‘Stoopid Tall’ bike is over 14 feet tall

Ron Czapala

A bike is a bike is a bike. Unless the bike is "Stoopid Tall," a heavily modified 14-and-a-half-foot-tall monstrosity ridden and built by Richie Trimble.
Trimble spoke with LA Streets Blog about his recent adventure riding his bike on the streets of Los Angeles. Trimble recorded the journey for posterity.

I think I’m an adrenaline junky. The whole build up before riding Stoopid Tall is probably my favorite part. The anticipation of what it’s going to be like. I am worried about this hundred pound bike gaining momentum and hurting someone else along the way. It’s a huge risk.

kwinn

What can I say? Stoopid is as stoopid does. More proof that old T. P was an optimist.

erco

I saw that guy out there at Ciclavia LA last weekend. Everyone gave him wide berth, it was pretty amazing that he rode it in all that bike traffic (most of the roads were closed to cars). It's nerve-wracking enough riding a regular bike with all the kids riding erratically and U-turning without warning. Even worse are the grown idiots riding their "carving trikes", zig-zagging all over the streets. All in all, a fun day and one more reason why... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MtDhtadoeUk&feature=player_detailpage#t=49s

Martin_H

As I understand it most overhead obstructions are required to be above 13' 6", unless there's a warning sign. So a bike that tall means that you will eventually hit power lines.

skylight

I've got to ask this...... how does he stop at a junction or in an emergency if in the middle of the road and nothing to grab hold of?

LoopyByteloose

Is it only me that thinks this way, or will an American do anything for attention?

Why is this guy doing this? What is he up to?

Well, he could be a second story peeping tom under deep cover. Or he really wants a slot in the Guinness book of records. But if he has to grab a telephone pole to get off, there may come a day when he grabs the wrong pole and goes up in smoke.

Read his interview for his mishap on his return trip home.. the bike chain broke and left him without power or brakes.

At 14.5 feet to the seat, there are a lot of 12 foot clearances that will prevent him moving ahead.

Youth is wasted on the young.

Oldbitcollector (Jeff)

Thanks for the very sweaty palms Ron.. Holy Smile..

Martin_H

Loopy Byteloose wrote: »

Is it only me that thinks this way, or will an American do anything for attention.

Only some Americans, many of us are content to no be noticed. The problem is selection bias, as you only noticed examples of the former, not the latter.

LoopyByteloose

So it is a combination of freedom of the press and people believing in the right of free expression that makes American follies more notable. I am just thankful I survived my youth, especially the Evil Knievel phase, the mad scientist phase, and dare-devil skateboarder phase.

prof_braino

I'm so glad he did this, now the rest of us can take it off the "this has not been done so somebody must do it" list.

Heater.

Yes, good. Mind you, there is always the twenty foot tall bike:)

Seems to be in human nature to push an idea as far as it will go no matter how useless. Monster trucks for example.

LoopyByteloose

In our youth, we all seem to share the same psyche as Wile E Coyote.... too much inspiration, not enough preservation, and excessive optimism.