Freewheel adapters for 3/4" shaft [Archive] - Atomic Zombie™ Extreme Machines Builder's Forum

Elliot

02-13-2008, 05:27 PM

No, I'm not in business, and I don't want to be. But I seem to be selling these adapters -- simply because nobody else does!

It's an adapter to use a standard BMX freewheel on a 3/4" shaft, with a standard domestic 3/16 key. We use them a lot in Kinetic Sculpture Racing -- often hand-made one-at-the-time.

If this part looks familiar, it's because it does exist -- sort of. It is available for 5/8 " shaft, and for 15 MM shaft, from the big bike part distributor J&B Importers. Most commonly, they are used on adult tricycles, the Miami Sun, the RhodesCar, and such machines. But they have not to my knowledge existed for 3/4 " shaft -- until I had 100 of them made to order.

For those 100, I paid $1276,-. When I pass them along, I include a set screw and a key with each. Then I put it in a JiffyBag and mail it to you. Then I ask to be reimbursed $20,- for the first one and $15,- for additional pieces. (Comments on the fairness of this system are invited.)

The set screw is smaller than I would have liked. The next batch will have larger set screws. But they work fine.

Let's try a snap shot:
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f102/Elliotn/000_0689.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f102/Elliotn/000_0689.jpg

Now we just need to figure out how to communicate. Until I verify that you can e-mail me from this site, I'll check back here from time to time.
:)

Pagan Wizard

02-13-2008, 10:52 PM

I am definately interested. How many in the 3/4 inch size do you think I would need for a DeltaWolf?? I am assuming I would need one for the cassette and one for each disc brake. I am thinking of running two discs on the rear axles, and, one on the front wheel of my build. That might sound like overkill, but, I check in at apx 265lbs and want to make sure I can stop, even if one of the discs fail.

TheKid

02-14-2008, 03:49 AM

One brake for each wheel isn't overkill. It's good sense.

Elliot

02-14-2008, 11:07 AM

Hey, now we know that "thread subsription" works. I received an e-mail telling me there were new posts.

Pagan Wizard:
I should probably leave it to each builder to determine his own designs. In Kinetic Sculpture Racing, I'm used to seeing some truly "sick" Kontraptions, which is a major part of the fun, and I know it's simply not possible to second guess a builder from across the country.

Now let's try e-mail. It looks like it is possible to send e-mail by clicking in the right spots on the forum. Then we can exchange addresses without attracting too many fraudsters.

Elliot

Pagan Wizard

02-14-2008, 01:35 PM

OK Kid, I am going to try your expertise here. I am thinking that I would need three of these adapters for my build, one for the cassette and one for each disc brake. Do you agree??

TheKid

02-14-2008, 03:59 PM

If you use this type of adapter, you'll need another adapter to mount the disc on. You can get the disc and the adapter from bicycledesigners.com for 20 bucks each. You'll need the calipers also.
You'll also be wise to epoxy the screw-on disk adapter to the freewheel adapter. Golfworks sells a very good shafting epoxy for this. I suggest the 8 oz. size.
For the front wheel, I'd use a drum brake because that's what's recommended for using a brake to slow down while coasting downhill. bikestop has a sturmey archer for $43. You could lace it to a 20" alex dm-24 rim using 180-182mm spokes.

http://www.bicycledesigner.com/defaulthome.asp?Main=/partsmain.asp%3FType%3Dkits

http://golfworks.com/product.asp_Q_pn_E_EPX1_A_cn_E_33

http://www.ebikestop.com/Items/004-hu2202?sck=26892429

http://www.ebikestop.com/Items/004-rm7504?sck=26892429

http://www.biketoolsetc.com/index.cgi?id=280515458467&d=single&c=Components&sc=Wheel-and-Rim&tc=Spokes/Straight-Gauge&item_id=SA-LSG14182

http://www.biketoolsetc.com/index.cgi?id=280515458467&d=single&c=Components&sc=Wheel-and-Rim&tc=Nipples/Brass&item_id=SA-BN12

Pagan Wizard

02-15-2008, 03:36 AM

WOW!!! :cool: That was a lot more info than I had expected. Great info Kid....thanks a ton!!!

Pagan Wizard

02-17-2008, 02:25 AM

Is this the disc and adapter you are talking about??

