Glaidator in progress

[h._simpson]

Hey bros,

Just though I'd send in some pics of the Gladiator I'm having a go at.

Never done any welding or anything like that ever before so if you are like me and want to have go, Just Do It!

If I can give anyone any advice (unlikely unless you are even more noobie than me:)) let me know and heaps happy to help.

Next step is the bracket that goes on the front end between the fork legs and the steerer tube. Then install bottom bracket (of a Malvern Star) and bracing. Also want to have a go building up a radial spoked front wheel. Thinking of setting up the rear triangle of the Malvern Star to act as a truing stand.

Thinking of painting the whole thing Gloss White, except for the stainless spokes which I'll leave and a few bits of black here and there.

Bye.
Andrew

http://i44.tinypic.com/14o3ke8.jpg
http://i39.tinypic.com/2kop04.jpg
http://i39.tinypic.com/1zcg4dt.jpg

[SirJoey]

Whoa! Some nice work there, HS! I'm real hyped about watching this one, cuz I plan on building it myself, eventually.
I've had the plans for it for well over a year, but I keep skipping over it, in favor of more practical rides,
& unfortunately, I've now run out of room for trikes, so it'll be awhile, but I WILL build it, EVENTUALLY!

Anyway, nice job! Keep the pics coming, & welcome to the Krew!


http://img384.imageshack.us/img384/7131/sirjoeysigmedij1.gif

[Radical Brad]

Perfect so far!

I think the white is going to look great, I really like the white rims.

Keep it coming.

Brad

[SirJoey]

Come to think of it, I don't recall seeing anyone complete one of these things yet!

How 'bout it, Rad Brad? Is HS gonna have the first one since you built the prototype?


http://img384.imageshack.us/img384/7131/sirjoeysigmedij1.gif

[h._simpson]

Hey,

Thanks SirJoey and Radical Brad for the feedback.

Been really enjoying making it. Also found it is a great social thing as friends and neighbours call in to see where it is up to and have a chat/beer. Makes the progress a bit slower tho!

Thanks heaps for your great book Radical. I saw it in a library one day at Narooma (South coast New South Wales Australia) and borrowed it and got real keen to make the Gladiator (think I was sold as soon as I saw the pic on the front actually). So my gf brought me a copy for birthday and rest is history. So thanks again for the book and the site. They are awsome:punk:.

Bye.
Andrew

[KoolKat]

Yeah, I really do like the white rims.

[h._simpson]

Hey everyone,

Thought I'd post some update pics of the Gladiator.

Next step is drivetrain and brakes. Going to try to run a 7 speed cluster and two (for looks factor of course) 8 inch mountain bike rotors and calipers on the back.

Then hitting the gym as it is getting heavy.

You can see the mig in the background in one of pics. Does this mean I've been cheating?:stooge_curly:

Bye.
Andrew

http://i40.tinypic.com/9i8ydt.jpg
http://i44.tinypic.com/2v0yka0.jpg
http://i39.tinypic.com/2mfnr88.jpg
http://i42.tinypic.com/o59i83.jpg

[Radical Brad]

Seeing all these awesome rides is sure giving me the itch to get back in the garage this year! Thanks for the update.... damn!

Brad

[newrider3]

Looks great! Also, nice $100 platform pedals.:)

[GregLWB]

Andrew - I really like it! Clean lines and the top of the forks handlebar connection turned out really well.:)

What size tires/wheels are you using? The sizes and ratios make it look really balanced.

Greg

[John Lewis]

Looking good Andrew.

I'm watching your build with interest.

Trouble is there are so manny bikes to build and so little time to build them in.

John Lewis

[h._simpson]

Thanks for the feedback everyone.

Greg, tyre combo is 205/65 by 15 on the rear. Front is a Maxxis Hookworm 26 x 2.50. You get about a quarter inch clearance between this tyre and the inside of either fork leg.

[wizardmc]

Andrew, Looking good working on one too. did mine a little backwards built frame now working on wheels. Will have black rims, red hubs, red frame. Still not sure about forks. Great job on the seat.
Keep us posted.
Marc

[KoolKat]

Very nice! :punk:

[h._simpson]

Hi Bros,

Finished my gladiator.

Took it for a ride last week in undercoat so if anything broke I could fix it before painting. Went great but had a few things to fix.

I was planning on disk brakes and gears but was just getting expensive and more difficult (and I just wanted to finish it!) so I just kept it simple.

THEY GET SO MUCH ATTENTION! People were blowing horns, wanting my phone number (dudes unfortunately, not chicks), and just waving and laughing their heads off. It was awsome :punk:

So I finished it off in white. Not sure if I'll put some red highlights or something on it yet. I like how stark it is just in white but I'll see what happens.

Thanks Brad for the great site and help and thanks to all other forum members for their help too.:)

Bye.
Andrew


http://i27.tinypic.com/j6lbte.jpg
http://i28.tinypic.com/a5gt9v.jpg

[h._simpson]

Read the instrustions and figured out how to do proper sized photos...

http://i26.tinypic.com/312tx83.jpg
http://i29.tinypic.com/2vxr6eb.jpg

[Radical Brad]

That really turned out great!

Brad

[SirJoey]

Fantastic! That is just incredible! :punk:

I've had the plans for that one for a LONG time (close to 2 years now),
& STILL haven't gotten around to tackling it! At this point, I'm not sure
I ever will, but seeing another one finished is certainly inspiring, though!

Wouldn't mind seeing a few more pics, especially close-ups
of the rear end & tranny setup. Keep up the good work! :)


http://img384.imageshack.us/img384/7131/sirjoeysigmedij1.gif

[newrider3]

Looks sweet! I always though one would look awesome with straighter styled bars.

[h._simpson]

Hi SirJoey,

Pls find a couple more pics of the tranny. I deviated a bit from Brad's design as I couldn't get the chain to clear the centre bearings if the drive went to the other side of the frame (as in Brad's design) with the centre hub that I had. So I pulled apart a gear cluster and welded a sprocket (I used one of the first two sprockets on the cluster as these are a lot thicker than the other bigger sprockets on the cluster; and also because it had an offset which allowed the chains to clear each other once running) to the hub on the same side as the original sprocket (phew!) The welded on sprocket had teh same number of teeth as the original hub sprocket to keep it a simple one to one ratio. I also used an old, semi dismantled rear deraileur to tension the back chain.

I also put a bar across the back and down the centre spar to stregthen it up. I'm sure Brad's design is upto to job as is but I always like a bit of overkill!

Bye.
Andrew

http://i27.tinypic.com/2h896iu.jpg
View from the back

http://i25.tinypic.com/2mhvvbb.jpg
View from the front

http://i27.tinypic.com/13yqyrt.jpg
View from the bottom

[joshua]

Awesome build,Thanks for the pics.I'll be starting on one In the next few weeks and I'll be attempting to add a 150 or 250 cc motor with a manual tranny and still keep It pedal powered also.I may try an automatic engine If the manual causes problems with the pedals.Any Ideas or advice would be great.joshua_fields1973@yahoo.com If anyone wants to offer any Input.Serious Inquiries only.

[Radical Brad]

I just realized I don't have your machine in the gallery!
.... might I steal a photo?

Brad

[chainmaker]

That is one Clean looking trike!! Nice!!
Cheers

[graucho]

Yes! Your trike is one sweet ride. Great build h. Get that bike in the gallery.