Rail Bike

[@georgescarlett2320]

As a former Bicyclist, allow me to suggest one VERY important thing you are overlooking-- Raise your seat mastTube up at least 4", and you will fing a whole lot less fatigue, and a lot more enjoyment--Just satin'

[@ronmelys2854]

nice set up. I've just recently discovered this form of rail exploring. when i get time I'm gonna simulate your design, maybe add an extra set of guide wheels on the back. thanks!

[@michaelmccathrin9167]

Very ingenious, but I think I would use Aluminum tubing and bolts, not hose clamps. Some old bridges have NO sides and a loosening clamp on one of those old tall bridges would be a disaster. Plus you should be using a counter weight in case of a strong side wind.

[@DanielIngalls]

This seemed to be the simplest thing that could possibly work. It comes apart in 5 minutes to put in the car. You can pick it up over obstacles or to turn around. And all the parts came from a modest hardware store.

[@tristatep7118]

Is there any way you could email me the details on how to build it I bought all the parts I just need the specifics. Thanks [e-mail]

[@bitsmith2903]

Hiya! What an awesome way to get around. I live in Oklahoma and there is many rails that are vacant from the old rail car days. These old rails go to alot of Lakes and such .....so long story short . If you happen to have that d.i.y e-mail still im the cloud then I would love a copy!! Thx for your time sir. Enjoy those rails !

[@braznartn5176]

Daniel very intriguing setup. If I ever simplify my life and wanna try it I'll get back with you, friend!

[@Waseem_Saifi.]

Please tell me the process.. how you built it.

[@joewoodchuck3824]

I never would have thought you could get away with just one set of guide rollers. it works though and you did a nice job.

[@MrDegsy69]

I think it is the very fact that you can twitch the steering slightly that keeps you balanced. The outrigger obviously helps also. I have seen this idea also done with 2 bicycles co joined together with a strap on bracing frame. That method is pretty similar to a social cycle in concept but the solo method employed here could be made even more stable by putting a small equipment platform on the outrigger arm? Perhaps a small rucksack or picnic hamper would do the job.

[@visionearthcare]

How fast can you go safely with such a setup? Is 70mph possible with more professional gear?

[@joewoodchuck3824]

@@visionearthcare You've got to be kidding on multiple levels.

[@visionearthcare]

@@joewoodchuck3824 it's a legitimate question. On well maintained rails trains go quite fast 100mph+ 250kmph for high speed rail, We know pro bikers can get high to 70mph downhill. I was talking about recumbent with aerodynamic fairings

[@johnsmart964]

@@visionearthcare It would be interesting to know if a record has been set and indeed what is the speed record.

[@temssky13]

Could you give a more in-depth tutorial on how u created this railbike.

[@brucewmclaughlin9072]

I asked the same question on a couple you tube videos and some of the answers range near hostility as if this is a patent infringement. When my rail bike interface meets my demands I think I will post it on instructables.com .

[@joewoodchuck3824]

Most everything I saw on it are hardware store items. The guide wheel setup looks like a salvaged skateboard, the outrigger wheel is a salvaged front bike wheel, and the struts look like pvc pipe and associated fittings. He may have made some attachments with hose clamps, but it's too difficult to see on my phone.

[@boywonder8241]

Is this Fallon Rd Bruce?

[@williammartin124]

@@boywonder8241 No. It is between Seascape & La Selva Beach. I run there a lot.

[@calvinstulip]

That is by far the coolest thing I have seen this year. Thanks for the upload.

[@TheHermitHacker]

I would build a two-person version of that one on each side. Then you can both help each other ride.

[@niteshades_promise]

Nicholas Maietta thats a good idea. ebike or engine kit would be fun.🍻

[@doomsdayangel4647]

This guy is on track.

[@alan30189]

Thanks for sharing. Unless there are "center of gravity" issues, raise your seat up on your bike, so you get better leg extension and you're not so cramped. You'll feel better after your ride. With one pedal at the six o'clock position, your leg should be slightly bent. Your leg is currently at about a 100 degree angle at six o'clock.

[@brucewmclaughlin9072]

I have noticed several videos in which proper leg extension is just not happening. I tried my railbike interface on some rails Jan 01/2020 and yes it worked . However I did notice that my recumbent seat was 6 inches higher than normal and getting on the bent was a bit different. Shorter or lower seat may be a feel good safety scenario . BTW although the rail bike interface worked a first try also showed me a couple of things that needed changing. Version two is well on it's way.

