axle bolts, steering head, main tube and crossmember

[clyffcarlock]

question 1: what would be the best size axle bolt to use for the front wheels?

question 2: does anyone know where to get single 20" wheels with the 6 bolt disc brake adapter on the hub with the right axle hole as stated in the above question (i hope i am saying that right)? i need an economy wheel, nothing high performance or expensive. kinda like a walmart type/price wheel.

question 3: instead of using a head/steering tube off of an bicycle, what size tube could i use with the dimensions that standard bearing seats/cups could be pressed in?

question 4: is there any other way to make a steering unit that does not include the use of bearings or a tube? maybe something with a grease nipple to reduce friction when turning.

question 5: what size tubes should be used for the main body tube running length ways and what size tube should be used for the cross member? (diameter and thickness please). please, no scientific theory, just what sizes worked great for past builders (unless you just cannot resist on the science part).

thank you

[Odd Man Out]

question 1: what would be the best size axle bolt to use for the front wheels?

question 2: does anyone know where to get single 20" wheels with the 6 bolt disc brake adapter on the hub with the right axle hole as stated in the above question (i hope i am saying that right)? i need an economy wheel, nothing high performance or expensive. kinda like a walmart type/price wheel.

question 3: instead of using a head/steering tube off of an bicycle, what size tube could i use with the dimensions that standard bearing seats/cups could be pressed in?

question 4: is there any other way to make a steering unit that does not include the use of bearings or a tube? maybe something with a grease nipple to reduce friction when turning.

question 5: what size tubes should be used for the main body tube running length ways and what size tube should be used for the cross member? (diameter and thickness please). please, no scientific theory, just what sizes worked great for past builders (unless you just cannot resist on the science part).

thank you

What design are you asking questions about???

The answer to question number 5 will be found in the plans that you bought...

Welcome

[clyffcarlock]

no plans bought, just wanting to know general tadpole trike construction information

[trikeman]

no plans bought, just wanting to know general tadpole trike construction information

Recumbents are made with many different sized and shaped tubes. Without knowing more about the design you have in mind, what weight you want to carry, whether you want to use mild steel, aluminum, or chromo, round or square, etc. its pretty hard to give you an answer on what size tubing you should use. The most commonly used tube on this site is 1.5" 16 ga mild steel. There are many threads in the forum discussing the pros and cons of this. I think some time spent reading old posts is very worthwhile.

As far as not using regular bicycle headsets you might want to take a look at 25Hz's alternatives at Fleetrikes (http://www.fleettrikes.com/tth2.htm#kingpins). I haven't built any using his bolt and bushing methods, and am told they are not nearly as good as using actual bicycle headtubes, but several commercial bikes use that method. The majority of commercial bikes use round tubing. Part of that is just convention, and part of that after a certain size round tubing can give you a stiffer tube for the same weight as square.

[savarin]

question 1: what would be the best size axle bolt to use for the front wheels?
Preferably anything over 14mm dia. depends upon the size of the wheel hubs.
12mm and under is a bit weak.
question 2: does anyone know where to get single 20" wheels with the 6 bolt disc brake adapter on the hub with the right axle hole as stated in the above question (i hope i am saying that right)? i need an economy wheel, nothing high performance or expensive. kinda like a walmart type/price wheel.
No,but Bitax sell the hubs with 20mm axles, just lace them onto your own rims
question 3: instead of using a head/steering tube off of an bicycle, what size tube could i use with the dimensions that standard bearing seats/cups could be pressed in?
Get a set of bearing cups and measure them. I've found some bike cross bars are the correct size.
question 4: is there any other way to make a steering unit that does not include the use of bearings or a tube? maybe something with a grease nipple to reduce friction when turning.
Check out http://www.fleettrikes.com/tthindex.htm go to kingpins

question 5: what size tubes should be used for the main body tube running length ways and what size tube should be used for the cross member? (diameter and thickness please). please, no scientific theory, just what sizes worked great for past builders (unless you just cannot resist on the science part).

thank you

Personally I wouldnt go below 40mm dia for main frame and cross member. Its ok to go larger. thickness - I can only get 1.9mm locally so thats what I use. Again, thicker can be used but it gets heavier fast.

[clyffcarlock]

i saw a 20" wheel on ebay with the six hole axle for disc brakes, but i do not know the axle size. i emailed the seller and have yet to get a response. when i receive an answer i will spread the word. the link is

http://cgi.ebay.com/BICYCLE-BIKE-20-FRONT-WHEEL-DISC-ALLOY-36-SPOKE-NEW_W0QQitemZ400070165483QQcmdZViewItemQQptZCyclin g_Parts_Accessories?hash=item5d260a43eb&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

it is $39.97 free shipping and handling. if the axle is smaller than 14 mm. is there a way to hone it wider. thank you

[clyffcarlock]

Thank you Savarin for your straight forward answers. One last question: where upon the main tube would you place the crossmember and why. is there a certain reasoning for the distance on the frame for the crossmember. thank you

[PeterT]

question 2: does anyone know where to get single 20" wheels with the 6 bolt disc brake adapter on the hub with the right axle hole as stated in the above question (i hope i am saying that right)? i need an economy wheel, nothing high performance or expensive. kinda like a walmart type/price wheel.

thank you

Hi Clyff, if you read through the topic about brakes and cables
http://forum.atomiczombie.com/forumdisplay.php?f=106, then there is plenty of good information.

PeterT

[savarin]

Thank you Savarin for your straight forward answers. One last question: where upon the main tube would you place the crossmember and why. is there a certain reasoning for the distance on the frame for the crossmember. thank you

I measured a greenspeed then moved it back another inch but tilted the ends forwards.
The main point is to ensure you do not get heel or shin strike on the cross member when pedaling

[nineball]

Steerings heads......

There are also builders that just use bolts, tubes and bushings.

Brads designs are great because there pretty tried and true, and recycle old bikes, plus old bike parts can usually be found for free. And can be built with basic tools.

I would suggest d/l one of Brads designs that appeals to you and them mod it from there, there is a lot of universal info in the plans that apply to many configuratons.

Also if you read thru the posts on this forum, you will find references to other builders ideas. They (some) also sell plans, but from what I've seen are twice the price and half as good.