What’s Wrong With This Bike Tattoo? (and no, the answer isn’t ‘everything’)

Ahh, tattoos. At least in 2020 in the UK there should have been a downturn in the frequency of questionable tattoo decision making. And of people from the UK going to Vegas for their impulsive tattoo choices. Isn’t that right, Mark?

Mark has always insisted it’s tax deductable

Anyway, that was just a warm up for your eyes. We’ve spotted this doing the rounds on social media. And then Sharp-Eye-Charlie spotted something that’s wrong with it. We know it’s difficult, but take a closer look.

We’ll give you a clue: there are plenty of components that haven’t been included, so it’s not something missing. It’s not something that could be adjusted either, like the position of those bars. And it’s not a moral judgement over the merits of tattoos, or road bikes. There’s an actual technical wrong thing in there.

Place your answers, actual or comical, in the comments section below. Anyone with a login can swipe the image that will appear below if you’re logged in and find out what Charlie spotted.

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Of course, these days it’s often possible to correct dodgy tattoos so maybe our subject above could pay a visit to the parlour that fixed this.

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Hannah Dobson

Managing Editor

I came to Singletrack having decided there must be more to life than meetings. I like all bikes, but especially unusual ones. More than bikes, I like what bikes do. I think that they link people and places; that cycling creates a connection between us and our environment; bikes create communities; deliver freedom; bring joy; and improve fitness. They're environmentally friendly and create friendly environments. I try to write about all these things in the hope that others might discover the joy of bikes too.

Replies (26)

ajantom February 3, 2021 at 1:46 pm

Toe clip/pedal facing the wrong direction.

somafunk February 3, 2021 at 2:00 pm

Easy, pedal fitted halfway up crank arm.

Ben February 3, 2021 at 2:10 pm

Aside the two pedals from the same side, the nipples are at the centre of the wheels, where they should be at the edge 🙂

Oh, and everything. Everything is wrong.

StirlingCrispin February 3, 2021 at 2:18 pm

Chainring arms don’t make sense – if it’s 4-arm they are not at 90-degrees. That or arms are missing.

Eddiebaby February 3, 2021 at 2:36 pm

Bottom pedal clip wrong way round.

David Bisset February 3, 2021 at 3:06 pm

If I had a Singletrack tattoo somewhere visible, would you pay me an annual fee for advertising?
We pensioners need to consider innovative fundraising.

Pimpmaster Jazz February 3, 2021 at 3:12 pm

Clips. Everything else if arguable.

(Apart from why it exists in the first place.)

brads February 3, 2021 at 3:12 pm

Pedal half way up the crank arm.

The Pinkster February 3, 2021 at 3:27 pm

Yep, toe clip is on the wrong way round on one of the pedals – first thing I spotted.

Then I started looking closer and harder, thinking I’d missed something else less obvious.

I feel really dirty now. Euggh…

nickc February 3, 2021 at 3:29 pm

It depends doesn’t it, it may look like the pedal’s half way up the crank, but that could easily be a depiction of the strap ( as anyone with clips remembers they fall upside down), you could argue the tatoo artist should’ve said something to the client, but if he’s content with it, who are we to judge?

hodge1365 February 3, 2021 at 3:49 pm

Who cares….

andyspaceman February 3, 2021 at 3:55 pm

I’m a bit late, but definitely the strap position on the lower toeclip. Should be on the left.

brakestoomuch February 3, 2021 at 4:19 pm

When the guy’s chest hair grows back, it’ll look like a nicked bike that’s been thrown in a bush.

Hannah Dobson February 3, 2021 at 4:58 pm

@brakestoomuch bravo.

geuben February 3, 2021 at 5:11 pm

The pedal will strike the floor as the stays are too short to fit a big enough wheel in.

Colin February 3, 2021 at 5:33 pm

Pedal half way up crank. But must have really old fashioned hubs, not seen any with grease nipples for a long time