Double Bass DB and Bike

[Reiska]

I wouldn`t do mountain trails on a fixie, it just doesn`t make any sense For shorter, easy trails and technical riding on flatter ground it can be a lot of fun, but it becomes a impossible torturing device with anything mountain-y for sure.

 

[robobass]

I'm glad to see this thread revived. There was a FB thread on this awhile back.
Double Bassists (contrabassists)
One enlightening thing was a DIY kit to make your own flatbed bike trailer.
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
Invalid Link Removed
You buy the kit, which includes the wheels, fittings, connectors, etc., and then source the aluminium bar (square tube actually) and plywood locally, and make it up to whatever size you need. This is a great idea, but would only work in North America where you buy the bar in inch sizes. I commented that it would be easy enough to do this with salvaged parts from a used kiddie bike trailer if you have some basic skills, or at least a dad or friend who does. Also, a detachable trailer has advantages over a Bakfiets approach.

 

[unbrokenchain]

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

I like this guy's setup. Thinking of building something similar, though I'd prefer to have the bass not supported by its neck, the cab weight maybe closer to the axle, and larger wheels. They aren't cheap but I'm thinking some of those "plus" size/fatbike tires that are all the rage with a tubeless setup/low pressure would offer something akin to suspension for the delicate load of a double bass.
I worry most about catching a tire on the edge of the road shoulder or nailing a pothole when the cars decide they won't leave me any room (after all they're in a hurry to get to the next stoplight and then to Wendy's, how could I be so bold as to obstruct their journey by twenty seconds!). This is where I think large wheels and a low center of gravity would be ideal.

 

[SteSte]

 

[cultrvultr]

View attachment 3523252 View attachment 3523255

Looks great! Did you modify the trailer?

 

[MrSidecar]

This is my cargo bike from a few years back- I have since switched to a model with 27 gears. And to a fantastic Cronkhite bag. But the basic idea is the same.

Usually, my MAS26 goes on the rear baggage holder and my Woods MI100-8 in a messenger bag over my shoulder.

best
Sidecar

 

[Don Kasper]

"Do you know how fast you were going?"
"Yes, officer - 128 bpm, precisely!"

 

[robobass]

I like this guy's setup. Thinking of building something similar, though I'd prefer to have the bass not supported by its neck, the cab weight maybe closer to the axle, and larger wheels. They aren't cheap but I'm thinking some of those "plus" size/fatbike tires that are all the rage with a tubeless setup/low pressure would offer something akin to suspension for the delicate load of a double bass.
I worry most about catching a tire on the edge of the road shoulder or nailing a pothole when the cars decide they won't leave me any room (after all they're in a hurry to get to the next stoplight and then to Wendy's, how could I be so bold as to obstruct their journey by twenty seconds!). This is where I think large wheels and a low center of gravity would be ideal.

Yes. Low C of G is an issue, but I think Matt has it about as low as you can go. I wouldn't want to travel with such a big amp, but that might actually add stability. Besides that, width is also important for preventing a capsize event. Also, a lot of kiddie trailers have shocks built in. I actually added some to one. It was used as intended though. Not for a bass.

 

[unbrokenchain]

That looks great. Thinking more about it, suspension is probably better than making up for it in the tires. Too much rolling resistance with big/soft wheels.

 

[robobass]

That looks great. Thinking more about it, suspension is probably better than making up for it in the tires. Too much rolling resistance with big/soft wheels.

My opinion exactly!

 

[SteSte]

Looks great! Did you modify the trailer?

no nothing to modify.
just four elastic stripes to be safe.
You can also adjust the end pin to have a more solid contact between bass and trailer.

 

[robobass]

Not sure what the previous post means, but I added the springs and everything else you see in the way of suspension to an old Chariot kiddie trailer. It wasn't a huge amount of work for me, but I have the skills and tools to do this stuff. Researching spring properties so I would know what to buy was actually the most time consuming part of the project.

 

[cultrvultr]

no nothing to modify.
just four elastic stripes to be safe.
You can also adjust the end pin to have a more solid contact between bass and trailer.

Thank you for the info, it looks like a great option

 

[damonsmith]

Peter Kowald.

 

[Pilgrim]

I can't imagine transporting a bass via bike without using a trailer. There's too much potential for damage - because of the center of gravity issue, it would take almost nothing to overbalance and land with a crunch.

 

[Don Kasper]

but I have the skills and tools to do this stuff.

Nicely Understated, robobass!

 

[SteSte]

View attachment 3524620
Peter Kowald.

He was moving on Wuppertal roads in Germany.
I spoke with a near friend of him that is also my friend and she told me that Peter was deeply aware of the global pollution problem.

 

[DoubleMIDI]

He was moving on Wuppertal roads in Germany.
I spoke with a near friend of him that is also my friend and she told me that Peter was deeply aware of the global pollution problem.

And he was very strong to be able to avoid falling from the bike and breaking the bass.
I once had a short greeting with him where a piano player which whom I had a rehearsal with took me and his hand were almost double of mine and extremely strong.

 

[Kaspar Vadsholt]

My Old “Long John” as it’s called here. Modified with electric motor and a bracket for the bass.

 

[bassmanpl]

You can always try doing it this way... (from 00:20)