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b392/Boomer7049/505202.jpg

TheKid

02-17-2008, 02:42 AM

Bingo! That's it. It's an aluminum adapter. I strongly recommend a thin coat of shafting epoxy on the threads of both the disc adapter, and the freewheel adapter. Wipe off the excess. If you have to remove the disc adapter at any time, heat it up real good with a heat gun or hair dryer, and it will come off fairly easily.
BTW, you can use that epoxy for braise-ons, such as cable guides and water bottle bosses.. There are lots of frame components on old bikes that aren't used. Cut the braise-ons off, leaving a little metal on all sides. Put a little epoxy on the frame you're building and the braise-on, then clamp in place with a simple spring clamp for 24 hours. It's a lot neater than welding in place with an arc or MIG welder.

Pagan Wizard

02-17-2008, 11:15 AM

So that epoxy will stand up to stopping a fast moving bike with someone as heavy as me (apx 265lbs) on it??? That is impressive. I was thinking about JB Weld, but if this is stronger......sold!!!

TheKid

02-17-2008, 10:08 PM

I never tried JB Weld. I used to assemble my own golf clubs, and had plenty of the shafting epoxy left. Golf club heads stay on the shaft after hitting golf balls thousands of times @ 100+ mph, so I figured it's strong enough. I haven't had any problems with the disc brakes so far. It will also work best if you mount the freewheel adapter with the threads on the left side, so when you apply the brakes, the disc brake adapter will tighten on the freewheel adapter. (It works the opposite of a freewheel on a hub with freewheel threads.)

Pagan Wizard

02-18-2008, 02:21 AM

I was actually going to use a product called Industro Weld
http://www.amazon.com/JB-Weld-8280-Industro-oz/dp/B000ALG8LO

It is made by JB Weld, and is supposed to be a lot stronger than the original JB Weld.
http://jbweld.net/index.php

TheKid

02-18-2008, 12:45 PM

Industro weld seems like a good product. I have a compressor that needs some work, and this stuff may fill the bill. Thanks for the link.

Pagan Wizard

02-18-2008, 03:29 PM

No problem, let me know how well it worked out for you.

Pagan Wizard

02-19-2008, 12:33 AM

I do have a question about that disc brake setup. The pic shows six small bolts which would be used to bolt the disc to the adapter. The pic also shows two larger bolts.....what are those two bolts for?? I don't see anywhere in the pic that they would be needed for.

Also a question about the cassette. What, if anything, would I have to do to mount the cassette to this adapter? Would it simply screw on or would I have to use that Industro weld stuff here as well?

TheKid

02-19-2008, 03:54 AM

Those are the bolts for mounting the calipers.

Elliot

02-20-2008, 12:34 AM

:)
I just realized that I can post photos directly to this forum, so now there is one in my original post on this thread!
:D

Pagan Wizard

03-24-2008, 12:47 AM

Industro weld seems like a good product. I have a compressor that needs some work, and this stuff may fill the bill. Thanks for the link.

Just wondering if you were able to fix your compressor with that Industro Weld.

jbooker

05-10-2008, 10:44 AM

Hi Elliot,
Do you still have them available??? I've tried emailing you and private messaging you, but no replies...
Thanks,
John Booker

Elliot

05-11-2008, 12:27 AM

John... I'm trying to reply to about fouyr messages from you. A bit hectic here right now. Give me your address and how many do you want -- I can ship Monday

Elliot

Elliot

06-01-2008, 06:00 PM

:)
Just checking in.

Two or three of you have bought adapters. One reports that he received his adapters before he even paid for them. An other had to wait an extra week or more because I was busy with a big event over Memorial Weekend. That's my life, folks -- a bit irregular.:D

PayPal has proved to work fine. E-mail has had a hickup or two, but probably mostly because I travel so much and my inbox sometimes overflows with unexpected large photo attachments. So try again if you have failed to get hold of me.

All my best,
Elliot

Pagan Wizard

06-01-2008, 06:39 PM

If and when the US Government sends me my "stimulus check" I will be ordering 3 of these from you. I might get 4 just in case I screw one up.

Elliot

06-02-2008, 12:14 AM

E-mail me your address and I'll ship them when I get around to it -- and then you pay me likewise. Life's too short....

gbbwolf

06-02-2008, 08:57 PM

Yeah I ordered 3 of them.
No worries on the late delivery.
Was worth it.
Heck the welder died, I think the same day I got them LOL.
Hey we all get busy.
Elliot is great guy sent me an extra cause he got busy with his event.
Thanks again....

