My First Build

[back2life]

I have 2 complete 18speed 26" bikes a 20" wheel and a eruopean 24" very thin racing wheel. I am in the process of getting the tubing hopefully this month sometim. meanwhile i am going to break down the bikes so i can learn better on how they work.

i do have a question. i just played the video on the lr does it have reverse or did i just not see the other side foot pushing off. if thats right yee haw.

the loadable box on the back the plans say 20" if i bunped it up to 26 how would that effect the build and performace i want it that size because i use cloth grocery bags and the measure 8"wide by 11" across and 12" high if i do this demension i will beable to put 3 bags across and 2 deep thats my usaul load at the store with a 40lb bag of dog food on top.

Am i over thinking this build i usaully do so please call me on it when I do

[back2life]

The vodeo on how the ld goes is great i would of thought to have a bike that could carry such a big load would pedal very differebtly than a no load bike but it looked like you didnt have to exert yourself that much to get it going.

one more thing Brad Koolkat do you do the web as a full time job or is it a side line. either way you two are doing a grat job and i am looking forward to many more kool plans in the working.

could you write up a thread on some of the ideas you have we all could chime in and design it together. since i came up with this idea i only ask fo 145% of thesales. that sounds reasonable doesnt it? LOL LOL HEHEHE

[AtomicZombie]

Thanks!

We actually do technical stuff, but the bikes do keep me sane.

Brad

[back2life]

they have a class at the college and its called beginning MIG welding is that simular to flux/core or should i ask if they could do only flux/core i know mig needs a tank of gas. Is there much difference between the two?

[gbbwolf]

Mig welding class would be great for you.
Flux core is just mig welding without the gas, the flux is just for outdoor welding, gas blows away when outside, so they use flux to TRY and make up for no sheilding gas.

Welds look much better done indoors with a mig welder with gas.

Hope this helps.
Nelson

[SirJoey]

....but the bikes do keep me sane.

YOU? SANE? (snicker, snicker)

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

[back2life]

Great Ill see if voc rehab will pay for it. I need a general studies class for the degree I am going for and this should fit the bill. The only hold back will depend on what all the tools need and the clothing (they require leather arm and chest covering, coveralls, and a neck covering). My father was a welder/truck driver so I might be able to get some of the tools from whats in his shop. He passed away april 12 so it should be any prob at all getting his stuff.

I really wish he was still around so he could teach me but it just isnt that way. God bless day Ill make you proud

[back2life]

MY Voc Rehab Counsilor is giving me the go ahead on the welding class. She just to get letters of approval from my primary care Dr and Psychiatrist stateing that it would not be to physical for me and that me consentrating on building will help me manage my deprssion. I asked my dr how she felt about my doing the oregon coast ride in the summer of 2010 and she gave me the go ahead basically because its a recumbent and wont put as musch stress on my hips and knees.

So now it is a type of a medical treatment. I wish I could find a way to have MediCare pay for it but Ill get the stuff one way or other.

One question do the wheels on the back axle have to be rear wheels on a bike or could they be front wheels because we will be making a hub for them anyway. I have a sourse that I might be able to get 10 or 15 20" wheels but they are all front wheels. This guy is useung the rea ends to poswer his watering system. He live off the grid and uses very little electricity and runs his pumps on his garde by pedal powered pumps. One big nut and he will agree with you but also one hell of nice guy who cares about alot of things and likes to help people who are trying to help themselves.

I am going to put another submission to my blog so stop by and check out tomorrow ill post a reminder.

Oh ya Brad does the LodeRunner have a reverse gear it looked like you pedaled it backwards to get out of the parking space at the store you filmed at.

[Dave X10]

.......... consentrating on building will help me manage my deprssion.


Depression or not... it's always good to have a project or two in the works. I began my all terrain robot (an AZ project) about the time I retired.

[back2life]

I am wondering does the loderunner have a reverse fear

[Richie Rich]

....does the LodeRunner have a reverse gear it looked like you pedaled it backwards to get out of the parking space at the store you filmed at.There's no reverse gear on the LodeRunner. When freewheel bikes roll backwards such as on the slight incline in the video, the pedals move backward, too. The video gives the impression that Brad is pedalling, but he's just keeping up with the backward motion of the coasting LodeRunner.

I hope this helps...

.....Richie Rich....

