:35:01 pm
Giant Escape Mini One ?


Edited to get the name right

Yes! It had a more interesting frame than the average minivelo.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: rogerzilla on 31 August, 2021, 06:41:59 am
A bakfiets on the Bristol-Bath railway path.  A guy was using it to collect blackberries.  That's a lot of crumbles.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 06 September, 2021, 04:13:01 pm
Hybrid-type frame, with a name suggesting provenance from or near Alibaba. Flat bars. Clip-on rear mudguard, slightly askew. Kick stand on the chain stay. And tri-spoke wheels.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: MattH on 06 September, 2021, 06:44:44 pm
Amazon sell that kind of thing - https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=eurobike

GCN did a hill climb on one of the road bikes
https://youtu.be/HoFWEvvi9VM
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 06 September, 2021, 07:03:24 pm
The one I saw was more like this
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71AzrZ8aoYL._AC_SL1500_.jpg)
but with flat bars and a Chinese-ish name. It was the wheels that really made it.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: grams on 12 September, 2021, 06:55:35 pm
Our local little discount toy shop that normally has a row of dodgy secondhand BSOs outside suddenly has stock of brand new bikes. How so in this time of global shortage?

They're Turkish city bikes with rod brakes front and rear!

https://bisan.com.tr/bisikletler/roadstar-classic-bayan

For anyone on here who thinks Bowden cables were a technological leap too far.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 12 September, 2021, 09:01:43 pm
And I'm sure there are a few that do! Interesting (maybe) that so many of their bike-part words seem to be derived from French.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 12 September, 2021, 09:26:06 pm
Lots, at the Tom Simpson memorial ride today. BB’s and Fignon’s Raleighs, Simpson’s Carlton and Ullrich’s Pinarello. Lots of lovely racing machines up to a century old.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 13 September, 2021, 11:30:37 am
Saracens. Loads of them. No idea why but for the last couple of weeks I've noticed a huge amount of bikes from the saracen brand from dirt bikes to a full susser outside our local German supermarket to several that look pretty old
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 13 September, 2021, 11:34:57 am
The sentries report Saracens to the southwest.  Thousands of 'em!

(http://legslarry.org.uk/BikeStull/coat_48.png)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 13 September, 2021, 02:02:14 pm
The sentries report Saracens to the southwest.  Thousands of 'em!

(http://legslarry.org.uk/BikeStull/coat_48.png)


Saaaaffff East actually. In the land of the Angles
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Ian H on 22 September, 2021, 04:13:01 pm
The strangest-looking not-quite folding bike on Instagram (third pic shows the entire object).
https://www.instagram.com/p/CUGWtLPBBZF/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: woollypigs on 22 September, 2021, 05:41:51 pm
I'm sure I've seen one in the wild in that there London
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Jurek on 22 September, 2021, 05:58:09 pm
Trying to figure out how that steers  ???
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 22 September, 2021, 06:10:29 pm
Paging Wobbly John…
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 22 September, 2021, 06:13:55 pm
The steerer seems to be based on some Thorn models.  ;)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: tatanab on 22 September, 2021, 06:21:02 pm
Trying to figure out how that steers  ???
it will steer just fine.  Imagine the stem is in its usual position on a long head tube and nobody would see a problem.  I have a small wheeler with a 130mm stem and it is fine.  Long stem needed to try to get a reasonable riding position.  I would certainly want to push the saddle backwards on the bike pictured.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wobbly John on 22 September, 2021, 06:51:55 pm
The stem is similar to the Mezzo folding bike from about 20 years ago.

I used to have a Daewoo which had a very compact frame and did the handlebars more elegantly with a long curved stem that had a quick release from the steerer tube to ‘fold’ the bike.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: cycleman on 21 October, 2021, 06:29:12 pm
Seen in black park near Slough  :)

https://photos.app.goo.gl/emyV4R8GcGFbLrF39
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wobbly John on 31 October, 2021, 05:51:33 pm
I've been watching some Youtube videos from a couple of groups that explore areas not normally open to the public, and on the one I watched last night (exploring disused, ex nuclear base, Upper Heyford), they stumbled into an unusual bike I think we have seen before on here (Haven't been able to find it though)  - a correx and gaffer-tape faired recubent.  :o

This video should start about the point they discover it: https://youtu.be/FjjBZnA8WlM?t=1496

They seem to think it's part of a glider...  :facepalm:
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 31 October, 2021, 06:46:46 pm
Looks like they've blurred out a rear number plate, which makes me think it might be a Cedric Lynch 'leccy motorcycle.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 31 October, 2021, 06:53:27 pm
Or possibly even a Royce Creasey feet-forward thing?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: JennyB on 31 October, 2021, 07:19:42 pm
Looks like they've blurred out a rear number plate, which makes me think it might be a Cedric Lynch 'leccy motorcycle.


That's what I thought too. What with the CNC equipment, maybe it was the man himself.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wobbly John on 31 October, 2021, 07:20:18 pm
Ah - found the YACF reference to it in the 'Unusual motorbikes' thread - Kim linked to this BBC story on it:

 
Not sure if this belongs here or The Dark Side...

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-49393998

 :D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 31 October, 2021, 07:26:15 pm
 :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Pedaldog. on 13 November, 2021, 11:29:09 pm
The stem is similar to the Mezzo folding bike from about 20 years ago.

I used to have a Daewoo which had a very compact frame and did the handlebars more elegantly with a long curved stem that had a quick release from the steerer tube to ‘fold’ the bike.
I have, and still love, a Mezzo.

I also had a Daewoo Shuttle.  Did some Silly Main roads on that, just for the Laugh!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wobbly John on 29 December, 2021, 07:37:36 pm
Seen on Facebook, but warrants a mention on here - if only timber wasn't so pricy at the moment...


(https://i.ibb.co/DVRC6VY/steampunk-recumbent-farthing-penny.jpg)

 :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 29 December, 2021, 09:08:50 pm
With the improbable front wheel spoking, that is just rendered, rather than reality.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Jurek on 30 December, 2021, 06:28:47 am
Definitely rendered.
By someone with good not that good rendering skills, but poor knowledge of mechanics/engineering.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 30 December, 2021, 01:55:30 pm
Definitely rendered.
By someone with good not that good rendering skills, but poor knowledge of mechanics/engineering.

