Freth's Recumbents: Cargotrike Plans = Cargo Trike Plans

Monday, December 27, 2010

Cargotrike Plans = Cargo Trike Plans

All of the above measurements are in centimeters (cm)

The approximate inch (") measurements are:

88 cm = 34-5/8" (35)

127 cm = 50"

208 cm = 74"

50 cm = 19-11/19" (20)

36 cm = 14-3/16" (14)

62 cm = 24-7/16" (25)

85 cm = 33-1/2" (34)

The numbers to the right i.e. (35), are what I'd probably round the inch measurements off to. That's what happens when you don't have a nice metric tape measure ...

Here's another view of a cargo-trike frame without the box

Of course this is a modern one with 20mm axles ...

it takes something heavy-duty like that to only support the axle on one end.

To build one of these, the simplest would be to use a single-speed bike (donor, trash, or thriftstore) with a Bendix brake on the rear. Cut off everything in front of the Bottom Bracket (BB) -- that's the part where the crank connecting the pedals goes through the frame. And everything in front of the seat tube. That leaves you with a rear triangle, seat tube, and bottom bracket all in one piece. The cargo box and new main tube (which you will make) will connect to the front of the BB.

I decided to start on a cargo trike. I needed something for the box out front to pivot on ... I looked at headset bearings and decided they were just too small. So I cut a large bottom bracket off a bicycle that has a single-piece steel crank. I cut most of the crank off on the side with the sprocket gear ... leaving just enough to hold the gear in place. I figure to tack a thin metal plate to the single gear. And that will then bolt to the frame of the box. (see 6/17/11) Once I'm done welding the plate to the gear, I'll cut off the left-side crank leaving just a nub. That should give me a good sized bearing. And it will be serviceable ... to re-grease the bearings and change bearings & cups.