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Draisenne project

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John D. Williams

Finally riding a big boys bike
About five years ago at Copake, on the group ride, someone let me try a hobby horse that he made. He had ridden this extensively and was planning a trip through the British Isles on it. The experience stuck with me (no I did not try to go down a hill) and moreso now. I have fixed a lot of bikes in my 68 years, but taking on a build of a hobby horse gives me pause. Lately, I've been on Marketplace looking at old local wagon wheels. Then I saw this and am wondering if a complete Draisenne could be constructed from it. Looks like one would have to add some padding and maybe some metal sections... I am intrigued. The wheel diameter seems appropriate (I would rather have it a bit small). I was thinking of cutting some old bike tires into sections and glueing the rubber onto the outside diameter. It's made of fir wood and brand new; I'm kind of a sustainable guy, would rather find old wagon wheels or something, but... -- https://www.ebay.com/itm/3356102116...d=link&campid=5335809022&toolid=20001&mkevt=1
 
I don't see why with a bit of work you could not build one to your needs. The largest factor is likely how much time do you have, or want to spend on the project.

Many years ago (late 1970's) I was a salesmen and made monthly visits to a Schwinn Dealer in Fresno, CA. His name was Doug Watson, and he owned Green's Cyclery. Doug was a Hot Rod Guy and a very talented fabricator. I watched him make two new wood wheels, wood hubs, wood spokes, steel band rims. He started with rolled steel bands, and used 1/8" thick oak strips. Soaked the strips, glued and clamped to the rims. Layer after layer until he had a thick "Oak" rim. He built every part one by one while doing his normal sales and service in his bike shop. He did not have or use any "special tools", it was done by hand tools.

It can be done, it just takes lots of hours.

John
 
I don't see why with a bit of work you could not build one to your needs. The largest factor is likely how much time do you have, or want to spend on the project.

Many years ago (late 1970's) I was a salesmen and made monthly visits to a Schwinn Dealer in Fresno, CA. His name was Doug Watson, and he owned Green's Cyclery. Doug was a Hot Rod Guy and a very talented fabricator. I watched him make two new wood wheels, wood hubs, wood spokes, steel band rims. He started with rolled steel bands, and used 1/8" thick oak strips. Soaked the strips, glued and clamped to the rims. Layer after layer until he had a thick "Oak" rim. He built every part one by one while doing his normal sales and service in his bike shop. He did not have or use any "special tools", it was done by hand tools.

It can be done, it just takes lots of hours.

John
Inspiring, and again I am thinking of this, might take a while to decide. Thank you!
 
Here's a pic of my dad riding one (a Denis Johnson) he built back in the day. He also built a functional Kirkpatrick Macmillan.

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