[back2life]

I dont want to be to demanding on freecycle and asking people for a specifc kind of tire for free and they would prob have to drop it off if they are not close to public transit.

So my question is this are mag wheels better or worse than 48 spoke wheels?

[back2life]

Is there any difference between a mag whell and one with the recomended 48 spokes. I like the mag look better but i am just wondering which one would be more work and the tolerance difference between the two

[back2life]

in the plans one time you sale use 1 1/2" square tubing and then you say you use 2" tubing well which one?

[back2life]

to show you how serious i am about building my bike i quit smoking 3 days ago so i can spend that money on stuff for my bike. I WANT A SMOKE but oh well

[TheKid]

The Loderunner uses 2 " tubing, but if you don't plan on carrying 300-500 lbs. you could use 1 1/2" tubing, but make sure you account for the difference while building. Most mags are not nearly as good as 48 spokers. The ones you commonly find will fail if you put more than 40psi in the tires.
If I'm not mistaken, all of these projects feature a reverse gear, sort of. It's called Flintstone Reverse.

[back2life]

Well I just finished my paperwork 2 start school in sept. I also picked up a book on how to maintain a bike and it explains all the working of a multi-speed bike. It was suggested I read up on it and it makes since if I am going to build one i should know how they work

[back2life]

I should be getting my syudent loan in about a week or 2 that means I should be able to build my bike in welding class and get that general credtit i need for my degree. My Voc Rahab person suggested it because it would acclomlish a couple of things. (1) my gneral credit, (2) a new skill i could do on the side to suplement my medication costs, (3) i could get my phisical fitness class with my riding to school and fullfil my phys ed credit. (4) I could build some bikes for family and friends and get a sence of pay back to my family for all the help they have given me since I got realy sick (5) improve my credit rating faster because of the stupid things I did with credit cards in my 20's (6) A since of accomplishment (7) Fullfilling the desire to be productive (8) And acually seeing something in person on how I am changing my life for the better.

She thinks these are all very important things to people who are trying to change their situations for any reason at all. She also wants all her clients to take a couple of classes just for the fun and neato factors. She has been so helpfull and encouarging that I truly trust her opinions and suggestions. I truly believe she wants to change people in a good way and see them bloom not just her time in for retirement.

If I cant get the money from my student loan it will end up taking me a year or 2 to get the materail together, tools and learn the building techniques. But in just about 4 months. I want it even sooner so that I can do that dream ride of mine to ride the entire coast line of oregon. With my knee & hip replacements you suggested I ask my ortho dr if i should try it. he said it will take about 1 years off the time my replacements will last so instead of have my replacements redone at the age of 58 I will be 57. He aslo said that the low arobic excersise I would get would improve other paerts of my body so it would be a win win situation. I was really afraid I wouldnt be able to do it.

I will be updating my blog as soon as as i sign of from here so I will be specific in my explanation on the subject . It will take me about 2 hours to update. So please check it otu this afternoon afer 5 pm pacific time

[back2life]

I just thought of something,
How do you fix a flat tire on a LR. Do you have to dis-engage one complete side of the axel? Or do you put that GOOP stuff that suposed to seal a whole up to 1/4 inch so you never have to worry about a flat?

I did put an update on my blog ill put another on today

[TheKid]

Just prop the trike up take the tire and tube off. There's nothing in the way of the rear tires, as opposed to the front wheel, which requires the wheel to be removed from the fork. Most cyclists carry one or two spare tubes. Just replace the tube, and fix the one that went flat when you get home. That becomes the spare tube. It's a lot easier than fixing a flat on the road.

[trikeman]

Its not only a lot easier to fix a flat tube when you get home, but more importantly its usually POSSIBLE. I learned the lesson of carrying a spare tube when I had a flat away from home, and could not fix the tube, because it was leaking where the valve stem went into the tube body. That is a very common leak and you can almost never fix it right.

[back2life]

I told you all a couple of days ago I was quitting smoking to pay for the bike. Well yesterday I got some cash from a brother for doing some computer work and went immediately to harbor feight and baought a brush a chipping hammer and some drill bits. I spent the money as fast as I could so I wouldnt talk myself into buy some damned smokes. It is now 4 days no cigs

[SirJoey]

...It is now 4 days no cigs

WTG, B2L! Hang in there! It'll get easier in time. Just keep reminding yourself of how much more stuff
you can buy for your new hobby, with the money you were previously wasting to help destroy your health!

