Lula & geestring's 2009 Rat Bike

**idleidolidyll** · 5th July 2009, 19:55

Originally Posted by Lula

Boys, boys - this is a Rat Bike thread so don't start leaving your mouse droppings in here

but what makes it extra odd is that Goblin isn't a boy.................

**MIXONE** · 5th July 2009, 20:03

Originally Posted by short-circuit

Get a lobotomy

What another one!

**puddy** · 5th July 2009, 20:04

Originally Posted by Grahameeboy

Guess that means they have mouse balls then.....imagine have ears bigger than your balls...??

I don't know about anybody else, but if my balls were bigger than my ears, I'd have to ride standing up!

**doc** · 5th July 2009, 20:08

Originally Posted by puddy

I don't know about anybody else, but if my balls were bigger than my ears, I'd have to ride standing up!

So the fact ppl call me wingnut everytime I get a haircut is not as cool as I thort it was.

**Lula** · 5th July 2009, 23:15

Originally Posted by Gubb

Hows that van-load of bits working out for ya?

Hey Gubb,

We have used a few bits and pieces out of the box. Mostly still quite focused on getting this engines timing right and then on to its look.

We are going to building our next Rat Bike using that engine of yours and the bits out of the box - that one will be a real mongrel having to use a lot of other parts from other bikes.

When you're visiting Dorkland next you'll have to come by geestrings and see our project in the flesh

**idleidolidyll** · 8th July 2009, 19:27

now this is a rat bike.

The essence of a true rat bike is keeping a motorbike on the road for the maximum amount of time while spending as little as possible on it, Survival bikes look similar to, but are different in purpose from rat bikes--they are modified for stylistic reasons: Wikipedia

so lula and g string, you're building a survival bike but if you leave it to become a rattly old piece of shit and fix it with rubber bands, chewing gum and bits of wood, it will probably become a rat bike.

link to old skool rat bikes: http://www.ratbike.org/gallery.php

**Cr1MiNaL** · 8th July 2009, 22:35

Originally Posted by idleidolidyll

now this is a rat bike.

The essence of a true rat bike is keeping a motorbike on the road for the maximum amount of time while spending as little as possible on it, Survival bikes look similar to, but are different in purpose from rat bikes--they are modified for stylistic reasons: Wikipedia

so lula and g string, you're building a survival bike but if you leave it to become a rattly old piece of shit and fix it with rubber bands, chewing gum and bits of wood, it will probably become a rat bike.

link to old skool rat bikes: http://www.ratbike.org/gallery.php

hahah classic!

**Lula** · 9th July 2009, 00:26

Originally Posted by idleidolidyll

The essence of a true rat bike is keeping a motorbike on the road for the maximum amount of time while spending as little as possible on it.

Survival bikes look similar to, but are different in purpose from rat bikes--they are modified for stylistic reasons

Oh dear...idleidolidyll are you are you saying that the majority of us are really riding Rat Bikes?

Perhaps you are right - this could be a Survival bike because it is built for a stylistic reason....and that reason is.......it is going to own the Cold Kiwi hill this year

geestring and I are looking forward to seeing you join us on your two wheels at the Cold Kiwi hill climb.......surely you're not just all smack talk, stats, links and geekopedia?

**idleidolidyll** · 9th July 2009, 08:29

I looked at my post again and realise it may be miscoonstrued.

I'm right behind the gals, it's a fantastic exercise and I hope it all works out well for them. They are working very hard and have clear goals in mind.

I posted that one because we had a discussion one thursday bike ride night about what constitutes a rat bike. I'm an old bastard of course and I remember what a rat bike was original described as, I mentioned this to the gals at the time; the post is supporting info.

Lula is correct, the definition of Rat Bike has morphed into a wide desription and in many minds includes old bikes rebuilt just as theirs is being rebuilt.

I remain a purist though; for me, a Rat Bike will always be a piece of shit that has pretty much always run but is held together with spit, glue, blue tack, string and wishful thinking as per the pics.

In closing, good on yer gals, that is a bloody cool project and you'll learn plenty from the experience. My only additional suggestion is to ignore those who say you must do it a particular way: let G string do some dodgy repairs, she'll get it right eventually and will learn by doing rather than looking over shoulders, same for Lula, just do what feels right

**idleidolidyll** · 9th July 2009, 08:31

Originally Posted by Lula

Oh dear...idleidolidyll are you are you saying that the majority of us are really riding Rat Bikes?

Perhaps you are right - this could be a Survival bike because it is built for a stylistic reason....and that reason is.......it is going to own the Cold Kiwi hill this year

geestring and I are looking forward to seeing you join us on your two wheels at the Cold Kiwi hill climb.......surely you're not just all smack talk, stats, links and geekopedia?

Sorry Lula, my racing days are past.
You only get to break your back once and I've had my turn. A hillclimb is one of the most likely ways I can think of for a repeat performance.

I'm right behind you though, Go Girl Power!