AtomicZombie
05-13-2008, 03:24 PM
After I finish compiling the plans for Marauder 2 and the LodeRunner, I am going to start on an inline delta tandem similar in design to the LodeRunner.
The goal of the tandem is to create a durable street vehicle that can be used as a real alternative to the car in busy traffic. A front hubmotor will be ideal as well as the addition of a semi open body, which I have already started designing.
The drive train is mostly designed as well, and features fully independent gearing system (24 speeds) per rider so that each can pedal at their own pace and in whatever gear is most comfortable.
The trike will have two rear disc brakes as well as a front brake which acts as a parking brake (same as the LodeRunner).
A grocery sized carrying compartment and trailer hitch will be included as well as a suspended battery and charger compartment so the trike can be plugged in anywhere there is an AC outlet. I am also considering a homemade front suspension system that will be easy to build yet durable enough to handle the 20 inch front wheel and hubmotor. Currently, there are no quality made 20 inch suspension forks available, and most decent 26 inch suspension forks are brutally expensive ($1000+) yet still not strong enough to take the forces put on the dropouts by a hubmotor greater than 500 watts.
Although I am planning an open side body, here is a rough idea of what I had in mind...
http://www.lucidscience.com/temp/dit1.jpg
Since I am not starting officially on this project for a few weeks, ideas and opinions are welcomed.
Here is my list of goals for the project so far...
- Legal (or at least very close to legal) as an assisted bicycle
- Able to travel safely in high traffic areas
- Fully independent gear systems for each rider
- Partially enclosed body with mirrors, headlights and tail lights
- Suspended seats, battery box and cargo area
- Uses only basic bicycle parts and 1 machined hub adapter part
- Easy to make weatherproof body made of wood and epoxy
- Adjustable and strong for riders of all heights and sizes
Brad
The goal of the tandem is to create a durable street vehicle that can be used as a real alternative to the car in busy traffic. A front hubmotor will be ideal as well as the addition of a semi open body, which I have already started designing.
The drive train is mostly designed as well, and features fully independent gearing system (24 speeds) per rider so that each can pedal at their own pace and in whatever gear is most comfortable.
The trike will have two rear disc brakes as well as a front brake which acts as a parking brake (same as the LodeRunner).
A grocery sized carrying compartment and trailer hitch will be included as well as a suspended battery and charger compartment so the trike can be plugged in anywhere there is an AC outlet. I am also considering a homemade front suspension system that will be easy to build yet durable enough to handle the 20 inch front wheel and hubmotor. Currently, there are no quality made 20 inch suspension forks available, and most decent 26 inch suspension forks are brutally expensive ($1000+) yet still not strong enough to take the forces put on the dropouts by a hubmotor greater than 500 watts.
Although I am planning an open side body, here is a rough idea of what I had in mind...
http://www.lucidscience.com/temp/dit1.jpg
Since I am not starting officially on this project for a few weeks, ideas and opinions are welcomed.
Here is my list of goals for the project so far...
- Legal (or at least very close to legal) as an assisted bicycle
- Able to travel safely in high traffic areas
- Fully independent gear systems for each rider
- Partially enclosed body with mirrors, headlights and tail lights
- Suspended seats, battery box and cargo area
- Uses only basic bicycle parts and 1 machined hub adapter part
- Easy to make weatherproof body made of wood and epoxy
- Adjustable and strong for riders of all heights and sizes
Brad