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

[trikeman]

Nice move B2L. Keep it up.

[back2life]

AAAGH I WANT A DAMN CIGARETTE AND I WANT IT NOW!!!!!!!!!!

but no more

[Richie Rich]

Whenver the craving hits you, visualize yourself taking a 5-dollar bill out of your pocket and lighting it on fire. It's the same thing.

Hang in there, bud. You've got a GIANT support group here with you...!!

<RR>
.

[back2life]

I am putting together my list of material and stuff I need for my build I have found the websited the bearing store but thats were I get confused. Which of these damn bearing do I buy
http://www.thebigbearingstore.com/servlet/Categories

are these even the right ones they dont quite look like the ones in the plans but I could be wrong

[trikeman]

Assuming you are using a 5/8" axle, you want these bearings

http://www.thebigbearingstore.com/servlet/the-66/5-fdsh-8%22-Pressed-Steel-Pillow/Detail

[TheKid]

Or these for 3/4" axle

http://www.thebigbearingstore.com/servlet/the-65/3-fdsh-4%22-Pressed-Steel-Pillow/Detail

[easyped]

You live in Salem?

I told you all a couple of days ago I was quitting smoking to pay for the bike. Well yesterday I got some cash from a brother for doing some computer work and went immediately to harbor feight and baought a brush a chipping hammer and some drill bits. I spent the money as fast as I could so I wouldnt talk myself into buy some damned smokes. It is now 4 days no cigs

[back2life]

Yes I do live in Salem , Oregon

[easyped]

I grew up in Springfield. If it weren't for the great outdoors I think I would'a jumped off a bridge :eek:

We have lived in Ohio for the last 20 years, kind of boring but got to experience the Amish and lightening bugs!

I am retiring back to Eugene, the recumbent mecca! Headed out there in Sept to visit family and breath some ocean air. Go Ducks!

Yes I do live in Salem , Oregon

[back2life]

Brad & Kat how long has this site been up and running and how long have you been designing wonderful but not rocket science bikes?

I have have only been on for a couple of months and you 2 seem to have all the answers and keep coming up with new stuff all the time

[AtomicZombie]

Been running this site since 2002 if I remember correctly. The site originally started off as a hacking site for electronics, but I found bike building to be much more rewarding.

All the answers? I only wish! I do try to get the answers if I don't know them, but usually the massive tallent base here beats me to it.

Now Kat - she has all the answers (at least to all the questions I have asked).

Brad


Brad & Kat how long has this site been up and running and how long have you been designing wonderful but not rocket science bikes?

I have have only been on for a couple of months and you 2 seem to have all the answers and keep coming up with new stuff all the time

[back2life]

Well my student loan was approved but since it's my first loan of a new experience in school I won't get it until the end of October.

UGH I WANT IT NOW!!!!

I am thinking of getting a non subsadized loan for a vehicle. I thinking of doing it this way because that will mean I won't need to start paying the loan off until 6 months after I graduate. I feel I need a vehicle because I have AIDS that means to be on the safe side I don't go out unless I am protected in the cold winter months of rain. Since I live in the Willamette Valley in Oregon (tis valley is where most of the population of people is and its a botu an hours drive fromthe cost with one small mountain range in between the coast and me.) The winters usaully average around 35 to 50 degrees. To some people that not very cold but when you have at that time is also when we get the most rain. We only get about 2" of snow a year but black ice is very common. So I feel I need transportation during winter. All my blood work is excellant but I don't want to push it to much. I havent had pneumonia in about 3 years but I used to get it twice a yaers which ment plenty of time in the hosp. I dont like hosp so I need to find a safe way to get to school. Also I a vehicle to get to my Dr she is a hour and a half drive from me, I want to start getting to school earlier in the morning before the crappy public transportation starts. So the bonus would be I could haul my own materi for my bikes. (it is actaully fairly low on the list I stated thinking about it after last winter which was my first winter going to school and it looks like I will have at least 2 more possibly 3. So please dont think I am taking out the loa for my builds its not it would just be a bonus)

I will be updateing my blog today it should be done by 5pm pacific time today

[back2life]

I know I said it a couple of days ago but this time I am saying it after it's done I have updated my blog. the link is in my signature

[back2life]

I am sitting here figuring out how to set up my lights and mirrors on my LR. But I noticed something there is no place for them to hook onto the frame and also how should I put on mirrors.

