Framebuilders - Front Wheel Drive Recumbent pics

Also posted in Recumbents:

I reworked the frame on my FWD MBB bike over the last couple months. The major changes are:

1) downtube diameter increased
2) headtube angle changed slightly
3) front "powertrain" triangle reworked with MTB-style forks instead of road bike forks

The result of the changes is a stiffer frame, a slightly lower front end, a little more positive trail, and I refined alot of details that were pretty rough before.

It's not totally done, I still have to cable it up, but that should be done this week. I decided to change the handlebars from the previous "Bachetta-style" bent conduit bars to the ones pictured, which are from a cruiser type bike. Time will determine if this type of handlebar works on this bike.

The paint is all rattle can, baked in the oven I described in the post titled "Paint Oven". It seems to be pretty durable.

I decided to leave the little "stub" above the BB in order to have a place to mount a light later.

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/atkins211/detail?.dir=1cd5&.dnm=4ddf.jpg&.src=ph

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/atkins211/detail?.dir=1cd5&.dnm=dbcd.jpg&.src=ph

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/atkins211/detail?.dir=1cd5&.dnm=46ba.jpg&.src=ph

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/atkins211/detail?.dir=1cd5&.dnm=6c7f.jpg&.src=ph

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/atkins211/detail?.dir=1cd5&.dnm=5fc8.jpg&.src=ph

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/atkins211/detail?.dir=1cd5&.dnm=45c5.jpg&.src=ph

Cool! that came out looking good! How does it ride ?

Cool! that came out looking good! How does it ride ?

Unfortunately, it is not cabled yet, so I can't comment on how it rides yet.

However, the current build is a revision to a previous version of the same frame (if that makes any sense)!

The last version was very quick. I hesitate to say "fast", because I ALWAYS ran out of gears at the top end. This is probably due to the small drive wheel. The chainrings that I currently have on the bike are just there for the initial build, I will more than likely end up with a 60-or-so tooth chainring on the front.

The steering in the last build was very quick, perhaps almost *twitchy*, which is not a "good thing (TM)", so I altered the headtube angle, and while I was at it, I increased the downtube diameter to decrease frame flex.

Of course, the RIDE is smooth and comfy.

That looks great! Although it seems like it would be a little awkward to turn since it looks like the pedals would turn with the wheel. Maybe it would have to be a sharp turn to notice much though. Good job either way, I bet it would be fun to ride. :D

That looks great! Although it seems like it would be a little awkward to turn since it looks like the pedals would turn with the wheel. Maybe it would have to be a sharp turn to notice much though. Good job either way, I bet it would be fun to ride. :D

Lamplight, my bike, which I call the atomBLASTER is, well, a BLAST to ride!

Many think that the moving bottom bracket type bike would be awkward to ride. And I'll be honest, it's just like when everyone rode a bike for the first time (not quite that bad). Perhaps it's like riding your first recumbent? Let's just say it's different than riding a regular bike. You are correct that it would be a very sharp corner to make any difference. Here is my canned answer to the question regarding riding a front wheel drive moving bottom bracket bike (I've heard this question before a couple times):

While there may be perceived drawbacks to this design, such as the rider’s legs swinging from side to side, in reality, these issues are relatively non-existent. During normal riding, the handlebars are not moved that much; the rider typically leans the bike into turns and the handlebars are relatively straight. So while it may seem this could be a problem, it is not, especially after the rider has some “seat time”. In fact, many riders claim they can ride the MBB FWD design hands off, since they can use their feet as steering inputs!

Heh, I didn't think about steering with your feet. That would be cool! :D

that would be very cool especially since ive read that most recumbents cant be ridden hands free............then again the only recumbent ive ever ridden is the trikes where you shift your wieght to pivot the rear wheels and they're alot of work.....................this is probly the simplest design..........plus i have most of the parts i need already............but the steering with your feet was the catch........even for a min to wipe or scratch my face

its mostly straight runs or 90 degree turns here so it might not be an issue...........there is a curvy road with a circle at the end which would work great to train on............but 95% would be straight riding

i guess my one question is would there be any issues using a 20" front wheel and a 26" rear wheel.........the design is more for the same wheel set...........i think as long as i make sure i keep the 60 degree angle to the forks and the trail stays at 2.9" then it should be ok

its a big decision because i wont be able to change the back rim from 26" to 20" but i really like the look of the 2 wheel sizes..............i guess i'll have to stare at yor photos some more and think about it

have you tried the different size wheel combo?

i also might make it single speed..............any suggestions?

thx

well i found some nice rims and ended up goin with both 20" and used the topbar and part of the seatpost for the main down tube (it was an oval tube with a nice curve in it) so the bottom bar could have seat posts inside it..........luckily the forks i used for the rear were the same diameter tube as the seatposts i had..........i just need a new doner bike for the front forks and head tube...........the front piece for the cranks is also cut..........once i get the fork/head tube i can attach the neck and bars and the mockup will almost be done except for the tube the seat is mounted on...............im also gunna try to mount my rear brakes on the rear supports for the seat............its the top rear rails from the front crank donor bike...........im just eyeing everything up right now cuz i cant get my welder til tomorrow.........i should have everything cut and tacked by the end of the week so i can weld it all up this weekend that is if i can find the forks...........i'll take some pics


thx for postin all the pics and info.............i also read some of your posts about the bike and that helped me decide

wow that almost makes sense...............the top bar i used was from the bike i got for $5 that had the rims i used..............lol