Tall bike: Difference between revisions
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[[Image:Tallbike.jpg|thumb|200px|A modern home constructed tall bicycle]] |
--[[User:Dan Korn|Dan Korn]] 14:58, 27 July 2006 (UTC)[[Image:Tallbike.jpg|thumb|200px|A modern home constructed tall bicycle]] |
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A '''Tall Bike''' is an unusually tall [[bicycle]], typically built for the purpose of fun and recreation, though with occasional practical use. |
A '''Tall Bike''' is an unusually tall [[bicycle]], typically built for the purpose of fun and recreation, though with occasional practical use. |
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== Practical Uses == |
== Practical Uses == |
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Tall bikes can be used for general transportation and recreation, just like other bicycles. Regular tall-bike commuters note that both their increased visibility and the simple 'wow factor' gives them a safety advantage in automobile traffic over 'short bikes.' <ref name=ChicagoMag>Chicago Magazine, July 2006, page 58</ref> <ref name=ChicagoTribune>Chicago Tribune, May 19, 2005, At Play section, page 1</ref> |
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[[Image:Giraffelamplighterbike.jpg|thumb|200px|A Giraffe Lamplighter Bicycle, manufactured in 1898]] |
[[Image:Giraffelamplighterbike.jpg|thumb|200px|A Giraffe Lamplighter Bicycle, manufactured in 1898]] |
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Historically, one of the the first practical uses of the tall bike was as a late 1800's lamp lighting system, by which a worker would mount a specialized tall bicycle while equipped with a torch for lighting gas lamps. As the worker rode to each lamp, they would lean against the lamp post, light the lamp, and then ride to the next. Upon completing the circuit of lamps, an assistant would help the rider dismount. |
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== Sporting == |
== Sporting == |
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Jar Rules: Riders mount tall bike with a lance, metal or wood, with a jam jar placed on the tip called a jarry. Points are scored when the jar is broken. Riders then can choose to battle with the broken jam jar, or replace it. Battle continues until all the jars are broken, or an opponent in retired. |
Jar Rules: Riders mount tall bike with a lance, metal or wood, with a jam jar placed on the tip called a jarry. Points are scored when the jar is broken. Riders then can choose to battle with the broken jam jar, or replace it. Battle continues until all the jars are broken, or an opponent in retired. |
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[http://www.fearlessgearless.com/slideshows/bikewars/ PVC Tall bike joust slideshow ] |
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== Design Considerations == |
== Design Considerations == |
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* [http://www.johnnypayphone.net/tallbikes/ A history of the tallbike 1890-1990] |
* [http://www.johnnypayphone.net/tallbikes/ A history of the tallbike 1890-1990] |
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* [http://www.bicycleartist.com/ Bicycleartist.com] |
* [http://www.bicycleartist.com/ Bicycleartist.com] |
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* [http://www.flickr.com/groups/tallbikes Tall Bike Photos on Flickr] |
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[[Category:Cycle types]] |
[[Category:Cycle types]] |
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==References== |
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<references/> |
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Revision as of 14:58, 27 July 2006
--Dan Korn 14:58, 27 July 2006 (UTC)
A Tall Bike is an unusually tall bicycle, typically built for the purpose of fun and recreation, though with occasional practical use.
Modern tall bikes are most commonly constructed by individuals from spare parts. Two conventional bicycle frames are connected, by welding, brazing, or other means, one atop the other. The drivetrain is reconfigured to connect to the upper set of pedals, and the controls are moved to the upper handlebar area.
Alternatively, a bicycle can be built by inverting the frame, and inserting the forks from the 'wrong side', flipping the rear wheel, and adding a long gooseneck and tall handlebars, then welding a long seatpost tube to the 'bottom' (now the top) of the frame. This type of tall bike is made with only one bike frame, and is often called an upside-down bike rather than a tall bike, though the seat can be quite high, depending on the frame shape used. This type can be somewhat safer, as there is less tubing between the rider's legs and dismounting in a hurry can be easily accomplished.
Tall bikes are a popular mode of transportation for modern 'bicycle clubs' (SCUL, Rat Patrol, Zoobomb,Black Label Bike Club, CHUNK 666, etc.) and activist groups. They are also a mainstay among builders of Clown bikes, art bikes, Clown alleys and parade groups. Bicycle modification is considered a fun and cheap hobby, and never fails to attract a lot of attention. Most modern cities contain large quantities of unused or abandoned bicycles that provide the raw materials for tall bikes and other mutant cycles.
Practical Uses
Tall bikes can be used for general transportation and recreation, just like other bicycles. Regular tall-bike commuters note that both their increased visibility and the simple 'wow factor' gives them a safety advantage in automobile traffic over 'short bikes.' [1] [2]
Historically, one of the the first practical uses of the tall bike was as a late 1800's lamp lighting system, by which a worker would mount a specialized tall bicycle while equipped with a torch for lighting gas lamps. As the worker rode to each lamp, they would lean against the lamp post, light the lamp, and then ride to the next. Upon completing the circuit of lamps, an assistant would help the rider dismount.
Sporting
Tall bike jousting is a popular sport among bicycle hackers. Combatants arm themselves with lances, and attempt to score points by dislodging the other rider. Rules vary by area, and with the mood of the combatants. Like the ancient sport of jousting, this is a sport where honor plays a role and dishonorable wins are frowned upon.
Gentle rules: Foam pool noodles can be used as lances, and points may be scored by delivering a touch to the chest.
More intense rules: PVC pipe with foam covering can be used as lances, and points may be scored by causing the other rider to fall off their tall bike.
Very intense rules: Metal pipes or pieces of wood may be used as lances, and points may be scored by knocking the other rider off their bicycle, and/or damaging their bicycle or causing an injury.
Fire jousting: The foam ends of the lances are set alight. A dangerous and spectacular variation.
Jar Rules: Riders mount tall bike with a lance, metal or wood, with a jam jar placed on the tip called a jarry. Points are scored when the jar is broken. Riders then can choose to battle with the broken jam jar, or replace it. Battle continues until all the jars are broken, or an opponent in retired.
Design Considerations
Tall bikes present some interesting design considerations, and different localities tend to have different methods of dealing with them.
One consistent issue is that the seat tends to end up in line with, or behind, the rear axle, which creates a powerful tendency to lift the front wheel of the bicycle on acceleration. Some bicycle builders simply accept with this tendency, but others solve the problem by moving the seat post forward, lowering the handlebars, or by using a smaller wheel in front, typically a 24" instead of a 26".
Stability can also be negatively affected, and enhancements such as extended wheelbase by welding extensions on the front and rear dropouts can benefit stability. Contest holders often place restrictions on such modification to prevent unfair advantages.
External links
- Dead Baby Bikes
- Cyclecide
- Chunk666
- Chicago Freak Bike
- The Rat Patrol
- ZooBomb, a weekly bike event that meets every Sunday around 8:30PM across from Rocco's Pizza (949 SW Oak) in Portland OR.
- Margaret Charles Chopper Collective
- Atomic Zombie
- S.C.U.L.
- Tallbike.net
- Flickr Tallbike Stream
- del.icio.us tallbike tags
- Fiddy.com Tall bike builder
- A history of the tallbike 1890-1990
- Bicycleartist.com
- Tall Bike Photos on Flickr