I expect there are the now legendary three interlocking sprockets in there somewhere...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: grams on 30 December, 2021, 02:22:24 pm
I don't know why it's got front springs when the untriangulated beam is going to be flexing plenty all on its own.

With the improbable front wheel spoking, that is just rendered, rather than reality.

Such wheels exist and work in reality (https://bicycles.stackexchange.com/a/9084). They put much larger than normal twisting forces through the hub, so may not work for long.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 30 December, 2021, 02:48:57 pm
With the improbable front wheel spoking, that is just rendered, rather than reality.

Such wheels exist and work in reality (https://bicycles.stackexchange.com/a/9084). They put much larger than normal twisting forces through the hub, so may not work for long.

Those wheels aren't spoked the way this thing is. This thing has every spoke wrapped around the hub in the same direction, which is impossible. Your example has the spokes wrapping differently on opposing flanges.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: grams on 30 December, 2021, 06:52:51 pm
Fair point.

But not impossible, just incredibly weak in one direction. If they didn't bend under the contraption's own weight they would as soon as you use the brakes.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Jaded on 30 December, 2021, 08:00:57 pm
(http://www.alfiecat.co.uk/yetacf/bike-mill.jpg)

A bike mill that doesn't actually power anything apart from imagination and fairies.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 30 December, 2021, 08:34:30 pm
(http://www.alfiecat.co.uk/yetacf/bike-mill.jpg)

A bike mill that doesn't actually power anything apart from imagination and fairies.

Fixie, I hope?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 30 December, 2021, 09:00:37 pm
Heroic effort.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Pingu on 02 January, 2022, 03:57:06 pm
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51793359802_991369d6ee_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mUNvq7)
IMG_9460_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2mUNvq7) by The Pingus (https://www.flickr.com/photos/the_pingus/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 02 January, 2022, 05:45:20 pm
Is this the "Look what Santa brought me" thread?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: fd3 on 02 January, 2022, 07:12:59 pm
Fixie, I hope?
Chain's a little
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Auntie Helen on 02 January, 2022, 07:34:57 pm
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51793359802_991369d6ee_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mUNvq7)
IMG_9460_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2mUNvq7) by The Pingus (https://www.flickr.com/photos/the_pingus/), on Flickr
You don’t see a lot of Stradas in the UK.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 03 January, 2022, 01:03:43 am
You don’t see many VM's in the UK full stop.  Also, I think it’s a carbon Quest — the words “carbon” and “Quest” written on the side in large friendly letters are a bit of a giveaway  :D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Auntie Helen on 03 January, 2022, 06:02:20 am
Oops yes, closed wheel boxes! Shocking error by me!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 03 January, 2022, 11:51:05 am
What is the red projection on the right-hand side just below the mirror?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Pingu on 03 January, 2022, 11:57:18 am
It looks like a light.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 03 January, 2022, 12:01:26 pm
I thought that but it appears to be red and pointing forwards?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 03 January, 2022, 12:11:19 pm
Frikkin' laser?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Pingu on 03 January, 2022, 12:12:12 pm
The body's red, the lens is clear.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 03 January, 2022, 12:20:49 pm
Ah. Need larger screen. Or sharper eyes.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Auntie Helen on 03 January, 2022, 01:47:48 pm
Maybe a camera?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 03 January, 2022, 04:50:31 pm
I thought the black boxy object just above the right-hand mirror was a camera. Having viewed a full-size photo, I think it might be a GPS, and the object I was asking about is a light with a red body (but clear lens).
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 03 January, 2022, 05:02:38 pm
Looks like a Garmin Virb camera on the rider's right and a MTB-style conical-beam light with a red shell on the rider's left.  The latter seems like an interesting decision.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Jaded on 03 January, 2022, 05:07:12 pm
(http://www.alfiecat.co.uk/yetacf/bike-mill.jpg)

A bike mill that doesn't actually power anything apart from imagination and fairies.

Fixie, I hope?

Yes, pedals spinning slowly...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 18 January, 2022, 06:40:52 pm
A kick-bike. I think that's the term. Basically a kick-scooter with a 700c front wheel.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: sam on 19 January, 2022, 01:55:17 pm
Not seen in the wild, but at the Bicycle Museum of America (in my home state of Ohio) some years ago:

(https://i.imgur.com/0lV0MhT.jpg)
Ride 'em cowboy

(https://i.imgur.com/JOhsQ2Q.jpg)
Came with an alternate chainring for wimps

(https://i.imgur.com/v0gBSdw.jpg)
No more chainsuck

(https://i.imgur.com/YOw4bsa.jpg)
Conversation starter

(https://i.imgur.com/ruL1FUA.jpg)
For hardcore swingers (https://youtu.be/CQyXDd-kPMw)

(https://i.imgur.com/792KpYD.jpg)
Not 100% sure about that seatpost, and those pretty swooping handlebars might have to be swapped, but otherwise this works for me right down to the toeclips

(https://i.imgur.com/WIsW0Pw.jpg)
Rambler's delight
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: matthew on 19 January, 2022, 02:22:10 pm
With no link between the rear wheels that sociable is going to need careful co-operation to prevent a circular argument.  :o
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 20 January, 2022, 10:52:16 pm
There are some cool designs in that museum.

That sociable tricycle is quite well designed for its purpose with a ‘side-entry’ frame.

I’m not sure I’d like to take a fast corner straddling a blue cow on wheels though.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 17 February, 2022, 05:55:23 pm
Christmas is a distant memory, but I've just seen a basket-packing bike with coloured lights all over the front rack.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 07 March, 2022, 06:21:31 pm
A yellow "banana" recumbent (which I've seen several times around) but this time, towing a small one-wheel trailer.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 17 March, 2022, 02:16:08 pm
Anonymous 20/26 SWB recumbent, ASS, rack and panniers, piloted by a bloke who resembled a 2/3rds scale model of John McCoy*.  Shot off down St Andrews Road E17 while I was sat at the bus stop.

* Ian Gillan's tame bass player:

(https://dmme.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/mccoy1-300x276.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: JonBuoy on 17 March, 2022, 05:25:50 pm
A triplet - sort of:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51944017926_66154ee98a_z.jpg)

This was on the main road through the village 30 minutes ago.  After I took the (rubbish) photo I pulled alongside and had a brief word.  He said that he was going to pick up the kids.

