[python] Re: python 406


On Monday, July 26, 2004, at 12:15 AM, Dirk Bonne wrote:

olaf wrote:
On Saturday, July 24, 2004, at 04:00 PM, Dirk Bonne wrote: 
olaf wrote:


On Saturday, July 24, 2004, at 12:31 PM, Jürgen Mages wrote:



Dirk Bonne from Danmark:

I probably have to go for a 20inch version (because my inseam is
82.5 bare feet). And I am not sure yet if I go for racing like (reckless
design, fragile and light), or trekking (a packing mule, comfortable).

I have been grazing this mailing list (my compliments to the list. it's
made up out of a really nice group), and found some references about
20inch wheels. I believe Olaf from Sweden is doing such a version (?),
but I didn't see much discussion or drawings.




Hi all! Yes I did some sketching on a 20" python but I had problems finding somewhere to build it, likewise finding a good and cheap welding machine and other practical matters (I bought the tubes though). When spring came along I thought let's not build during summer, instead this is the time to ride bikes, I can take things up when autumn arrives.

Since I already from the beginning of my python planning had been curious whether I could ride a centre steered recumbent or not, I began looking for a used Flevobike (there are almost no other centre steered two wheeled bike to be found on the second hand market). At Cycle Vision I found one for 200 euro and happily brought it back home to Sweden. After some weeks of reparations I started practising and the whole thing went far more easy than expected. Third day I could leave the parking lot and ride around the nearby blocks and a few days later I started to ride without hands knowing, as Jürgen points ut, this will be harder to do in a latter stage when one has got used holding on to the handle bars. Another two weeks and I rode without hands almost all the time. I know it comes harder for some people (while others may manage this in even shorter time) but even if you have to struggle before you have unlearnt the body's reflex to correct balance with the hands and arms and instead giving the task to your legs and feet it is well worth the effort (note that the unlearning bit is much bigger than the learning one). Riding my Flevobike has become a very special experience that transcends ordinary recumbent bicycling in a manner that makes me feel very >> good.

Soon autumn will be here (hey summer, where did you go?) and I will continue my plans on how and where to build a small, compact centre steered bike tailor made to suit my needs. I feel I can embark the project with a little more confidence now. 


Hi,

Since I live in Danmark (I am a belgian, and I have been here only since August last year), I have also had trouble in finding a place to weld, etc... Now I found it. May be, if you live in a big town, something simular might exist. It is a place proivided by the comunicipal of København, where you can do clay work, painting, develop your photos, knitting, ... and also work on your bike. They have a MIG and acethyleen-oxy burner (which I prefer), and are fairly well provided with tools.

I also am a proud owner of a flevo type machine (self built). But in my case it is 20inch flevo racer (more or less). I am very happy with it, but I am looking forward in trying something new.

Did you decide on steering angle, trail in your plans?
Hi Dirk! Good tip there. I have already mailed a municipal official here in Malmo (hey, we're almost neighbours!).
The challenge using 406 wheels is to stay within the recommended pivot angle for the python and on the same time maintain acceptable ground clearence. I don't think it will be possible using MTB BB with its cranks. One has to find a more compact solution for the steering pivot. Perhaps the one Eduardo has suggested.
Here you can see my latest sketch on the project. In spite of a compact pivot the ground clearence (with no rider) is not more than 7 cm.
http://liggcykel.se/py-406.gif 

Hi Olaf,

this picture looks good. It something I can tinker over. Is it coincidence, or are you using a (cloned?) challenge seat? The form and placement of the screwes look conspiciously like a seat from a challenge bike ---which I happened to use also.

7cms is not really much, and you could well damage the frame when riding from a boardwalk. I know I am going to try to get it higher up. I anyway want to sit at about the same height as the wheel axle, which is low enough for me (on my flevo the seat is at 35cms now, axles would be on 22cms).

Me too I would prefer the Eduardo solution. It will cost probably because I have no access to a lathe (drehbank, draaibank) to make the outer casing for the bearings. Oh well.

PS I would love to see a pic of that 20" flevo racer of yours!

Well I have an disused website ---it has been ages I updated it, but just looked at it and it is still safely running on a friend's server somewhere in Germany. You can find a picture (and some blabla) at:

        http://socke.homeip.net/~bodi/recumbent.html

Pitty the bridge between our cities doesn't have a bicycle path, otherwise we could have met in the middle showing of our pythons to each other ;-)

Dirk



Hi Dirk, it is a Challenge seat all right. I have a Hurricane and find this seat stiff, cooling and not too heavy. Your flevolowracer looks nice. Perhaps next time I am going to Copenhagen we could try each others flevos?


olaf



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