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.
Thanks Bob!!!
Homebuilder's Gallery (the link works now!)
Paul Walters' |
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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:
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