combo solid tire and tube

2013.2.21: summary:
. this chronicles my combining of a
typical pneumatic inner tube
with a Bell No-Mor Flats (solid) Bike Inner Tube .
. I now have this on both a bmx bike front wheel,
and on all wheels of a recumbent trike . 

convert recumbent trike to electric

4.16: gear/trike`helmet/
head-mounted electric traffic signaling:
. having a light mounted on top of
recumbent triker's helmet
can offer the same lights a motorcycle has;
it plugs into a socket on the body
that lets you give signals by button,
without needing a hole in body of velomobile
for arm to give signals .

4.21: news.gear/trike/MagicPie Kit:
Easily Convert Trike into Electric:

builtin-shoes as toe-clips

4.16: gear/trike/builtin-shoes as toe-clips:
. Idea: combine powergrips with a heel cup
that has most of the outer half removed;they fit together
... but moot if building a shell for the trike
that is complete with a floor?
still, even if saved from catastrophe of
slipping out of pedals and breaking a leg
as your foot is dragged under the trike,
slipping onto a shell's floor
is still an annoying interruption of pedaling;
and, the new idea would mean

sealed bearings not easy to remove

4.1: news.gear/trike/sealed bearings not easy to remove:

. bearings actually quite easy to install if you do it yourself.
Just make sure you use a socket that just fits inside the hub
to seat the new bearing.
Pushing on any part of the bearing but the outside race
will distort the bearing and cause it to have
a very short lifespan.
Look carefully for the bearing # on the race.
Likely it is a 6001RS 12x28x8. 10 about $15.
Email ICE and they'll send you a video
on how to replace them.
I used the old bearings once removed
and the axle bolts to
force the new bearings to seat in the hubs.
Alternatively is to have them changed at a dealer.
I chose to change the 4 bearings for the front wheels
with ceramic hybrid bearings
of the 6001 series. [$35, $15 /each]
ICE ceramic bearings cost about $15 each.
...
Driving the old bearings out is pretty simple
from the "outside" of the hub.

...
. used the Ice method for driving out the old bearings;

After half an hour of trying and making no progress
I took the wheel to my LBS;
They said how hard it was get the bearings out
- they had to make a tool specially to get behind the casing.

preventing frame damage in tadpole trikes

12.13: gear/trike`frame/potholes need suspension:
. the trice front-suspension add-on is expensive,
but it's quite likely the frame will be ruined
unless speeds are low or potholes are avoided .

gear/trike`frame/potholes need rider pivot:
12.13:
. the trice already has rear suspension
which helps deflect rider weight from bending frame;
but that doesn't help z-axis rolling
where one front wheel is potholed but the other isn't
and the whole frame falls into a rolling motion
to one side or another .
. if the rider's chair is frozen to the frame
then the rider's weight is resisting that z-roll,
which could increase stress at the cruciform joint .
12.14:
. how rigidly can riders' weight
prevent rolling about z-axis for potholes?
# if rider's seat were not bolted to main tube,
but instead pivoted sideways,
then there'd be less stress on frame during potholes;
# if seat was closer to main tube,
with thick cusion under rider;
then z-axis rotation could happen stress-free
even without pivot .

12.15: gear/trike/replacing front suspension:
. the cheap sure-tech way to stop
frame bends from potholes
is to unbolt the seat from the z-tube,
make a platform that is anchored to
both the z- & x-tube;
and, bolt the seat to that platform .
. if steering doesn't fit with platform,
it can be moved from sides to center .

Jon Justice sneers at sure justice

3.24: news.pol/jon justice sneers at sure justice:
. ironic how Jon Justice radio show
sneers at sure justice:
speeder-catching cam's are
"(the gov't watching you!)
. but perhaps the real point is that
speed limits are an obnoxious democracy
imposed where consensus could have worked:
eg, consensus would be where
your taxes pay for the roads with
the speed*mass you want:
. the most practical way is to
restructure our city planning
as gated communities that minimize commuting
by use of work-based residences .
. everything you need can be biked to
or trucked in with an internet sale .
. the shop docks are at the wall to minimize truck traffic,
the walls are composed of doughnut strip malls .
. then people can drive between these gated communities
at any speed they want .

cusion for trice Q seat

proj.gear/trike`seat/foam:


2.5: trike`seat/pipe`foam idea:
. looking through the mesh you can see the frame;
mark the inner edges of frame on mesh with cheap thread,
and then hand sew foam scraps to seat mesh
starting from thread guides
outward for as long as it takes foam to
do a 180 around frame .