Who needs an SUV?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Beardy on 23 April, 2022, 12:31:14 pm
My D-in-L has just sent me a video of a myriad of Ordinaries cycling over the bridge across the canal on the A12 in Hackney Wick.

Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: matthew on 03 May, 2022, 10:32:12 am
I should have taken a photo but...

At the Fully Charged Show on Saturday was a Moulton APB (Land Rover branded and green) with a set of disc brakes. The owner of which was somewhere around the show but had parked his bike at the ARC bike display that my father was investigating to understand how their electrical wizardry interacts with the moulton front carrier.

I am suspicious that the owner of the bike is a resident here though.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: orienteer on 03 May, 2022, 03:18:34 pm
A few owners have fitted disc brakes. The front ones need ingenious links to avoid using the unsprung forks, which are not stiff enough to take the reaction torque.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: perpetual dan on 11 May, 2022, 06:35:18 pm
Seen in Brighton this morning (https://betweenbeyond.files.wordpress.com/2022/05/img_20220511_182906.jpg)

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 11 May, 2022, 09:33:06 pm
Dewey bars made serious...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 23 May, 2022, 01:53:34 pm
A cut above the usual cranky old grids seen parked outside Mr Sainsbury’s House of Toothy Comestibles: a full-fat Thorn Nomad – heavy-duty racks, B17, Rohloff, the works.  Ridden by a grey-haired lady of mature years, lugging a pair of battered panniers that made my well-used Ortliebs look brand new.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: De Sisti on 23 May, 2022, 02:03:01 pm
CFC: (Cheltenham) Cyclists Fighting Cancer appeal
cyclistfc.org.uk

(https://scontent-lcy1-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/283304225_379892940846806_2575180617018806909_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=D7k9SguvMBQAX9eaAr-&_nc_ht=scontent-lcy1-2.xx&oh=00_AT8tMFQ8Wzd8e4lUfUBMRgSpGa0PiphrZK4uLZaufOLRYQ&oe=6290CB53)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: De Sisti on 26 May, 2022, 08:53:22 pm
Here's the bike in action:
(https://scontent-lcy1-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/284421914_5192743094127190_516419589914089334_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=5cd70e&_nc_ohc=5DZsdfbaoosAX-VL5si&tn=hqFgXxdR6y4j0LjP&_nc_ht=scontent-lcy1-2.xx&oh=00_AT_ayd-Wifbeh0EMFGYyxqWHb-oiRXnOeVY1-tnzYrfZhQ&oe=62957534)

(https://scontent-lcy1-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/283960646_5192743077460525_871539854909751586_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=5cd70e&_nc_ohc=0x6QY36jBqEAX_iL85t&tn=hqFgXxdR6y4j0LjP&_nc_ht=scontent-lcy1-2.xx&oh=00_AT_IGRz5__1f8BJfNmyXYVfFkZhnNjVlP2r3IOSFU1nvZA&oe=6294AAA2)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: spesh on 02 June, 2022, 12:29:41 pm
A Booomers Yonso bamboo-framed bike in Southsea yesterday.

https://booomers.com/products/bamboo-city-bike-yonso
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: phantasmagoriana on 03 June, 2022, 06:16:46 pm
A Schlitter recumbent in Penicuik (which excited one of my fellow bus passengers so much that she was telling someone on the phone about the funny lying-down bike).
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: cycleman on 05 June, 2022, 08:31:27 pm
Seen on the Bampton cycleway

https://photos.app.goo.gl/1xMC3Xu2nAo87sJS7
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: phantasmagoriana on 17 July, 2022, 10:12:32 pm
Didn't get a picture, unfortunately, but the other day, I saw a cargo bike adapted for child-carrying by means of a large Really Useful Box and a cushion.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 26 July, 2022, 10:50:45 am
Sunday evening at Temple Meads I got chatting to the rider of a rather nice 1990s Bob Jackson. Lug lining and carriage lining that was clearly hand painted but still neat. He'd just got back from a tour from Shropshire, starting Wednesday, and was now heading back to London on the train. A good way to spend a long weekend. Then I noticed he had no bar tape! Bare metal bars! What hipster nightmare was this? His hands must be bruised to pulp! "I got the bike together and finished packing on Wednesday morning" he said, pulling a roll of tape out of his bar bag. "I'm going to tape up the bars on the train so I can at least ride across London in comfort." He had, however, found the time to put a bit of tape (expensive Newbaum's cotton cloth stuff) round the edges of his bottle cages to stop them rattling.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 03 August, 2022, 11:17:00 pm
While chasing barakta into the headwind on the A38 cycleway this afternoon, I spotted what looked like oncoming recumbent tricycle.  Which - fairly rapidly, on account of the relative speed - resolved itself to be a racing wheelchair with the rider in an extremely aero prone position.  They briefly exchanged grins with barakta as they passed.

I guess that's Commonwealth Games related - while wheelchair users and the occasional handcyclist aren't uncommon on the cycleway, that's the first time I've seen someone on such a performance-oriented machine.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 04 August, 2022, 11:50:02 am
Claim to fame, surely – exchanging grins with someone who is possibly a Commonwealth Games medallist.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Pingu on 07 August, 2022, 10:47:30 pm
Bruges bikes:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52258139287_1983140984_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2nBSCav)
IMG_0348_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2nBSCav) by The Pingus (https://www.flickr.com/photos/the_pingus/), on Flickr

Dunno why the wheel is such a secret:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52265564625_5b3914a041_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2nCwFsz)
IMG_0407_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2nCwFsz) by The Pingus (https://www.flickr.com/photos/the_pingus/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52265564715_134d977374_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2nCwFu8)
IMG_0408_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2nCwFu8) by The Pingus (https://www.flickr.com/photos/the_pingus/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Tigerbiten on 09 August, 2022, 10:33:15 pm
I've started to see a recumbent hand cycle going into/coming out of Northampton.
Schlumpf and Alfine hubs.

Good U-tube on "The Car-Replacement Bicycle (the bakfiets)" here -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQhzEnWCgHA&ab_channel=NotJustBikes

Luck ...........  ;D
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 09 August, 2022, 10:42:06 pm
Good U-tube on "The Car-Replacement Bicycle (the bakfiets)" here -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQhzEnWCgHA&ab_channel=NotJustBikes

I watched that earlier.  I thought the child's eye view of the back of the car seat was a particularly powerful message.

