convert tandem to stretch cruiser

L

ljg17

New Member
So using the kent tandem as a starting point, would love your input on this idea. cut the center frame support out, to make room for a 4 stroke frame mount and replace the front handle bars to the long swept back style and put a motorcycle seat/recumbent seat just forward and below the current rear rider seat position. Given that the bike already has what I think is a freewheel rear crankset what would the pat of least resistance be to motorizing it, leaving the front crank for manual pedaling?
 

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OK... I've got a proposition for you.

I like that tandem you've got there.
I'll swap you for it.

Your choice of the bicycles frames I've got on hand, wheels, seats, handlebars, all that stuff...

and

You can use my chop and cut tools, along with my tig welder to stick 'em all back together in a configuration that suits your fancy.

That is to say, I think you could do better stretching a solo bike and do not think it's the best idea to axe a working tandem.
...and I'll back up my opinion with my proposition. :-)

Best
rc
 
Well i do not have the tandem yet it is on CL in fresno right now for 200 which is like 100 off of the wal-mart retail +tax.

if I was going to go with the fab route, I would probably go with a full suspension add on, I just got my brazing rig going yesterday so I need to practice my skills in that arena before I attack the custom route.

Until I become comfortable with my fab skills I prefer the "almost homeade" route. lol
 
OK, I understand what's going on, now... :-)

ANY mtb with good brakes should be far cheaper, and front suspension is a real bonus when moving at 15+ mph all the time.
All you would need is a couple longer lengths of tube, which are available in Fresno, to stretch it out some.

Brazing is dandy for a mild steel frame.
Cut and fit the joints very nicely using one of the cheapo angle grinders and a selection of wheels.
If you are unsure of your workmanship, add a few gussets and that will add a bit more time for you to observe cracks developing.

IMO you should experiment with give-away bike frames and yardsale specials instead of laying out $200 for your first project.

...but I'm a cheapskate! lol

Best
rc
 
Here's a guy from the UK that converted a Mountain Bike into stretch cruiser:

http://www.steves-workshop.co.uk/vehicles/cargobike/cargobikeindex.htm

http://motorbicycling.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=52985&stc=1&d=1351550081

ljg17, I don't know where you live in Northern California, but UC Davis has a bicycle recycle class that encourages you to cut up bikes and come up with a custom project:

https://campusrecreation.ucdavis.edu/cms/internal.aspx?uid=b26fd3e2-5302-49b4-9b9e-367527c0dae2

Good Luck,

Chris
AKA: BigBlue
 

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BigBlue said:
Here's a guy from the UK that converted a Mountain Bike into stretch cruiser:

http://www.steves-workshop.co.uk/vehicles/cargobike/cargobikeindex.htm
Click to expand...

Here is a thread I started just over 2 years ago now. At that time I thought I was going to build a utility bike-type motorbike. What I found (and never got past planning stage) was that either the beast was very awkward looking, or too long. You will have to watch the chainline on the bicycle side, unless you want to freewheel the rider crankset.

http://motorbicycling.com/showthread.php?t=25584

In the end I waited until I got a free cruiser frame and decided to just go the "normal" motorbike build route for my first motor build. In the future, though, I'm going to try this utility bike thing again. I can see how it would be an awesome commuter, which was my first idea.
 
I want to make my tandem into a one seater and put a hundred cc motor in the front does anybody done that I'm going to extend the forks and bring the handlebars all the way back and have a banana seat that goes from the back seat to the front
 
robinannhassett said:
I want to make my tandem into a one seater and put a hundred cc motor in the front does anybody done that I'm going to extend the forks and bring the handlebars all the way back and have a banana seat that goes from the back seat to the front
Click to expand...
Would love to see where this goes but suggest starting your own thread.
 
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