[@robertfeindel1145]

"A critic is a product of creativity not his own" ...Nice work Danial! ... "Don't let the bastards wear you down!"

[@eltigre249]

When we were kids we rode just plain bikes on siding rails. It was a challenge to see how long you could balance. LOL

[@timmcquaig711]

Nice job sir ! Been wanting to build one for a long time. Thanks for some ideas !

[@daverohn383]

Very nice! One thing I noticed is that your seat is way too low. Two things that I learned early on in cycling is, the straighter you can get your leg at the bottom of your down stroke on the pedals, and the higher the air pressure in your tires, the less effort you have to put into pedaling. I run 135 PSI Kevlar tires on my Cannondale.

[@brucewmclaughlin9072]

Daniel, I am impressed that you used PVC piping as your out rigger supports. What schedule of piping? What is your clearance on the front side wheels as they guide your front wheel?

[@jshepard152]

We'll never know.

[@brucewmclaughlin9072]

@@jshepard152 The inside of the rails in BC are 56.5" and smooth but the outside can vary up to 3/4 " so inside wheels are required .

[@buckrepublican8782]

Fantastic! Just questions?? What do the railroad companies say about this? Have you encountered RR Police/Security?

[@pedrostrelin4786]

felicitaciones desde Argentina...el sistema mas simple que vi hasta ahora...en la rueda trasera no necesitas poner nada que la mantenga en el carril???

[@TheGreatestOnlyOne]

I must try this for sure this spring. Started to think about it yesterday, but great that you tried it already, thanks for sharing.

[@kylefowler1987]

How do the hose clamps attach the pvc to the bike? I would like to do something similar and am confused

[@pesachBtov]

What a terrific idea and execution. Love it!

[@RobotLegJim]

Concept; PROVEN. Am I the only one that now wants to see a nice E-bike conversation that grabs the rails both top & bottom like a roller-coaster config.? That would be cool.

[@brucewmclaughlin9072]

Take a good look at how much area is under the lip of rail where the bolted plates hold the rack together.

[@hughjardon5869]

It wouldn't work. Look at the left inner side of the rail splice plate at 8:24. It would also cause problems at sidings and street/road crossings. You would need a very thin wheel. Maybe a set of three flanged steel wheels where the flanges ride the inner side of the rail, just like rail car wheels are built. For a smoot ride maybe wheels that are made from the same material as skate boards, nice and quiet.

[@georgescarlett2320]

Not top and bottom, but this woprks REAL nicely! kzbin.info/www/bejne/iJCtqneFfrx7h80

[@wilmeaux12]

Great design. Looks like a good prospect for an E'bike conversion.

[@JungleYT]

You can tell that's California? Beautiful Coast, like down toward San Diego? - 7:51

[@coltburns]

I need to figure out a design that could easily crossover from rail to road and tackle heavily overgrown areas as well. Thanks for the tips! Also try longboard wheels some of those softies

[@alphonsotate2982]

Need drop down wheels on the back wheel also and better material AND BETTER BRACING like on the front board and hinge the rail wheel frame attached to the bike frame so you can fold it up and then ride on the road .

[@PacoOtis]

Well done! Very clever! It would be great if a sail could somehow move you along!

[@JakeSmith-ux1xk]

Joseph maybe a small electric motor.

[@rb30athorn]

Looks a bit wonky to me, be honest how often have you derailed? Was NTSB called? Very cool.

[@grahamlawlor8361]

Very cool! Can you share how you designed/built this? I want to try it myself in New York!

[@DanielIngalls]

I wanted it to be easy to build and transport - that meant mostly a bike with a third wheel. I use PVC for prototypes - cheap, easy to cut, fast easy and strong to glue. Wasn't sure if it would want to tip, but I figured no and I was right. Triangles are simple and strong. Skateboard was the simplest nice small wheels, and available at flea market. Hose clamps are strong and simple way to connect without serious mechanical -- ie I never harmed the bike. Did the same for my Leaf Blower Bike 4. Have fun!

[@grahamlawlor8361]

That's amazing. I'd love to make this modification to my bike too. I enjoyed the part in the video where you focused the camera on the guide wheel. It would be great if you could do an entire video where you show close-ups of the entire mechanism, what it's made out of, how it attaches to itself & the bike, etc. It would be super handy as I try to replicate your success!

[@garyjones7198]

@@DanielIngalls Very ingenious... Beautiful scenery, can u tell me where this is located?

[@tiredironrepair]

Very nice. Are you in the PNW? Because that wall to wall chemtrail sky and constantly circling small airplanes looks and sounds exactly the same as it does here in Vanhoover Washiton.