Like one of the commenters, I realised that I can remember minute details of my parents' cars upholstery from when I was a child.  I also mostly remember landmarks (bridges, interesting streetlights, fences, buildings with unusual roofs) from above eye level on certain routes, while having no real idea of where they were.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 10 August, 2022, 08:33:40 am
My childhood car memories are of sticking my head out of the window on the motorway and sliding along the back seat to look at the speedometer. Also of bare legs sticking painfully to the vinyl seats of my grandpa's Austin Allegro. But this was the 70s, before seatbelts and child seats. If I think of my son when he was a toddler, he enjoyed the motion of being in a car but it never made him laugh like being in a bike seat did (mainly when we splashed through puddles, particularly in the forest) although his view there must have been mostly of my back. The other thing he did was push me in the back when we were going uphill  :D .
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 10 August, 2022, 08:48:30 am
Good U-tube on "The Car-Replacement Bicycle (the bakfiets)" here -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQhzEnWCgHA&ab_channel=NotJustBikes

I watched that earlier.  I thought the child's eye view of the back of the car seat was a particularly powerful message.

Like one of the commenters, I realised that I can remember minute details of my parents' cars upholstery from when I was a child.  I also mostly remember landmarks (bridges, interesting streetlights, fences, buildings with unusual roofs) from above eye level on certain routes.

You can have the same experience from the second row of seats in our LEL-issue van.  They're about 2 feet lower than those in front.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 10 August, 2022, 08:51:50 am
There are a couple of box bikes in regular use round here and a Christiania trike that was used to ferry two kids to primary school. Non-electric, up St Michael's Hill:
(https://images.ctfassets.net/pjshm78m9jt4/1Ff4A8SPXJtPYkR7ETYrsb/626011f710c5dd1c687b843d33c6dd0d/P-PUBBY_ULAY1.jpg?fm=avif&fit=fill&w=830&h=467&q=80)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 14 August, 2022, 09:16:23 am
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52284414491_f7ca006840_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2nEchSg)
Northbound Elliptigo (https://flic.kr/p/2nEchSg) by Mr Larrington (https://www.flickr.com/photos/mr_larrington/), on Flickr.  DNF at Boston southbound though another one did finish.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: JonBuoy on 10 October, 2022, 07:20:28 pm
There is a bloke who used to ride a slightly ratty looking trike (possibly a Pashley) around the Loughborough area who has now upgraded to a very smart looking Nihola (https://nihola.com/).  I got a photo of it a while ago outside Aldi but it was only when I saw him this evening that I remembered to remember the make.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52418810700_2162f3d911_c.jpg)

Not the best of photo's with various Sheffield stands, shopping trolleys and random other bikes cluttering up the image!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 14 October, 2022, 09:36:04 am
Not exactly seen, but do we have a "Random unusual bikes in unconnected news photographs" thread?
(https://www.bristol247.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Dinosaur-on-fire-at-Ashton-Court-Claire-Fenalla-Twitter-e1665667596507-1200x675.jpeg)
https://www.bristol247.com/news-and-features/news/jurassic-spark-at-ashton-court/

I haven't been to Ashton Court for a while and didn't even know there were animatronic dinosaurs there.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 25 October, 2022, 04:31:14 pm
Yesterday was checking tyre pressures on car and became aware of a couple of lads on bikes who had stopped on the pavement by my car. I don't think they'd seen me and was a bit suspicious so wandered to front of car. One lad had two new tyres round his shoulder and I looked down and saw a set of rockshox forks which I wasn't expecting. He then cycled off and looked to be on what I guess was a late 90s Marin full suspension bike
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 14 November, 2022, 04:37:46 pm
A nice orange Azub trike parked outside the PO. V similar to Cycleman's but without any trailing wires or things falling out of pockets.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: cycleman on 14 November, 2022, 06:27:28 pm
There are no trailing wires or things falling off my orange azub trike  :o. Just the trice loses bits occasionally 😉. Did the one you saw have 26-wheels like mine. Mine only went to the tesco superstore for supplies today 🙂
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 14 November, 2022, 06:32:02 pm
Looked like 26" at the front, the rear might have been larger.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: The French Tandem on 15 November, 2022, 01:45:09 pm
When I'll die, I want ...

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: arabella on 15 November, 2022, 02:44:03 pm
hmm, push rather than pull.  I like it though.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Jurek on 15 November, 2022, 02:53:16 pm
When I'll die, I want ...

(click to show/hide)
The late Barry Mason was transported to his funeral service on a bicycle hearse towed by his son.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: matthew on 24 November, 2022, 01:30:50 pm
So the scout troop I am part of raises funds by selling donated second hand bikes with the higher quality / collectable / special bikes being ebayed. They are serviced and parts are scrounged where required. Anyway this time round the service team were on the ball because they recognised that a Kirk Magnesium framed bike has been donated. I will have to take a closer look this evening.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Jurek on 24 November, 2022, 01:38:00 pm
So the scout troop I am part of raises funds by selling donated second hand bikes with the higher quality / collectable / special bikes being ebayed. They are serviced and parts are scrounged where required. Anyway this time round the service team were on the ball because they recognised that a Kirk Magnesium framed bike ha seen donated. I will have to take a closer look this evening.
His Leggship has one of those as a built up bike.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: MattH on 24 November, 2022, 03:24:12 pm
When I'll die, I want ...

(click to show/hide)

Frankly, that's the last thing you'll need.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: pcolbeck on 29 March, 2023, 07:14:43 pm
A Riese & Müller Nevo locked to the railings at the back of the pub on Friday night.
Cool looking electric bike with Bosch power and a Bosch Nyon cockpit and Enviolo hub gears.

