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Old 04-13-2008, 01:46 AM   #1 (permalink)
johnpr
Master EcoModder
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: appleton wi, for now
Posts: 363

pontiac trans am - '00 pontiac firebird trans am

jeep 1 - '02 jeep wrangler
90 day: 16.76 mpg (US)

jeep 2 - '07 jeep wrangler x
90 day: 19.39 mpg (US)

Toyota - '09 Toyota Corolla lx
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Lightbulb JohnPR's oficial recumbent trike build thread

well i have commented about it a couple times and think it is about time to start my thread about my planned build.

what i am doing:
-I am going to make (with heavy documentation) a recumbent trike.
-it will have 2 front wheels and 1 rear (drive) wheel
-it will also have an electric motor in said drive wheel
-it will be ultra low budget (under 50 usd)

why am i doing this:
-I cannot afford a commercial trike
-i enjoy the challenge of designing and building my own stuff
-commuting on a bike is much more fuel efficient and also quite a bit less stressful
-i dont like the current frame of my electric bike

so heres the scoop, i have an electric bike (schwinn stingray-chopper my dad got a couple years ago from w-mart) and 2 victims ooops i mean parts donors sitting in my basement and 1 just so happens to be full suspension. i am currently working out all the details and will have my plans finalized mid week with construction starting next weekend.

notes:
-i am considering rear suspension but am not set on it, overall length and complexity will probably be the determining factors.
-the seat back will be adjustable
-seat position might also be adjustable
-only the electric power and trike idea are set in stone (until i finalize plan, after that there will be only minor changes to design made)
-planing unique gearing idea (rear wheel has single gear, not sufficient for commuting)
-will have cargo rack mounted on rear


i found alot of information on the following site, for reference i attached 2 pictures of his trike, a picture of my concept, and a picture of my current commuter bike.
http://www.ihpva.org/people/tstrike/trike.htm

also as a side note i will be posting my final drawings in .cad format for anyone who may be interested

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