2.19: proj.gear/trike`seat/foam:
. modified the co.trice idea of foaming seat frame
by sewing the foam to the fabric
instead of taping the foam to the frame .
. got the foam from trimming what's being used on the cot:
a backpack roll for under sleeping bag,
it's open-cell with a wavy pattern on one side,
I used 2 pieces together, so the both sides of product are smooth .
added 4 sets of stitches on either side
with carpet thread .
mis:
. see picts for how foam mis.migrated;
need to compensate the location to avoid that .

2.26: gear/trike/seat`foam/sheathing system:
. sewing the foam in place must be done by hand
and it must be done repeatedly if the foam gets flat;
hence, the need for a sheathing system:
. the sheath can be machine sewed, is reusable,
and old foam is quickly replaced .
. the sewing will also reinforce the binding of the straps
to the existing fabric .

shopping for velo' security chains locks

gear/trike/security

2.23 ... 2.24:

idiot-proofed derailleurs

[1.10:

. this idea might actually be worth it for a velomobile,

where stalling on a forgotten downshift

can represent a non-trivial traffic impediment

due to the velo' being wider than your ordinary bike

and not easily push-started .]

4.23(2009): tech.gear/mobi/derailleur changing while still:

. did anyone try a front derailer on the underside,

one that would change gears by pedaling backwards?

. that idea would work for the rear derailer too,

but there are so many of those to do,

pedaling backwards would be an annoyance .

. these would be great for when being

caught by surprise in high gear,

and then no longer would you have to find some manual way

of getting started before you can downshift .

pedgen (pedal generator) for braking

mobi/trike/pedgen

6.9: mobi/pedgen for braking:

. the best idea is to move the pedgen by chain:

if just using at home then get some extra chain for the front

and undo the chain to the rear

then have a chain ring attached to the pedgen .

. if using the pedgen as a brake on the trike,

where braking energy can also refuel the battery,

then support the pedgen on the rack

and have a chain ring attached to the disk.brake`s disk .

. still not sure of the best way to engage the chain .

10.22: mobi/trike/pedgen/wooden frame is feasable:

. pedgen can use the 1" bearing

within a wooden frame system:

. it being 1" wide there is plenty

for wood to find strength in .

. woodworking is easy so this idea is doable .

the peg fits into bearing fits into wooden doughnut shape

bolted to the rotor .

. the stator axle then has a wooden holder

like the peg does,

only while the peg's chuck is bolted together,

the axle's chuck additional embeds a metal C-clamp

that helps keep the axle from rotating .

10.24: mobi/trike/pedgen/clutch:

. pedgen brake clutch uses air tank

to avoid suddenly yanking on generator:

the tire is pumping air tank which is pumping generator .

welcome to heck, bent trikers!

4.16: how some family reacted

. the new trike has no basket,

it's an oh-so-low recumbent tadpole!

. some wonder how I can see the traffic from down there?

. it's the same posture as in a car,

just a foot lower

and it's the only way to not be

knocked over by the leaping {winds, thieves, dogs},

though even low-riders can tip over .

the converted:

. they brought up a good point..

you are looking up and around instead of down

and low-riders are easier to balance .

but teasing me about fear of dogs?

. I do cry a lot about dogs;

I should just practice martial arts

and let the confidence in!

8.15: co.net/trice/where are all the trikers?

date Fri, Aug 14, 2009 at 1:26 PM

Out of 5 million or so you'd think there would be more.

Actually saw a recumbent trike, not a Trice,

parked outside a supermarket in Skibbereen the other week,

but by the time I'd found a piece of paper for a quick note it had gone.

Come on Tricers, where are you all?

my reply:

. my family said the trike/velomobile was impractical as a car .

. my insur'rep suggested that if I

ever tried to claim that exotic trike as stolen

it might be categorized as jewelry

(they don't cover jewelry) .

bentrideronline.com

8.27: aq.addn/net.www.bentrideronline.com/register:

addn

referrer: ICE team (trice) -- invalid? leave it blank .

addn. Your registration is now complete.

You may now proceed to edit your Profile

in order to fill in additional personal details about yourself, *

or you could modify your Options

to customize your browsing experience of this site.

If you would rather do these things later,

you can do so by following the links around the site to your User Control Panel.

Alternatively, you can simply go back to the Forums and start posting in threads.

