Footsie Platform Experiment
Magically zoomed and enhanced for a better look:
Rebbie thinks they look chunky, spoiling the otherwise lean look. She’s probably right, this version is made of 5/8″ thick copper pipe and 1×6 pine (as well as the handlebars from a derelict Razor scooter), so it’s definitely blockier than the rest of the bike. Also, I think a good portion of the back of the elevated platform, along the inside, could be cut away as well to get along better with the bag and lose some visual weight.
But this oughta suffice for the proving grounds. Rebbie took Ruby to the store this afternoon as a first test, the ride to school tomorrow morning is up next.
Here’s the parts list:
- posts: handlebars from Razor scooter
- 2 Lower platforms: 9″ Pine 1×6
- 2 Upper platforms: 6″ Pine 1×6
- 4 fasteners: lower platform to post: #8-32 2″ stainless bolt, cut washer, nylock nut
- 6 elevating posts and fasteners: 7 1/2″ x 1/2″ ID copper pipe, 9″ stainless 1/4-20 allthread, 1/4-20 brass cap nut and washer, 1/4-20 stainless nylock nut and cut washer
The lower platform is attached to the post that enters the frame with the #8 bolts, 6″ behind it and 3″ in front. The upper platform is the same shape as the lower, without the back 3″, so that it should center over the peg. The copper pipes are 5/8″ outer diameter, so I used a 5/8″ Forstner bit to make a seat for them, then finished the holes with a 1/4″ bit for the 1/4-20 all-thread. Ugly, but very useful, Nylock nuts are below, brass caps and stainless machine heads are above. Why brass? Because the hardware store didn’t have any stainless, but they look snazzy anyway for now, so brass it is.
Next round, I’ll probably try using something like 1/2″ plank or 3/8″ plywood, and smaller pipe for the elevating posts (or some other, far better solution for raising the platforms).
They’re gonna need some urethane too.
Tags: bike projects, DIY, woodworking, xtracycle
September 10th, 2008 at 8:40 am
That is another great idea! I like it much better than the bar-end foot pegs I’ve seen others do. I might have to use your idea for my own almost-6 year-old whose feet don’t quite touch the footsies.
September 10th, 2008 at 10:46 am
Heh. As it turns out, Rebbie’s not at all into them, and beyond the aesthetics has raised some valid objections:
- They’re blocky, it’s true, and kinda heavy compared to using 3/8″ ply
- they need a hook on the rear bottom to counter the pressure on the front (they tip forward a bit)
- they kinda get in the way of the front of the bag
I’m trying to work out those details, but now I’m looking at building a shelf that would go across the front of the H-racks. If you want these ones to try them out, lemme know!