Like this but white:

(https://www.electricbikesales.co.uk/images/rieseandmullernevo3variodynamicredmetallic.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 04 April, 2023, 06:10:55 pm
Burrows 8 Freight on Markhouse Road in sunny E17 this arvo.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: rogerzilla on 10 April, 2023, 07:47:15 am
A group of older Bath CTC riders had followed the (car) road signs to Didcot station and become stuck in the multi-storey car park.  Eventually they found the railway centre.  Among them was a tandem trike, that most terrifying of pedalled creations.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Diver300 on 11 April, 2023, 08:40:23 pm
https://twitter.com/BillyM2k/status/1645772036550328322 and it wasn't even made by Colin Furze.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: fd3 on 23 April, 2023, 11:09:16 pm
Walking to take #1 on to drum lessons we were passed by a parent-child due with a a kettwiesel trike tag-along.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Jaded on 27 April, 2023, 10:04:40 am
A folding electric fatbike. Thats was weird enough, but it was on the Elizabeth Line.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 12 June, 2023, 12:31:50 pm
Talking of fatbikes the one parked outside Mr Sainsbury’s House of Toothy Comestibles just now had 4.6” wide tyres.  I've owned cars with skinnier rubber.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: JonBuoy on 25 June, 2023, 06:52:38 pm
Out on the MTB today and got chatting to the owner of this retro-tastic machine:


(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53001130413_a959e00826_c.jpg)

Front suspension, hydraulic brakes, carbon wheels...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 26 June, 2023, 11:30:21 am
Square tubes!
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: JonBuoy on 26 June, 2023, 08:02:51 pm
If nothing else it makes the joint preps easier.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 27 June, 2023, 11:11:24 am
Round v box-section tubes was the great split in 1980s motorcycling. I don't recall it in bicycles, but now I guess it's all kinda old hat irrelevant.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Jaded on 27 June, 2023, 11:31:50 am
Saw what I think was an EVARI 856 CS-Rohloff

Looked loverly, but somewhat more than a 2nd hand car.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 07 July, 2023, 08:35:03 pm
On the Triangle today, an tadpole recumbent trike, probably an ICE – pulling a child trailer. Riding firmly mid-lane and almost as long as a small car (but so much more useful for getting the kids home after school).
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 07 July, 2023, 08:38:12 pm
Out on the MTB today and got chatting to the owner of this retro-tastic machine:


(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53001130413_a959e00826_c.jpg)

Front suspension, hydraulic brakes, carbon wheels...

That bike would have probably given me feelings shall we say as a young lad
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: tippers_kiwi on 09 July, 2023, 01:42:53 pm
During my recent week in the Swiss Alps a couple of events crossed over with us that saw some pretty cool bikes coming through. All E-Bike but riggged up with what looked to be very home 'bodged' on the go charging via solar panel set ups. I took a few pics and thought some might find these of interest,

Firstly, the map of the event that they were on, there was a good 2 - 3 days of bike flowing through so it looked like a pretty relaxed event
(http://thebrunners.com/sun_trip/map.jpg) (http://thebrunners.com/sun_trip/map.jpg)

Some of the bikes
A Velomobile with a trailer that carried the solar panel and the rider was sleeping in
(http://thebrunners.com/sun_trip/mobiletrailer.jpg) (http://thebrunners.com/sun_trip/mobiletrailer.jpg)

This was trike was probably one of the tidiest as far as set up went.
(http://thebrunners.com/sun_trip/fattrike.jpg) (http://thebrunners.com/sun_trip/fattrike.jpg)

These seemed to be a reasonably popular set up. A hybrid/mountain bike with attached trailer carrying the solar panel
(http://thebrunners.com/sun_trip/trailers.jpg) (http://thebrunners.com/sun_trip/trailers.jpg)

I wouldn't particularly fancy riding either of these next 2, those panels seem to be very high up with the ability to act as a sail, in a bad way!
(http://thebrunners.com/sun_trip/sail.jpg) (http://thebrunners.com/sun_trip/sail.jpg)

(http://thebrunners.com/sun_trip/recumbent.jpg) (http://thebrunners.com/sun_trip/recumbent.jpg)

There was also a team of 6 people who were all cancer survivors and were doing a similar route on similar equipment but not related. They were sharing shifts on this set up in teams of 2. The back trike hooked on to a QR type mount and they could unhitch it to let it ride as 2 single trikes if desired. 
(http://thebrunners.com/sun_trip/tandemtrike.jpg) (http://thebrunners.com/sun_trip/tandemtrike.jpg)

Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: spesh on 09 July, 2023, 01:57:20 pm
Out on the MTB today and got chatting to the owner of this retro-tastic machine:


(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53001130413_a959e00826_c.jpg)

Front suspension, hydraulic brakes, carbon wheels...

That bike would have probably given me feelings shall we say as a young lad

Ditch the AMP Research fork for Pace RC36 Pro Class, and I'd definitely be having a moment... 8)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: MattH on 15 July, 2023, 01:52:48 pm
During my recent week in the Swiss Alps a couple of events crossed over with us that saw some pretty cool bikes coming through. All E-Bike but riggged up with what looked to be very home 'bodged' on the go charging via solar panel set ups. I took a few pics and thought some might find these of interest,

Thanks for sharing, very interesting. And help to keep the rain off you too!
Have to say, they did remind me a little of this:-

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/2/27/The_Prisoner_%28logo%29.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wobbly John on 15 July, 2023, 04:30:53 pm
When a Long wheelbase recumbent I built in the early 90’s, was used as Joseph’s Golden chariot in a production of Joseph and his Technicoloured dreamcoat, I added a canopy similar to that one. Got a photo on the computer somewhere?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 15 July, 2023, 05:53:18 pm
A USAnian Farcebok acquaintance has built roofed upright bikes which he uses regularly in the 'burbs of NYC.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 14 August, 2023, 02:54:09 pm
One of these:

(https://tokyobike.co.uk/cdn/shop/files/CS-Willow.jpg?v=1680704596&width=1426)

but in the large size.  Combination of very long head tube and skinny 559 tyres made it look decidedly odd.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 14 August, 2023, 07:00:55 pm
On the Railway Path this afternoon, a Modern Cycling Family. Two Modern Cycling Toddlers cosy in the box bike. Modern Cycling Mum standing next to the box bike (I think it was an Urban Arrow), gripping the elbow of Modern Cycling Dad, who was dressed like a tactical battle cop – all in black, full face helmet, knee pads, big gloves, etc – astride a large wheeled unicycle.

And later, a fixie with the used-to-be-fashionable narrow flat bars and brightly coloured five-spoke wheels: purple front wheel, lime green back wheel.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 20 August, 2023, 02:46:35 pm
A couple of late entries. Thirty years late, recently rediscovered in old photos. A recumbent tadpole trike in front of the Winter Palace in Leningrad/St Petersburg*, 1991.