*

addn

http://www.bentrideronline.com/messageboard/member.php?u=33686

pict:

bentriderIMG_4098.jpg [@] home.folder

bike model owned:

Trice Q, faring, crank shorteners, Terracycle Dual Idlers, rear disk brake

bio:

http://www.linkedin.com/in/philiptorrance

loc:

tucson, az, usa, earth, sun#1

interests:

velomobiles

occ:

software engineer

groups:

trikes

cycling in tucson

8.18: proj.mobi/find places to chill:

. broadway has nice shot to river as bus lane is all yours .

. south on columbus gets sparse as approaching airport .

tucson places/trails park:

GPS: 32.226283, -110.833534

-- . fenced off space -- not for a bike ride in solitude

just off broadway's easy-biking route .

from broadway, past kolb,

Turn left at N Avenida de la Vista 0.2 mi

right at E Calle Managua 0.2 mi

-- google street view shows that once you get here, a fence stops you .

Continue on N Gateway City 0.1 mi

N Gateway City, Tucson, AZ 85710

. going at it from the north (speedway&kolb):

right at N Kolb Rd 0.2 mi

left at E Rosewood St 0.4 mi

right at N Gateway Circle

.. there is a dead-end with a nice sidewalk going nowhere .

I think what the many roads are may be a developer's earthmoving,

or from the empty lot nearby and a power generating station next door,

it might have been the old site for the generator .

. it also has the road designs of mini-airport .

. it may be closed so cars don't race on it .

the tracks look well-worn, but without veg'growth

those tracks could be ancient .

. there is a green trail (bikes only) branching from broadway to

old spanish trail down to dan yersavich memorial parkway,

up to the edge of saguaro nat park .

booking for pedal.cycle tips

4.6: trike reviews

. collection of pages by trice owners .

4.11: tires

. with tires there is the issue of size:

balloon tires might provide suspension

that protects the frame;

or trice may come with rims that fit

only the tires it lists ?

. my intuition was right about being

paranoid about tire size confusion

. when ice says they have a 20" 406,

the 406 is the bead dia' .

. 406 and 451 are the two most common

bead diameters on 20" tyres.

. The one dimension that is really critical

is bead seat diameter

(which is what the first number

- on the ETRTO size refers to)

this is the bit inside the rim

where the tyre sits -

the rim above that can varying a bit without problem.

. check the tyre for an ISO number .

. their tire make mentioned that

some customers don't match rim to tire correctly?

does trice give you too much freedom?

4.13:

. work with your dealer,

and stock up for trips .

. Schwalbe Marathon Plus 20" x 1.35" (size 406)

-- massive Smartguard puncture protection (580g)

4.11: security locking:

. why is Kryptonite no longer using

tubular keys?

disc style cylinder resists picking and drilling

how are they picked? locks aren't perfect:

. the pin holes in the plug are slightly

out of alignment with respect to the shell

and the pins and pin holes are each

of a slightly different diameter.

These imperfections are very small

-- as little as .0001 inches in some cases --

but they are what allow us to manipulate

("pick") locks open without using the correct key.

4.20: web.aq.mobi`security/locks and registration,

New York Lock¨ $99.99

16mm hardened Kryptonium¨ steel shackle

99cent Stolen Bike Registry.

You can register a bike AFTER it has been stolen.

In the event that one of our participating

law enforcement agencies finds it,

it can be returned!

(This registration is for one bike,

for six months, and does

not include a decal or certificate).

Tucson Police Department's Santa Cruz substation, 4410 S. Park Ave.

Hundreds of recovered bicycles

are stored at the Tucson police bicycle lot

at the Santa Cruz substation, 4410 S. Park Ave.

8 a.m. to 2 p.m. the first Saturday of every month.

. may require a judge's order or detective's authorization.

To obtain the release of bicycles, call 791-4458

. bikes are auctioned off online in lots of 15

www.citysurplus.org .

Tucson's annual Bike Fest April 1st .. 30th.

. hosting activities that increase community awareness .

. enter the Clean Air/Bike Fest Contest .

Cycle Spectrum [nearby]

6177 E Broadway Tucson AZ 85710

Phone: 520-790-9394

Ajo Bikes [trike dealer]

1301 E. Ajo Way Tucson AZ 85713

Phone: 520-294-1434

4.23: alarm systems:

liberator: $599.00 + $50/yr

Includes 1 Year Airtime and 500 messages*

* A message originating with the motorcycle is 1 message

i.e. an alarm notification.

To locate a motorcycle takes 2 messages (1 out to the motorcycle from the internet

and 1 back with the location)

* Included with all of the

Cycle Protect message plans

Cycle Protect requires a one year GPS contract.

is unlimited use of the Cycle Protect GPS website.

