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January 28, 2004 |
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I think I speak for many when I sing the praises of
recumbents. But, as with everything, there are some drawbacks. Without
going into too much detail, the one negative is the sheer size of these
machines and their inability to be transported easily. I have been left
behind by my DF buddies when they go a….traveling. The size of my Baron
Clone, and now my VK 2 makes it very difficult to “pack it up” and put it on
a plane. Nor is it reality to think that any of the many (and really good I
may add) bike tour companies can fit me up with a suitable recumbent (as
they do with DFers) on a desired tour. This is the reason for my next
project.
My idea for a Transportable Carbon Low Racer (TCLR)
is now taking form. Actually I have given it more than a little thought
over the past two years. I wanted a light weight (but of course) take apart
20 X 20 inch (406) carbon low racer that can be put into a biking type
transport case and taken to bike tours via the airlines. I know there are
transport type bikes out there, but I wanted a frame similar to a lowracer.
I decided on a style that I feel will lend itself to
my specifications. It should look a lot like the RazzFazz but be Front
Wheel Drive (FWD) and capable of being separated at the mid portion. I did
some preliminary sketches, but I made a model of my concept, as well as some
preliminary construction techniques. My concept is presented here. |
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Various PICS
of my model concept! The bike shall have dual 20 inch wheels (406), rear
swing arms which dampen the bike via a light weight rear suspension system,
preferably a rubber bumper of some kind. Also it shall be FWD so that the
bike can be taken apart at the center (preferably under the riders butt) and
have only the brake cable to deal with. It shall be carbon (but of course)
and shall fit into the normal transport containers made for DF bikes. It
shall not compromise any speed or handling characteristics of the best
lowracer bikes we are accustomed to. While I may compromise on the weight,
I will set a goal of not more than 25 pounds full up. My model weighs a few
grams. |
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These PICS
show how the bike will be taken apart. The front half fits inside the rear
section and is bolted through. The rear section has the seat bonded to the
rear frame, and the swing arms are also a part of this unit with its pivot
pin. Note that the arms are not to be removed for transport. That red
thing simulates a rear suspension bumper. |
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Because it is
FWD, the rear dropouts need not be 130 mm (or 135) apart, but can be as
little as the hub width. In my case it is 80 mm which is the front wheel
spacing I am now using. Because of this the rear swing arm construction is
incredible simple as there need not be any outward flare from the main frame
to the rear dropouts. Simple means light! |
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Various PICS
showing the two distinct bike halves as individual units! |
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View showing a
“possible” packing method, but it really is too premature to even propose as
things change radically when all the gear is put on the bike. |
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Just a few
more PICS in a different setting, and also with what I “may” have been doing
that night. |
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An attempt was
made to determine a construction technique for the rear swing arms. A few
layers of carbon were made on a flat plate. Then NOMEX honeycomb was bonded
to it. Another carbon was made and then bonded to the opposite side. This
method produced a very light and stiff panel. |
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This panel
will be the spine of the rear swing arm. It will be built up somewhat
(since the overall thickness is only about .275 inches), shaped and then
covered with carbon.
As for the
main frame, I intend to try a slightly different method. The core exists
and the one shown is the original test piece that was made when I tested out
the Baron Clone mold. The two halves will be reconfigured to the new
shape. Then each half will be covered with two layers of carbon. The foam
will be removed and the interior of each half will be strengthened in the
proper areas. The two halves will be put together and the entire frame will
be covered yet again. I will document each process and present here. |
