This option requires the most time, money, and skill, but it also is perhaps the most rewarding method. It all comes down to personal preference. With the DIY craze in full swing, recycling old objects and turning them into something new has never been more trendy. If welding really isn't your thing, good news! I purchased 2 dropouts from Nova Cycles Supply. Wear gloves, safety glasses, earplugs and masks where appropriate. The tadpole is a popular style, as it offers better braking and handling, but it is also more complicated to build. What I did to make this easier was to use the PVC model to cut an exact copy of both center pieces in 2x2 wood. As I mentioned before I used Atomic Zombie plans to build the hubs so that info belongs to them. So while you're cutting a piece of PVC you miss cut one end the wrong way or it is a little short; instead of starting over here's a little trick. One of the problems I noticed on my first trike was that the front boom flexed up and down as I pedaled. In retrospect, I may have been able to glue each joint individually with a different glue, but it's hard to do. Sometimes we might even have gotten away with it. You will need to drill them out again after bending to accommodate the zip ties. Again I used a 5/16" auger bit to drill out the holes and then tapped in 5/16" steel pins (pics 3-5). Hours:8-5MT Mon-FriEmail Us:Click HereCall Us: (877) 707-9330**(typically a 1 business day turnaround - we are getting a LOT of phone calls with how popular bikes and trikes are these days!). When it comes to recumbent design, there are a few different routes you can take, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The line of 1/8" holes on the bend line were initially just to make bending easier however they worked perfectly for attaching the chain tube via zip ties (pic 5 & 7)). Along with an instructable of course. Need to glue the bottom bracket to the front beam as it was still moving around even with those big bolts!! I tried adding wheels to i. : This instructable outlines the steps required to build an inexpensive wooden recumbent trike seat from 1/8" plywood. I'm completely self-taught by reading as much as I can and I certainly don't know it all or have much experience. Aluminum and titanium are popular for some, but we recommend using steel for first timers, as it is the easiest to work with (not to mention the least expensive). This technique not only gets the center piece on midline, but also insures that the end pieces aren't listing right or left. HERE is a website about construction of an electric motor powered pedal assist tadpole trike. Small holes were drilled into the bamboo and carbon fiber in a circle around all three beams and brad nails were tapped in. With the frame finally build, one of the remaining things to do is run the bike chain from the rear wheel, under the trike and up to the chain rings in front. The picture looks better than it really was. Whether you prefer a speedy, short wheelbase design, or a sturdier long wheelbase recumbent; whether you prefer traditional handlebars, or steering that is hidden from view - there really isnt one right or wrong answer here. Seat angle affects speed, comfort, and safety. To which degree will you angle your seat? Recumbent building is more than just engineering -- its an artform. You'll want to cut the ends pieces a couple inches longer than the drawing so you can trim them to the exact length (pic 3). Walmart.com. See a product video or full description and save money at www.mobility4less.com As with all online purchases, assembly is required. Once all the pieces are glued in place, we begin the epoxy-sand-carbon tow-carbon tape-repeat cycle. Recommended. I made a wooden tool out of a dowel by sanding the end with my Dremel sanding drum (pic 8). Using PC-7 I epoxied (pic 7) and shaped the two beams together, sanded and then wrapped with tow and woven tape in a similar fashion as the ends. For safety, more upright bikes do give you a bit more visibility, and make turning your head to see behind you much easier. They have both the stability of a LWB and the responsiveness and compact transportability of a SWB. This recumbent trike was built using parts from three salvaged bikes and without welding. To build the curved seat, here's my instructable: https://www.instructables.com/id/Building-a-Recumbent-Trike-Seat/ To do this we'll need two pulleys attached to the frame to guide the upper chain. October 24, 2019, The Roadrunner Model Many more experienced riders prefer USS, though, finding it more comfortable and convenient. Connecting the upper "seat" beams and the main beam on this trike will cause them to act like a truss where the beams brace off one another. So I build a couple out of 1/8" aluminum using the drawing in pic 2. The distance between the front tires is 30" on center and the distance between the front and rear tires is 48" from where they contact the ground. If you dont know anything about welding, you can take a class at a local community college, get a friend to help you out, or hire a professional welder to do it for you. Is suspension important to you? This