Thanks, Awk! More pics, here we go:
I got to looking at the base of the handlebars, and the more I looked at it, the more it began to look "off". I decided the base was too wide, so I cut out 4 inches of tubing and tacked it back together.
Before:
After. Ahh, much better I do believe. This is a small and narrow bike, and the original wide apes looked out-of-place.
Now, to finish the job by building the top half of the handlebars.
To begin, I notched the left and right side tubes which will accommodate the hand controls to fit on the chain. These notches are cut deeper and wider so that they can slip all the way over a chain link, without the link itself having to be cut or modified.
Notched:
And set in place:
Now for the fun part! Finishing the project. Most tubular apehangers simply rise a certain number of inches, and are then bent downwards and rearwards a certain number of degrees. I wanted to buck tradition and do these handlebars differently. After much tweaking and a little re-welding (remember, I only tacked the bars together during the build), here's the finished product:
Definitely unique. Why this style? Well, I got my inspiration from a set of controls I work with as a small engine mechanic from time to time: Exmark Manufacturing Co.'s ECS, or Enhanced Control System. These controls are used on a variety of walk-behind and riding lawnmowers built by Exmark, and they work very well.
These controls are less fatiguing to use and accommodate the user's (or rider's, in this case) hands in a more natural position. Time will tell how well these bars work, but as of now I'm very happy with the end result. Since my little 140 amp Lincoln welder doesn't have enough power to safely weld these handlebars up 100% solid, I will be taking them to work to finish in a few days. We have a 220 volt Miller machine at the shop that will do the trick to ensure nothing breaks while I'm out riding.
More updates to come as I get more done!
