June 2019
The Swing Bike was based on a real-life, manufactured bicycle. It is still seen as a freak-bike, due to its queer nature and short-lived market life.
They were originally invented in 1974 by Ralph Belden, designed in the style of a chopper-stingray hybrid with a sissy bar, banana seat and chopper forks. They were then for sale on the market between 1975-78, until they stopped distribution due to complaints about kids crashing too often.
The distinction of the Swing Bike is the second steering axis below the seat-tube. This allows the bike to "bend" while being ridden, making it appear like it has broken in mid-ride.
I made my version of the Swing Bike using 4 donor frames, and an extra steering axis. I planned out the basics and welded it all together within 4 hours. Surprisingly, it worked first time. No issues, no breakdowns, and it's been 3 months and I still haven't had a single issue with it yet. I haven't had time to decorate and spray it yet, in fear that once I throw some money at it, it will eventually break. For now, it's functional, so I'll take that.
They were originally invented in 1974 by Ralph Belden, designed in the style of a chopper-stingray hybrid with a sissy bar, banana seat and chopper forks. They were then for sale on the market between 1975-78, until they stopped distribution due to complaints about kids crashing too often.
The distinction of the Swing Bike is the second steering axis below the seat-tube. This allows the bike to "bend" while being ridden, making it appear like it has broken in mid-ride.
I made my version of the Swing Bike using 4 donor frames, and an extra steering axis. I planned out the basics and welded it all together within 4 hours. Surprisingly, it worked first time. No issues, no breakdowns, and it's been 3 months and I still haven't had a single issue with it yet. I haven't had time to decorate and spray it yet, in fear that once I throw some money at it, it will eventually break. For now, it's functional, so I'll take that.
It's hard to explain, and the pictures aren't very informative. Basically, the front end of the bike can swing in any direction, away from the rear end. To steer left, you swing the back end out in the opposite direction from the way you're steering. The movement of the central tubes is operated by a combination of using your legs, pushing the pedals and rear end one way, and using your arms, pushing the handlebars the other way. Once you master how to steer it, you can do simple tricks, such as steering left constantly, which sends you in circles, except it looks like you're permanently drifting.
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