Homemade Sidecar - - - looking for comments & sugestions
02-07-11, 03:54 PM
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Homemade Sidecar - - - looking for comments & sugestions
Hi, I´m making a sidecar for my bicycle, to carry my two girls.
I need comments and suggestions to improve the design.
It works pretty good, but is too heavy (not to ride, but to dismount and lift to my house)
I´m attaching a few pictures here.
Thanks!
Juan Pablo Cambariere
I need comments and suggestions to improve the design.
It works pretty good, but is too heavy (not to ride, but to dismount and lift to my house)
I´m attaching a few pictures here.
Thanks!
Juan Pablo Cambariere
02-07-11, 04:09 PM
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That's pretty cool! I like it. It's hard for me to tell from your pictures, but how does it attach to the rest of the bike? I was thinking of a clamp mechanism to attach it to the TT that is a quick release to make it easier to remove. Again, I can't see very well how it mounts so I'm just throwing out a suggestion.
When I saw your design I immediately thought of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
When I saw your design I immediately thought of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
02-07-11, 04:31 PM
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[QUOTE=Cambariere;12191908]
It works pretty good, but is too heavy (not to ride, but to dismount and lift to my house)
How about a hoist to lift it to an upper window.
It works pretty good, but is too heavy (not to ride, but to dismount and lift to my house)
How about a hoist to lift it to an upper window.
02-07-11, 04:58 PM
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That looks nice but I don't think you'll be making it much lighter without going back to the drawingboard. You could start cutting lightening holes in the plywood and I think I see a couple of the vertical angle iron corners that you could replace with Aluminum. It might save you 10 or 15 lbs when you're done.
02-07-11, 06:28 PM
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Pretty cool! How hard is it to ride with it? Do you have to compensate a lot for the sidecar's drag in order to go straight?
I think that the only way to make it significantly lighter, while maintaining the strength, would be to go with aluminum frame and fabric, the way kids trailers are made. Although, that will raise the costs since aluminum is expensive. You might try buying a used kids trailer and hack it to experiment. Also, it won't have the character of the wooden one!
Adam
I think that the only way to make it significantly lighter, while maintaining the strength, would be to go with aluminum frame and fabric, the way kids trailers are made. Although, that will raise the costs since aluminum is expensive. You might try buying a used kids trailer and hack it to experiment. Also, it won't have the character of the wooden one!
Adam
02-07-11, 06:36 PM
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That is neat!
Take the kids out that will make it lighter
Other than using aluminum rather than steel frames, and cutting the plywood sections to a minimum I don't see how you can cut much more weight off of it...maybe rent a ground floor apartment?
Aaron
Take the kids out that will make it lighter
Other than using aluminum rather than steel frames, and cutting the plywood sections to a minimum I don't see how you can cut much more weight off of it...maybe rent a ground floor apartment?
Aaron
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Webshots is bailing out, if you find any of my posts with corrupt picture files and want to see them corrected please let me know. :(
ISO: A late 1980's Giant Iguana MTB frameset (or complete bike) 23" Red with yellow graphics.
"Cycling should be a way of life, not a hobby.
RIDE, YOU FOOL, RIDE!"_Nicodemus
"Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred
Which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?"_krazygluon
Webshots is bailing out, if you find any of my posts with corrupt picture files and want to see them corrected please let me know. :(
ISO: A late 1980's Giant Iguana MTB frameset (or complete bike) 23" Red with yellow graphics.
"Cycling should be a way of life, not a hobby.
RIDE, YOU FOOL, RIDE!"_Nicodemus
"Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred
Which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?"_krazygluon
02-07-11, 07:10 PM
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Thank you all very much!!!
I like your sense of humour.
The problem was that I look a lot of trailers and sidecars on the web, but did´n made any calculations. The L section I used was way too big and heavy, probably haf the size is enought.
The aluminium idea is great, but I don´t know how to work with it!
The wood is nice, I love wood, but is too heavy aswell.
There us no point on trying to fix this one, I will do another. I really enjoyed doing this one, so it´s no ptoblem at all.
It´s attach with two (((I´m not sure if this is the name in english))) screws and nuts. I place a rubber wahser between each part so the bike can turn corners in a natural way. Does it makes any sense to you. Sorry, my english is not perfect, but my "technical englihs" sucks. I´m trying to attach more picture, but it seems impossible now, I don´t get it!!!
Thank you all again, you have all great ideas, it´s funny how everyone aproachs to the problem from a differnet angle.
I like your sense of humour.
The problem was that I look a lot of trailers and sidecars on the web, but did´n made any calculations. The L section I used was way too big and heavy, probably haf the size is enought.
The aluminium idea is great, but I don´t know how to work with it!
The wood is nice, I love wood, but is too heavy aswell.
There us no point on trying to fix this one, I will do another. I really enjoyed doing this one, so it´s no ptoblem at all.
