jwxr7's bent build thread

[jwxr7]

i used a mig welder because that is type of welder i have available. It seems to be holding up okay. I think any type of welder should work as long as the user can operate it effectively.

[johnpr]

^^ i agree ^^
i asked my welding instructor which type of welding is strongest he said " all things equal (metal type filler type) it should have the same strength" so the answer is simple, whatever you are most comfortable with.

[MetroMPG]

I'd go for the deal where your relative teaches you how to use the MIG. Nothing like having someone experienced giving you some good tips.

Personally, in my limited welding experience, I've found I was able to get better - no, let's say more consistent - results with torch brazing than using the little MIG my brother & I bought last year. But the MIG is a lot less fussy to use.

As a matter of fact, just about to head out to do some MIGging first aid on the ForkenSwift's control arm mount...

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jwxr7: any updates? Have you been riding the bike?

[jwxr7]

jwxr7: any updates? Have you been riding the bike?

The weather has been cold and windy here all month so I haven't been on any long rides yet. I really hadn't ridden a bike much for a year up to now, so it's slow going. I put in a few miles here and there after work. I recently installed a digital speedo computer to keep track of stuff and I'm traveling faster than I thought I was. The riding position changes my perspective on speed. I also put some small carry bags on the frame and seat back, some reflectors, a rear view mirror, and a bottle holder too. I recycled the mirror from the metro's exdriver's side inner mirror. It's kinda rigged up for now, but I needed something so I could see behind me. This bike is nearly impossible for me to crank my head around to look for cars. The seat has stabilized so I'm not sinking any farther towards the frame. I'd like to get one of those long curved windshield fairings (shown on someone else's bike below) someday.

[jwxr7]

I put the hitch for the kid trailer on the bent this weekend and put some miles on it with my 2yr old in it. I wasn't sure if I could ride steady enough with the trailer but it actually stabilized it more. It pulled nicely, the extra 50+ lbs didn't feel as bad as when I pull with my conventional road bike, except the hills, they are killer.

[jwxr7]

I had to reinforce the seat bottom after all. The mesh near the stitching was pulling apart. I bought a bunch more material at a garage sale for 25 cents so I added a band of material around the high stress area and stitched it all together. So far so good, and I have enough material left to make at least 2 more seats in the future.

[NoCO2]

Wow, that looks really cool! If riding a bent was a little more practical where I live (read: less traffic and trees) then I would love to have one because I have some very slight back problems, but after extensive riding it makes my neck cramp a good bit and a bent would definitely be more comfortable. Maybe some day I'll get one.

But, really great build, I really like the trailer for the kids attached to the back. Congrats!

[laserman56]

Way to go, It look very fun. here is a site that the guy has done a lot of recumbents both two and three wheel, He has a really good way to schinch up the seats

Great build !!
Laserman56

Fleet Trikes

[jwxr7]

Thanks guys

thanks for the link too.

[jwxr7]

well it's supposed to be spring here (just got 8" of snow), so I'm getting the bike ready for another riding season. I got the bike out and noticed surface rust forming on the bare metal near the welds. So I thought it was time I really finished this bike. I stripped all the parts off the frame, did some wire brushing and sanding, and slapped a couple coats of primer on it. Now I need to decide what color to paint it. Probably whatever color I already have enough of .

I need to get better brake levers and a more conventional bike mirror. I'm going to put a better bottle holder on it too. I thought about redoing the tiller steering too, but no time for that. I have too many projects going.