Archive

Archive for September, 2010

User Interface

September 23rd, 2010 Comments off

I haven’t had much time to work on this project lately, but that doesn’t stop me thinking about it. Since I plan to spend lots of time riding this machine my thoughts have turned to seating.

The plans describe a basic 2-piece ‘plywood-and-foam + neck rest‘ construction but there is ample scope for some creativity. I like the look of commercial seats like this:

The enormous price tag sort of violates the project principles¹. Of course there are many ways to build seats, and predictably others have tried it and are willing to share their experiences. After some research I’m thinking of taking some plywood and laminating my own curvy deliciousness. Here’s my initial profile overlaid on a sketch of the basic seat from the plans:

Not too much deviation from the original design but adds some lumbar support and removes the need for a separate neck rest. Looks good on paper anyway.

¹Less of a concrete manifesto than a vague intent to reuse and construct – rather than purchase – wherever possible. The cost is time, but job satisfaction and acquisition of new skills should make it worthwhile.

Donor Bike

September 13th, 2010 Comments off

The Long Shot will be constructed from components salvaged from other bikes, appropriately called ‘donors’. Courtesy of craigslist here is my main source:

As evident from the picture of the finished machine, the rear end is used intact. One of my children’s old bikes will supply the front forks and wheel, with an ancient bike of mine maybe providing a component or two.

Doing the math…

September 9th, 2010 Comments off

The plans are extremely detailed (very good) and only basic skills are assumed (even better). However, the author is clearly extremely adept with an angle grinder, and the photos make mitering steel tube for welding look easy. This seems unlikely.

I came across this calculator which will make life a lot easier. Enter in the tube size and required angle and voila!

Wrap that around your tube and you’re ready to go.

Longshot

September 9th, 2010 Comments off

I’m thinking about building a long wheel base recumbent bike, based on the plans I’ve got for this Atomic Zombie ‘Voyageur’. We’ll see how far this gets, hence the project name ‘Longshot