This is important to me because since I have gotten the plans I have started to notice on how people drive and that scares the heck out of me. I want my bike to be as safe as I can make it.

I am writing up a list of stuff I need to buy for my build anyone have any ideas were I could buy some decently priced lighting systems and mirrors.

I just heard from school since this is my first student loan I wont get my money until the end of OCT. I hate to wait!!

7 days no smokes YEE HAW

[Sparky]

check instructables.com for lighting systems. alot of people there have come up with neat ideas for cheap.

like using interior halogen bulbs in PVC housings powered by cordless drill batteries. talk about out of the box thinking!

also, reflectors are a good thing to have. most cycling gear (shirts, bags, racks, that sort) has lots of reflectors.

dont know how useful mirrors would be. ive never had em.

and i know how you feel about getting impatient and trying to think ahead. but you still have a long way to go before mirrors and lights :)

[Odd Man Out]

dont know how useful mirrors would be. ive never had em.:)

Because of the way a person sits on a recumbent HPV a mirror is almost an essential safety device. Unlike on a wedgie, you can't twist your neck around to see what's going on behind you. Sometimes it is good to see that some cell phone occupied individual is straying into your lane. Sometimes it could save your life. Mirrors don't weigh much, don't get in the way and don't cost much. My favorite is the Mirrycle Mountain Mirror. It plugs into the end of your bar. Good stuff.

I have just started a thread in the gen discussion AO that lists a bunch of safety stuff -- check it out.

Odd Man Out

[easyped]

I always liked mirrors even in my upright days, mainly for safety reasons. Things happened a might too fast sometimes, those quick glances in the mirrors can make the difference between a nice ride and road rash.

[back2life]

IS will be getting my student loan in the mid or later part of OCTOBER. By the way my birthday is OCT 5 I will be 41 and that means I will have beaten the Damned AIDS virus 1 more year for a collective of 17. YEE HAW. (I do except presents especially the exspensive one for the bike HEHEHE LOL LOL LOL ). The loan will come to be about $2800. About $1500 will go to a computer system for school. I have the computer my Mom gave me but she lives in the desert and there was some sand on the mother board and shorted it out. So my computer is a slow irratating one. I also need a all-in-one printer supplies and some programs. That means I should be able to have about $1300 for the bike. WAY KOOL

If I do some internet shopping I should be able to get everything I need for the bike. So when you think of it drop me a suggestion on something you might think I will need. With your input could you explain why so I can keep learning about bikes and will be able to see in my head what you are talking about.

It looks like I will be able to take the beginners MIG welding class. If so when I pass it I will be able to take intermediate MIG Welding which means I will be able to weld everything together in class and in my 3hr lab. That also means I need to buy as much of the frame work and the other parets that need welded thisterm befor Jan 5 2009. The instructor said he is rooting for me to take the class because he wants to see how the bike is put togther.

My brother who is moving because his land lord sold the house he was renting right under his feet with out Milo have a chance to bid on the place. Well thats the bad stuf he told me last night one of the requirements for the shop he needs for his business needs a place for welding and after I pass my welding class (I'm telling my self I am going to pass so I wont talk myself into failing i am not telling myself what the grade will be just that I will pass the class) well after the class he is going to show me how to weld the duct work the heating and air systems he installs. He needs the joints that curve to be welded but each curve is different it will be quite a challenging job. He says if all goes right I should be doing 3 or 4 houses a month in the winter and spring and 6 to 10 houses in the summer and fall. Each house has about 12 bending joints at $45 a joint I sahould be able to do quite nice for a part time job. But I am also telling myself I am not there yet and do not count on it. Hopefully I wont put to much stress on myself and do bad in school and hurt my health waiting for it to happen.

Thanks every body

[jimFPU]

I don't know if you really want to hear this or not, but I would strongly suggest you NOT use your SL to buy stuff. That is one thing that will have to be repaid NO MATTER WHAT. You can't bankrupt out of a SL, and the IRS is on Sallie Mae's side. That's $1300 that you will have to repay with interest, and you may not have a bike at the end either. You don't want to get into the situation when you start repaying the loan, that you have it so long you think it's a pet...been there. Not a fun road to travel.

