Robert's Comfy Bikes
I am happy to share my recumbent building experiences. Just drop me a line on robxv1101@yahoo.com
All my bikes are from recycled “wedgies”. My first project was a tandem as we are getting on with age and wanted to ride a bit closer together to give each other a bit of pedal power.
It is a SWB with 40x80 mild steel tube frame that separates in two. It has independent drives with the brake cable split.
It fits neatly in the car boot as the handle bars also fold with quick releases. The bike is on the heavier side so I have made another one a bit lighter.
I have improved the design of the prototype tandem by using 11/2in dia chromoly tube. It separates with one S&S coupling and a sleeve with a tightening bolt. it is SWB with front wheel drive and removable seats. It weighs 27kg and folds very neatly in the car boot.
I “caught a bug” and built also a few folders from old folding bikes I collected at the trash & treasure markets.
I like portability and FWD just suits this purpose very well.
My son got converted to bents and he inspired me to build a chopper “Easy Rider” style. So I did cut old racing 'wedgie' frames and have built two choppers. One is direct drive with BMX free wheel sprocket and another with friction drive.
I used Honda GX31 motors. They do give a push up hill. They are not cheap but the best on the market as they use unleaded petrol and are easy to maintain and repair.
Peter Wilson started a low rider out of metal bed frame, but gave up on the project. I have finished it and it is a very fast bike as we tried it on the velodrome.
I have also converted an electric “wedgie” into a chopper bent just for fun. It is a friction type with a 24v motor. I have added gears just in case the battery goes flat on the road. The bent feels and rides like a motorcycle.
I have completed a LWB separable touring bent based on the Wilkinson motorcycle circa 1910. It is made of four old bikes frames. It separates with 2 parallel sleeves and plumber's union coupling. The cost of this separating mechanism is nil in comparison to S&S couplings that are AUS$250 each. The handlebars are from a low rider bike. The rear air shock by “Cane Creek” is the most expensive item. I bought it in New Jersey a few years ago on special for AUS$200. This is the most comfortable bent I have built to date and ideal for long distance touring.
By now I was really “hooked” on replicating vintage motorcycles in the recumbent style. This Wilkinson 1910 replica will be exact, I hope. But it will be a recumbent with power assist using Honda GX31 and independent drive gears, and simulated 4 cylinder motorcycle engine just for fun.
It took me a while to complete this complex project. But it was worth the challenge. The replica recumbent style rides well and with Honda GX31 power assist any hills can be conquerred. The 4 cylinder “dummy” engine is there just for fun so are genuine Lucas type carbide lamps. The 7 gears are Nexus type and the rear leaf springs come from a 1940’s Morris Minor.
My next challenge is a USA 1911 Militaire motorcycle replica in a recumbent style. It may not be exact as the Wilkinson as it has hub steering mechanism that is complext to construct and the steering angle is limited.
I decided to build another replica, this time of a Militaire year 1911 USA motorcycle in a recumbent style. But I have been persuaded by my friend and recumbent rider George D to have a look at Python website by J’rgen Mages http://www.python-lowracer.de/. I got hooked on the challenge not only to build this very appealing recumbent but also on the challenge to learn to ride it. I have just built one with minor modifications. I like portability of all my bikes and also have made this one folding. I will paint it and add all the necessary accessories soon. As so many other Python builders, I found learning to ride it more challenging then building it. I have still a long way to go to attain the 'Zen' feeling, but I am getting better every day and an enjoying the experience.
I did master the Python but I did not feel confident to ride on it in traffic, so I converted it to 'above steer'. The ride is not the same but it is much safer in uncertain road situations. And this bicycle (named Militaire) is now convertible to both configurations and is still foldable.
While thinking about a new project, I helped a few of my colleagues and fellow VicHPV members with building their creations.
The two photos below are Ludo’s bikes. They are probably the cheapest bents in Australia and very reliable.
Chris A. decided to beat his own record at Audax races by designing this very fast low racer. It was an easy and simple welding job. Below is his bike
Below is Adrian G. He fell in love with recumbents when on our “Be Spon” ride along The Bay trail. He enjoyed my LWB Wilkinson so much that we have built a similar one. He enjoys the big seat and the attention from onlookers.
This is my first “under-steer” bent made from 1970’s Repco folder. It is very comfortable, as this is probably the best ergonomical design of a recumbent. I have reversed the front fork to avoid making chain pulleys. Because of its looks I named it “D’Viant”. It works well, although the turning circle is a bit large. And, as with all my bikes, it folds neatly with adjustable and removable seat.
I have enjoyed the process of constructing a Wilkinson replica recumbent, and have decided to build a replica recumbent of this 1920's German invention motorcycle called Megola DeLux. I will this time mount an electric hub motor on the front wheel and simulate a rotary-aero engine by fixing discarded chainsaw engine cylinders onto the hub. Building the fairing will be a challenge.
Jana is a reluctant single bike rider, so I have constructed for her a LWB foldable bent that folds without removing the seat or adjusting anything. This bike is easy to ride even for a recumbent novice. Jana now enjoys rides when not riding with me on our TandemBlue. She named it 'KOLKO' meaning 'small, cute bicycle' in Czech language.
Watch this space!