Highrider bikes

[rpm]

So, what's the deal with highrider bikes--the ones that have an extra frame welded on top that puts the rider way up like a circus bike? I saw one today out on a country trail, which surprised me, since I usually see them only in the artsier parts of town.

The riders are obviously making some kind of statement with them, but what is it? The danger thing is obviously part of it. Last year there was a girl here who was killed when she flew off after hitting an expansion joint the wrong way. In the paper, her mother said that she was really proud because she welded up the frames herself. I could only think "what a waste".

Riding something different is cool, but what's the point if there are a bunch of people doing it? It seems to be that you could be just as distinctive with a lowrider chopper-style bike, and you'd be a whole lot more likely to see 30. But what do I know, I'm one of those baby boomers who's hitting 60 this year.

[mwos]

Read this guys journal maybe you'll find the answer.

http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/journal/AroundWorldPenny2

BTW, I know him, he's from Golden, he collects vintage bikes, quite an interesting person.

Kathi

[rpm]

Kathi--

Thanks for the link, but riders on vintage high wheelers are a different breed--eccentric, and kind of cool. The ones I'm talking about are kids who are into a punk, alt-something or other scene. There's probably a name for them and their bikes, but I don't know what is, and I can't find a picture of them. But basically, the bikes are a diamond frame with normal wheels with a second diamond frame welded to the top of the first. The rider is way up there, considerably higher than on a penny farthing. Maybe it's only a local phenomenon. I should wander the streets Manet-style and take some pictures of one.

[mosca]

Check out the movie preview here for some insight into the lifestyle:

http://www.myspace.com/bikemovie

[bshell]

out here they are called "tall bikes".

victim pursuit.

[rpm]

out here they are called "tall bikes".

victim.


Ah, that's the magic term. Now I find all kinds of information about them, including in my own backyard. I still think they're nuts. Chopper bikes would be a much better idea.

http://technolog.it.umn.edu/technolog/fall01/tallbikes.html

[scrooge]

Ah, that's the magic term. Now I find all kinds of information about them, including in my own backyard. I still think they're nuts. Chopper bikes would be a much better idea.

http://technolog.it.umn.edu/technolog/fall01/tallbikes.html

Gives the old "Your stem's too short" new meaning.