Knakker
de Knakker What is it? In short: a centre-pivot steering Flevobike-like low-racer recumbent bicycle.

This bike was built by Allert Jacobs and John Poot many years ago. It was an bike-building exercise under the motto "How low can you go?". The bike uses the Flevobike centre-pivot steering mechanism to obtain a very low seating position. As there is no chain going to the rear wheel, the seat is less than 10cm above the ground (clearance is about 5cm; barely enough to master speed ramps).

The bike derives its Dutch name "Knakker" from the centre-pivot steering: "knakken" means: to snap. An oddball person is also called "rare knakker" in Dutch, which is an alternative explanation for this unusual name. The bike itself has quite good riding properties: it can be steered effortlessly without using your hands. Anyone who can ride a Flevobike, can ride the Knakker.
Ugly
Before... 		Nice
After...
The previous owner of the bike, a friend of mine, used to ride it in several championship races. As he no longer used it (it was broken), he gave it to me. In the summer of 2000 I repaired the bike, completely restored it: I gave it its current neon-pink colour and constructed the purple wheelcaps.

Technical details
Me on my bike
  • Front wheel: 20" (ETRTO 451, made by M5)
  • Rear wheel: 26"
  • Seat height: 10cm
  • Seat: birch wood (made by Zephyr)
  • Gears: 5 (actually 6, but only 5 are usable; the hub is very close to the chain wheel)
  • Derailleur: Shimano 600; an old model that is very flat (necessary to allow the heel to pass)
  • Front fork: modified from Flevoracer
  • Steer: fixed, kinda useless
Knakker technical drawing

Technical drawing by Jan Brandse
old Knakker Look! No hands!

Other centre-pivot steering low-racers

At Erik Wannee's site more examples of Flevobike-inspired low-racers can be found. Low recumbent with centre-pivot steering

Technical drawing by Jan Brandse
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