Danielle Loi
//portfolio
//front wheel drive recumbent bike
_ I designed and fabricated a no-weld front wheel drive recumbent bike for the term project of my Single Track Vehicle Design course. The goal of the class was to study bicycle geometric parameters and mass properties to improve upon stability and handling characteristics.
_ Year: 2017
// Fabrication Process
1. The secondary bike bought for the front wheel drive of the design.
2. The back triangle of the secondary bike was cut off with a sawzall.
3. The main bike after purchase before changes were made.
4. Chainrings, pedals, and back wheel removed.
5. Front axle was not wide enough for fork, triangle, & multi-speed cassette.
6. This single speed cog replaced the wide multi-speed cassette.
7. Close look at front axle with single speed cog and back triangle attached.
8. Tube cut down to bring pedals closer to rider. Slot cut to allow compression.
9. Back triangle attached to main bike.
10. First iteration to attach seat post. Design didn't allow for rotation.
11. Second iteration to attach seat post. Now attached to rotating fork.
12. Second iteration to attach seat post. Now attached to rotating fork.
13. Another view of final design to attach seat post without welding.
14. New handlebars installed to avoid knees hitting while pedaling.
15. Final prototype with installed reclined seat made from plywood.
16. Final prototype with installed reclined seat made from plywood.