Video: Pedal-powered lift gives speedy access to treehouse "First, I changed the gear ratio on the bicycle by swapping a large front sprocket to the rear, which was still not quite easy enough to pedal, so I added a pulley into the system to gain a bit more advantage," he told ABC News. Ethan Schlussler To allow other people to ride his pulley system, Mr Schlussler has used an old water heater tank as the counterweight, which can be adjusted by simply adding or removing water. The barriers on the edge of the treehouse platform have since been removed to allow easier access from the bicycle. Over the next few weeks, Mr Schlussler plans to install walls and insulation to make it into a comfortable outdoor home. Video courtesy: Ethan Schlusser