I finally got it done

[darwin-t]

My first bent, an LWB. I started out with one plan in mind, bought the Voyageur plans and tried to adapt to those. Here are the differences:

-I used square 1" x 2" tubing
-No rear suspension - I had a bike built before I found the plans and just went with what I had.
-The BB isn't adjustable, but I used the plans to make the mount for it - I just welded it in place.
- The BB is on the bottom of the rail instead of above it. I had trouble getting my feet up high enough on the earlier version, plus this way made running the chain easier.
-The seat back is a bit taller so I wouldn't have to add the back rest.
Other than that I followed the plans pretty closely.

I am going to try to ride it in the morning. The only things I need to do now is put on a kickstand and get the shifter installed and adjusted. I have the derailer "stuck" in 3rd gear right now.

Sitting on it I noticed that the steering rod flexes when turning right, at least while it's sitting still.

The wheelbase is 76", the seat is 22" from the ground, the center of the BB is 22 1/2" from the ground.

As for the flexure, if it's a problem while riding I will either install an eyebolt near the middle of the rod or move up to 1/2" threaded rod or something stronger than the 3/8" rod I'm using now.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/darwin-t/finished.jpg

Here are the earlier versions of it

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/darwin-t/lwb1.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/darwin-t/bent0908.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/darwin-t/091013-1.jpg

Thanks everybody for all of the help. Hopefully I'll give a "first ride" report tomorrow.

[Richie Rich]

Sitting on it I noticed that the steering rod flexes when turning right, at least while it's sitting still. As for the flexure, if it's a problem while riding I will either install an eyebolt near the middle of the rod or move up to 1/2" threaded rod or something stronger than the 3/8" rod I'm using now.Yes, you will have some flexing with a 3/8" rod at that length which will lead to control problems. Switch to a hollow tube instead of a solid rod. As strange as it may seem, a tube is stronger than a solid rod in this application.

Best of luck with your new project...!!!

...Richie Rich...
.

[Radical Brad]

Lookin' good. Hope to hear about your successful journey soon.

Brad

[darwin-t]

This is going to be a steep learning curve for me. I'm pretty sure it isn't the bike now, it's me. I tried for a while this morning without a lot of luck. I got both feet on the pedals a couple of times, but then it would fall over.

One thing I learned is that my right leg is weaker than I thought it was, so that will limit my efforts to short spurts. (I injured my leg with a negligent discharge of a .45) http://negligentdischarge.com )]

Maybe I could convert it into a trike. :)

[badcheese]

You'll get used to it. You just have to re-learn your bike balance a little bit, but it won't take long. Stick with it!

[fultondp]

The USS can be a challenge getting started from a stand still until you have some experience. You need a really good initial pedal stroke, a rocket assist (spouse or neighbor kid will do in a pinch), or a downhill grade. When new riders want to try mine, I usually have them do a coast-down glide on a mild hill without trying to pedal, just to get them used to the feel and the oddness of steering under their butt. Or I'll push start them if we are on the flat. You wouldn't think it would matter, but to a lot of people they have never steered without watching their hands, so USS feels at first like riding with their eyes closed. I tell people, "Recumbents are more like motorcycles, you steer by leaning and by feel more than by actively cranking the handle bars. Look where you want the bike to go, and it will go there. Don't watch your feet. Or the tree, or you will hit it."

Most people starting out get all tense, hunch forward, or tighten up their shoulders. These are all killer habits from DF bike riding. You must relax your upper body and just let your legs do the work. USS LWB bikes like yours like to go fast. It's a bit counter-intuitive, but you might try starting out in a higher gear so you can get up to speed in one stroke. I found that to be the case with my Wildkat.

Good luck,

Darren

[likebikes]

Looks real nice, reminds me of my lwb a lot. I like the 1x2 tubing also which is what I used.

[SirJoey]

Kool bike! Did you base it on the one on Instructables?


http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/49/signaturehalloween.jpg

[darwin-t]

Kool bike! Did you base it on the one on Instructables?


http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/49/signaturehalloween.jpg

That's the way I started out, but I messed up and put the bottom tube on vertically instead of horizontally. This caused me to deviate on other points, too. I didn't realize my mistake until it was too late.

I later bought the plans for the Voyageur and followed those plans except the donor bike I used didn't have a rear suspension and the BB isn't adjustable. I also made the seat back a little taller than in the plans.