Originally Posted by harshbarj

I was originally thinking of wood, but figured it would be too weak and heavy to use. It would save me a bit of weight in one way as I do want to place a deck on it, and being wood, it would just be simple to attach a sheet of 4x8 ply. But then would come the problem of wheels and how to attach it to my bicycle. With metal I can see a way of working it, but not with wood.

I have lots of time to plan as I don't need it till spring (around April or May).

Originally Posted by Ranko Kohime

There's always wood... It competes with aluminum for both weight and strength, so long as it's put together right. And it's definitely competitive in price, especially when one considers the tools that will and will not be necessary.

That being said, I have a 6'x12' frame sitting in my garage, awaiting funds for completion, that is made of steel. (and I intend to pull it by trike )

Originally Posted by Ranko Kohime

On the contrary, wood is very strong. It's no coincidence that the first airplanes were built almost entirely from wood. The trailer I mentioned building is made from 2"x1"X1/16" rectangular tubing, and that stuff is approximately 0.04 lbs. less per linear foot than a 2x4.

Attaching a plywood deck is simple in either method; screw or nail onto a wood frame, use carriage bolts with nuts for steel.

And as for attaching wheels to a wood frame, simply use 4" square steel plates, with milled slots for the axle. (doubled-up junction box covers one finds in the electrical department of hardware stores do nicely for this, in lieu of plate stock)