Author Topic: Members' bikes (Read 2454144 times)

I have two bikes and my only secure storage options are my narrow hallway and the small entranceway to my basement flat (between the front door and the security door). I wanted to reclaim my hallway but was worried that people might spot the bikes through the security door, so here's the solution:

It is possible for regular sized people to get in and out without injuring themselves. They may have to bend and stoop a little

Rhys W · « **Reply #3360 on:** 22 June, 2010, 03:39:58 pm »

Neat. You need a degree in climbing to get through my hall to the bathroom.

Rhys W · « **Reply #3361 on:** 22 June, 2010, 03:55:52 pm »

Nice view from the top of the Rhigos this morning:

Charlotte · « **Reply #3362 on:** 23 June, 2010, 10:35:57 am »

The Red Baron Rides again.

Mwahahahahahaha!

Woofage · « **Reply #3363 on:** 23 June, 2010, 10:42:58 am »

Quote from: Charlotte on 23 June, 2010, 10:35:57 am

I don't usually get jealous of other peoples' bikes but that looks the dBs and I want!

LEE · « **Reply #3364 on:** 23 June, 2010, 10:50:53 am »

Quote from: Gus on 18 June, 2010, 10:15:21 pm

Quote from: Rhys W on 18 June, 2010, 10:05:11 pm
I really do need a house with a garage...

Why

It's only 5 bikes

Yeah, there's a visible gap down the middle for at least 2 more

Rhys W · « **Reply #3365 on:** 23 June, 2010, 11:24:20 am »

Quote from: Charlotte on 23 June, 2010, 10:35:57 am

Has anyone built a front-wheel drive recumbent? And would it work, or interfere with the steering?

It's just that the ludicrously long, convoluted and slack chain path on most recumbents spoils my appreciation of an otherwise very nice machine. Total opposite of the minimalism of a fixed/SS where the chain wraps around two cogs and your brain instantly processes it as "turn crank, wheel rotates".

itsbruce · « **Reply #3366 on:** 23 June, 2010, 11:27:12 am »

Quote from: Charlotte on 23 June, 2010, 10:35:57 am

The Red Baron Rides again.

That is really crying out for big, WWI-fighter-style crosshairs on the handlebars. You should fit them: would disconcert drivers.

TimO · « **Reply #3367 on:** 23 June, 2010, 11:34:44 am »

Quote from: Rhys W on 23 June, 2010, 11:24:20 am

Has anyone built a front-wheel drive recumbent? And would it work, or interfere with the steering?

Yes, pretty much every possible arrangement of steering and drive has been done at one time or another!

Front wheel drive is not uncommon, but causes other complexities. Either the pedals have to turn with the wheel, or you have to have some sort of allowance between the pedals and the wheel. This can be done just by allowing the flex in the chain to accommodate the turning of the wheel, but this is obviously sub-optimal.

Charlotte · « **Reply #3368 on:** 23 June, 2010, 11:36:10 am »

Quote from: Rhys W on 23 June, 2010, 11:24:20 am

Quote from: Charlotte on 23 June, 2010, 10:35:57 am

Has anyone built a front-wheel drive recumbent? And would it work, or interfere with the steering?

Yes.

I nearly bought one, but when The Red Baron came up for sale on here, I went for him instead as he was vastly better specified and from a highly respected manufacturer.

Oscar's dad · « **Reply #3369 on:** 23 June, 2010, 11:44:15 am »

That's a fantastic machine Charlotte. Getting into 'bents is on my long term to do list.

TimO · « **Reply #3370 on:** 23 June, 2010, 11:44:55 am »

Here are a couple more front wheel drives cycles that I've got pictures to hand of, they are both well over a decade ago:

Mike Burrows next to a Flevo Trike (the yellow and black bike on the right is his Amsterdam bike).

I'm not sure whose this was, but it was front wheel drive, rear wheel steer. Rear wheel steering is always difficult, and this one crashed quite spectacularly later that day (of the flying in the air, flipping over type of crash).

Wobbly John · « **Reply #3371 on:** 23 June, 2010, 12:16:53 pm »

I think that last one is a Sturmey Flying 5.

Woofage · « **Reply #3372 on:** 23 June, 2010, 12:23:25 pm »

IIRC, bottlemasher of this parish has a FWD Burrows laid-back bike (don't use the "R" word). I have a photo of MB himself with one somewhere.

Woofage · « **Reply #3373 on:** 23 June, 2010, 12:27:37 pm »

Like this:

Rhys W · « **Reply #3374 on:** 23 June, 2010, 12:33:10 pm »

Interesting replies, thanks! I thought that it must have been tried, as there's no such thing as a "standard" recumbent. Some of those 90 degree bends still look a bit painful though.

I think the answer is a face-down recumbent...

Author Topic: Members' bikes (Read 2454144 times)

LEE