04-07-08
Last Production Spitfire ST24 is Sold
The trike was sold on eBay very close to the amount asked. Appears ol' Todd can now afford a pair of new shoes for that baby.
Last Call To The Tech Shop
Back in 2003 I offered an outstanding deal on a set of Velocity Wheels at 5% above OEM cost ($50.00 ea). I didn't have a single buyer. Months later, several people were e-mailing me asking if that deal was still good. Of course I replied it wasn't. I also offered a free course in trike building using my own shop resources, again no takers. So here I am again offering a free class (you have to be a member of the Tech Shop) with no takers. So to sweeten this deal, I am now requesting all interested participants donate $150 to the American Cancer Society upon the completion of their project ;-).
Frank Takacs At www.GotTrikes.com Has Thunderbolt Parts For SaleFrank sent me an email with a lovely photo of some steering knuckles he fabricated. Frank's attention to detail and quality really show. If you need parts machined for your trike project, see Frank.
Frank's Knuckles above sell for $80/pair
03-06-08
These are updates from an earlier posting
Original Spitfire Building Jigs for Sale
We are selling the remaining Spitfire ST/RS Jigs and misc. parts. These jigs allow the critical frame alignment to build a Spitfire trike. There are several of these fixtures and all are in excellent working condition. As part of this offer, the sale entitles the buyer to build and sell unlimited trikes under a restricted agreement. Last, the deal includes several parts including tires, rod-ends, etc... For more information follow this link.
Last Production Spitfire ST24 For Sale
This is the last production Spitfire made. The frame was built for our welder. He was building the trike, but never finished due to a new baby (The baby was more time and money than he thought). The trike is 98% finished and has 0 miles on it. All that is needed to finish is a seat made, mount chain, hook up shifters and align the front. Plans for the seat are included in the sale. Below is a photo:
The ST24 shown with the seat adjusted to the upright position
The only difference between the production trike is this one has mechanical disc brakes instead of hydraulic. The frame has a beautiful purple powder coat finish. $2450 plus shipping. I last want to mention that the ST24 was our most popular model. For more information about the Spitfire, click here. Call Todd at 512-517-7071.
02-19-08
Spitfire vs. Thunderbolt Mk II
Several readers have asked me what the differences are between the Spitfire and Thunderbolt Mk II. In a nutshell, the Spitfire is a production trike that was/is built by Hellbent. The Spitfire uses several OEM parts and has subtle features (variable reclining seat, bottle mounts, heli-coil pinch collets, etc) that are not included on the Thunderbolt Mk II plans. Although subtle, these differences provide a contrast to maximize the investment of current Spitfire owners.
As mentioned, I am planning on building a modified design in April. Although I will dub it as a Spitfire, the planned version will be called a Thunderbolt.
An interesting BROL article on the VeloKit
I found this review very interesting and noteworthy. The VeloKit is a light weight enclosure that can be mounted on a wide variety of tadpole trikes. Read the article on BROL for more information.
02-12-08
We Morn a Great Loss
Last week I discovered that Sheldon Brown had passed away. For those who do not know Sheldon, he was one of the greatest bicycle gurus. It was Sheldon Brown who gave me his unbiased and humble advice when I was struggling designing my second generation Zephyr back in 1994. Although not a avid recumbent cyclist, Sheldon kept a keen interest in recumbent technology and was a key contributor to the IHPVA recumbent news list. Modest, brilliant, and personable are just a few adjectives that describe this great man. I can go on for days trying to list all the terrific things about this guy and I would still overlook a few. I am lost for words- I will sincerely miss you Mr. Brown!
If you have never visited Sheldon Brown's website, I strongly suggest doing so now. http://www.sheldonbrown.com/home.html
Building a Trike at the TechShop
I'm still looking for San Francisco Bay Area volunteers interested in joining my trike building class using the resources at the Menlo Park, CA TechShop. The Techshop is a public work shop that has all the equipment needed to build a Thunderbolt trike. The shop fees are $100/mo. Please refer to the website for more information. All volunteers are entitled to a free set of Thunderbolt Mk II 20 plans. Materials are extra. I am hoping to get this started before May of this year. If interested, contract me, Rick at trikesrcool@yahoo.com
01-02-08
Happy New Year
First, I want to thank all of you out there that have been instrumental in making this website a success. I took an extended hiatus for over a year and had almost let this site go to waste. I credit my girlfriend Jude, who insisted that I give it another chance. Well when I did I immediately fell in love again and I started writing. For her great support I will be building her a new Spitfire Mk II along with another which I plan to donate to charity.