And at some sort of hippy-full festival** in Kiev, either 1989 or 1991, a tandem couple looking smarter than all the non-cyclists, in matching two-tone grey lycra, with toddler in a definitely-Sov baby seat.

I'll see if I can scan these at some point and post them here.

*I was there on the day they voted to change the name, so pick whichever you prefer.
**Itself a sign of impending huge changes, including death of hippy era.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 21 August, 2023, 12:59:23 pm
One o' these

(https://recikli.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/DSC6964-2048x1365.jpg)
except:

Although it's not obvious in the photo the “top tube” is actually two parallel small-diameter tubes.  Why do people do things like this ???
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 07 September, 2023, 03:01:21 pm
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53169673964_99c44b6124_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2p1qtEC)
Retro-stylee e-bikes (https://flic.kr/p/2p1qtEC) by Mr Larrington (https://www.flickr.com/photos/mr_larrington/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53169963703_bc322c1868_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2p1rXN8)
Retro-stylee e-bikes (https://flic.kr/p/2p1rXN8) by Mr Larrington (https://www.flickr.com/photos/mr_larrington/), on Flickr

Not sure whether these belong here or “Interesting And Unusual Motorbikes” downstairs :demon:
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: phantasmagoriana on 09 September, 2023, 08:16:36 am
Spotted yesterday. Just...so many questions. ??? Name seems appropriate, though.

(https://i.ibb.co/0Kg60QM/20230908-135646.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Kim on 09 September, 2023, 12:50:08 pm
Spotted yesterday. Just...so many questions. ??? Name seems appropriate, though.

(https://i.ibb.co/0Kg60QM/20230908-135646.jpg)
It almost looks AI generated...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: spesh on 09 September, 2023, 02:49:22 pm
Spotted yesterday. Just...so many questions. ??? Name seems appropriate, though.

(https://i.ibb.co/0Kg60QM/20230908-135646.jpg)

Morbid curiosity got the better of me and I flexed my search engine-fu. This... thing... is sold by Cobra Bikes in Mordor:

https://www.cobrabikes.co.uk/collections/road
https://www.cobrabikes.co.uk/collections/road/products/cb-gl004w-26-inch-27-speed-carbon-steel-frame-road-bike
https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/www.cobrabikes.co.uk

Whether it is worth even its sale price of £263 is an exercise left for the reader...
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Jurek on 09 September, 2023, 02:58:11 pm
Spotted yesterday. Just...so many questions. ??? Name seems appropriate, though.

(https://i.ibb.co/0Kg60QM/20230908-135646.jpg)

Morbid curiosity got the better of me and I flexed my search engine-fu. This... thing... is sold by Cobra Bikes in Mordor:

https://www.cobrabikes.co.uk/collections/road
https://www.cobrabikes.co.uk/collections/road/products/cb-gl004w-26-inch-27-speed-carbon-steel-frame-road-bike
https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/www.cobrabikes.co.uk

Whether it is worth even its sale price of £263 is an exercise left for the reader...

15kg strikes me as a tad on the heavy side for a bike with a cf frame and wheels.
The owner has skimped on the bar tape. Clearly in an effort to reduce the bike's weight.
The front forks are clearly not cf as you'd never achieve such a jaunty rake angle with cf.
Wonder how it handles......
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: spesh on 09 September, 2023, 03:07:43 pm
With all respect, may I suggest that you read the link again? The frame and forks are not made from carbon fibre composite, but "carbon steel" (gas pipe, to all intents and purposes).
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Jurek on 09 September, 2023, 03:20:58 pm
With all respect, may I suggest that you read the link again? The frame and forks are not made from carbon fibre composite, but "carbon steel" (gas pipe, to all intents and purposes).
No, no.
It is you that are mistaken.
Take a viddy at the image yonder
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53175155919_aecc33ab42_h.jpg) (http://[url=https://flic.kr/p/2p1Uzg6) (https://flic.kr/p/2p1Uzg6)  (https://www.flickr.com/photos/jurekb/)
It clearly states the fork blades to be fashioned from aluminium and the steerer from hi-tensile steel.
I must find out how these two materials are attached to one another.
Cobra cycles have clearly out-monkeyed that which metallurgists have been trying to achieve ever since we humans have had the capacity to weld.

Also:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53175471268_3b0cd60ae1_b.jpg) (http://[url=https://flic.kr/p/2p1Wc19) (https://flic.kr/p/2p1Wc19)  (https://www.flickr.com/photos/jurekb/)

Yes, I know that it is a mispront and the true malfeasance material is revealed elsewhere.

Also, also what are 700C / 26" wheels?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: phantasmagoriana on 09 September, 2023, 04:40:27 pm
It almost looks AI generated...

I'm sure AI would do a better job of rendering something resembling an actual bike.

Though I'm vaguely disappointed that its owner didn't turn up while I was in the vicinity, because I'd love to see the riding position in action (the saddle angle and handlebar position are...interesting. Huge stack of spacers, short riser stem, yet the brake levers are almost hitting the front wheel, though the backwards fork probably doesn't help there).

Morbid curiosity got the better of me and I flexed my search engine-fu. This... thing... is sold by Cobra Bikes in Mordor:

https://www.cobrabikes.co.uk/collections/road
https://www.cobrabikes.co.uk/collections/road/products/cb-gl004w-26-inch-27-speed-carbon-steel-frame-road-bike
https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/www.cobrabikes.co.uk

Whether it is worth even its sale price of £263 is an exercise left for the reader...

