As if I didn't have enough projects already, Last June, I started to build a chopper bicycle. It was built mostly from scratch, using some parts off of donor bikes.
The project was cruising along great until it experienced a structural failure. The post on the swingarm that includes the shock mount collapsed the tube it was welded to and bent back until it pressed into the rear tire!. This was a case of me not listening to the little voice in my head that told me, "That's not strong enough!"
This setback really took away the momentum this project had. But in March, I got the urge back and got back to building. In mid April, the bike was complete and ready to ride and find out what breaks!
The chopper bike uses 20" tires and my own "softtail" frame and raked front forks. The bike has a wheelbase of about 70 inches! It has 15 speeds using a grip shifter for the 5 speed rear cluster and a standard lever shifter for the 3 speed front cluster.