[@ThorFJensen]

Thanks for the video. How far is the track? And whereabouts is it?

[@captnemo75]

Interesting. Have seen others so over engineered, heavy and cumbersome. Wonder myself about using PVC pipe, but watching it looks a little too flexible. Am I wrong in thinking your side wheel periodically would slip off the other rail?

[@CheckThisOut77]

Very resourceful creation. (Katt has kept herself in good shape, too).

[@vernonheiljr5443]

What kind of parts did you use to build it

[@douggief1367]

Just do a loop in your picky uppy (yellow) cord and pop the loop over the handlebar grip. Fabulous build!

[@jkitto2008]

I'm a cyclist, and I like riding old railroad tracks/as single track. This looks intriguing🤔❗️

[@alicia2671]

Que maravilha de invenção depois de pronta só pegar a linha 👍👍👍

[@danielmartinoli8441]

Felicitaciones muy bueno el invento: saludos desde Argentina!

[@tamarakostina6266]

Как заднее колесо не соскакивает с рельса

[@CrampedGrampy]

A darn clever adaptation but I wonder now, just how much use was/is made of it?

[@denniskoppo4259]

Why is the pilot assembly on hinges?

[@brucewmclaughlin9072]

Thanks for the video as it actually shows how vs so many videos that just show what. You need your seat up a bit to get better power from your legs. I also see a slight lean towards the far track which I will assume is to avoid the feeling of falling to the right. The one problem I have found on tracks near me is the inner track is relatively smooth regardless of joints whereas the outer track may be as much as 3/4" out and I do not think your horizontal guide wheels would cope very well with that. Things to consider for those that try to duplicate what you have shown.

[@ken9384]

Where can you locate one of those items to put on your bike in New Jersey

[@crooked-halo]

Cool. What prevents the front bike wheel from being steered slightly right off the rail? Seems that could really screw things up.

[@johno4521]

Did you watch the video?

[@thomaswalz3515]

You have nice rails... around here, rail gauge varies by as much as 3 inches. Also, the rail has many hazards along the outside edge... I've derailed, sometimes spectacularly, from rail defects, foreign objects, or piled ballast stone... I haven't ridden in about 8 years... I've a new design to build, but at present, no time... Google "Tom Walz, adirondack," nice 80 mile ride. Sure is fun...

[@concerned_netizen]

Wow, When I saw this video I thought of the the Adirondacks. Some rail behind Saranac Lake. What a ride that would be.

[@andiman45]

curious, but is your bike straight up and down or tilted slightly to the other track...

[@DanielIngalls]

It’s straight up and down. The weight of the third wheel makes up for the inability to balance normally.

[@johnsamu]

That's a great construction in front because it locks the steer and guides on the railtracks at the same time while being incredibily simple/cheap/light and easy to make. Alas here in the Netherlands we have hardly any (none?) obsolete railwaytracks so it's either not allowed or not possible to travel this way.

[@davec9244]

You still out and a bout, nice ride I think I need something like that. Do you know if a kit is available out there thank you?

[@fernafer7803]

Danielle che bello lavoro !! Ti felicito!! Abraccione amico!👏👏💪🇦🇷cheers from Argentina !

[@MarshWildman]

That's great! I think, I'll build one!

[@shawn467]

Nifty contraption but all I could think about was how cool it would be to be hiding in the bushes with one of those locomotive horns when you went past!

[@dennisstolte1103]

Great video, good job, only one suggestion: I think I would wear a helmet. Steel, stones and railroad ties could be hard on your head if you derail. 😬

[@sidneyjosenaves971]

Good mornuing...qual material usado...PVC ou ferragem? Thanks...

[@hootie442]

Is there plans somewhere on how to make this?

[@ajivins1]

I saw something similar on a clip from a sixties news show but it was just a small, one man thing to get each worker down from a mountain. Like a tea tray with a seat, two flanged wheels on one side and a bar to one wheel on the other rail.

[@robertaviles8451]

Just need an air horn of some kind to signal your approach at those RR crossings. 👍

[@JakeSmith-ux1xk]

☝

[@danielwood6446]

Ditch the knobs and use slicks for tires. It may eliminate some of the chatter.

[@oldjeepsoutwest6687]

Where is this?

[@andregrimard1518]

very cool. question: could you put a seat on the left wheel? could someone sit on the left side of you? Just a thought...