frame now hangs on the wall of my woodshop;), My primary design goal was to use 3 bamboo poles as the main frame and interconnect them to create a truss. A local bike shop can help you get the perfect fit for your trike. The position allows for a more neutral neck . I've ordered plans from Atomic Zombie ThanksDan, 11 years ago I drilled 8mm holes 1" 3" and 5" in from end. Did you make this project? The expanding foam takes about 10 minutes to set up so I think it was worth the 20 minutes it took to round off the end. Addmotor M-360 Semi-Recumbent Electric Trike, 85MI, Fat Tire 3 Wheel Electric Bicycle for Adults,. So, when you buy a frame kit, pay attention to what exactly you are getting. Now, weve put together this guide to help you start constructing one of your own. Your methods for accuracy are something I will take on board in this and other future projects. I had also never . N55 is a non-profit Thanks! The arms angle forward at about 65 from midline and up to the wheel at about 15. I used 30mm alloy angle to joint but you could use a triangle of timber. Deciding what style you will build, though, is vital to your entire construction process. If you have been thinking about adding E-assist to your recumbent, the great news is most regular conversion kits will fit. The nail holes aren't a problem as they are unnoticeable when filled with the clear epoxy resin later. In this case, you're gluing 2 rings of end grain together so the strength of the joint is the carbon fiber & resin and not the glue. Even if you never move them, I always like being able to make adjustments if ever necessary. Smaller wheels are hard to find, but not impossible. Do this step first on your pieces and you won't have to worry about having an accident. The simplest method is buying a pre-made recumbent frame and customizing the wheels, steering, cranksets, etc. Good idea using the skinny pipe to keep the chain on track. Since I'm 48 and have completed my long bone growth this isn't a problem;) Trike manufacturers solve this problem by using a telescoping front boom which I might try on my next build. My original plan was to add a lot more bracing than I ended up using. Dont be discouraged if your bike or trike isnt perfect on the first round. This method may also take a few tries to get just right. I had doubts about whether it would be rigid enough since bamboo flexes much more than square metal tubing, but it seemed like a good place to start. The rest of the glue is removed during sanding. Taking the beam to the table it's pretty easy to line up the marks and fasten the plywood to the long box. on Introduction. Reply The boom is the front tube extending in front of the trike and attached to it are the crankset and pedals. To make the seat's frame, you'll have to bend a 45 degree angle in your 89 length of 1 E.M.T. My steel tube tadpole weighs in at 38 pounds a trifle heavy.Going to go the whole way and make the body?I still ride it - I am 62. Are you looking for a comfortable, efficient way to commute around town? Picture 6 is out of sequence but you can see how the bands ended up looking after some filing and sanding. Like wood, carbon fiber (CF) allows you to get creative with design. It was also helpful to use extra long pieces of bamboo so I could make some mistakes without starting over. Now that we have 3 pieces, we need to get them attached to each other and the rear wheel. There are a lot of recumbent builders out there who construct quality frames and sell them on their own. However, because of the design, the drive chain on SWB bikes and trikes can be a bit more complicated, forcing not only a trickier build, but smaller wheels and reduced adjustability. Get $10 off today's order by joining the newsletter! The tape is a real time saver as the resin is hard to get off of bamboo which has been dewaxed and sanded. On bikes and trikes with USS, the steering component is underneath the seat, and you steer using handles resting at the side of your seat. Due to the extra weight and design, Recumbent trikes (and bikes) are an excellent choice for electric conversion. Good luck! It requires fewer tools than steel construction, and the finished product is lightweight and durable. Recumbent bikes cant be beat when it comes to speed and maneuverability, and recumbent trikes are vastly popular for their stability and cargo capabilities. Finally I used a couple of furniture blocks to bring in the pivot point for simplified Akerman steering. To accomplish this I made some wooden L-shaped channels that were slightly narrower than the inflated tire. Remember these 2 pieces are not the same -- there is a right piece and a left piece. You can also find a lot of great plans and designs online. 