The Diamond Frame Flying Merkel

[Strings_and_steam]

Here's a plethera of pics of my Flying Merkel tribute.

The build thread can be found here: viewtopic.php?f=21&t=35632














A couple of action shots of me taking it for it's inaugeral 'flight'



And I had to get one in the classic 'Maldwyn Jones' pose. For those of you unfamilliar, here's the intrepid rider and his machine:

And here's me


Again, a huge thank you to all of you who have been following this and helping with parts, know how, and friendly conversation/criticism. I hope you enjoy the finished machine as much as I do. I'll soon be tearing up the streats of Milwaukee, where the Merkel first came to be.

[Markm]

RIGHT ON!!!

[Hay Burner]

That bike just drips cool. Very nice job!

[dogdart]

very nice

[herr_rudolf]

If this was a build-off bike it probably would've gotten one of my three votes! This thing turned out NICE!

Question though... Maybe it's because you just use what you have (like I always do but why did you use a 26" sized bike? I think a 28" would be far more comfortable, ...I think. I followed your build from start to finish and it didn't occur to me that these weren't 28" tires.

Nevertheless:
WELL DONE!

[stocksucks]

Great job!

[deorman]

Well Mr. Rudolf, you seem to have answered your own question quite succinctly.
In my experience, the majority (notice I didn't say all) of 28" bikes you find easily in the US are pricey fat tire 700c bikes, and the rest are mostly antique, often British or European collectibles that are actually worth keeping as is. Tire style/colors are pretty limited for both types.

[deorman]

All of which is pretty strange, considering Canada is RIGHT THERE!

[herr_rudolf]

Well Mr. Rudolf, you seem to have answered your own question quite succinctly.
In my experience, the majority (notice I didn't say all) of 28" bikes you find easily in the US are pricey fat tire 700c bikes, and the rest are mostly antique, often British or European collectibles that are actually worth keeping as is. Tire style/colors are pretty limited for both types.

Ah....
That explains why I see so many Amercans riding around on childrensbikes...

But... I can't say I'm feeling sorry for you yanks. I'd trade bikes in a second...
Holland/Europe is crammed full with boring 28" (or 622) diamondframe bicycles. It's the standard over here. But with the retro-trends of the last couple of years the tire-companies keep adding cool 28" tires. Take Schwalbe for instance. I think they have all the options you ever wanted to build a cool bike. Whitewalls in a lot of sizes. 28" Fat Franks come in black, creme, and even brown! Or check out their Big Apple tires. They're even bigger than Fat Franks...
Don't hold your breath while waiting for flat surfaced dragslicks though...

And for now, lets just look at this beautiful Flying Merkel again...
Oh, and I like the gears and the derailleur being kept on this bike. Those really beef up the backwheel.

[SCHWINNRAY69]

Looks GREAT Comfortable too You really captured the look I can't believe it was once a regular old diamond frame

[Strings_and_steam]

Haha you guys crack me up reading this

Thanks for all the kind words, I'm glad folks are enjoying it. I create (unless I'm on a comission) largely for myself, but it's always very gratifying to know others like what I'm doing too

A 28 incher would have fit me better for certain, in case you havn't noticed I'm no teeney guy But yes, I was using what I had. I wanted to give my campus racer some new mojo, and make a machine I'd be (more) proud to be seen out riding.

I also wanted to help give a little push start to more diamond frame builds, and hopefully show what can be done with one and a little creativity. I know a lot of guys like myself stumble on diamond frames waaaay more than canti or double bar cruiser frames, and it seems like more often than not these wind up becoming parts bikes or discarded. I know there are guys out here with gobs more skill and talent in their little finger than I have in my whole body, and I'm betting they could do some off the hook things with diamond frames (I've seen them before here too!)

I hope to encourage the 'no weld' crowd as well. This bike was made with no frame alterations, no cutting, grinding, welding, what have you. The only different tools I employeed were a bandsaw and a disc sander (for the tank), both of which could be replaced with a hand saw and files/sandpaper. Welding opens up a ton of doors in bike customizing, but you don't necessarily need one to make something awesome

Use what ya got, follow your heart, love what ya build

[Hooch]

looks great!

[Skipton]

Nailed It!

[Peatbog]

Wow! That's quite a transformation from what you started with. I never figured it could look that good. You did a great job. I really like the color too. It even matches your t-shirt!

[MarksA-C]

That turned out awesome!