It´s attach with two (((I´m not sure if this is the name in english))) screws and nuts. I place a rubber wahser between each part so the bike can turn corners in a natural way. Does it makes any sense to you. Sorry, my english is not perfect, but my "technical englihs" sucks. I´m trying to attach more picture, but it seems impossible now, I don´t get it!!!
Thank you all again, you have all great ideas, it´s funny how everyone aproachs to the problem from a differnet angle.
Last edited by Cambariere; 02-07-11 at 07:14 PM. Reason: To respond to everyone
02-07-11, 07:52 PM
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Davits is what they call the way they carry lifeboats on the side of a ship ,
and a block and tackle set lifts heavy weights with ease.
so there is a way to Hoist this up the side of the building
to keep it out of the way..
of course making the next one to disassemble with minimal effort
with wing nuts and quick releases, so you have 2 manageable parts,
to haul into storage is a consideration.
and a block and tackle set lifts heavy weights with ease.
so there is a way to Hoist this up the side of the building
to keep it out of the way..
of course making the next one to disassemble with minimal effort
with wing nuts and quick releases, so you have 2 manageable parts,
to haul into storage is a consideration.
Last edited by fietsbob; 02-07-11 at 08:00 PM.
02-07-11, 09:42 PM
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Looks great! Nice job. It looks much more social than a trailer. I'm curious, why set it up to be on the left side of the bike?
02-07-11, 09:47 PM
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Wow! Fanciest sidehack I've ever seen. Probably the heaviest also, but sure looks good!
BTW, search for "sidehack" to see lots more pics and ideas for lighter tube frame ideas. The one in this pic is kinda overbuilt, IMO, but just one of many styles.
Gonna take it to the skatepark?
BTW, search for "sidehack" to see lots more pics and ideas for lighter tube frame ideas. The one in this pic is kinda overbuilt, IMO, but just one of many styles.
Gonna take it to the skatepark?
Last edited by LesterOfPuppets; 02-07-11 at 09:53 PM.
02-08-11, 04:47 AM
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Thank you all very much!!!
I like your sense of humour.
The problem was that I look a lot of trailers and sidecars on the web, but did´n made any calculations. The L section I used was way too big and heavy, probably haf the size is enought.
The aluminium idea is great, but I don´t know how to work with it!
The wood is nice, I love wood, but is too heavy aswell.
There us no point on trying to fix this one, I will do another. I really enjoyed doing this one, so it´s no ptoblem at all.
It´s attach with two (((I´m not sure if this is the name in english))) screws and nuts. I place a rubber wahser between each part so the bike can turn corners in a natural way. Does it makes any sense to you. Sorry, my english is not perfect, but my "technical englihs" sucks. I´m trying to attach more picture, but it seems impossible now, I don´t get it!!!
Thank you all again, you have all great ideas, it´s funny how everyone aproachs to the problem from a differnet angle.
I like your sense of humour.
The problem was that I look a lot of trailers and sidecars on the web, but did´n made any calculations. The L section I used was way too big and heavy, probably haf the size is enought.
The aluminium idea is great, but I don´t know how to work with it!
The wood is nice, I love wood, but is too heavy aswell.
There us no point on trying to fix this one, I will do another. I really enjoyed doing this one, so it´s no ptoblem at all.
It´s attach with two (((I´m not sure if this is the name in english))) screws and nuts. I place a rubber wahser between each part so the bike can turn corners in a natural way. Does it makes any sense to you. Sorry, my english is not perfect, but my "technical englihs" sucks. I´m trying to attach more picture, but it seems impossible now, I don´t get it!!!
Thank you all again, you have all great ideas, it´s funny how everyone aproachs to the problem from a differnet angle.
Aaron
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Webshots is bailing out, if you find any of my posts with corrupt picture files and want to see them corrected please let me know. :(
ISO: A late 1980's Giant Iguana MTB frameset (or complete bike) 23" Red with yellow graphics.
"Cycling should be a way of life, not a hobby.
RIDE, YOU FOOL, RIDE!"_Nicodemus
"Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred
Which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?"_krazygluon
Webshots is bailing out, if you find any of my posts with corrupt picture files and want to see them corrected please let me know. :(
ISO: A late 1980's Giant Iguana MTB frameset (or complete bike) 23" Red with yellow graphics.
"Cycling should be a way of life, not a hobby.
RIDE, YOU FOOL, RIDE!"_Nicodemus
"Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred
Which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?"_krazygluon
02-08-11, 09:59 AM
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Thanks very much to all!!!!
I placed it left because in Buenos Aires the bike path of the streets is the left, so this way the sidecar is next to the sidewalk (the safest place).
Here are some images to show how it´s attached to the bike.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fb...5051.578847167
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fb...2&id=578847167
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fb...1&id=578847167
I placed it left because in Buenos Aires the bike path of the streets is the left, so this way the sidecar is next to the sidewalk (the safest place).