Nelson

Elliot

07-22-2008, 10:38 PM

:)
These adapters are moving out at a steady pace. Shipped four to Texas today, and Pagan Wizard just ordered his three. So I'm down to 20 or so in stock.

Which means it is time to begin thinking about having another batch made.

Which means... I would like some feedback on how these are working out for you. We already know that it would be better to have larger set screws. Anything else?

gbbwolf

07-30-2008, 02:20 AM

Elliot make next ones with the brake adapters on them and 2 bigger set screws and I will buy some.
I can drill and tap my own holes for the brakes, or you could just have them do half with IS standard holes.

I don't want much LOL.

But would be nice to have a source for them with IS standard holes.

You could sell a bunch I bet.

I know I would take 4 to start.

Nelson

TheKid

07-30-2008, 10:34 PM

I forgot to mention something when using these adapters for disk brakes with the disk adapter kit from bicycledesigners.com. The treads MUST face to the left when looking at the trike from the rear. Facing them the wrong way will cause them unscrew. The brake adapters work the same way as freewheels. They tighten with use, but from the opposite direction.
Considering Elliot's time and the cost of shipping, these adapters are a good deal.

netware

08-19-2008, 08:46 PM

I would like three of these to build a load runner.
Pay Pal?

gbbwolf

08-19-2008, 09:59 PM

He checks in every so often.
And yes he takes paypal.
Very nice guy also.

Nelson

Elliot

08-20-2008, 12:28 AM

:)
Yep, I take PayPal and I still have adapters. But WOW, I'm swamped trying to get ready for Burning Man. So... will a week into September be OK?

E-mail address for PayPal is elliotsnaess@msn.com. Actually, it is better for me to use this e-mail for communication, since I get lost on the forum. (Not exactly a high-tech guy, I confess. :D)

$50 bucks and your shipping address should do it.

Elliot

gbbwolf

08-20-2008, 03:18 AM

Hey Ellliot
Just wondered if you are going to make some with disc brakes adapters on them I got a kid here he works in a machine shop.
He is going to try and do one and see what it turns out like.

Says he will do it on his lunch break.

Then depending on time it takes he may be able to make more.

He ain't shot me a price yet.

Says he has to make it in spare time at lunch then he can show it to the boss.

They allow them to do projects on lunch break, but he says if I need a lot he will have to run it by the boss.

Just thinking ahead.

I only use 3/4" holes for axles, but if I can get him to make some should I get 5/8" made also.

Nelson:p

Elliot

08-21-2008, 08:56 AM

:)
Hi Nelson!

By all means pursue that!

Myself, I'll have to get back to it after Burning Man.

Elliot

gbbwolf

08-26-2008, 03:15 AM

Strike one, got one of these made by him, threads for freewheel hub don't seem to be correct.
So I asked him if he got them threaded at 24 tpi.
Guess what OOOPS he didn't.

So he is remaking it.
Quick question if I have some done do people want them with brake flange holes predrilled and tapped.
Or just predrilled, or not drilled at all.
2 set screws, or 1.

Any interest in 5/8th, cause I am getting a 3/4 right now.

Let me know.

Nelson

netware

08-27-2008, 08:02 AM

Quick question if I have some done do people want them with brake flange holes predrilled and tapped.
Or just predrilled, or not drilled at all.
2 set screws, or 1.
Any interest in 5/8th, cause I am getting a 3/4 right now.
Nelson

I would take two with the holes drilled and tapped (I don't have a tap set). Not 100% sure on the set screws but 2 seems like a good idea.

gbbwolf

09-05-2008, 11:47 AM

For the delays in getting back to this.
Had some personal issues to work out.

I will check with him soon as I can an figure out what is going on.

This kinda got away from me cause I was having an issue with where I may be living.

Will try and find out by this time next week.

Nelson

gbbwolf

09-10-2008, 09:57 PM

Well this was a bust.
Or more to the point, He got busted.
Didn't know he was a drug dealer LOL.
Got 1 part made that had screwed up threads LOL.
But it will work for a brake adapter YIPPEE.

Well I don't need anymore right now anyways.
My next Project is the streetfox.

Nelson

Maddog

09-11-2008, 12:12 AM

I received 13 of these from a local supplier on September 2. Mine are made of aluminim, threaded for the freewheel and a 3/4" axle, but need to be drilled for the axle mount and disc brake. I'll post a pic tomorrow if I can. I've requested a quote for just a disc brake mount. Now that they have the specs, these should not be too expensive. This first batch cost $70 each.

