Deconstruction of one bike was necessary and that was mostly done last week. Some parts still need trimming but DEconstruction is done. CONstruction was started by building a seat. The seat doesn’t really seem like the logical place to start, more of a detail, but when it comes to determining the positions of the handlebars and pedals the seat should already be in place so there is a starting point. The first attempt at a seat was PVC tubes on 1/4" (18.75mm) threaded rods. The shape was good but the rods were too flexible. Larger rods would have gotten heavy so the design was scrapped.
The next day a design was sketched out for a wooden seat and parts were purchased. The design relied on some metal parts for reinforcement but was really just a couple slabs of wood holding dowels.
Angle braces were purchased to make a seat bracket. The brackets were arranged so they would tighten on a 1/4" (20mm would work well) rod which could be clamped by the seat post.
Some ordinary 1x2 lumber and dowels were purchased along with some foam padding which would fit over the dowels. The wood was all cut to length according to the sketch and the hardware was used to assemble everything into a seat that kind of looked like lawn furniture. This model was significantly stronger than the PVC version.
Hardware for attaching the bike frames was lost so new hardware had to be purchased. Hardware for attaching the upper frame had not been purchased at all. Two analogs, things with the same diameter, were picked up around my apartment and brought to the store so I could find clamps that would fit.
Purchased hardware was attached to the bike frames and fit well. The bikes frames were laid on their sides and the hardware pieces were attached so the frames could be arranged into a ridable configuration. Nothing was tightened yet.
The seat was attached to the bike and the pedal arrangement was checked. It fit well and was reasonably comfortable. The seat would not be suitable for long periods but it can be covered with ordinary cushions. The upper bike frame was held in place with twine for this test. Twine is not part of the final design. Shocking I know.
Attaching the old wheel sockets was not a problem but attaching the rest of the frame has proven difficult. Again, it is important to me that the frame doesn’t get drilled because holes would weaken it and considerable force may be applied through these tubes. Wide braces were purchased with the hope of connecting the frames together. This hardware didn’t work. The frames were not firm, they would wobble.
More care will have to be taken when arranging the pedals for final installation. If the pedals are too low they will interfere with the front wheel.
The rest of the weekly summaries have been arranged by date.
First time here?
Completed projects from year 1
Completed projects from year 2
Disclaimer for http://24hourengineer.blogspot.com/
This disclaimer must be intact and whole. This disclaimer must be included if a project is distributed.
All information in this blog, or linked by this blog, are not to be taken as advice or solicitation. Anyone attempting to replicate, in whole or in part, is responsible for the outcome and procedure. Any loss of functionality, money, property or similar, is the responsibility of those involved in the replication.
All digital communication regarding the email address 24hourengineer@gmail.com becomes the intellectual property of Brian McEvoy. Any information contained within these messages may be distributed or retained at the discretion of Brian McEvoy. Any email sent to this address, or any email account owned by Brian McEvoy, cannot be used to claim property or assets.
Comments to the blog may be utilized or erased at the discretion of the owner. No one posting may claim claim property or assets based on their post.
This blog, including pictures and text, is copyright to Brian McEvoy.
Failed seat materials
The next day a design was sketched out for a wooden seat and parts were purchased. The design relied on some metal parts for reinforcement but was really just a couple slabs of wood holding dowels.
Sketch for wooden seat design
Angle braces were purchased to make a seat bracket. The brackets were arranged so they would tighten on a 1/4" (20mm would work well) rod which could be clamped by the seat post.
Flat seat bracket made from angle braces
Some ordinary 1x2 lumber and dowels were purchased along with some foam padding which would fit over the dowels. The wood was all cut to length according to the sketch and the hardware was used to assemble everything into a seat that kind of looked like lawn furniture. This model was significantly stronger than the PVC version.
Wooden bike seat
Hardware for attaching the bike frames was lost so new hardware had to be purchased. Hardware for attaching the upper frame had not been purchased at all. Two analogs, things with the same diameter, were picked up around my apartment and brought to the store so I could find clamps that would fit.
Store purchases next to analogs
Purchased hardware was attached to the bike frames and fit well. The bikes frames were laid on their sides and the hardware pieces were attached so the frames could be arranged into a ridable configuration. Nothing was tightened yet.
Arrangement of hardware for attaching bike frames
The seat was attached to the bike and the pedal arrangement was checked. It fit well and was reasonably comfortable. The seat would not be suitable for long periods but it can be covered with ordinary cushions. The upper bike frame was held in place with twine for this test. Twine is not part of the final design. Shocking I know.
Sitting on bike while upper frame is suspended by twine
Attaching the old wheel sockets was not a problem but attaching the rest of the frame has proven difficult. Again, it is important to me that the frame doesn’t get drilled because holes would weaken it and considerable force may be applied through these tubes. Wide braces were purchased with the hope of connecting the frames together. This hardware didn’t work. The frames were not firm, they would wobble.
Attempt to use wide brace and cable clamp
More care will have to be taken when arranging the pedals for final installation. If the pedals are too low they will interfere with the front wheel.
Pedals will interfere with wheel
A rare unicorn picture
The rest of the weekly summaries have been arranged by date.
First time here?
Completed projects from year 1
Completed projects from year 2
Disclaimer for http://24hourengineer.blogspot.com/
This disclaimer must be intact and whole. This disclaimer must be included if a project is distributed.
All information in this blog, or linked by this blog, are not to be taken as advice or solicitation. Anyone attempting to replicate, in whole or in part, is responsible for the outcome and procedure. Any loss of functionality, money, property or similar, is the responsibility of those involved in the replication.
All digital communication regarding the email address 24hourengineer@gmail.com becomes the intellectual property of Brian McEvoy. Any information contained within these messages may be distributed or retained at the discretion of Brian McEvoy. Any email sent to this address, or any email account owned by Brian McEvoy, cannot be used to claim property or assets.
Comments to the blog may be utilized or erased at the discretion of the owner. No one posting may claim claim property or assets based on their post.
This blog, including pictures and text, is copyright to Brian McEvoy.
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