Alt Bike Culture - I just had the best idea :)

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View Full Version : I just had the best idea :)

maximan1
09-11-06, 08:45 PM
I want to make a bicycle with a sidecar but the pedals and steering wheel on the bike are fixed and you pedal and steer from inside the sidecar. Any ideas on how to make a steering mechanism from the sidecar to the front fork?

cal_gundert05
09-11-06, 09:16 PM
I guess you'll need at least 3 wheels for this thing, but probably 4. That being the case, the 2 front wheels will have to turn together like a car. This could be tough if you want the steering mechanism attached to the fork/s. It might be easier of you used the handlebars instead.
FYI, I don't know much about makeshift bikes, but that's my 2 cents.
Hal Hardy
09-11-06, 10:29 PM
How about a cable for the linkage like an outboard boat motor? If weight and money is no object, you can also get a boat hydraulic steering setup.

maximan1
09-11-06, 10:49 PM
Brake cables turning the front fork...I like it!

Well thats how I think of it anyway...

The only problem I have is that my cash is limited to $50.
garden_lark
09-12-06, 12:06 AM
you could use a chain ring mounted horizontally at each headstem to keep the steering in line, but again, the mechanism would need to attach above the fork, so it would be right in the face of the chap in the sidecar.

UNLESS you used a chain ring at each handlebar and two more on a post in the middle to change the height,
suchlike:
http://static.flickr.com/98/241287399_3368f82a3c_o.jpg

i guess it depends on how much pain the gain is worth to you.
frameteam2003
09-12-06, 04:22 AM
How about a flex shaft like those used in speedo drives or weed eater shafts.
maximan1
09-12-06, 04:43 PM
Yeah thats what I thoght...I'll whip up a design or sumthin in Photoshop
Johnny Payphone
09-14-06, 10:53 AM
You don't need any money- all you need is a simple pushpin.

Build a regular sidecar. Stick a flange off the side of the front fork. Then set up your steering in the sidecar, and put a flange on that too. Connect the two with a rod (leave the bolts loose and it will be flexible enough to act as a u-joint). You can go ahead and make the outrigger wheel the drive wheel, that won't matter much considering that you're making a very silly bike. The steering will probably be limited but you could even overcome that with some cleverness.