Early Stages

This week I went to my local printers so I could get paper copies of the plans drawn up.  The plans CD contains 14 plans of 34x22in, plus one full size plan of the main frame assembly.  This is the point that the bike went from being something that exists only on the computer to something that I'm actually attempting to build.  I had one copy of each of the plans printed, plus three copies of the main frame plan.  Some of the plans I may not use, as this version is unlikely to have electrical assistance.  Still, it's good to have options, and I'm thinking of using the battery rack as the basis for a luggage rack.  And the mid frame battery box, which is a clever design in its own right, may become a toolbox.

The instructions advise you to create a pair of templates for the foam core from the larger plan, using a sheet of 3mm hardboard.  My local B&Q has an offcuts bin beside their wood cutting section, and they had a lump of MDF that appeared to have been partially printed as a bit of laminate flooring.  This cost a princely £1.50 so I wasn't complaining.

With the assistance of Mrs G, two of the plans were cut up and stuck to the MDF.  Now I need to cut them out.  There's no rush, as I've not got foam to cut out yet, or any of the multitude of parts I require.

So it's a start, if only a small one.  This isn't going to be a rush job.

Looks like it's going to fit

Plans arrived.

The plans CD arrived from Robert Q Riley at the weekend, but I've not really had much of a chance to have a look as yet.  What I have seen is a pretty comprehensive set of plans, 3d models and files for the sheet metal parts. 

The manual includes details of how to make the bike solar powered, using a motor under the seat and a set of solar panels that mount either behind the seat, or on a custom disc on the back wheel, transferring the power out using a custom connector.  It's a neat design, but I'm not going to bother with the solar version, because if last summer was anything to go by, I wouldn't have got a lot of charging time. 

I've got plenty of other things to be getting along with at the moment, so progress isn't going to be that quick.

I do have my first component.  I've got a BB30 bottom bracket adaptor with a standard BSA thread that will probably be on the front of the bike.  I'm considering a Sturmey Archer or Sachs 3x7 hub on the rear, with a long cage derailleur to take up the tension in the chain line.  I'll probably fit an idler gear under the seat, in the place of the motor drive to maintain the appropriate chain clearance under the seat.

Other parts will follow from Ebay or my local bike recyclers.

Design considerations

While I'm waiting for the plans to arrive, which are somewhere between the US and UK at the moment, I'm pondering the technical part of the design.

To give myself a benchmark to work from, I'm using my Revolution Pathfinder from Edinburgh Bicycle for reference.  The gearing on that is good for hill climbs, while also allowing me up to 30mph while pedaling like a maniac, downhill with a following wind. 

I am keeping an eye out for a used mountain bike that can be harvested for parts.

The front forks will be purchased rather than made.  I'm not in a position to do that much machining of parts, and besides, why reinvent the wheel...  or fork...

As for the back end, I'm considering a carbon swingarm, rather than the aluminium on the design.

The bike needs mudguards.  This is Scotland.  Dry paths are the exception.

I'd also like somewhere to keep my lunch, so some form of luggage rack to take two standard panniers would be nice.

And I'd also like to make it fit onto a standard Thule bike carrier.  This may mean having the luggage rack detachable for transit, and having the suspension pivot so the rear wheel folds underneath.

And lights are a must.  

The blog re-awakens

I'm bringing this blog back to life.  The original motorbike posts will remain, however I'm now going to use this to record my thoughts on cycling, and in particular, my attempt to construct my own recumbent bicycle.

If all you have ever seen in the traditional diamond framed bicycle, then what I'm attempting is going to look a little odd.  Rather than your feet below you, the pedals are in front.

Recumbent trike. Source: Wikipedia.

For the moment however, I am waiting for the plans to arrive.  While I wait I'm having a think about the equipment that is going to be attached to the bike, including gears, brakes and suspension.  I'm relatively sure what colour it's going to be though...

Mrs  Gerbil and I took a couple of recumbent trikes, similar to the one pictured (minus windscreen) for a run the other week.  It's amazing fun cycling along with your backside inches from the ground.  I'm planning something two wheeled.

Have a look here for the bike I am attempting to replicate.

Or go have a look at Wikipedia to find out exactly why you are riding a diamond shaped bike.