Brad, I know you were going to check on prices for about 50, if you don't mind I'll do it and see what comes out of it. I'm really not interested in getting into the 'parts' business, but it seems like there would be an intrest for these and since the shop already has the CAD specs, additional adapters shouldn't be that much, but we'll see.

gbbwolf

09-11-2008, 02:40 AM

Local shop here was 73 bucks each.
68 for labor and 5 bucks for metal.
Did not matter if I had one built or 100 though.
If I had an extra 1000 bucks or so I could get 50 made at emachineshop.com
Cost got almost reasonable if you get 50 made there at a time.

Nelson

AtomicZombie

09-11-2008, 11:38 AM

Go for it. I would only be doing it to make life easier for other builders, not for profit. So far the cost to make them here + shipping seems to much. Maybe some day if things really pick up here, I will invest into having a few hundred of them made, then it would be possible.

Brad

I received 13 of these from a local supplier on September 2. Mine are made of aluminim, threaded for the freewheel and a 3/4" axle, but need to be drilled for the axle mount and disc brake. I'll post a pic tomorrow if I can. I've requested a quote for just a disc brake mount. Now that they have the specs, these should not be too expensive. This first batch cost $70 each.

Brad, I know you were going to check on prices for about 50, if you don't mind I'll do it and see what comes out of it. I'm really not interested in getting into the 'parts' business, but it seems like there would be an intrest for these and since the shop already has the CAD specs, additional adapters shouldn't be that much, but we'll see.

gbbwolf

09-18-2008, 05:23 AM

im ned 3/4 f.w. adapter if any one can send me links or any way to find 1 thank you all.

Scroll down in thread think elliot still has some.

All local ways I tried here have either been a bust or 2 expensive.

Nelson

TheKid

09-18-2008, 04:30 PM

You could always buy a 5/8" freewheel adapter and drill it out to 3/4".

http://www.bikepartsusa.com/bikeparts/item/01-6778743/search/Miami-Sun--Trike-Freewheel-Adapters-58in&category=search

I made a disc adapter and welded it on one of these. You could also make your own freewheel adapter from a left side BB cup, which have the same threads as a freewheel. Search the threads, I came up with an idea for one of these, and I think it was Sparky who actually made one. The BB cup has an 11/16" hole, so it's less to drill out than a store bought freewheel adapter.

jimFPU

09-18-2008, 09:41 PM

I looked (via the search) and didn't find it, but I may not have the right key words...any help? I'm needing a freehub adapter for the Baby Wolf.

TheKid

09-19-2008, 04:01 AM

you can make your own from a left side BB cup, or you could order a 5/8" freewheel adapter and drill it out with stepdrills from Harbor Freight.

http://www.bikepartsusa.com/bikeparts/item/01-6778743/search/Miami-Sun--Trike-Freewheel-Adapters-58in&category=search

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=91616

Elliot

09-19-2008, 12:19 PM

:)
Hey, I believe I need to check in and get up to date!:D

"Netware" (Jeff) just paid for three adapters by PayPal and I'm shipping today.

"L in K" (Juan) wants one and I'm shipping today.

Hey "jimFPU"; I'm embarrassed to admit I'm not up on the Atomic Zombie vehicles, so I don't know what you would need for a Baby Wolf, but take a look at the photo I have on the first post.

Everybody: I have only a handful left, and I'll need to take a look thru all my pockets and piggy banks and figure out when I can order another batch. The next batch will have a larger set screw, and probably two of them.

I'll ask the machine shop about disk brake mounting, but I'm guessing that this would wind up being a different part altogether. I do have a standard bicycle disk brake adapter here for reference, and I see that the six holes are on a diameter larger than my current style freewheel adapter. Not a problem, but the adapter would be larger overall to accomodate both functions. Is this what you guys need? Or how about a dedicated adapter for disk brake on 3/4 shaft, without f/w threads? I can ask the machinist about any such ideas. If there is a fair chance that I can get my cost reimbursed within a reasonable time like we have been doing with the first batch of adapters, then I might add to my "product line".