That's a lot of money to spend on a BSO! :o
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: spesh on 09 September, 2023, 05:21:18 pm
I reckon that fork is bent, not fitted backwards. See this picture for what the bike is nominally meant to look like:

https://www.cobrabikes.co.uk/cdn/shop/products/1_1800x1800.jpg?v=1630704187

Reading Cobra Bikes' web site, I got the impression that it was mostly machine-translated and hadn't been proof read afterwards, because of the funny syntax and all the confusing bits in the blurb. Going by the stickers on the seat/chainstay, it appears that the bike brand is called Angsi rather than Angst, and plugging "Angsi road bike" into Google confirms my suspicions by bringing up a load of results pointing to Alibaba.com and the bikes being perpetrated by Hebei Angsi Technology Co., based in - you guessed it - China.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: chrisbainbridge on 09 September, 2023, 05:34:37 pm
Whereas I saw a Tommasini Tecno hand built Italian bike this morning
https://tommasinibicycle.com/tommasini-tecno-2/ (https://tommasinibicycle.com/tommasini-tecno-2/)
In shades of purple and silver.  Absolutely gorgeous and full mechanical Campag
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: spesh on 09 September, 2023, 06:08:32 pm
Whereas I saw a Tommasini Tecno hand built Italian bike this morning
https://tommasinibicycle.com/tommasini-tecno-2/ (https://tommasinibicycle.com/tommasini-tecno-2/)
In shades of purple and silver.  Absolutely gorgeous and full mechanical Campag

TBH, I prefer the blue and the orange schemes. Purple always screams "the 90s called, it wants its anodised bits back" to me. :demon:
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: ElyDave on 10 September, 2023, 06:31:38 am
Its all right, I suppose, if you don't want sensible things like disc brakes
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: fd3 on 10 September, 2023, 07:57:06 pm
Spesh:
1 really, look back to front to me.
2 what's wrong with the 90s?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: chrisbainbridge on 11 September, 2023, 10:26:19 pm
Clearly the owners absolute pride and joy. So his choice.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 11 September, 2023, 10:26:19 pm
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53181500520_748732c58e_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2p2t6hL)
Originally built by Larry Lem for his mother; now used by sister Joyce (https://flic.kr/p/2p2t6hL) by Mr Larrington (https://www.flickr.com/photos/mr_larrington/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 21 September, 2023, 02:14:16 am
A brace of Van Moofs (Van Mooves?) strapped to the back of a small SUV, thereby obscuring both his number plate and rear lights.  Clearly USAnians care not for such trifles.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Auntie Helen on 21 September, 2023, 05:54:36 am
Let’s hope they’ve found another app to help them run the bike! I hear there is one.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 07 December, 2023, 04:19:50 pm
A cargo e-bike in Surly Big Dummy style, but branded 'Moustache'.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 16 December, 2023, 12:39:39 pm
Anyone care to guess what this 'Vintage 1913 Raleigh Gents Bicycle' was purpose-built for?  For sale on ebay

Quote
It’s had parts replaced over the years

The bike has been altered to carry out a trade of some description .. see the left hand
Pedal and stay…
 

(https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/wgoAAOSwr~ZlNQ7A/s-l1600.jpg)

(https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/0IoAAOSw1pZlNQ76/s-l1600.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 16 December, 2023, 01:06:43 pm
Curious. I thought maybe the bulge on the chainstay was to put your foot and scoot-start, but there's one on the seatstay too. Maybe they're actually loops for lifting the bike. Was it for some sort of circus performance?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 16 December, 2023, 01:58:56 pm
Maybe it originally had a second rim on the rear wheel for a belt-drive power take-off when the rear wheel was lifted off the ground with a sturdy double-sided kickstand. Knife sharpeners were equipped like this.
https://www.dailytravelphotos.com/images/2009/091127_delhi_india_bicycle_knife_sharpener_salesman_MG_7506.jpg
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Flite on 16 December, 2023, 02:04:56 pm
Would it give clearance to attach an old-style sidecar?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Paul on 16 December, 2023, 04:39:04 pm
Would it give clearance to attach an old-style sidecar?
That was my guess too.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Socks on 16 December, 2023, 07:23:24 pm
I don't think it is anything to do with a sidecar.  We had a Watsonian sidecar on the tandem when our daughter was a sprog.  The sidecar frame fitted to standard rear triangle, with enough of a gap to clear the left hand crank and pedal.  So the extra width of that bent crank would be problematic.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: JennyB on 16 December, 2023, 07:49:50 pm
For carrying a ladder?
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: yorkie on 16 December, 2023, 08:21:00 pm
Looking at some pictures of early motorcycles, I found this photo (among others) which has exactly the same frame shapes to accommodate a belt drive to the rear wheel. Early cyclemotors had a similar setup to accommodate a belt drive, with the engine located either in the main triangle of the bicycle or attached above the rear wheel behind the saddle.

See:

http://onlinebicyclemuseum.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/1902_Motorcycling_02-copy3.jpg

https://nationalmcmuseum.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/1912-indian-belt-drive-single_17.jpg

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20231216/cd3a92d8b6a8ad94016e33f0345f2343.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 31 December, 2023, 04:00:32 pm
On Friday I saw what is probably the most unusual pedal cycle I've ever seen.
Firstly, a recumbent.
Secondly, a trike.
Thirdly, a delta layout rather than the more common tadpole.
Fourthly, and this is where it gets interesting, front wheel drive.
Fifthly, a fixie.
Sixthly, not just a fixie but pedals fixed directly to the front hub, penny farthing style. But with a much smaller wheel, so a gear of about 26".
Seventhly, just for completeness, the world's largest headlight (looked like a spotlight from a rally car) mounted on top of a small wooden box.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 02 January, 2024, 08:27:21 am
On Friday I saw what is probably the most unusual pedal cycle I've ever seen.
Firstly, a recumbent.
Secondly, a trike.
Thirdly, a delta layout rather than the more common tadpole.
Fourthly, and this is where it gets interesting, front wheel drive.
Fifthly, a fixie.
Sixthly, not just a fixie but pedals fixed directly to the front hub, penny farthing style. But with a much smaller wheel, so a gear of about 26".
Seventhly, just for completeness, the world's largest headlight (looked like a spotlight from a rally car) mounted on top of a small wooden box.
I saw it again yesterday, in the same place, and can now add an eight feature.
Eighthly, and we seem to be entering "just because we can" with this one, it has rear wheel steering. The front wheel is fixed in all senses (other than rotationally – I presume!). The steering is "leveraged" so that when you turn the under-seat bars to the left, the rear wheels turn to the right and you turn left.

