Recumbent trike.

[toglhot]

I've made 12 recumbents, three two wheelers and nine trikes, this is my last build.

For this build, I included rear suspension and tank steering. The frame is of 32mm square tube, swing arm is 40 x 20 tube. Trike weight is 19kgs, same weight as the aluminium framed MTB I took the cycle parts off.

Some details. Cycle componentry is Deore, hydraulic disk brakes, tank steering, nine position adjustable suspension, two degrees caster and camber, adjustable toe in via left and right threads on tie rods, 20" wheels at front, 700c wheel at back, 9 speed cassette, three speed chain ring, shaped aluminium seat back with lumbar support, approximately 2.5 chains running through Delrin chain guides mounted on ball bearings, plain Delrin bearings in kingpins and steering arms. Wheelbase 1200cm, track 80cm.

The trike is now retired due to crook hips.

[milomilo]

Originally Posted by toglhot

I've made 12 recumbents, three two wheelers and nine trikes, this is my last build.

For this build, I included rear suspension and tank steering. The frame is of 32mm square tube, swing arm is 40 x 20 tube. Trike weight is 19kgs, same weight as the aluminium framed MTB I took the cycle parts off.

Some details. Cycle componentry is Deore, hydraulic disk brakes, tank steering, nine position adjustable suspension, two degrees caster and camber, adjustable toe in via left and right threads on tie rods, 20" wheels at front, 700c wheel at back, 9 speed cassette, three speed chain ring, shaped aluminium seat back with lumbar support, approximately 2.5 chains running through Delrin chain guides mounted on ball bearings, plain Delrin bearings in kingpins and steering arms. Wheelbase 1200cm, track 80cm.

The trike is now retired due to crook hips.

Nice work. The seat cushion is missing?

[slip knot]

Thats pretty cool. I've always wondered how the guys do the two wheelers but this one doesn't look so intimidating.

[Tim KS]

What are the benefits of this type of bike, trike, or what ever? Do they pedal easier, better or worse for long distance, or are they just a lazy man's ride?

....and what is 'tank steering'..........lots of other bike terminology that I don't know...?

[toglhot]

Originally Posted by milomilo

Nice work. The seat cushion is missing?

The seat back exactly follows the form of my back, so cushioning isn't required.

[toglhot]

Recumbents were banned from competing against diamond frames back in the 1930s. The seating/ closely resembles a leg press, so you get maximum power through your legs making for a seriously fast ride, on flat roads, uphill isn't as good as a diamond frame though because you can't stand up to pedal. Definitely not a lazy man's ride, it takes a lot of effort to go fast. What would you consider more comfortable, a bicycle seat, or an armchair? Tank steering is basically two levers, push one, pull the other to turn.

[CaddmannQ]

A recumbent bicycle was my first high school welding project. It caused a bit of a stir when I rode it thru the sticks of north Minnesota in 1971. Nobody had ever seen one there.

I actually found it less fun to ride in an ordinary bicycle, although it could be faster if you were willing to work. There were no mountains to climb and everything was very flat, so that was an advantage.

Also I didn’t know anything about building bicycles and it really turned out rather heavy in the end. It wound up in a dump outside Baudette Minnesota.

[milomilo]

Originally Posted by toglhot

The seat back exactly follows the form of my back, so cushioning isn't required.

The back looks comfortable, but I was referring to where my ass sits.

[unfinished]

Very nice. Is that your design or are you working off of someone else's plans? I like the suspension and mtb tires. You said lighter than the aluminum bike you took components from, but is it steel tubing? what gauge?



I have a low-end commercial recumbent trike (3-20 inch wheels with road tires, mesh seat, no suspension). Things I have noticed: much more comfortable. Can go quite fast on flats and down hills. Up hill is less fast, but easier because with enough gearing I can be almost zero mph and just spin the pedals easily without falling over as on a conventional bike. Easy to get on and off. The low overall height does concern me regarding visibility on the road, I have been using a flashing red light but need to get it on a pole above my head. Storage and transport sucks due to its shape, need a truck bed or custom carry rack.



I have some plans and components to build a nicer recumbent. I wanted to practice TIG welding on the frame as well. One of these days.

[Gadgeteer]

https://www.dropbox.com/s/e02qnvb31l...0Lift.mp4?dl=0

I made this trike lift a couple years ago to attach to a vehicle's receiver hitch. A small drill/driver powers the HF 40:1 worm drive winch, which secures the load in place when stopped.