JMHO

[TheKid]

What about tuition? Don't you need some of your student loan for that?

[back2life]

I understand the money has to be paid back and I am fine with that since I plan on riding that bike for quite awhile and no I dont have to use the money for tuition My educational costs are getting paid by voc rehab a state agency the money I will get in OCT is the only amount I will have to get. Thanks for your concern but I did think this over before I commited to it and I am going to handle it in an adult fashion and pay back all of it and on time each month

[jimFPU]

OK, then. More power to ya.

[John Lewis]

check instructables.com for lighting systems. alot of people there have come up with neat ideas for cheap.

like using interior halogen bulbs in PVC housings powered by cordless drill batteries. talk about out of the box thinking! ........:)

Cree LED lights from Deals Extreme have been made up into some real bright long life lights for mountain biking and on road over here.

Seach in the biocycles net forums for more information. http://www.bicycles.net.au/forums/index.php

John Lewis

[back2life]

I would like to apologize for being so snitty with JimFPU and TheKid. The made some comments that were ment to help me but instead I turned it aroung and got mad. It just brought back flash backs of my 5 brothers and sisters questioning me on just about every decision I made. I should have taken you idea in stread and just keep my eye on that golden ring in my future.

I forgot to say that I was actually asked to take a student loan from a credit specialist who was volunteering his time to talk to freshmans on how to maanage their money. Most of the time he tries to talk students out of taking loans unless it is really needed. But with me he suggested I take a small loan no more than 5000. That is becasue I went on SSD 11 years ago at the age of 29. I was just starting to get my credit in line well I went on SSD and closed out all my cards credit and store so I wouldn't be temped to run up charges I couldnt pay. So that means here I am a 40 year old man with no credit. He said go for a student loan because so many go into default that when I pay my off or even during the process it will actually look better on my credit reports. So in the longrun I will actaully be helping myself at more than one level.

Thank to you to you two for caring and letting me know how you felt it just shows that the people on this groupt care about each other on more than just the build phazes in life,

Thanks to evryone and again I am sorry for being cranky

[jimFPU]

No worries B2L. I hear this stuff all the time in Financial Peace University, so no skin off my back. Just trying to help out man. You have to do what you have to do, and I've been there...just trying to save you some time...

[back2life]

I want to be really safe with my trike which means I want front end light, rear lights flashing caution light headlight and turn signals I can't seem to do a search to find a web site that sells them I always get house light switchs I would like the switches to be lit up when I am on the bike. Please help me out

[back2life]

Hey Brad or any of you other guys techno people is there a website that i could learn more about the eletrical stuff i would need for puts cautuions turning and elect assist motors.

remember i know nothing about electromics

[AtomicZombie]

Depends on the motor you plan to use and how much DIY you want.

Adding a hub motor is ultra simple - just plugging in wires.

If you plan to get into controller building, then that is a different story.

Brad

[greenevegiebeast]

Backtolife, there are some nice wheel motor kits out there ranging in price from 300to over 1000$us. some just come with the motor unlaced in a wheel if you are using a smaller wheel. I have even seen a wheel motor or two on EBAY.:D

[back2life]

So I guess what I want then is to know just enough about electricity is how to wire my bikes so that they have a headlight, taillights, turnsignals, caution light and how to hookup the switches for all of them. So basically just the basics. I am a bit ashamed because when I was in the Navy I went to the Electronic Technitians A school I fluncked out but I went to it for about a year. That school teaches on how to fix electronics. I just don't remember a damn thing from it. All I remember is staying up late studieng for tests I usally failed the first time. I don't know how I did so well on the tests for that rating. I ended up beign a paper chaser and a damn good one too. Thats how I learned to be an Admin Asst.

Now back to the motors if they are just plug and play how do I do a search and what do I look for to have a motor go about 25 to 30 mph on a 20" wheel. Nothen real fancy mine will have to be very inespesive but my brothers could be a little higher priced and his would have to be able to move 1 person who weighs 295 and one that weighs 150 plus a small load of no more than 50 lbs. Mine would need to move me I weigh 195 and about 100lbs of groceries. by the way my bike is the load runner and his will be the kyoto.

I really appreciate you all for the tips and being concerned about me it makes me feel real good to be a memeber of this here community and I haven't even start the build on my bike just in the planning stages.

BLESS YOU ALL