tadpole to quad conversion with outboard disc brakes ( now the quadem project )

[voyager]

Hi Folks

Still feeling rather under the weather but in the cooler autumn air this morning I started to feel a bit better , triked along to get some antibiotics and had a couple of hours in the workshop and this rolled out of it about 12:20 , this afternoon I fitted a temporary chain but I will get some more ( 3 more ) chains to replace the original as it is too short with the change in chainwheels .

The wheelbase is EXACTLY the same as it was as a trike ( to keep the ackermann steering geometry correct ) and despite looking longer is actually 3 inches shorter than it was before the conversion .
When I feel better I will thrash it around the block

regards emma

 

[voyager]

Replacement chain set sourced and resprayed 28-38-48 linked with the DNP 7 speed freewheel will give me 17" - 87" gears , now I only need the legs to use them .

Next stage before the test ride is fit the lot - recheck the gears and then the wait is over ......................

who know maybe Monday or Tuesday ?

regards emma

 

[voyager]

23:30 and the chain set is fitted and the front mech set up - only leaves the chains ( ALL 3 OF THEM ) to join together , measure and fit .

now its time for bed --- I must be mad ( comments please only on a £5 note and posted directly to me )

regards all

emma

 

[classic33]

Managed to buy my chain off the reel, in one piece, as opposed to joining three chains.

 

[voyager]

@classic33

have you got a link to a UK supplier ?

regards emma

 

[classic33]

@classic33

have you got a link to a UK supplier ?

regards emma

It was the first time they'd had a request for a 16 foot long bike chain. But they bought a reel of it, so the joins could be kept to a minimum.
http://bike-shed.com/

 

[mickle]

So... What's to stop it cooking a wheel, aside from frame flex?

 

[voyager]

Frame flex is " Torsion bar suspension " we just need to see how much flex we have ,

 

[voyager]

Chain etc fitted and the frame flex is only 20mm and a tad more with a rider the lack of flex is probably exaggerated by the central seating position
but this seating position is exactly the same as the wheelbase on the original trike ,
With more weight than a 170 lb rider I think it would be okay and I am unable to check until I find a mug ( oops persion ) to stand on the rear whilst I ride it around the block .

So next stage is

contemplating and fixing

but

TBH it rides very well except when the wheel is not in contact over undulating ground

I wont be beaten

regards emma

 

[mickle]

Is it one wheel drive?

 

[voyager]

That the problem when the drive wheel is not on the ground , other than that its fine , I have some Eastern Burnouts 20x 2.1 semi balloon tyres to fit they will run at 35psi , are low resistance and a larger profile and might help other than that I will build a new front to fit the modified back - after all it is a prototype and its all in the learning curve

Alternatively a sprag clutch fitted into a modified free hub will give it a second wheel drive but stoll allow a free wheel action on corners

regards emma

 

[mickle]

Or make it the ultimate Ltd Split Diff and run a solid axle like an old Nash!

Actually, I've got a trike rear end with a diff in it going spare...

 

[voyager]

Or make it the ultimate Ltd Split Diff and run a solid axle like an old Nash!

Actually, I've got a trike rear end with a diff in it going spare...

@mickle . Thanks l could be interested in that please PM me a price and description

Live back axle and no diff could make turns a little awkward with extended tyre wear but it would stop the lack of traction moments

regards emma

 

[classic33]

Question with regards the axle placement. Why above the main frame, and does it place any extra stress on the axle?

 

[voyager]

@classic33
@mickle


Mr Reaper

John said it would be ok .. Placement was to keep the existing pivot point , and to ensure that the caster angle of the front head tubes remain at 75 degrees ,
this as said earlier was an experiment and prototype and somehow I did not expect a miracle and it work first time , it still is and was a great learning curve and worthy of a bit more playing before it gets passed by .( Complete redesign ).. Current thoughts are of course 2wd ,

Hopefully Mickle will come back to me with P & D or alternatively we will design a 2wd with sprag clutches fitted in the rear hubs .

There are still many options open to me and I have been in contact with some of the BHPV guys on facebook for a little advice on weight loading etc , their solutions on bits are OK for a racing team ( that are in full time paid employment ) but a pensioner with time on her hands and a shoe string budget are prohibitive .

In the last few years ( retired now for just 3 years ) I have in addition to being a carer for mum learnt a lot about design , and welding and feel quite pleased with myself ( the e-trike family i have designed and built ) and a big big bonus point is my health has also improved with the exercise

Maybe the idea of a SWB quad has its own "little opportunities " and either needs the chassis redesigning to allow a longer wheelbase rather than a long wheelbase with its characteristic handling problems and large turning circle

regards emma