Econo-Bike Build Off

Saturday is fast approaching, and we’re looking forward to seeing everyone at the show. We do have access to a large indoor space if it rains! Don’t worry about a little water, we’ve planned for that. The address is 1105 North 4th Street, Columbus Ohio 43201.

We’ll have food there, and Barrel & Bottle will be providing some beverages (including beer). The food is free (donations are gladly accepted), the beer is not. But it’s going to be good beer, and Barrel & Bottle is letting us use their space at a deeply discounted rate.

A quick recap:

2pm is when we’d like you to start rolling in with your entry bikes. The judging doesn’t begin until 3pm, which gives you time to setup, polish, check, recheck, and begin bribing the judges.

3pm is when the judging begins.

4pm the show official opens to the public.

6pm we’ll give out awards.

The judging Criteria:

Does it Run —– 30 points (all or nothing)

We want it to run, move and stop. You’re welcome to take a quick lap around the parking lot, or around the block. it’s up to you

Construction —– 40 points
Originality in Design 20 points (new ideas, engine swaps, running gear, tank usage, etc etc etc)
Execution 10 points (Did you actually do what you set out to do)
Degree of Difficulty 10 points

Style —– 15 points
Budget —– 15 points (Did you stay under?)

To be eligible for the Cheap As S%$T Award, we’ll need a budget. This year, we’re going to be easy on the budgets, just bring a list of what you bought (including the bike) and how much it all cost.

There are three judges, each with different backgrounds. We’ll average their scores for each bike, and that will be the final.

Voting & Awards:

There are two awards determined by voting. One is based on the votes by the people who show up, the other by your votes.

Best In Show is the overall winner based on judges scoring.
Cool As F$%K is an entirely subjective award given by the judges.
Cheap As S$%T obviously the bike with the cheapest budget. (The Judges reserve the right to re-estimate questionable budgets)
People’s Choice will be decided by the votes cast by visitors to the show. Vote early, vote often.
The Sweet Awesome each builder will get a chance to vote for the bike they think is the best of the bunch. One vote per builder, cast as you see fit.

What we need from you:

A budget if you’d like to try for the Cheap As S$#T Award.

Otherwise, show up at 2pm and have a good afternoon.

If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to email. Also, either Sylke (the co-planner) or I will be emailing you our cellphone number, if anything comes up, you can call either of us.

We have indoor space if it rains.

Leave a comment | tags: bike show, build off, econobike | posted in Econo Bike Build

April 7, 2011

Think The Idea Of An Econo Bike Is Crazy?

By Handsome Matt

Think Again:

From Bike Exif:

“The BSA has taken over 1,200 hours of work, although the cost was fairly minimal compared to a lot of custom machines. The engine, gearbox and wheels were all eBay purchases, and the other materials are scrap from a friend’s steel yard.” Larry estimates that the total cost, including paint, is around £6,000 (US$9,800)—obviously not including labor. A small price to pay for one of the most prestigious custom motorcycle trophies in Europe.

The scale is much bigger, and it wouldn’t qualify for our little show, but the idea is the same. Labor and skill will always produce a superior product to anything money can buy. The fact that this particular bike has won top honors at the Custom Chrome European Bike Show is a testament to that.

Maybe the world is starting to wake up after all?

Leave a comment | posted in Econo Bike Build

April 5, 2011