Tom Sanders wrote:
> This bike, Item # 140103958323 is so homely it just makes me
> smile. The
> more I look at it, however, the more I realize how little I really
> know of
> it. I see the high bidder is a good buddy who knows so much more
> than I do
> about such things...I have another buddy who is just dying over
> it...must be
> that I am deeply mistaken. I can live with that, but I am very
> curious.
> Now that being said, I am hoping knowledgeable folks will comment
> on the
> front fork...it has some strange stuff going on...reversed to keep
> it in a
> straight line? What is that brace like thing on it? This sure
> seems like a
> bike not given to maneuver much. Record straight line speed? I am
> not sure
> I have ever seen a more interesting bike on E-Bay.
> Tom Sanders
> Lansing, Mi
Very good explanation in the auction description you must have missed?
"About the Geometry: The bike is built to ride behind a pace maker motorcycle. Thus the frame is built very upright and leaned forward. There is no need for a deep position because the rider can use the slip stream of the motorcycle. The small front wheel and the "reversed" fork achieve close contact with the motorized driver in front of the bike. The stays on saddle and stem hold the leaned forward mass of the rider. Top speeds of 100km/h are possible!"
Chuck Schmidt
South Pasadena, CA USA
http://www.velo-retro.com (reprints, t-shirts & timelines)