2016-02-24 (W) Simple Recumbent Bike Without Welding

The hardware store had 3/8-16 bolts but the shortest size was 1”. While at the store it was assumed this would be too long so threaded rod segments and nylon insert locknuts were purchased. The threaded rod segments were more expensive than bolts, nearly double the cost, but they offer the advantage of adjusting to exactly the right length. They can reach through the hanger socket to touch the lower bike frame and the locknut can be tightened on top of the upper frame’s wheel hub.

 Hardware store purchases

The seat was attached to the lower frame. Natural wood color next to the garish bike frame looked like lawn furniture on skating rink. When the frame is painted at the last step the seat will also have to be painted.

 Seat attached to bike

Attaching the upper frame to the lower frame was as difficult as feared. The wheel hubs attached easily to the clamps, which was a relief, but the small tubes toward the front of the frame were not attached yet. Padded single-hole cable clamps were purchased to attach but the hole in them is not 3/8” and drilling a larger hole would likely weaken them too much.

 Sprocket and cranks attached to bike

Jute twine was used to temporarily hold the upper frame in position. It was easy to get an idea of how riding would feel. Pedal distance seemed acceptable after the first adjustment. Replacing the handlebars will be necessary, as suspected. If the handlebars can be reused the post going front the frame to the handlebars will need to be changed.

Sitting on bike in riding position

To do:
  • Buy 3/8” bolts
  • Attach and adjust seat
  • Attach bike frames together
    • Adjust length to suit legs
    • Add longer bolts to touch frame
    • Threaded rod and acorn nuts?
    • Cut threads from one side of each clamp half?
  • Remove cranks from lower bike
  • Run chain between cranks and wheel
  • Construct idler sprocket
  • Test
  • Strip pink paint
  • Repaint

The rest of the posts for this project have been arranged by date.

First time here?

Completed projects from year 1.
Completed projects from year 2



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2016-02-18 (Th)

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