A skilled welder and bike enthusiast, Erik Hendrickson has re-envisioned 19th-century high-wheel bicycles for the 21st century. The Morristown resident recently launched his first business, Hi Cycles. Welding a second frame on top of a regular bicycle, he has created what he calls a tall bike. “You’re just on another level—literally, figuratively, metaphysically.”
A land surveyor by day, Hendrickson, 26, works part-time at Marty’s Reliable Cycle in Morristown.
He hopes to see his towering two-wheelers catch on for their elevated view. Hendrickson says the tall cycles offer great sight lines for touring the Shore, and he also hopes to use them to flaunt ad banners.
To mount the machine, he plants his right foot on a peg on the left side of the rear wheel, and throws his right leg over the saddle. Coming to a stop without toppling is tricky. “Not everyone’s meant to do it,” he admits. “I’m probably too skilled for my own good.”