[@claudioaguilera1262]

very good practical idea simple and effective and above all low cost and high performance congratulations‼ ️

[@generatorblue]

Great smart design! The major problem is having multiple bikes trying to share the tracks while going in opposite direction. Your enjoyment will be reduced as the local copy your design. Bicycles have been a success for hundreds of years because bicycles were able to travel on all roads and narrow paths created by feet of men and tall animals in all the years before their introduction. To me, nothing was more enjoyable then riding a bicycle while following a path of flattened smooth soil on the side of a rocky dirt road. That path is the one followed by the beast of burden (donkey Mules and horses) as well as peasants carrying loads on their feet. Occasionally, there is a rock to be avoided by your front wheel. Forty years later, I feel guilty that I did not stop to dig out some of these rocks in order for all path users not to encounter them again on the way back. I am confident that you can come up with a bicycle design that will allow you to travel on a single track while the other track is used for traffic going in the opposite direction. At this very minute a design came to mind and I took a look at some videos of kayak outriggers. As an example check the video entitled "EASY Homemade Kayak Outriggers - Pontoons - Stabilizers ~DIY" for the first 3 seconds and you will understand the bicycle design that I have in mind. Simply put, I think that outriggers could hang on both sides of the bicycle as you ride on one rail. Instead of a piece of light weight material that floats hanging at each end of the outrigger, a flat solid metal piece (shaped like a ski) will be hanging and gliding inches (less than 2") above the railroad ties as if there was a training wheel on each side of the bicycle. But you will also need the skateboard contraption on both the front and rear wheels unless the wheels themselves are redesigned (which goes contrary to your design that does not permanently modify the bicycle). This is a great video but the commercial value is limited for the same reason that the marketing of the Segway human transporter was a failure. At the beginning of the sale, they only allowed one Segway per customer. People like to have fun together. You design is still excellent and deserves an "A+."

[@frunkle6377]

Why write an essay? I wouldn't read it

[@arthurgoticecream]

Is this railway track yours?

[@Randoman35]

Is this in Santa Cruz?

[@metalrooves3651]

I heard a story years ago of a guy who was DWI,no licence and he road one to town every day.As I recallhe served time when he was caught!never knew if it actually happened.near desmoines ia

[@jmwnycprr]

How do the pilot wheels work over switches?

[@steveelliott241]

will , it must be obvious they dont !

[@gkess7106]

jmwnycprr You only need one pilot wheel on the inside of each track, riding where the flange goes next to the rail. That space is open on crossings and switches etc.

[@william2william]

This video starts at Sumner Avenue in Aptos California, goes south towards La Selva Beach, and ends near Playa Boulevard.

[@ponyrang]

Wow... !!! My best friend, Great... We liked and enjoyed to the end. Awesome... Full watched. Thanks Have a happy day!

[@PointyTailofSatan]

This is going to be a disaster if you go over a switch

[@annwithaplan9766]

He probably stops and walks it over like he did on the path.

[@norms3913]

Usually all switches is on the main rail line unless it's a sideline for a train to pass another train going in opposite directions

[@BoCaine]

LOL

[@JakeSmith-ux1xk]

What about when you hit a huge upgrade? Maybe a small electric motor?

[@TECNOMOTORES]

Hi, just to say is almost a good Idea but, you can improve your invention adding some small hard plastic or compose wheels. Looks than any time you may will go out of the rails. Does not means that you are a very smart and brave guy. Wish you many good time and congrats for your ideas!!!!

[@dickinson2204]

I want that abandoned railroad and the bike it's cool

[@cicloturismobarbeirobike6708]

Parabéns Friends! Vou fazer uma igual.

[@richardcasey7521]

How come you don’t need a rear wheel pilot?

[@henkzaanstad5857]

Very nice video Daniel...thanks...henk...from holland

[@007pikes]

Why the bike is in right side? Instead of left

[@GaryESims]

Can you tell me where you are located? I'm in northern California.

[@DanielIngalls]

Aptos. The rails are part of an abandoned route from WatsonVille to Davenport

[@GaryESims]

Daniel Ingalls, Hello, I'll have to visit there someday. My brother lives in Watsonville and was a fire captain in Aptos close to the beach.

[@gordbaker896]

You need cross bracing on the front guide assembly. The tubing at the rear should go straight to the rear axle, without any dogleg joints. Get an old guy rectangular seat. Outrigger wheel seems out of alignment.

[@gordbaker896]

@Pronto It appeared as if your left heel was hitting the end of the tubing. Perhaps just camera angle but the outrigger seemed to toe IN. A great way to travel.

