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How to Build Low-rider Bicycles

Bicycles have taken a dramatic turn from prior days of using them purely for exercise or transportation. Bicycles today are infused with the style and personality of the rider; there is no better bike which reflects the personality of its owner than a low-rider bike. These are custom-made bicycles typically assembled by hand. Like their name suggests, low-rider bicycles sit close to the ground and are known for their sloping handlebars protruding high above the bike's frame. You can custom build a low-rider bicycle with the right parts and know-how.

Things You'll Need

Bicycle
Bondo
Bondo primer
Protective eyewear
Paint tape
Small hand sander
Sand paper for metal surfaces
Open-end wrenches
Pedal wrench
Allen keys
Wire cutters
Philips screwdriver
Flathead screwdrivers
Sissy bar
New sprockets
New chain
Banana seat
Springer fork
Front fender
Rear fender
Tall sloping handlebars
Air pump
100-spoke wire wheels
Wheel truing stand
Chain oil
Rag

Instructions

- 1
  Disassemble your bike using the wrenches and screwdrivers. Take the bike down to its frame.
- 2
  Sand the frame, removing all of its paint. Hand sand the inner crevices. Remove the dust by wiping down the frame with a damp cloth.
- 3
  Scoop a fair amount of bondo from the container. Fill the hole below the handlebars with bondo. Allow the bondo approximately one hour to dry.
- 4
  Sand the bondo to a smooth touch with the rest of the frame. Wipe away the dust and tape over the chrome.
- 5
  Turn the bike upside down. Prime the entire frame, spraying an even coat of primer to the interior and exterior of the frame.
- 6
  Attach the front forks, sliding them into place on the frame. Secure the forks to the frame, adjusting the stem, which is the connection point for the forks, using your open-end wrench.
- 7
  Attach the new sprockets and chain to the frame. Use your Phillips screwdriver to screw the sprockets into place. Attach your chain guard to the frame above the chain. Place a screw at each end of the chain guard to secure it in place.
- 8
  Slide the front fender between the springer fork. Attach the fender braces by running them down on each side to the bottom of the springer fork, which is where it connects with the wheel.
- 9
  Place your front tire into the wheel truing stand. Turn the wheel to check for an even spin of the wheel, so as to avoid getting a warped rim. Repeat the step with the rear wheel.
- 10
  Slide your front wheel into the fork and tighten the bolt on the wheel on each side. Repeat the previous two steps for the rear wheel.
- 11
  Put the peddles into the holes on each side of the cranks. Tighten the peddles to the cranks with your peddle wrench. Turn the bike right-side up.
- 12
  Slide the handlebars into the stem. Tighten the stem with your open-end wrench.
- 13
  Insert the banana seat post into the seat-post clamp. Adjust the seat to the approximate desired height and tighten the clamp with your allen keys.
- 14
  Install the sissy-bar, screwing each side of the bottom to the rear wheel post. Screw the upper end of the sissy-bar to each side of the seat near the seat's end.

Bicycles