Second Year Renewal:

Basic Plan Includes 10 messages at 48.00 a year.

** All messages over 10 = 20 cents (.20) per message

Silver Plan Includes 120 messages (or 10 a month) at 59.50 a year.

** All messages over 120 = 20 cents (.20) per message

emails you if its batt is low, has gps,

. uses Cingular Wireless

. cycleprotect is partnered with Sekurus

GPS systems

. some can only do GPS

and can only be installed by a dealer.

Lojack is a popular product

(available only in certain states),

our primary concern being

that your motorcycle has to be MISSING

and THEN you contact them to locate it for you

(if not already in a chop shop or wrecked);

Phantom Tracking, unlike Lojack,

notifies you that your motorcycle is missing

(also only available in certain (7) states).

Trimble Trim Trac (sold by Cycle Trak & Talon)

is a bulky GPS tracker

that allows you to locate your motorcycle,

but cannot notify on being tampered with .

Cycle Protect can notify you

via your own cellular phone

AND provide you the exact location

of your missing motorcycle

via both text message and GPS tracking on-line

SR-i900 - New 2008!

2 way FM paging security system

* INCLUDES: Battery Backup,

3-stage perimeter sensor

and Remote Ignition Disable

* By incorporating RFID

to the system is able to know

when the remote is walking close to the bike

and when its not, allowing the user to

never have to reach for the remote to protect the bike.

* By utilizing High Frequency FM technology,

the SR-i900 transceiver is capable of

sending and receiving commands .

. a place to register the many stolen motorbikes .

Clear Alert Pager Alarm by TORK

. This advanced alarm will send a page to you

within 400 metres, it even works within concrete buildings.

Talon T-3300

[1.8(2010): dead forum .]

www.armedguard.com

motorcycle alarm with pager

manuals

4.23: lock picking insights:

. one thing I'd worried about

has come with a twist:

pouring glue in the lock of kryptonite

causes people to leave their bike overnight;

where it is finished off in the dark .

. maybe an alarm system would be better ...

and something like gps tracking

that shows where they're going with it .

. but if they suspect a gps,

all they have to do is keep it in a trailer

-- the same way cars are quicked:

driving them into a moving van .

. it mostly needs a chewey lock with an alarm .

4.25: tech.mobi/trike/foot-fall accident prevention:

. the way feet get caught falling down in a trike,

is by first being startled by a near-accident,

then being surprised by a jolt

like hitting a deep pothole;

this will then throw the feet out of the pedals .

5.9: gear/mobi/security/locks

locking my Trice

One of the alarming locks I have been checking

out has been the motorcycle locks at xenasecurity.com .

5.12: quadracycles in canada

quadracycle security

5.18: web.gear/mobi/security/best after-market car alarm:

. animals can set it off a cheap alarm,

esp'ly cats as people let them run wild .

Will Directed Security systems work with my car?

5.23:

prevention devices that do work:

. $400 personal car alarm pagers (Autopage, Crimestopper )

buzz a vehicle's owner when a car is disturbed

. When a $695 Lojack theft is reported,

police can track and recover the car 95% of the time vs 62% .

but new competition from GM's OnStar tracking system is here .

Autopage`dealers

The Specialist Inc. 4414 East Speedway Tucson, AZ 85712

520-795-4300

The Specialist Inc. 5602 E Braodway Tucson, AZ 85711

520-571-8500

Crimestopper Security Products, Inc.

1770 S. Tapo Street; Simi Valley, CA USA 93063

Tel: 805.526.9400 Sales Ext 213

lojack

1-800-4-LoJack

for honda motorcycle:

RideNow Powersports Tucson

7501 E 22nd Street Tucson, AZ 85710

(520) 747-9141

5.20: co.mobi/trike/easy to get caught speedy:

. braking very hard can cause fishtailing .

. beginners can be surprised at

what combination of speed, turn, and conditions

can cause a tip-over, and it's easy to overcompensate .

5.22: co.mobi/trike/trice/spokes breaking on left side:

. about 3100 milesm, I've been braking spokes on the left side;

8 in all, at 2 spokes a time .

. [a heavy] bent both front axles;

We replaced the axles and the left front wheel .

. another sees spokes breaking in rapid succession?

if one breaks, then go replace all on that wheel .

5.23: co.mobi/trike/trice/spokes and rims:

. If you do suffer broken spokes regularly

then it is better to change the rim and spokes

rather than just the spokes

as once a wheel has been built

it becomes an 18 on 36 sided figure on 36 spoked wheels

.Mind you this may just be propaganda put about by rim makers

. But I can see the logic of it.