Here are some images to show how it´s attached to the bike.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fb...5051.578847167
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fb...2&id=578847167
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fb...1&id=578847167
Last edited by Cambariere; 02-08-11 at 10:49 AM.
02-08-11, 06:52 PM
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Looks nice with the "Wing Nut" attachments! I also like how you bent that angle iron by cutting a kerf in it, very clever.
I have to agree with everyone else regarding the iron frame, that's just a lot of weight on there where you could easily switch it out for aluminum and save several pounds (though I'm not sure what your access to materials is like). Even using the tubing with fabric stretched over/around it would be good too. If you're kind of 'stuck' with the materials you have, is there any way you could go with thinner plywood sections? Or use the plywood like a frame itself with the angle iron still attached, just do the cutouts like mentioned above and to keep little fingers from getting caught in the inner workings, just staple some mesh cloth over the cutouts to keep the kids from hurting themselves.
I have to agree with everyone else regarding the iron frame, that's just a lot of weight on there where you could easily switch it out for aluminum and save several pounds (though I'm not sure what your access to materials is like). Even using the tubing with fabric stretched over/around it would be good too. If you're kind of 'stuck' with the materials you have, is there any way you could go with thinner plywood sections? Or use the plywood like a frame itself with the angle iron still attached, just do the cutouts like mentioned above and to keep little fingers from getting caught in the inner workings, just staple some mesh cloth over the cutouts to keep the kids from hurting themselves.
02-10-11, 01:16 AM
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Hola Porteño. Here is a Link to a Do-it yourself Sidecar an Instructable member fabricated on that Website. Hope it helps. Buena Suerte (if you don't have an account, (free to open) you may not be able to see all the steps so best to open an account. Lots of really good do it yourself projects related to Bicycles on that Website so vale la pena.
https://www.instructables.com/id/Buil...cycle-Sidecar/
https://www.instructables.com/id/Buil...cycle-Sidecar/
Last edited by miamimike; 02-10-11 at 01:19 AM. Reason: add
02-12-11, 01:43 AM
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Maybe add a pedal assist so your girls can power the sidecar's wheel. More power less weight issues.
11-20-15, 12:05 PM
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Hi, thank you all!!!
Here are some pictures of the finall vertion.
Or Check out here.
THAK YOU ALL!!!
Here are some pictures of the finall vertion.
Or Check out here.
THAK YOU ALL!!!
11-20-15, 02:35 PM
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That's beautiful.
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11-22-15, 09:26 AM
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Hi, thank you all!!!
Here are some pictures of the finall vertion.
Or Check out here.
THAK YOU ALL!!!
Here are some pictures of the finall vertion.
Or Check out here.
THAK YOU ALL!!!
Aaron
__________________
Webshots is bailing out, if you find any of my posts with corrupt picture files and want to see them corrected please let me know. :(
ISO: A late 1980's Giant Iguana MTB frameset (or complete bike) 23" Red with yellow graphics.
"Cycling should be a way of life, not a hobby.
RIDE, YOU FOOL, RIDE!"_Nicodemus
"Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred
Which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?"_krazygluon
Webshots is bailing out, if you find any of my posts with corrupt picture files and want to see them corrected please let me know. :(
ISO: A late 1980's Giant Iguana MTB frameset (or complete bike) 23" Red with yellow graphics.
"Cycling should be a way of life, not a hobby.
RIDE, YOU FOOL, RIDE!"_Nicodemus
"Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred
Which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?"_krazygluon
11-22-15, 10:55 AM
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Awesome. I'd like to see it in action. how about a video clip with the kids enjoying a ride?
12-17-15, 11:35 AM
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That looks awesome. But I still don't understand it being on the left. In Argentina cars drive on the right, so how can the path be on the left side? Are the paths only along one-way streets?
12-17-15, 02:16 PM
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My Guess the Drivetrain of the bike is on the right and once the side car is attached its pretty inaccessible .
12-17-15, 03:21 PM
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Wonderful project. You made 4? Are you making these commercially for sale?
You could make them lighter in a number of ways. Chromoly steel can be half as thick as standard steel, and can be close to the same weight as aluminum. One is also often tempted to over-build home-made projects.
You could also use thinner plywood (1/8" door skins?) for certain areas. Perhaps using a thinner front plate. I'm seeing some notes on plywood/foam composite panels.
For the thin plywood, build a solid, grooved frame that the thin plywood panels fit into.
Any place you can use fabric panels will save weight and materials.
You could make them lighter in a number of ways. Chromoly steel can be half as thick as standard steel, and can be close to the same weight as aluminum. One is also often tempted to over-build home-made projects.
You could also use thinner plywood (1/8" door skins?) for certain areas. Perhaps using a thinner front plate. I'm seeing some notes on plywood/foam composite panels.
For the thin plywood, build a solid, grooved frame that the thin plywood panels fit into.
Any place you can use fabric panels will save weight and materials.