Page 1 of 1

skinnygate build/experiment

Posted: Fri Nov 11, 2011 2:47 pm
by sixstringsteve
As a noob, I'm trying to get better at my gates, both balancing and my starts. I decided to build a stupy gate for practice. I did some research and I decided I wanted something more compact and portable than your typical stumpy gate.

My experiment is to make a narrow stumpy gate that's portable and small. I want to be able to store it compactly and take it with me places.

The plan is to use 2x4's to keep it light and cheap.

Image

the gate:
Image

gate and pivot arm:
Image

my crude workworking skills:
Image

measuring the right spot to put the pivot:
Image

Re: skinnygate build/experiment

Posted: Fri Nov 11, 2011 2:51 pm
by sixstringsteve
It's staying nice and compact.

Image

If I were to do it again, I'd use a smaller gate hinge.
Image

Image

Image

Image

Re: skinnygate build/experiment

Posted: Fri Nov 11, 2011 4:00 pm
by sixstringsteve
Some more progress. This thing was a beast to make. These are the detachable rear legs.
Image

Image

The stand slides into the legs
Image

Image

Image

Image

That's all for now. I'll get another set of legs built in a few days, and I'll add grip tape to it. I do forsee a problem with the pivot arm getting run over. We'll see how it works.

Re: skinnygate build/experiment

Posted: Fri Nov 11, 2011 6:11 pm
by joker75
The main concern I would have is, I doubt I could travel that straight for even that short distance while trying to concentrate on my form. I would be concerned about the possibility of faling off of the side of the ramp mid thrust/pedal and ending up OTB or in some other very painful position. As long as you can stay straight, you should be fine. If not you may be in for a painful lesson.

Re: skinnygate build/experiment

Posted: Fri Nov 11, 2011 6:21 pm
by bnd
I would go with a 2x6 as your platform.

b.

Re: skinnygate build/experiment

Posted: Fri Nov 11, 2011 6:24 pm
by sixstringsteve
I think a 2x6 would definitely be the way to go in the future. I tested it out tonight, and it works pretty well. It's got a lot of side to side flex because of the single gate hinge, but once I learn to balance better it shouldn't be an issue. I've still got some tweaking to do, but I can at least balance while i watch TV (I just can't lean back). I plan on adding something to it to lock it into place for when I'm in the house and I just want to practice balancing.

Re: skinnygate build/experiment

Posted: Sun Dec 18, 2011 4:07 pm
by knuckleheadspeed
Check out the new gate! What do you think?

Re: skinnygate build/experiment

Posted: Sat Dec 31, 2011 7:17 pm
by dad2six
That's cool!
I have been thinking about building one myself. I have a welder and was thinking of making it out of one of those motorcycle loading ramps. Been looking for some ideas on just how to do it.

Re: skinnygate build/experiment

Posted: Sat Dec 31, 2011 7:22 pm
by sixstringsteve
sweet. I weld too, but the cost of metal made me decide to go with wood. No doubt a metal gate would ROCK.

The only issue I see with a dirt bike ramp is that those are made of aluminum. Unless you have a welder (TIG preferred) set up for aluminum, you're not going to be able to weld it.