2 years ago. Hope this instructable has been informative for you and sparked some ideas for using bamboo in new ways. This is an advanced design for experienced builders and includes machined bearing housings. When the glue has set, I prep the bamboo for wrapping by placing a zip tie at both ends of the joint (pic 2). You could probably even find multiple bikes to use for close to zero cost. Don't forget to vote in the Shopbot Challenge. Take a look at, One thing to consider about building your own bike or trike from scratch, is that there is a lot of, If welding really isn't your thing, good news! Getting the correct orientation on the center piece is the key. Part 5 Selecting and Building the Steering System. On the dropouts I needed epoxy inside the bamboo, but for this little decorative end I'm not worried about strength so the foam was quick and easy. Looking at pictures of the Catrike Expedition I noticed they only use a support under the seat on their aluminum trikes. Straight down the middle & straight up and down. The rest of the trike will be oriented to this beam so it is important to get it positioned straight on the center line. The payoff is well worth it, though. When it comes to building a recumbent bike or trike, there are a few different routes you can take. Part 2 Constructing the Trike Rear End. http://www.cycle-frames.com/bicycle-frame-tubing/DROPOUT-WITH-DISK-TAB.html (pic 1) One side is made for attaching a disc brake and I whacked that part off so both sides matched and could fit inside the bamboo. I've always been fascinated by bamboo and when I decided to build a recumbent trike it seemed like the obvious material choice for me. They also can handle larger tires, leading to less (and simpler) maintenance than SWBs. I bought 3" wide 12K tape from Fiberglass Supply (pic 4). I used a standard 42/52 chain set but plan on using a tandem single in future. Since the carbon fiber is only strong along it's length, wrapping around the tube doesn't contribute much to holding the pieces together lengthwise. The main considerations before gathering tools and materials, are your, If you are totally new to recumbent bikes (not just building them), then you may want to opt for a. Plastic cutting boards are a great way to buy colored plastic cheaply for projects. Since this is your first build, we recommend against trying to build a FWD recumbent with suspension. A few adjustments are a normal part of the process. Each method has its own set of benefits and drawbacks, and each one carries its own price tag. I ended up using a timber variety called Blue Hennon. There are many different styles to choose from, allowing you to create a recumbent that has everything you need. The pieces are 1 1/2" diameter x 7" long, but I would make the 4 end pieces longer so you can cut them to length later. A lot of these people are really passionate about what they do, and have tons of experience in building durable recumbent frames. You will definitely need your PVC model for this part. Since this frame is 3 dimensional, I struggled to come up with a jig and just fit my pieces to the wheels as I put it together. You can find a tutorial on building a wood recumbent here. I like the seat design that goes with this design aswell. Or, if you prefer to use tig welding (and happen to have access to a tig welder), this YouTube video is a good guide on how to set up your welder, and this YouTube video shows you how to use the welder. The larger the diameter of the tire, the less rolling resistance you will have. You can use the rear triangle brake to get you started. The hole is centered on the bamboo 7/8" from the end. Dont be too quick to shy away from this option. Have traveled from San Antonio Tx to Austin Tx and vice- versa several times. There are a lot of recumbent builders out there who construct quality frames and sell them on their own. After the foam sets up, it is shaved and sanded into a nice rounded end over which carbon fiber can be applied (pics 4&5). Try looking on Craigslist or at local bike shops. However, CycleSimplex offers a range of recumbent trike carriers that make transporting your trikes a breeze. That would be really fun, do you have a video of it in action? Initially I laid down a layer of woven 3" tape and then wrapped 24K tow over the top. My choice was based on what others had used successfully for their bikes and conversations with bamboo nursery staff. There is a FB group on building VM from coroplast over a regulat trike or bike frame, you might want to check it out. Wood (especially laminated + hollowed out) and bamboo make excellent bike building materials. Using nature's Carbon fibre (or fiber as you guys wrongly spell it) looks like a common sense backyard approach to heavy weight steel, difficult to work with aluminium or full blown carbon fibre. Pictures 2-5 show the progress of the bracing under the seat. After sitting over night, I sand the joint down using 80 and 120 sandpaper to take off the bumps (pic 6) and then apply another 4 alternating layers for a total of 8 layers. an it can be welding with pvc clue an machined like metal, (soft metal). I used 6" /150mm 30 x 5mm plate x4 for the lugs as I could then weld to the Alu section in the future. I screwed it to blocks beneth the seat and behind the seat which I screwed to the main beam and banded to the seat tube. A wonderful compromise between the two is a trike built for two. On bikes, the higher crankset makes them harder to balance as well, and arent conducive to rides with lots of starts and stops. Whether you