Folding steering

[savarin]

I'm adding this again as I cannot find the original posts.
In an effort to get my hands and arms closer to my body I made up a folding steering stem.
The sweet spot is very close to where your knees hit whilst pedaling so it takes a few attempts to get the stem length right and still feel comfy.
The straight handlebars are only about 6" from my chest (fat gut really) and there is 3" knee clearance so it all works.
The best is that its also very easy to get in and out of the seat.
Check my avatar photo for the clearance.

Normal riding position
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s258/savarin48/recumbent/fs3.jpg

Here you can see how the adjuster sets how far back they fold.
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s258/savarin48/recumbent/fs1.jpg

Construction is easy, just 2 side plates of 3mm, one inside small plate for the adjuster bolt to bear against.. The stem is a length of gal water pipe, quite thick as it was what was to hand.
Just use any tube but add a thicker section inside to stop it from collapsing if done up too tight.
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s258/savarin48/recumbent/fs2.jpg

[SirJoey]

Nice work, Charles!

Why the bolt-on head tube, BTW?


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

[savarin]

Nice work, Charles!

Why the bolt-on head tube, BTW?


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

So I can replace the bottom head bearings if they ever wear.
Silly idea, the whole bike has worn (rusted, in a land where it dont rain) so I cant see me replacing them.

[SirJoey]

So I can replace the bottom head bearings if they ever wear.
Silly idea...Nah, just a little cautious forsight, IMO. :)


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