SWB single boom recumbent?

[rykoala]

Have any of you considered building a recumbent such as this:

http://www.bacchettabikes.com/recumbents/bikes/giro26.htm

Doesn't look like it would be too hard. The toughest part would be getting the head tube through the frame and getting that part right...

[Jackmann]

Brad certainly has, the "Bandito"
http://atomiczombie.com/product-bandito.htm

[TheKid]

It looks like 2" tubing for the main. Clamped in a vise and bored with a hole saw, it wouldn't be difficult to install the head tube. It's probably harder to align the rear stays with the head tube because of the round tubing, but a simple jig would take care of that. The other small challenge is getting the dropouts aligned and at the correct width. That's a real simple design that looks easy to build.

[n9viw]

Another variation on that theme is the Bentech SWB: http://www.bentechbikes.com/index.htm

A savvy person could use an appropriate-sized front fork, and just spread it to the width of the rear wheel's axle. Fishmouth or bore-cut a square tube to keep the tube square to the fork by allowing it to rest on (and be welded to) the shoulders of the fork legs. The stem and bottom bracket, then, are a piece of cake to keep square to the square tubing, and there you have it.

At least, that's MY plan, but that comes after the Bandito. I only have one more month before I start commuting again, better get cracking! Speaking of the Bandito, Brad, why did you use a men's frame instead of a women's or mixte frame? That's also my plan, and I think it will give me a much lower COG.

[rykoala]

The bandito isn't quite the same. You can see that these are just a single boom. The one I linked to look like the boom is straight, and I think it would be mega easy to build one that has a straight 2" square tubing with Brad's standard adjustable bottom bracket. I might try that as my first scratch build bicycle project. I think my son would like one ;)

[n9viw]

One thing to keep in mind when doing SWBs is the height of the bottom bracket. I don't know if it's bunkum or what, but I've read reports from test rides of bikes with high BBs (Rans Force5, etc) where the rider complains of numb feet when the BB is higher than the hips. I can understand why, and will try to keep my BB as close to right in front of me as possible- not only to reduce the aerodynamic profile, but to eliminate the numbness issue.

Dang, now the more I think of it, the more I like the square tubing idea! Best of both worlds. I may swing past the local hardware store tonight to see if anyone has 1" ID square tubing... and I'm all set to have a spare 26" fork on hand! Hmm! ;) I'll be sure to take lots of pics, either way.

[SirJoey]

Have any of you considered building a recumbent such as this:
http://www.bacchettabikes.com/recumbents/bikes/giro26.htm
Doesn't look like it would be too hard. The toughest part would be getting the head tube through the frame and getting that part right...

Actually Ry, I'm currently working on something that's similar, while tinkering on the Kroozer (KC) at the same time, but I'm using square tubing, & the rear of my frame will be different, too. Also, mine will be a 24/20 configuration.

It's an experiment really, but in fact, it was another pic of that very bike that I've had for quite some time, that inspired me to finally attempt it.

This one will be my prototype, where I'll make all my mistakes, trials & errors. When I think I've got all of the kinks worked out, I'll build another with a suspension rear end. Here's what I have, so far: http://joeywallace.spaces.live.com/photos/cns!9D0D4DF6F50AAFC2!1340/?&_c02_vws=1

[n9viw]

Looks cool, Joey, can't wait to see more! I envy the time you have to work on your projects.

[SirJoey]

Thanx, N9. You're exactly right about BB height, BTW. That's the main issue that concerns me with this design, numbness of the feet, especially since I have poor circulation in my feet anyway. That's one reason for the 20" front wheel, to bring down the BB a couple more inches. Also, I love the look!

I'm actually expecting this to be a fun ride for SHORT COMMUTES ONLY, but we'll see. BB is definitely gonna be a little higher than I'd like, but as I said, it IS an experiment, so I guess I'll find out if I like it or not, when I finish it.

To quote Richie Rich, "Retired, every day is Saturday". (Couldn't have said it better myself, Richie!) :)