Robo's Bike Buggy

robobass · #1 06-27-2009, 09:44 AM

I finally did it. We have a bike trailer which is used regularly to transport our one year old cutie. I've been eyeing it for use with the bass. I have certain gigs which are not far away, but parking is difficult, expensive, or my wife might want the car - not to mention Euro fuel prices!

Fortunately, we live in a city where many people ride and tow children with bikes, so motorists are pretty respectful. As far as safety, I figure that if I'm willing to drag my daughter in the thing, then I shouldn't worry about the bass!

Anyway, my mission was to come up with a way to implement the trailer for the bass, but not alter it so much that it could not be quickly returned to its original child transport function. For straps I used Nylon rope with noose knots. Highly adjustable and good hold (Also following a certain morbid humour I developed in middle school), but I'm not sure that this will be ideal. I haven't tested it beyond around the block, but it seems to work well so far. It's heavy already compared to carrying the kid, so while I think I can add a folding stool to the rig, I don't know about an amp.

I'll post updates. BTW, That's a neighbor's motorcycle. Not mine!

kurt ratering · #2 06-27-2009, 11:48 AM

id flip the bass around and use the neck as the trailer hitch!

robobass · #3 06-29-2009, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kurt ratering

id flip the bass around and use the neck as the trailer hitch!

That would look better. I know that the neck looks pretty vulnerable sticking out the back like that, but there is actually quite a lot of stress at the hitch point. I wouldn't want to involve the neck and scroll in trailer hitch mechanics!

Bishbass · #4 06-29-2009, 09:51 AM

Robo, LOL. Every time I am stuck in traffic I think of this! Anyway to have the bass sit diagonally with the neck forward say at a 45 degree angle?

BTW, what is the bike, looks like a nice steel frame.

Dave

Jake deVilliers · #5 06-29-2009, 12:00 PM

This photo was on Talkbass a while ago. Its a pretty nice setup. If I remember correctly it was being used by a player in the Bay Area...

low-endz · #6 06-29-2009, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jake deVilliers

This photo was on Talkbass a while ago. Its a pretty nice setup. If I remember correctly it was being used by a player in the Bay Area...

^^^^^^ VERY COOL

I wish I lived in a bike friendly area.(Dont stop me from riding)

Either way I have been wanting to join a CYCLIST/Bassist club here on TB but have't found 1.

Does any know of any such club for Groovin Deuce Spinners here on the TB?

robobass · #7 06-29-2009, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bishbass

BTW, what is the bike, looks like a nice steel frame.Dave

That's a 1983 Motobecane. The frame and handlebars are the only original parts, but it has just enough give to be a comfortable city bike. If it ain't broke...

robobass · #8 06-29-2009, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jake deVilliers

This photo was on Talkbass a while ago. Its a pretty nice setup. If I remember correctly it was being used by a player in the Bay Area...

That looks like a plan. I didn't think of mounting the bass vertically. I think I still prefer the low center of gravity of my system, but it's worth looking into. The more vertical transport would reduce resonant stress on the neck. Also, having the neck forward but angled might be an option, but making room for the bike's rear wheel should not compromise overall width. There are traffic bollards to navigate, and narrow places where cars want to pass. I think it's safer to have the neck sticking out back, as bad as it looks. I've got an LED flasher on the end at least!

I haven't yet properly road tested it. I'll report back when I do. Anyway, economics, time, and environmentalism aside, there's just a nice feeling when you leave the car at home. Not the least of which is being able to enjoy a nice cold one after the last set!

gil_evans · #9 07-26-2009, 04:07 PM

Here's how Gary Karr usually does it

JtheJazzMan · #10 07-26-2009, 05:20 PM

This thread is officially badass.

I love the idea, but the security of keeping everything in a locked and alarmed wagon is just a necessity for me.

Still if I saw someone towing a bass theyd get massive respect from me

robobass · #11 07-27-2009, 01:56 PM

I've taken it out a few times now, and love it! For some of the places I go I actually get there faster by bike, and I just roll the trailer right into the room and unpack there. People barely notice. I wish I had thought of this when I was in NY. There were things I would absolutely refuse to do because of the transport difficulties.

hellfleet · #12 07-27-2009, 03:22 PM

I don't think that thing would even get a second glance here

But.. people are nuts for bikes here.

bejoyous · #13 07-27-2009, 04:08 PM

Maybe there is a German version of this type of e-bike motor to help with the weight of a bass, stool, stand and amp.

neal davis · #14 07-27-2009, 06:47 PM

These bikes worked great the last time I was playing in Denmark

http://www.christianiabikes.com/english/uk_main.htm

james condino · #15 07-28-2009, 10:33 AM

I've spent the majority of the last two decades without a car by choice. The only time I ever think about it is when I need to take the bass a good distance for a gig. Nice solution!

j.

Ed Fuqua · #16 07-28-2009, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robobass

I've taken it out a few times now, and love it! For some of the places I go I actually get there faster by bike, and I just roll the trailer right into the room and unpack there. People barely notice. I wish I had thought of this when I was in NY. There were things I would absolutely refuse to do because of the transport difficulties.

You'd definitely have to go vertical if you did that in NYC, that neck would get clipped by somebody trying to get their car by you in a heartbeat....

Dr_Atomic · #17 07-28-2009, 12:15 PM

This is really cool, but I'd be worried about the bass' safety on it in a busy city.

james condino · #18 07-28-2009, 01:12 PM

I worry about my own safety in the city....

Last year I was out pretty late after a gig and walking towards the bike rack, instrument in hand, when some less than ideal looking folks started coming towards me. I got a bit nervous; then I realized that the instrument I had was one of Peter Mix's New Mad carbon fiber demos. A wave of confidence took over as I got ready to use that thing as a weapon and (possibly) deflect bullets with it. They made a sudden turn to the right and left me alone; I rode home safe but pretty jacked up on the adrenaline...

j.

robobass · #19 07-28-2009, 02:36 PM

I probably wouldn't have have done it often in NYC, but there were the occasional short trips, and I actually found New York a fairly bike friendly place in the 90's, as unbelievable as that sounds. Cologne is great for bikes (lots of paths and bikeways) and absolutely sucks for cars. Because it is fairly flat, the weight is no problem. If I were in a more hilly place I'd never make it with my "Rennrad", and have to look into more gears, but no motor. That would defeat the purpose!

John Sprague · #20 07-29-2009, 01:28 PM

Maybe an xtracycle is an answer for bassists? I'd bet you could put the bass on one side and the amp on the other.