jwxr7's bent build thread - Page 2 - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

jwxr7 · 04-29-2008, 09:40 AM

I've been slowed down with the small details. I figured out that I need to get some pet screen material for the seat and I bought fish line and needles so I can attempt to sew it together. I just bought some used aluminum crutches for $1 to part them out for the adjustable rear seat support struts. While I was at the store I had to buy the 2 Raleigh pursuit 12 speeds that were there. I'm not sure why I bought them, but they were in great shape and only $10 each. One is my size and one is my wife's size (in case the recumbent doesn't work out

). I could always use them for the next newer more improved recumbent that is probably going to be made.

MetroMPG · 04-29-2008, 09:50 AM

Doesn't it always seem more exiting to watch the pace of the macro stuff vs. the micro stuff?

That seat frame looks fancy. And I love the idea of reusing the crutches as adjustable struts - clever.

jwxr7 · 04-29-2008, 10:25 AM

Yeah, I figured the aluminum tubes would be lighter, stronger, and more elegant than threaded rod.

I may end up hiring my mom for the sewing part too so it doesn't turn out all wierd looking

.

I'm having trouble with the handle bar end of the tiller for the steering. Supposedly the 3/4" emt should fit over most 1" steering head set things (that part that originally fits into the top of the fork and expands). The emt is .040" or so too small so I will have to do some work to fit that.

jwxr7 · 05-01-2008, 03:42 PM

It's rideable

. I put some cardboard on the seat and road it in the parking lot. I found out the chain needed a few more links removed and the steering needs adjusted some. It is a nice riding position, very relaxing. The low speed balance is tricky at first.

Now I can put brake levers, shifters, and cables on. After that all it really needs is to have the material sewn on the seat and the front brake bridge put on.

MetroMPG · 05-01-2008, 03:44 PM

And a bigger car to carry it home.

Just joshin. CONGRATS on the test ride. Looks awesome! I'm impressed (particularly by the crutches).

johnpr · 05-01-2008, 11:55 PM

looks like you did a great job!!

jwxr7 · 05-02-2008, 04:22 PM

Thanks,
I was thinking about trying to haul it home in my metro

. I will be in town cutting a load of firewood this weekend, so I might throw it on top.

I put the cables on late yesterday and took it for a 1/2 mile test ride. I found out how out of shape I am and how nice a ride it has. Can't wait to try it with the real seat configuration.

I bought the seat fabric today and will attempt sewing soon.

I weighed the bike after the last ride and it is 36.8 lbs. I had to use heavier components in certain areas due to compatibility issues with the lighter ones. I figure it still has a pound or two of stuff left to go on, but I plan on using an aluminum rear wheel off the small raleigh I bought monday. That could shave a couple pounds off, so I'm not gonna be too far off my goal weight.

johnpr · 05-03-2008, 01:32 PM

sounds like you are coming along really well, keep up the good work

MetroMPG · 05-04-2008, 12:06 AM

36.8 lbs isn't horrible - it's 1 lb lighter than my stock 20 year old beater mountain bike!

trebuchet03 · 05-04-2008, 02:08 AM

^^ I agree with metro....

My SWB 'bent is in the same region when fully loaded (mid/rear rack, lights, bottle cages, computer, etc. etc.) - and that's with aluminum wheels and shimano deore components! (not the lightest, but far from heaviest). I do have a silent clutch hub which allegedly is a little heavy though....

The important thing with weight is.... Don't try to save a few ounces on components if the bare frame is the bulk of the weight. as long as you're focused on a)easiest/cheapest to lighten and b)what's heaviest to begin with - you're doing well

"b" typically is the engine

jwxr7 · 05-05-2008, 11:07 AM

I am overall pretty happy with the weight so far. If I can save a little here or there with parts I already have on hand that's great. The rear wheel swap will only save me 1/2 lb but the tire, freewheel, and bearings are 99% better than the old wheel.
The seat cover is slow going. I started pinning it in place but my 2yr old daughter wanted to "help"

so I didn't get very far.

Quote:

The important thing with weight is.... Don't try to save a few ounces on components if the bare frame is the bulk of the weight. as long as you're focused on a)easiest/cheapest to lighten and b)what's heaviest to begin with - you're doing well "b" typically is the engine

That's a very good point. My engine will probably drop a few pounds trying to get efficient at riding again

.

johnpr · 05-05-2008, 01:08 PM

saving all the weight you can really does help, and with it being a wheel its less rotational mass. its great that your daughter wanted to help, thats the stuff that you look back on as fond memories

jwxr7 · 05-06-2008, 08:52 AM

so true johnpr.

I have pinned most of the material in place. This is hard work for me

. Ran out of pins so will hopefully find some more today to finish pinning things in place. Then I get to try stitching.

jwxr7 · 05-08-2008, 10:52 AM

finally finished stitching up the seat. I'm not sure I trust the job I did so I left larger than normal flaps in case I have to redo something. I haven't mounted it yet so I don't know how it feels yet.

I think I forgot to mention that I finished the front brake bridge and mounted a center pull caliper up there. All the cables are done too. I decided to upgrade the crank and pedals with the set off a tall old schwinn voyaguer 11.8 (the set on the right in the pic). It will save me close to a pound and the pedal bearings are like new.

After I mount the seat, this bike is ready to ride

. Still need to come up with a bottle holder, a mirror, and maybe some reflectors.

jwxr7 · 05-08-2008, 01:39 PM

here's a fully assembled shot of it. Btw it ended up at 36.5 lbs as shown below. I rode it around the parking lot a little and like the seat alote

. Have to put a few miles on it and see how it feels.

johnpr · 05-08-2008, 02:49 PM

everything looks great!! sounds like you came in at a good weight also

jwxr7 · 05-09-2008, 10:08 AM

thanks,
I road a couple miles last evening. It's a real nice ride, the seat is great.

I may have to reinforce the seat bottom though. It seems I didn't pull it tight enough or something. After a mile or so of riding, my boney rear was almost touching the frame underneath

. My co-worker with about 60 lbs more weight and a not so boney rear doesn't have that problem on this seat. If it stretches anymore I might start touching. I have some scrap strips of the material still that I could stitch in to pull it tighter and make it less stretchy.

MetroMPG · 05-09-2008, 10:56 AM

Congratulations on the build. It looks comfy.

jwxr7 · 05-09-2008, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Congratulations on the build. It looks comfy.

Thanks,

I found out today that it fits nicely in the metro too (remember I don't have a front passenger seat installed). It took very little effort to make it fit. I had to remove the bike's seat by loosening 2 hose clamps on the lower seat mount and adjusting the struts till they came apart. I also had to lower the steering tiller by loosening the front clamp. I had help loading it but it could be done solo. Still have room for lots of other stuff too (but no passengers

). It'll fit upright in the car but would need somethings to hold it there so it won't move around while driving.

tzietz · 05-21-2008, 09:45 AM

Greetings from a new member of this blog. You guys are inspiring me to make a bike for commuting to work!

Question about welding... Are you TIG welding, MIG welding? On the original plans, I think the guy did brazing. To a newb, what's your advice? I have a relative up the street who has a gas arc set-up, and he'd probably teach me. Or, should I buy some brazing equipment?