(For the record, this is not a business, and I don't want it to be. We have long had a steady demand for 3/4 f/w adapters in Kinetic Sculpture Racing, so I had a batch of 100 made as a favor to my KSR friends. Then, when I discovered the Atomic Zombie book, and loved it, I just "had to" add you A.Z. guys to my list of friends! Same with the Burning Man "Art Bike" guys and any other friendly fun-loving pedal-pumping fabricators.)

By the way, I once had two store-bought 5/8 adapters re-machined to 3/4, and the bill was $50,-.

All right. Who have I left out? Any other requests for this adapter that I have missed?
:)

TheKid

09-19-2008, 01:30 PM

Wow. 50 bucks seems like a lot just to drill out to 3/4" and cut a keyway. Sir Joey and I drilled our own. We didn't add the keyway, but I recently found it's not hard to do with a jigsaw. Still, the time and energy factor may make having them made worthwhile for a lot of builders.

Elliot

09-20-2008, 12:59 AM

:)
TheKid makes a good point. You sure can hog out a 5/8 to 3/4 at home, and carve a keyway also. And on a 40 pound bicycle or 80 pound quadcycle that sees only moderate use, mostly on level pavement, it can be done perfectly successfully. And inexpensively. And you should do it, if this works for you. And don't forget the pleasure of Doing It Yourself -- which I certainly appreciate. And NO!, I'm not being sarcastic. If you could see my life-long home fabrication "rap sheet", you would understand how much I enjoy doing things my way, my self. Sometimes successfully.:D

And I have welded up a number of adapters from bearing cups too, just like you say. What I did, was weld the bearing cup to the hub of a BMW motorcycle clutch disk, so that I could drive that BMW transmission with bicycle pedals. Then I hooked two of these trannies in series, and.... You don't wann'a know!

Ah... 40 pound bicycle, limited use. Chances are, you will never wear out or break these parts, even with slightly "shade tree" tolerances.

The reason we Kinetic Sculpture Racers sometimes pay good money for professional precicion, is that our vehicles weigh hundreds of pounds and we ride them for miles at the time over all kinds of terrain, using extremely low gear ratios to get us over sand dunes, thru mud, and up hills that truckers curse with deep conviction. (I broke some of those BMW motorcycle parts.) Right now, I have four industrial hubs as wheel centers on 1 1/4 inch axles (one-and-a-quarter), with maybe 80 miles on them, and they are getting wobbly. Fresh keys will help, but the keyways are becoming sloppy and the hub bores are becoming hour-glass shaped.

Oh.... Have I mentioned that I really enjoy Kinetic Sculpture Racing? I'll be driving 800 miles north to a race in two weeks (Port Townsend, WA), and then 500 miles south to the last race of the season two weeks after that (Ventura, CA). All this... asuming I catch up on my sleep after the 872 mile drive home from a race in Prescott, AZ, last weekend.
Wanna see my shade-tree school-bus conversion that I haul these Kinetic Kontraptions in to all these races?:D

I must be getting delerious. Good night, guys.
:)

TheKid

10-02-2008, 04:57 PM

The reason we Kinetic Sculpture Racers sometimes pay good money for professional precicion, is that our vehicles weigh hundreds of pounds and we ride them for miles at the time over all kinds of terrain, using extremely low gear ratios to get us over sand dunes, thru mud, and up hills that truckers curse with deep conviction. (I broke some of those BMW motorcycle parts.) Right now, I have four industrial hubs as wheel centers on 1 1/4 inch axles (one-and-a-quarter), with maybe 80 miles on them, and they are getting wobbly. Fresh keys will help, but the keyways are becoming sloppy and the hub bores are becoming hour-glass shaped.

If our bikes were that heavy and had that much torque, I wouldn't trust home made or modded parts either. Those are some awesome machines!

lioni05

10-07-2008, 02:37 PM

Elliot,
I tried to email you. I was wondering if the batch had run out, or if there is any left or on the way. Looking at building a quad for next years burn. I think I would need three. Let me know thanks!
Chris

Elliot

01-30-2009, 02:36 PM

Hi guys:

The original batch of 100 adapters is all gone. The good news is that almost half of them went to you A.Z. folks, and I'm delighted that you guys are so active and building such fun machines. The bad news is that what little money I have these days is all going to build my new workshop, so it will be a while before I can order another batch.

You can still send me e-mail, and I'll put you on the waiting list. Or you can just post here, and this will serve as a list also. I'll certainly let you all know when the new batch eventually arrives.

All my best,
Elliot