5.27: co.mobi/trike`gps:

. garman 205 edge. It is an entry level GPS,

. You don't have to calibrate your wheels,

it is simply to use and you can download to your computer

and keep track of miles, avg speed,

and route going through Google Earth,

calories burned and it sets up a charting system on your computer.

. Strada wireless computer (Love it).

5.28: co.mobi/trike/lights:

. Dinotte amber running light in strobe mode?

they seemed touchy about type of batt's .

. he has problems with quick-release on seat popping off?

in addition to having them tight,

may want velcro covers that hold them in place .

5.31: co.mobi/trice/chain maint:

. Replaced worn out chain here and cassette at 5,500 miles

. Chain maintenance was Rock & Roll lube every 150 miles

and clean every 1000 miles +-

. We understand this is usual wear.

Rear cassette was skipping teeth.

New chain is SRAM Chain, PC-951, 9-Speed.

Replaced rear worn cassette with new SRAM cassette

with same range of gears

. Front mid/high 40/53 Q-rings still running fine.

6.1: chain wear:

. degrease and lube my chain with my own home brew every 200 miles.

At 14,500 miles my original cassette is doing fine

and I am on my third chain which is still within specs.

I never lube without degreasing as per Sir Sheldon's advice.

re:

In triceriders@yahoogroups.com, "Phil Mix" wrote:

> FWIW - Replaced worn out chain here and cassette at 5,500 miles. Chain maintenance was Rock & Roll lube every 150 miles and clean every 1000 miles +-. We understand this is usual wear. Rear cassette was skipping teeth.

> New chain is SRAM Chain, PC-951, 9-Speed. Replaced rear worn cassette with new SRAM cassette with same range of gears. Front mid/high 40/53 Q-rings still running fine. All paved roads and trails.

date Mon, Jun 1, 2009 at 7:46 AM

Degreasing the chain isn't a lot of work. Simply pop out the power link and drop the chain is a plastic juice container with a couple of ounces of citrus degreaser and shake it for a minute and rinse... done! You can chase the water out of the inside pieces by baking in the sun or baking in the oven or dunking in acetone. I haven't replaced the cassette because it performs flawlessly. Lubing an uncleaned chain chases dirt form the outside of the chain where it is doing little harm to the inside where it causes a lot of wear.

Actually what I did was put around 3,500 miles on 3 chains and then I went back to the first chain and an am now starting on the second 3,500 miles on each chain. Makes good sense if you think about it.

6.30: chain cleaner:

Best chain cleaner I found is diesel. Put an ice cream tub under the chain at the rear section, use a brush to brush it well in and rub with an old rag to remove. I do this monthly.

Remove and soak the whole chain overnight, I do this a couple of times in winter.

Remember to use snap on links for 9 speed chain.

I use a motorbike chain lube spray to re-lube.

The used diesel if allowed to stand a few days can be drained off and used again

wear gloves,

Another good cleaner is Green oil

They manufacture: Chain Cleaner, Frame cleaner, grease and oil.

To clean chain simply cote it with chain cleaner ride around for a few minutes and wash it off!

To clean frame either buy the frame cleaner and apply and wash,

or dilute one can of chain cleaner in a litre (that's 1.76 pints in Anglo saxon)of water and use it as normal. Uk stockist is Chain Reaction Cycles.

See Ctc website for advice on dismantling and reassembling 9 and 10 speed chains!

Basically these chains must be joined with the special link

as supplied by ICE or they will break whilst in use.

Have fun Regards. Ted.

8.6: co.trike/maint/[triceriders] I hate GOAT HEADS:

date Wed, Aug 5, 2009 at 10:10 PM

You need some sort of protection for goat heads--period.

I automatically install True Goo in all trikes intended for regional use

and I have always used it in my personal trikes.

You can use a thick tire liner like Tuffy.

Of course Marathon Plus takes care of the problem

and, in a 1.75 size, rides well too.

Big Apples may ride well but have no postive effect on the thorn issue.

My rule when using Goo is to pump twice if a tire goes down

(after removing broken off thorns).

If it goes down a third time, -- only twice in six years on the trail,

then install your spare tube

and patch the failed Goo-filled tube at home before reinstalling it.

Chip, recumbenttrikestore.com

date Thu, Aug 6, 2009 at 8:58 AM subject [triceriders] Re: Goo and Shipping:

Here's an interesting issue we found out about Goo.

