home built trike

[XRHYSX]

Up until a few years a go I had never heard of or seen a recumbent bike. A new acquaintance had a bike made from two welded together, I thought this was a strange thing and never took to it.
Last year whilst surfing Youtube I found loads of videos on recumbent trikes. One of them being one from Atomic Zombie in Canada that you could buy the plans and build yourself.
So for the last 9 -10 months I've been sourcing parts to do just that.
what follows is a load of pics of how far I've got. hope you enjoy, thanks for looking, Rhys

 

[XRHYSX]

front axle tabs

 

[XRHYSX]

picked up a couple of kids bikes from the local scrap yard, then cut the head tubes off, cue lots of fun with an angle grinder

 

[XRHYSX]

a few pics that I cant put up (files to big, taken with the wifes decent camera not my phone) but basically I've welded the tabs to the head tubes to make the front steering wheels, the next few shots are taken of the rear triangle and main boom.

 

[XRHYSX]

that's about as far as I've got that I can show you in pictures, I now have to work out the caster and camber angle to weld the head tubes to the boom, I should get there in the end. Rhys

 

[starhawk]

Interesting! I'm not really a welder so for me a "trike-kit" was the only option

 

[XRHYSX]

I haven't welded for a few years since I left the panel beater trade, and I'm no engineer,
but I'm good at following instructions and patient, this is turning out to be fun,
If it turns out well then I may do it again,

 

[Andrew_Culture]

I had no idea you could even buy kit built trikes.

I'm loving the photos so far, very cool.

 

[Night Train]

Excellent, it is about time someone posted an Atomic Zombie build. Thank you for starting it, I will look forward to seeing how it develops.

I am also planning a build but of a front (two wheel) drive recumbent trike. However I am scratch building and drawing up my own plans.

 

[Scoosh]

Excellent, it is about time someone posted an Atomic Zombie build. Thank you for starting it, I will look forward to seeing how it develops.

I am also planning a build but of a front (two wheel) drive recumbent trike. However I am scratch building and drawing up my own plans.

Now why does this not surprise me?

 

[tricksta]

Before I got my Scorpion, I spent years on and off dreaming up designs and spending hours meticulously planning how I was going to build the design, for one reason or another it never actually materialised (loss of job, space, motivation and funds usually). Eventually a chance look at fleabay resulted in a bit of luck, spending spree and morning off work to pick up my new toy.

Good luck with the build! Will be very satisfying when it's complete

 

[XRHYSX]

Been in the garage this afternoon, playing around with angle grinders and files. I think the Caster angles a little too relaxed, Its only tacked in place so will move them about till I'm happy but it's starting to take shape

 

[starhawk]

I see that you have placed the crossbar above the frame, wouldn't it be better to have it under?

 

[byegad]

Looks good and a cheap way into recumbenting for those with the skills. Well done and keep us posted on progress.

 

[XRHYSX]

I see that you have placed the crossbar above the frame, wouldn't it be better to have it under?

It keeps the seat and peddles lower to the ground and keeps the centre of gravity low, that's why the cross bar is angled forward so wont foul my legs when cycling