RCN is gone - Viva Recumbency!
Bob Bryant throws in the towel after 16 years as editor and publisher of Recumbent Cyclist News. Someone stated that his circulation had dwindled down to 1,000 subscribers? This only proved that RCN had become totally irrelevant in the new recumbent industry. Regardless of this callus jab to Bob Bryant, I do sincerely wish the Bryant family all the best. After all I’ve always been blessed with many marketable talents that have allow me a rewarding career and hope Bob’s transition back into the workforce proves to be both prosperous and dignifying.
For 2008
As I mentioned before, I got my mojo back so watch out!!!!!!!! I've got some heavy duty stuff in store for 2008. First, I'm going to finish the design of the Spitfire Mk II. Next, I am searching for local volunteers (San Francisco -South Bay area) who would be interested in building a such a trike. I discovered a shop in Menlo Park that allows access to their machining and welding equipment for a reasonable fee. My intentions are to provide a free class on building a recumbent trike (Spitfire Mk II). My take in the action is documenting the process from beginning to end. Drop me an email if interested.
12-01-07
Resource Page is filling up
I'm finally finding the time to add all my links to hard to find resources. I have several more links to include, but I need to organize it better. In all things are looking really good. Check out my resource page here.
11-25-07
Builder's Support Forum is up and running!
Do you have questions about building your trike? The new Builder's Support Forum is now operational. Click here
11-20-07
As Promised
I wish to thank my former customers for their support in helping me with my partnership issues that started 2 years ago. As promised I have sent each of you a free copy of my new Thunderbolt Mk II 26 trike plans. If I missed any of you, please email (trikesrcool@yahoo.com) as some e-addresses were no longer valid.
As a footnote, the last two years have been difficult for me to get back into pursuing my endeavors in designing and providing plans for recumbent trikes. I have thought several times on shutting this site down, as I totally lost my passion and desire. However, with my renewed interest, I have vowed never again to go back into business as a trike manufacturer, but instead will be using the proceeds of my trike plan sales to fund the research and design of recumbent trikes. I plan to build a few trikes next year with one trike already being donated to the American Cancer Society. Therefore, there will always be a few new Hellbent trikes out there, but none will be for sale from Hellbent.
Forum Proposed
I have had numerous request from people asking for a builder's support forum. I've never set one of these up. If there is anyone that can suggest which software package to use, please advise.
11-18-07
Thunderbolt Mk II 26 Plans Now Available
As promised the plans for the Thunderbolt Mk II 26 are now available for sale! Click here for details
11-04-07
Thunderbolt Mk II 26 Status
As mentioned in an earlier statement, Spitfire XX26 development is currently on hold due to high cost in prototyping. As an interim solution, I am releasing the Thunderbolt Mk II, 26. This version of the Thunderbolt sports a 26" rear wheel and a slightly modified seat (has a lumbar bend). The design is similar to the ongoing Spitfire design, but it will not be offered in 3D modeled drawings (except a few parts). Price is set at $45.00 for the downloaded version. This design will be ready for order on 11/18/07. The preview is shown below:
If anyone has further questions, please contact me at trikesrcool@yaoo.com
10-21-07
Offering Parts For Sale?
Again, I am contemplating on offering parts for sale. Machined parts will be the first offered, followed by prefabricated (cut and formed) frame tubes. If successful more items will follow. If you are a machinist and interested in making some walk around money, please contact me at trikesrcool@yahoo.com
10-17-07
Hellbent will be accepting online Credit Cards and PayPal!
This is big news for me. With the American dollar at an all-time low, my T'bolt MkII plans are becoming increasingly popular abroad. However, to keep prices low I previously avoided accepting credit cards and PayPal, which became a burden to my valued international customers. Not only does the acceptance of online credit cards expand my business horizons, but it also demonstrates my continuing commitment in designing and releasing new trike plans. Unfortunately, I'm also faced to make some adjustments to pricing.
Starting this 10/19/07 the following prices apply:
Thunderbolt Mk II plans (downloadable version) remains at $25.00 USD.
Thunderbolt Mk II plans on CD will increase to $30.00 USD. CDs shipped outside of the USA add another $5.00 USD
10-09-07
Wrong Address!!!!