That it's parked on the street in the same place a few days before New Year and on NYD makes me wonder who it belongs to. A local resident would be the obvious guess, but I've never seen it there before. So maybe a nearby employee who went out with colleagues on a New Year's lash and is going to ride it home, presumably, today. The two nearest businesses are Alpkit, who I'm sure have facilities for staff to keep bikes in, and a mistake agent... Could also be someone visiting nearby for Christmas-New Year, of course.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 12 January, 2024, 11:55:37 am
Cycling to work today and passed a guy on what looked like a decent commuter bike. Looked at frame and was a univega which haven't heard of for a few years
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: spesh on 12 January, 2024, 02:00:26 pm
Cycling to work today and passed a guy on what looked like a decent commuter bike. Looked at frame and was a univega which haven't heard of for a few years

Ooh, that's a blast from the past... late 90s/early 00s IIRC.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: JonBuoy on 12 January, 2024, 02:16:49 pm
On Friday I saw what is probably the most unusual pedal cycle I've ever seen.
Firstly, a recumbent.
Secondly, a trike.
Thirdly, a delta layout rather than the more common tadpole.
Fourthly, and this is where it gets interesting, front wheel drive.
Fifthly, a fixie.
Sixthly, not just a fixie but pedals fixed directly to the front hub, penny farthing style. But with a much smaller wheel, so a gear of about 26".
Seventhly, just for completeness, the world's largest headlight (looked like a spotlight from a rally car) mounted on top of a small wooden box.
I saw it again yesterday, in the same place, and can now add an eight feature.
Eighthly, and we seem to be entering "just because we can" with this one, it has rear wheel steering. The front wheel is fixed in all senses (other than rotationally – I presume!). The steering is "leveraged" so that when you turn the under-seat bars to the left, the rear wheels turn to the right and you turn left.

That it's parked on the street in the same place a few days before New Year and on NYD makes me wonder who it belongs to. A local resident would be the obvious guess, but I've never seen it there before. So maybe a nearby employee who went out with colleagues on a New Year's lash and is going to ride it home, presumably, today. The two nearest businesses are Alpkit, who I'm sure have facilities for staff to keep bikes in, and a mistake agent... Could also be someone visiting nearby for Christmas-New Year, of course.

As it is fixed I guess the rider could turn it into a 'more normal' rear wheel drive, front steering recumbent tadpole trike with the cunning use of a mirror to see where they are going.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Mr Larrington on 12 January, 2024, 04:39:28 pm
On Friday I saw what is probably the most unusual pedal cycle I've ever seen.
Firstly, a recumbent.
Secondly, a trike.
Thirdly, a delta layout rather than the more common tadpole.
Fourthly, and this is where it gets interesting, front wheel drive.
Fifthly, a fixie.
Sixthly, not just a fixie but pedals fixed directly to the front hub, penny farthing style. But with a much smaller wheel, so a gear of about 26".
Seventhly, just for completeness, the world's largest headlight (looked like a spotlight from a rally car) mounted on top of a small wooden box.
I saw it again yesterday, in the same place, and can now add an eight feature.
Eighthly, and we seem to be entering "just because we can" with this one, it has rear wheel steering. The front wheel is fixed in all senses (other than rotationally – I presume!). The steering is "leveraged" so that when you turn the under-seat bars to the left, the rear wheels turn to the right and you turn left.

That it's parked on the street in the same place a few days before New Year and on NYD makes me wonder who it belongs to. A local resident would be the obvious guess, but I've never seen it there before. So maybe a nearby employee who went out with colleagues on a New Year's lash and is going to ride it home, presumably, today. The two nearest businesses are Alpkit, who I'm sure have facilities for staff to keep bikes in, and a mistake agent... Could also be someone visiting nearby for Christmas-New Year, of course.

As it is fixed I guess the rider could turn it into a 'more normal' rear wheel drive, front steering recumbent tadpole trike with the cunning use of a mirror to see where they are going.

That only works if you block out everything from your vision except what you see in the mirror.  Otherwise your head-branez get confused and you crash and it hurts.  Damjan Zabovnik used such a system to great effect in his Eivie series of streamliners; the late Gardner Martin's experimental unfaired trike was pretty much unrideable in an empty car park.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 12 January, 2024, 04:50:06 pm
Indeed. My hed-branez are in a whirl just imagining it.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: perpetual dan on 07 February, 2024, 08:55:15 am
A trike at commuter time this morning. Going faster than the bus I was in, but I think the rear tyres were colour coded like RCA stereo connectors.

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Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Wobbly John on 07 February, 2024, 09:13:38 pm
Cycling to work today and passed a guy on what looked like a decent commuter bike. Looked at frame and was a univega which haven't heard of for a few years

I still use a 1997 504 Univega MTB most weeks as a trailer hauling bike, and also have one with slick tyres as a tourer,  a 506 1996 model bought new in ‘97. My daughter still has the 502 model bought at the same time.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Pingu on 12 February, 2024, 07:06:12 pm
In a neighbour's garden.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53525198501_e4e8234dc9_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2pxQCJ2)
IMG_6874_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2pxQCJ2) by The Pingus (https://www.flickr.com/photos/the_pingus/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Adam on 12 February, 2024, 09:22:01 pm
Last Sunday, cycling with the local CTC group heading out of Chichester, we passed someone on an Ordinary bike.  As in a Penny-Farthing.  Not sure I'd be going that fast on such a contraption knowing the potholes around here.  But he got a Chapeau from me.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: sam on 13 February, 2024, 11:38:04 am
Last Sunday, cycling with the local CTC group heading out of Chichester, we passed someone on an Ordinary bike.  As in a Penny-Farthing.  Not sure I'd be going that fast on such a contraption knowing the potholes around here.  But he got a Chapeau from me.

Wouldn't the large front wheel be something of a prophylactic against potholes? Happy to be corrected by someone who has ridden one.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Afasoas on 15 February, 2024, 02:47:25 pm
Out on last nights dog walk I saw an e-cargo bike ridden by a young woman with an infant stowed in some sort of carrier on the back. With what looked like yellow fairy lights strategically suspended on either side of it.

Surprised and pleased in equal measure to see one of those around these parts.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 20 February, 2024, 07:56:24 pm
A casual dealer I know has an old delivery bike for sale He told me he knows it is pre-1893 because it has a cotter pin holding the bottom bracket bearing in place.  Wish I’d taken a picture now. Repainted unfortunately.
Title: Re: Interesting and Unusual Bikes You've Seen
Post by: Efrogwr on 29 February, 2024, 12:44:04 pm
The other day I saw an old fashioned cargo trike, the ice cream vendor style. The handling looked to be a bit dodgy...