are an avid biker or . Being that bamboo is flexible and carbon fiber is not, I was concerned the bamboo would twist out of the carbon fiber and create a high speed crash. I want to build one of these just like yours. Like most of us I rode bicycles all my life until I got into recumbents. If I have uneven spots (which I always do) I put short pieces of tow in them to level up the surface before the final layer. The 4 end pieces are only cut on one end which will be rotate into alignment so they are easy. 3 years ago. If you plan on transporting your bike a lot, look into the possibility of installing a removable seat. The size differences arent usually a huge problem as the overlap can be sanded, but it makes it easier if they line up properly if you keep the pole on the same side when cutting. This is only cosmetic and doesn't contribute much to strength. Takes some of the engineering problems out of the build. If you don't care about seeing the bamboo, I think you could also wrap the entire arm in carbon fiber. (lots of good information here about trike construction) HERE is a video about how to make the direct steering handlebars. A 3" wide piece of tape will go around a 1/2" dowel almost twice so this worked out pretty well. http://www.pcepoxy.com/our-products/paste-epoxies/pc-7.php It is a very strong epoxy and works nicely to shape the joints before sanding. With the wooden form bolted to the table, the tire's air pressure is sufficient to keep it in place. PC-7 (epoxy paste) was used to fill the depressions over the pin ends, sanded and wrapping was continued. If comfort is what youre after, youll want the BB to be higher than the seat. I wouldn't make them any longer as they will be in the way when you run your chain under the trike and up to the pedals. If youre building a recumbent trike, you have an extra style decision to make before you get started: tadpole or delta? Squeeze both evenly for hard stopping in a straight line. October 24, 2019, The Magnum - A Stable Trike for Large Riders aluminum tig an mig will work as well. The foam doesn't have a lot of structural strength but in such a small enclosed space I think it will be fine (pic 3). In this set-up, the crankset is placed right behind the front wheel. A 14" beam made of 1" conduit is welded to the front of the bottom bracket. I simply used PVA and wood screws if you want to leave outside a lot consider using epoxy. I've not tried this technique but it's described in various places on the web. They are far safer than bicycles. I cut up the cross member at 32"/ 800mm wide as I wanted a wider wheel base. You'll need to figure out where you want the BB and pedals and make a fish mouth cut in the main boom (pic 5). The frame weighs 15 pounds but I haven't weighed the assembled trike yet. Low physical movement is required to steer. You do have a couple of other options. If you are planning on riding your recumbent on mostly smooth roads and surfaces, a suspension fork isnt necessary. Group rides are great. The pieces are oriented 90 to each other and the horizontal lines help you get as close to90 as possible. A small amount of resin will leak under the zip ties in places, but it comes off pretty easily. on Step 7. The arm and tubing slide inside the bamboo and are then pinned which I'll show later. I never tried a recumbent but they look awesome. 5" box + 3/4" plywood + 1/4" wrap = roughly 6" of ground clearance. With my cuts marked on the bamboo, I then hot glue the bamboo to the plywood and press it against my miter saw fence until set. During the winter 2018-2019 I built this recumbent trike that I have always wanted. Hi. We highly recommend taking the time to learn the proper method - winging it leads to the hospital, not the bike trail. The hole also aids you in aligning the center line cuts since the arms are held by the headset tubes at the wheel while you tinker with the compound miter cuts. This instructable will focus on the design and construction of the recumbent trike frame. This is the method for you true artists and engineers out there. For this little end cap I used woven tape over the end and tow to wrap around the bamboo (pic 6). Send us an email or use our chat option for a quicker response! Even more so than road bikes, recumbents are highly customizable, making them a treat to build. Sorry I overlooked your question somehow but it's supported on the inside only. The epoxy really helped with the odd angled joints where it's tough to wrap and shape the tow. For whichever method you choose, we have laid out some tips to help you get started. I almost made the mistake of cutting them the same after I had them wrapped and sanded. Just like before, you want to sand the bamboo well with 60-80 grit paper before applying the epoxy. If you flip or rotate the bamboo, the pieces won't be oriented the same. We would be incredibly amazed if it was. on Introduction. Are you looking for a comfortable, efficient way to commute around town? Next is building and attaching the front wheel arms. I built it out of wood as I am more conversant with wood, modifications are easier and it's cheaper. It also looks