Psychles founder Damon Fox on a crazy bicycle-building roll

IF a bike looks crazy and you have to pedal backwards to ride it, chances are Psychles founder Damon Fox built it.

Mad bikDamon Fox, of Psychles, among some of his left-of-centre creations. Picture: MATHEW FARRELL

IF a bike looks crazy and you have to pedal backwards to ride it, chances are Psychles founder Damon Fox built it.

The West Hobart circus performer says he has found himself a new niche and one that appeals to all ages.

“I build unusual bikes because they’re fun and I like a challenge,’’ Mr Fox said.

One-year-old Krixus Johnson, with a little help from his mum Jozzie Johnson, finds Psychles’ tiny bike a pretty good fit. Picture: MATHEW FARRELL

Every second weekend, he loads his ute with up to 45 colourful and crazy contraptions made at the hand of the master and drives to the double reservoirs on the Domain.

Parents, kids, university students and bike nuts flock to Mr Fox’s free ride sessions.

“Everywhere I take them, I’m always busy and people are always smiling,” he said.

He has been building and showing his bikes for the past six years but in the last couple of years it has really taken off.

It’s all ages who love the bikes — at Goulburn Street School Fair last weekend it was not just the kids but all the parents who hopped on to them, he said.

Up to 30 riders will show up each day to ride on the concrete surface of the reservoirs.

“The idea is I take the basic bike — what you take for granted — and put a little twist on it. If you want to pedal backwards to go forwards, it’s not difficult,” he said.

Originally published as Psychles founder Damon Fox on a crazy bicycle-building roll