top of page
Swing
Bike
After a 30-mile bike ride, I came to the conclusion that conventional bike seats were very uncomfortable. This problem inspired me to weld the "swing bike" a bike with a swing to replace the standard bike seat. This fully functioning experimental bike was created from recycled bike frames and pipes.
01.
During the initial stages of ideation, I drew up several different concepts of more comfortable bike seat solutions to replace the traditional bike seat. As a result, the idea for a swing and bike combo was born. From this process, I learned the importance of drafting as a useful tool to communicate my ideas for the project to others.
02.
After a few days of MIG welding scrap pipes and bike frames to build the swing's frame, I encountered a few problems. I noticed the original bike frame was too short. In order to lengthen it, I needed to create some custom parts. Having previously taken a blacksmithing class, I was able to forge the necessary pieces of scrap into the correct shape that I needed.
03.
Finally, the prototype of the bike was finished, however, when I got on the swing to test the bike, I found that I couldn't reach the handlebars comfortably. To address this problem, I redesigned the original handlebar steering mechanism into a steering wheel that was on a slight axis. This would then shorten the length from the steering wheel to my hands without sacrificing the ability to swing when riding.
04.
Thus with a splash of red and orange paint, the bike was completed. Riding the bike proved to be another challenge. However, with practice, I finally got the swing of it and was able to showcase the bike at Oakland CA's pedal fest in 2017. Below is a video clip of the swing bike in action. :)
bottom of page