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I’m in favor of rat bikes!

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Rusty Rat
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Thought it was time to post a thread IN FAVOR of the rat/Rockabilly Bikes out there..you know I’m a fan..and I know you are too!! So let’s fill this thread up with them..I’ll Start:
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Don't take this the wrong way, but your bikes are to clean to be RAT bikes. They need to be in rough as is barn find condition. I have several rat or as i call them "klunker bikes". Thanks. Razin.
a couple more I built a few years ago..
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That's more like a rat bike!!
 
Don't take this the wrong way, but your bikes are to clean to be RAT bikes. They need to be in rough as is barn find condition. I have several rat or as i call them "klunker bikes". Thanks. Razin.
No offense taken bud..everyone is untitled to their own opinion..speaking of which..I’ve had many, many people tell me that “Tuco” my take on a “rat rod bike” is the very epitome of it..his image has been used countless times to define what a “rat rod bike” should look like..he was also the first non-motorized cycle to be featured in Old Skool Rodz magazine..a leading publication of the rat rod culture so their are some out there who believe the bike I built is; in their opinion, the definition of a “rat rod bike”..
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Don't take this the wrong way, but your bikes are to clean to be RAT bikes. They need to be in rough as is barn find condition. I have several rat or as i call them "klunker bikes". Thanks. Razin.

That's more like a rat bike!!

As @Smoopy's said, you're entitled to your opinion. Depends on your exposure, understanding, and experience of what a 'rat rod' is. Same is true for the term 'Klunker'. In bicycle terms, 'klunkers' were/are the first mountain bikes. Usually prewar or early postwar frames stripped down and then equipped with drum brakes, stronger forks, knobby tires, and race bars. In car terms, a 'klunker' is a beater car that may not look great, or run great, but gets the job done. Some bikes may just qualify as cool customs, but if it's not a polished custom or original 'hot rod', I think the general consensus is a custom with patina (of varying degrees) would be a 'rat rod'. I understand your definition of a rat, and agree that it is partially true, but I've also seen true 'rat rod' cars that were super clean, just fenderless, hoodless, and painted matte black/brown.
 
Damn straight I like Rat Rods...got a few of em. These are Biggie Rat and Itchie Brother! The Flat Bars on the red Snyder built tie in with the flat rear tire, spun the seat post 180° giving it a longer lowered look. Not 100% on the front wheel, I may go to a 29"..we'll see once I get the Shock Ease dialed in a bit better. Have yet to wire the lights and I need a horn for my tank.

The Black framed Rollfast sits you up taller and has a massive wide seat I call "Barkalounger". This bike gets lots of looks and is a pleasure to ride. Not yet sure what I'm going to do with the mis-matched wheels, but I have a Sturmy Archer front brake and 3 speed screaming to be installed. Once I get a set of matched wheels I'll put a set of Fat Frank's to give it a more stout look! Not a fan of the Columbia front end as it blocks my Super Cool Rollfast Bearing badge so I'm swapping it out with a Monarch double spring springer...should look sic! I've yet to wire the lights yet on this one either! Oh well!
Itchie Brother
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Biggie Rat
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Enjoy,
Bart
That's part of a true KLUNKER bike is the mismatched wheels. All my rats have that special feature. I built up a old middle weight raleigh three years ago and painted the front wheel black rattle can flat with a Blackwall rib tire and the back wheel is gloss rattle can red with an old white wall 26" slick. Looks pretty trick if i do say so myself. Enjoy. Razin. Itchie Scratchie, Brother!!
 
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