Make a Lowrider Bike
Modifying a traditional bicycle into a lowrider bike can be accomplished with some spare parts and tools. This project requires sawing and welding to lower and lengthen the frame and fork of 2 spare bicycles. If you are not familiar with welding, you may want to enlist help before you learn how to make a lowrider bike.
Steps
- Take off the removable parts of both bicycles. Use proper hand tools to help with this process. You should have 2 of everything. Make sure at least 1 of each of the duplicate parts is functional, but you will need both of the chains to be operational.
- Mark the areas at the edges of the fork and frame you will need to saw off. Use an iron saw to saw off at the marks.
- Piece the frame parts together on the ground, but do not permanently attach anything. This test fit can ensure everything fits properly. Use a tape measure to measure the frame, and use this measurement as the length you cut the iron pipes in the next step.
- Saw the iron pipes to the proper length. This length will vary and be based on the measurement you made in the previous step since everyone will be using different bike frames for this project.
- Weld the frame pipe pieces together into the shape of a lowrider. Extend the length of the fork by welding 2 iron pipes of equal length to double the original fork's length.
- Assemble the rest of the bike, and attach the remaining parts to see if everything is the right measurement and will fit together.
- Take the bike apart again, and clean all its parts. Put down a tarp or newspaper on the ground, and place the bike on top. Spray-paint the frame and fork any color. Allow the paint to thoroughly dry.
- Assemble the bike, and make sure all the pieces fit snugly together. Make sure it has handlebars, wheels, pedals, a crank, and a seat. The crank should already be attached to the frame, and the rest of the pieces will easily snap into place.
- Pull apart the 2 bicycle chains with a chain tool, and nail them together to lengthen the chain. Make sure they are placed on the bike crank and back wheel properly.
Tips
- If you plan to use 2 different wheel sizes for your lowrider, position the smaller wheel in the front.
Warnings
- Spray-paint the bike in a well-ventilated area.
- This bike does not have brakes, so be careful when riding it. Riding downhill is not recommended.
- While building a lowrider bike, keep the frame straight and the wheels aligned. Otherwise, you will not be able to ride your new lowrider bicycle without it wobbling or falling apart.
- Use proper safety gear when welding the frame and pipes together. If you don't know how to weld, ask someone for help.
Things You'll Need
- 2 old bicycles
- Grind tool
- Marker
- 2 iron pipes, 13 feet (4 m) in length
- Iron saw
- Welding materials
- Welding safety gear
- Sheet iron
- Tape measure
- Bicycle fork
- Plastic tarp or newspapers
- Spray paint
- Chain tool
- Hammer
- Nails
