Last updated on June, 2008

Introduction

Ok gang, this is where I stash all my cool homebuilt resource stuff that relates to 'bent trikes.  I'm currently compiling (Yes, I know it's 2005 now) a homebuilder's Gallery featuring Thunderbolt Mk II trike project either complete or in process.   So if you have built or are building a T'bolt Mk II and want to share your projects with us,  let me know by emailing me at trikesrcool@yahoo.com

Bob Doster's Fully Enclosed Winter Trike Project

This is utterly amazing!  Bob Doster was one of my first customer when I started building parts in the fall of 2002.  Bob envisioned a fully enclosed trike that he could use for winter commuting up in the Wisconsin area.  I gave Bob a couple sketches of a frame and sold him a steering system.   From there, Bob used his engineering know how to produce this true masterpiece.  The best part is that Bob donated these plans to my website and they can be downloaded here.  

Bob's Winter Trike Plans

Thanks Bob!!! 

 

Homebuilder's Gallery (the link works now!)

	Göran Nicklasson Thunderbolt Mk I project and resources
	Marco Dorta's Thunderbolt Mk II project

Paul Walters'

Home-Built Recumbents Jim Ball's Thunderspeed Trike Construction Project Vince's Thunderbolt Mk II project Jenette's Steel Thunderbolt Mk II project- Total Girl Power! Absolutely Awesome!!!

More stuff coming soon!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Resources

Need the most recent scoop on recumbents?

Recumbent Retailers

Parts and Materials

 

 

 

Calculating Gear Inches

This ultra-cool program below not only calculates gear inches, but it also supports a mid-drive.  The program is Free-ware and written by Rod Heilfron.  Way to go Rod!!!

Download the file below:

BicycleGears

 

 

 

 

 

 

References

Anything and everything about bicycles, Sheldon Brown covers it all

Sheldon Brown's Bicycle Technical Info

An excellent source for trike suspension technology

The IHPVA Source Guide is a great starting point,

but the information and resources may be a bit stale

 

 

 

Calculating Ackerman Steering compensation

Many Thanks to Peter Eland of Velovision for his excellent spreadsheet that calculates the geometry angles for Ackerman compensation.  I used it recently and I stand by the excellent results.  Throughout the Thunderbolt plans I mention Peter's spreadsheet.  Below is where you will find it. 

http://www.eland.org.uk/steering.html

 

Recumbent Trike Design 101

Introduction

Whether you are new to recumbent trikes or not, this is a must read.  I started this document several years ago while taking a hiatus from Practical Innovations.  Over the years, I have made several updates, corrected some material, and added several new topics.  The information is not arranged in any particular order and does not have any hyperlinks.  I plan to change and improve this as time permits.  In the meantime, this lesson is divided into two parts. 

Recumbent Trike Design 101, Part 1

Recumbent Trike Design 101, Part 2