Oops! I posted the wrong mailing address for my trike plans. The address should be:
10056 Pasadena Ave, Apt. B
Cupertino, CA 95014
I know this is a repost as shown correctly below
10-02-07
Lost Request Finally Delivered
I received a handful of complaints from customers indicating that they never got their plans. Blame it on the US Postal System for delivering me forwarded mail two months old. The plans will be sent immediately. In the meantime I apologize for the delay. Remember my new address is:
10056 Pasadena Ave, Apt. B
Cupertino, CA 95014
09-29-07
Company Status
Regardless of any circulating rumors, this site and company are very much alive. I have a very aggressive schedule that includes a 50 hour + work week, not to mention 12 hours/ week for weight training and running. Obviously, I don't have much free time left. To put things in perspective; the Thunderbolt Mk II plans consumed over 300 hours to compose, this does not include the time for trike fabrication. The drawings for the RS/ST26 took over 290 hours to draw. However, much of this time was consumed learning how to use Solidworks.
Anyway, I remain committed to this project. I can't say when I am completing it, but I will say that it is a project that is still under construction. It will be done.
New address:
10056 Pasadena Ave, Apt. B
Cupertino, CA 95014
03-27-07
Site Status
The proceeds from my Thunderbolt MK II plans cover the cost of this website and for some of my remaining legal cost. Without sufficient funding, I have halted the completion of the RS/ST26 plans. Honestly, I haven't built a finished prototype of this trike and it would be liability to release the plans as is. In the meantime I am focusing my efforts on releasing plans used for the RS24, but with a 26" rear wheel. Allow me to reiterate that my recumbent trike venture has always been a business loss and is strictly a hobby.
09-27-06
Spitfire RS/ST26 Update
First, I apologize for not keeping this site current. After settling my legal dispute I got burned-out on this trike business and took a much needed hiatus. I am now back to work putting the finishing touches on the new Spitfire RS/ST26 design. The drawings are the easy part and the daunting task of composing the detailed instruction is still a work in progress.
Some minor design tweaks are being made so that many of the parts such as the rears stays and drop-outs can be ordered preformed. In addition I will be working with some frame component manufactures on having the seat preformed and cut, requiring only welding to complete. The same applies for the frame main tube and cross-member.
The plans are tentatively priced at $49.00. I will not accept any advanced orders at this time! Depending on my financial situation, I may set up this site to accept credit card orders.
Thanks for Your Support
I want to personally thank all the individuals who sent in their receipts for helping me prevail in my legal battle. It certainly paid off and I am grateful. I will hold my end of the bargain and apologize for not releasing these plans earlier.
Site Changes
I have upgraded my site to handle up to 5 gigabytes of data and some other features that will soon be announced. Many changes are expected in this transition as I move forward. Although my primary focus is providing recumbent tricycle plans, I may still offer frame parts and components for sale or provide links to businesses that offer them.
05-21-06
Machinery Available For Sale
In anticipation of finally getting back my property from my ex-business partner, I have placed all my stuff on this website for sale. The proceeds will go towards my legal fees and paying off debts incurred while in business as Hellbent Cycles Inc. Click here to see the equipment.
05-11-06
Update
Things just keep getting better!!!!!! I'm thrilled to announce that I have almost finished designing a revolutionary new Steering Knuckle design that allows a quick release detachment from the cross-member of the frame. Best of all the design is very simplistic. I hope to have the drawings completed in a couple weeks. Upon completion, I'll send the drawings out to a couple of machinist so that I'll have a couple evaluation units to play with. These knuckles will be part of the upcoming RS/ST26 plans. Stay tuned for some awesome drawings.
10-06-05
Machinist Wanted
Over the last couple weeks I have received several requests amounting to over $3,400 for machined parts and tubes. Unfortunately, I do not have a machine shop or equipment to fill these orders. If anyone is interested in providing these services, please contact me (Rick) via email at trikesrcool@yahoo.com
Components and Materials To Be Offered Soon
I am in the process of selling my intellectual property of the Spitfire 26 design. The proceeds of this sale will be used to provide components and materials for my plans.
Spitfire 24 Construction Plans
I am performing some ground breaking effort on composing plans for the upcoming Spitfire 24 Mk II. This trike design will be much easier to fabricate and will be completely drawn in 3D-CAD.
10-03-05
Clarification Needed
Hellbent Cycles Inc still exists, but not on my website.
09-16-05
Hellbent Cycles Inc. Is Out!
Our attempts to sell Hellbent Cycles Inc. was unsuccessful and I have exercised my right in retaining my intellectual property. Consequently, Hellbent Cycles Inc no longer exist on this website. I have reverted it back to Hellbent Cycle Works. During the next few weeks I'll transform this site to focus more on home building projects. Plans for the Thunderbolt Mk II will be available for purchase, but parts and accessories will no longer be available. Stay tuned for more details.