[@ekhles104]

Very very very excellent I like it

[@rollinwithunclepete824]

Railroad rarely have grades greater than 2.2% so it's easy pedaling, but abandoned intact rail is difficult to find. So I guess we'll have to be happy with Rails-to-Trails

[@LectronCircuits]

Be careful out there or you could get trained. Cheers!

[@JimiHenbricks]

Can you just imagine building this with an eBike motor 😁

[@RailVentures]

Santa Cruz?

[@chuckgilly]

I'm thinking the same thing, I think the Santa Cruz line was reactivated awhile back, must have been abandon again.

[@shaunhall1838]

So what do you do when a train comes?

[@larrye.8202]

I wish I could see how it's hooked onto the bike. I'm 65 and live by myself and would love to have one. It would give me something to do.

[@DanielIngalls]

Hi Larry - It's really simple: every connection to the bike is made with hose clamps that wrap around the bike frame member and hold one leg of a 90-degree shelf bracket. The other leg of the shelf bracket is held to the PVC pipe also by a hose clamp. The front guide assembly is secured by a hose clamp and a small door hinge so that it can be raised or lowered. Everything can be attached/removed from the bike in 3 minutes by tightening/loosening the hose clamps that hold the brackets. Stop the video and zoom in - I think you can see all the details. Good luck!

[@awizardalso]

I don't think it would be too difficult to create 3 wheel sets each with a pair of wheels with a flange on the inside. Using two barbell weights one two inches wider than the other drilled and bolted together would make a suitable wheel for running on a rail and crossing over a switch track frog.

[@Ichwillkeinenaliascheisyoutube]

I would prefer a second rail guidance at the back of the bike and a third on the left Side and the whole Construction made from Aluminum. :-)

[@royreynolds108]

If you do that then only the guide wheels on the inside of the rails are necessary and if they are under 1 inch in diameter they will go through the flangeways of a frog and guardrail. Road crossing flangeways are still a problem as stuff gets in them.

[@joemendiola7345]

Hook it up on 2 bikes, no need to turn around just use the other one.

[@captnemo75]

Novel idea! Plus more stability. then again twice the weight don’t know how much that would affect performance

[@eduardofrias9484]

Great video amazing I want one. I need one you are unbelievable

[@carlos-bt4dt]

vad bra att se man kan bygga en dressin av en vanlig cykel. detta skall jag testa i sommar. Hälsningar from Sweden

[@elnabjelland-hughes8172]

I like the way you put this together enjoy your ride despite all the naysayers on this video chat. Do be careful if this is an active train track

[@ronbery]

Es una buena forma de utilizar la bici...Like.

[@W7DSY]

I'd bet a $$ that this is Santa Cruz County, CA. between Santa Cruz & Watsonville.

[@johno4521]

How does it cope with points and switches?!

[@georgestreicher252]

I used to ride my motor cycle down the middle of some abandoned railroad tracks. At a certain sweet spot speed the bumping of the ties would even out as if you were traveling down a highway.

[@borderreiver3288]

what a brilliant way to travel on old rail tracks

[@americanpirate2091]

It's not a ship , but still looks like a cool mode of transport 😎👍🏾

[@modeltrainproductions3167]

what railroad is that and do they use it

[@DanielIngalls]

The railroad from Watsonville CA to Santa Cruz (and on to Davenport). It has been in disuse, but may now be reivived

[@chadherron2741]

i know that track an it is used rarely but is active , i work for the railroad :O i wont tell just be carefull an do not uses headphones

[@shadythereok]

Chad Herron

[@mikesuch9021]

trashtruck fan11 what a moran. Listen and watch fuckhead

[@plumbingstuffinoregon2471]

Mike Such "moran" Ha ha ha!!!

[@ken9384]

How can I get one from my bike

[@buckrogers5331]

Hmm, doesn't seem very secure esp if you are riding 100 ft over a river or ravine. Feel better if there are two sets of guard wheels.

[@frankdavidarboledahenao1740]

Hola como puedo adquirirlo o fabricarlo. Gracias.

[@brokenmarbles70]

can i buy a kit from you?

[@fixedit8689]

What happens when you lean too far right?

[@EagleClaw_777]

Very cool but it seems like if you where to lean too much or even slightly for that matter the 3rd wheel could easily come off the track?

[@DanielIngalls]

Hi Dustin - Leaning slightly is no problem. I was surprised at how hard you have to lean to being the 3rd wheel up: it's unnatural and you would never do it unconsciously.