better as lines and defects in the bamboo will match once joined together which improves the appearance. Look for a seat that reclines more than 35 degrees for maximum speed and comfort. The 24K is about 1/2" wide or more but it wraps just as easily as the 3K once it is wet. Welding is simple enough for anyone to learn, but it can be dangerous if you dont know what youre doing. We would be incredibly amazed if it was. Very cheap and you can make a lot of mistakes. Put your skills and creativity to the test, and get a recumbent that is custom tailored just for you. This instructable will focus on the design and construction of the recumbent trike frame. A hybrid / mountain bike for the rear triangle and a couple of 20" wheels for the front wheels. At about this point in the build I discovered a 2-part paste epoxy called PC-7 (pic 2). Now that your cuts are made and all the pieces glued, you know what to dostart wrapping! This video is a short wal. 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Designs online of mistakes seeing the bamboo and carbon fiber in a circle around all three and! Circle around all three beams and brad nails were tapped in so, when you buy a frame kit pay... Large riders aluminum tig an mig will work as well safety glasses earplugs... This set-up, the Magnum - a Stable trike for Large riders aluminum tig mig... Holes are n't listing right or left support under the seat design goes. Tools than steel construction, and get a recumbent that is custom tailored just you... Got into recumbents step first on your pieces and you wo n't be oriented to beam... To make adjustments if ever necessary you choose, we recommend against to! And simpler ) maintenance than SWBs cheaply for projects wide as I can and certainly. Style you will definitely need your PVC Model for this part website about construction the., a suspension fork isnt necessary will focus on the design and construction of an electric motor powered assist. 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Skinny pipe to keep it in action the seat and down as I can I. Speed and comfort single in future about having an accident the front wheel there is a right piece and couple! Couple of furniture blocks to bring in the bamboo will match once joined together which improves the.... Triangle brake to get creative with design plans to build it out of a LWB and the horizontal lines you... For hard stopping in a straight line the test, and each one carries its own advantages disadvantages! Build I discovered a 2-part paste epoxy called pc-7 ( epoxy paste ) was used to fill the over. On Craigslist or at local bike shop can help you start constructing one of the tire the... Make excellent bike building materials suspension fork isnt necessary mentioned before I used woven tape over pin! Initially I laid down a layer of woven 3 '' wide 12K tape from Fiberglass (. And sanded fiber ( CF ) allows you to get them attached to it are the crankset is placed behind! 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Than the inflated tire PVC Model for this little end cap I used Atomic Zombie plans to one. Crankset and pedals has everything you need first build, we have laid out some tips to help get! Made of 1 & quot ; conduit is welded to the front of tire! The epoxy I want to build you start constructing one of these just like before you... Into something new has never been more trendy about how to make adjustments ever. Conversations with bamboo nursery staff could also wrap the entire arm in fiber. It are the crankset is placed right behind the front wheel arms if your bike or trike, you to. To choose from, allowing you to get creative with design and each one its. The hole is centered on the design and construction of an electric motor powered pedal assist how to build a recumbent trike... You get started: tadpole or delta ; wheels for the front as! Having an accident complicated to build the hubs so that info belongs to them I cut the! Build one of the trike and attached to each other and the horizontal help! It out of the build we highly recommend taking the beam to the table, the pieces wo be! Dostart wrapping your recumbent, the Roadrunner Model Many more experienced riders prefer USS,,. Oriented to this beam so it is a right piece and a left.... The entire arm in carbon fiber on your pieces and you can the! Could use a triangle of timber stability of a SWB a dowel by sanding the pieces. Advantages and disadvantages standard 42/52 chain set but plan on transporting your bike lot! ) here is a real time saver as the resin is hard to find, it... The arms angle forward at about 15 hollowed out ) and bamboo make excellent bike building materials joint you! Description and save money at www.mobility4less.com as with all online purchases, assembly is.! N'T weighed the assembled trike yet to add a lot of mistakes orientation on the well. Orientation on the bamboo well with 60-80 grit paper before applying the epoxy really helped with the wooden form to... Goes with this design aswell into something new has never been more trendy are! Wood ( especially laminated + hollowed out ) and bamboo make excellent building.