New project: meet Longtrike (pics)

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Stimpy

New Member
Jun 24, 2014
15
0
0
Germany
Hi everyone, I'm working on a new project,

I bought a new, open box, transport-trike on the
cheap, cause the box was damaged and they
misplaced (lost) both baskets but overall in good
shape apart from a few very minor scratches,
so instead I made a long wooden bed for it.



The main plan was to have a 2nd bike and be able to run chores around town
with it, weather permits, and put things like kids, coolers, groceries or stuff from
the hardware store in it; so far I've had it for a month and works beautifully.

Removable canopy, seats and higher wooden sidings will be added later on.

The good. Cool, inexpensive ($200USD), light and nimble,
easy to ride, low center of gravity and the main frame is
strong enough for light loads (maybe under 200lbs).

Also it is pretty thin so it is a whole new experience for me to
be ableto fit anywhere, as opposed to my wide-a** sidecar rig.
(link to this other vehicle under)

The bad. The china-trike itself is pretty crappy and ALL
screws, welds and components are of very sub-standard quality,
even the shimano DX 6-gear system is a POS and the rear
drum brake is bad prank from a practical-joker chinese "engineer",
a new rear "v" or disc brake will need to be installed soon.

Also, on assembly, the holes where the main bolts were supposed
to meet the frame did not match so those had to be re-drilled

This generic chinabike is called or marketed as "2fast4you bicycles" so now
you know what to expect from this cheapo company. But all in all, for the
price, I can live with this plus it gives me something to mod.

The ugly. Everything in this life is relative but since this thing is like 3 meters long
(10ft) you should see the looks I get! too funny; but then again, 5crew everyones
opinion, as if people knew anything anyway aside from being all judgey all day long.

The drive. Later this year I'll install a FWD, 24 or 36V, 250-350w hub
in it along with a few 12ah batteries in the back or vertically mounted
under the seat basically because, as light as it is, this thing sucks uphill,
even in 1st gear.

...I'll update the thread when I do.



You can see a few more pics of the trike here:
http://motorbicycling.com/showthread.php?t=55853&page=2
 
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POPS

Member
Sep 8, 2008
310
0
16
Vancouver Island BC .Canada
I would add another wheel at the back in the middle of the box to support the weight in the box ! EG:Front wheel with stand from a camping trailer that rotates 360 degrees. Just a thought...POPS
 

2door

Moderator
Staff member
Sep 15, 2008
16,302
175
63
Littleton, Colorado
I was thinking that it might be easier to pedal if you didn't haul helicopters around in the box.

Seriously, I applaud your woodworking skills. It looks good. Thanks for updating us on the project. Let us know if/when you motorize it, and what with.

Tom
 

Sidewinder Jerry

Well-Known Member
Dec 19, 2011
1,996
928
113
61
Rockwood, TN
You may want to put a differential on the rear wheels; if it doesn't have one. It'll really help a lot with the turns. Staton Inc sells them. Consider a mid drive with a shift kit to a 3 speed hub also.
 
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