Thread: Trike

Hi there,
I've just come in from the shed, having a bit of fun grafting bikes together. I have something of a collection out the back, liberated from the local tip, and have been planning on building a trike for some time. I mainly want it to fit a seat and cart my 2yr old around, and join the rest of the family when they go cycling. Nothing too demanding, short trips at slow speeds, so I'm not worried about weight and efficiency!
The basis for this beast is a women's mountain bike, and the rear is two front wheels from road bikes. The drive shaft is in 2 pieces, ex photocopier (yet to put the cluster back on) which socket together in the centre... I turned the fitting on the lathe. My plan is to only drive one wheel, as I've heard its too hard to steer if both are driving, so one is freewheeling. I'm not convinced, but can always weld the shafts together later! The shafts are fixed to each hub only: the original axle assembly is retained and free to spin. A bit of stuffing about with welding and lathework, but I'm quietly confident it will work.
There is some serious framing to do now, to make a box, the bottom of which will include some bushings of white nylon to support the shaft. Also have to graft a couple of chains together and resurrect the derailier, which is taped up in the middle somewhere, along with brakes.
All framing is recycled 25mm RHS and the joining done with a MIG.

Cheers

Good on ya Andy, no give Al a call 'cos he has the rest of that creation.
See here.... http://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com...ad.php?t=39475

When your young god-slayer is a little bit older, I have seen an ingenious bike device going around the bike shops. Basically it is the rear 3/4 of a kids bike with a long 's' tube that clamps to the seat post of the adults bike. The kid gets a seat, pedals, powered rear wheel with pedals for when they are energetic and non-steering handle bars.

Mum or Dad provide steering, brakes & power when kiddo is tired.

It shouldn't be too hard for someone of your obvious talents to construct - all you need is a kids bike frame with a back wheel & seat. Bend up an 'S' tube so that one end will reach your seatpost height when the minicycle is horizontal. Remove the front forks of the mini & weld the 'S' onto the front column tube, make a clamp fitting with some UHMW/PFTE lining to clamp to your regular bike. Welding the column that holds the handle bars is optional - kiddo can spin his handle bars as much as he likes, or have them 'sensibly' fixed.

Andy,

I'm waiting for the steam conversion too!

Cheers,

P