Making a recumbent trike
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Making a recumbent trike
Hello and good day to you all!
I'm wanting to acquire a tadpole recumbent trike, but with things being as they are; there's no way I can buy one. So I thought, "Why not make one?"
So far the most feasible idea I've had is modifying a normal trike, but I thought "If its so easy, why haven't a bunch of people done it?" sooo I have tried my best to make an example of the modification. Basically I'd be cutting out the seat post, adding a seat against the front of the frame which now faces what was the back of the trike and is now the front of it (I'd make a frame from steel to bolt on and attach the seat to that), and adding a post to the now front end and relocating the peddles and all that good stuff. For the steering, I'd add new long handle bars that come in from behind that you can rest your arms on. Basically it would be the inverse of the original steering system. So with that all said, would you good folks with more experience then I, weigh in and tell me why this won't work? Thank you for any input you may have!
(I'd include a picture of the idea but I can't post pictures until I make more posts!)
I'm wanting to acquire a tadpole recumbent trike, but with things being as they are; there's no way I can buy one. So I thought, "Why not make one?"
So far the most feasible idea I've had is modifying a normal trike, but I thought "If its so easy, why haven't a bunch of people done it?" sooo I have tried my best to make an example of the modification. Basically I'd be cutting out the seat post, adding a seat against the front of the frame which now faces what was the back of the trike and is now the front of it (I'd make a frame from steel to bolt on and attach the seat to that), and adding a post to the now front end and relocating the peddles and all that good stuff. For the steering, I'd add new long handle bars that come in from behind that you can rest your arms on. Basically it would be the inverse of the original steering system. So with that all said, would you good folks with more experience then I, weigh in and tell me why this won't work? Thank you for any input you may have!
(I'd include a picture of the idea but I can't post pictures until I make more posts!)
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I beg your pardon? I’m asking for help.
I'd like to (as respectfully as possible) ask that if you can't/will not help, that you will not make further disruptions in my quest to get more knowledge on this topic. Yes I've angle grinders, a drill press and hand drills, a small Miller MIG welder; etc. No I don't have a super fancy shop, if I can't get it done through conventional means; I shall find another way or get help.
Last edited by Cern; 08-05-20 at 04:14 PM. Reason: (To add the request)
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#4
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Bike tubing is too thin for MIG , You'd need to use heavy steel for the welding gear you own,
buy a TIG welding Rig,
Or plan on doing a lot of fillet brazing..
buy a TIG welding Rig,
Or plan on doing a lot of fillet brazing..
#5
Meet me at spin class!!!!
where are you going to ride it? I understand it won't go up hills well.
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Hello y'all and thank you for the replies!
Thank you for pointing out how thin the material is I will be working with, as it was something I was wondering about. The good news is my welder is really flexible and it's not too difficult to swap out for a TIG welder head on it. The local tool rental place should be able to help with that. I don't mind doing fillet brazing either.
I do have some flat areas but it is a little hilly here and I did want to take it off-road a bit. I've head that same thing, but I'll add that I don't mind it too much. It'll just be extra exercise
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Any input on the design/concept though? That is more of the concern. I'm sure I'm likely over looking something and that's why that is the specific topic I'm trying to inquire about.
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Post some more posts, then give us a napkin sketch or something.
I think your describing rear steering, which is not very great.
I think your describing rear steering, which is not very great.
#9
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Conducted your own market survey yet, ?
Our LBS gets print copy bundles of Recumbent and Tandem Rider mag,
there is online access to current issue.. https://www.rtrmag.com/
Our LBS gets print copy bundles of Recumbent and Tandem Rider mag,
there is online access to current issue.. https://www.rtrmag.com/
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Atomic Zombie has plans for a few different styles of trikes. The plans are cheap and would be a good starting point for you. The plans frequently make use of salvaged bike frames/components.
#12
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Online welding skill work inspection is rather impractical ,,
you use thin wall tubing? less than 1 mm ?
you use thin wall tubing? less than 1 mm ?