We shipped our trikes (3 days, Fed Ex) with the tires deflated.

When we inflated the tires while re-assembling the trikes,

each of us had one tire with two holes in it that needed patching.

Evidently the Goo had been doing it's job blocking up the holes

and then the hole re-opened as it was shipped.

8.8: bk:

. hub `sealed (precision) bearings?

they require less service, but service is more costly .

. trice`bottom bracket likely has sealed bearings

and never needs service (low rpm = low wear)?

--

. bottom bracket uses an adjustable left cup;

it needs special splined tools .

. pedal-mashing can create chain ring flex;

your goal should be 90 rpm for reduced transmission stress .

morningstar product freehub buddy:

The Freebhub Buddy allows you to inject clean grease

into Shimano Freehub bodies, displacing dirt and old lubricants.

Thick grease may cause problems if used in very cold weather.

. chain links are 1",

the stretch is too much when 12 links measure 12+1/8 inches,

. beware veg-based oils like 3-in-1 .

8.9: bk:

. derailleur pullys: (upper : jockey, lower: idler),

. indexed deraileur controls depend on precise hanger shape

. kerosene, paint thinner or diesel fuel (adds oil),

are good solvents for thick grease grimes

-- jobs that don't clean up with dish soap

meant for light oil and particulate messes .

[ParkTools insist you use their orange chain cleaner for that]

. lube can come from auto supply:

for bearings and cables use white lithium grease,

for lighter oil jobs use 30wt motor oil .

8.11: bk:

. gear chart uses gear inches formula:

#pedal`gear`teeth * #wheel`gear`teeth / wheel size (inches diameter)

--. but this doesn't translate well to 20"wheels

because diameter isn't directly related to gearing .

. also, another variable is crank`length .

. write your ID inside helmet .

8.12: bk:

. white lightening is paraffin-like lube (www.mtbr.com/cat) .

. some clean chain in place with

1st {wd40, lps-1}

then {lps-3, motor oil}

. like the left pedal has left handed threads

so also does the older style

bottom bracket's fixed cup (right side) .

. sweat's salt can corrode both alum and steel even when dry

and paint can be porous so that the effects happen under good paint .

. the paint can be sealed with silicon caulk

or aerosol furniture wax

. spray wd-40 on inside or with weigle's frame saver .

. another reason for shimmy at high speed is rider weighs a lot on

ultra light frame .

. imron urethane paint .

PRIMERS, AND SEALERS:

You should never spray your paint directly on the bare metal.

A primer will help adhesion of the paint to the metal surface.

Should you be painting over an existing painted surface,

a "sealer" should be used to ensure that there is no

bleed of the old paint into the new paint.

As an added note, you should never try to paint lacquer over an noncatalyzed enamel

[some other source:]

. Imron; This was popular years ago.

I would have to describe it as a rubber based polyurethane.

It was originally designed for airplanes that are subjected to extreme temperature changes

. It then was used on fleet trucks.

The stuff does not chip. Brake fluid will not damage it.

If you get a run, you can't sand it out!

This stuff is so toxic that when I sprayed it, I breathed off of a scuba tank!

You have to clean out your gun when done, or throw the gun away.

The left-over paint will bounce like a ball.

. avoid lacquers?

likely includes spray-on uncatylized "(enamels) .

8.11: todo.trike/shifting:

. should practice shifting before going into busy traffic,

not good to practice that on trainer .

[12.27: being in a velomobile makes it

awkward getting out of the way quickly

in the event of accidently stopping in too high a gear . ]

8.12: news.mobi/trike/trailer hitching:

I am contemplating getting a trailer for my QNT.

...

The standard hitch will work fine.

-- Chip recumbenttrikestore.com

8.15:

I've got a Quik-Pak. I'm not sure what else is out there like the flatbed though.

One reason for the Quik-Pak is 406 / 20 inch wheels (same as on my Trice), Burley is 16 inch. Actually the Quik-Pak has better looking wheels than my trike and Sun EZ-Sport.

Be aware that while the Quik-Pak is an excellent trailer, likely better than the Burley in many respects, there are a few assembly issues that are NOT listed in the assembly instructions as provided on their website. I documented these in a review on bentrideronline.

6.15: co.trike/maint/shimmy:

While coasting, if I remove my hands from the handlebars,

the wheels shake violently

. recommended checking the tightness of the axles

and that the brakes are not rubbing?

chip@recumbenttrikestore.com:

One or both headsets are loose

and/or the toe-in is not set properly.

. it seems worse when the trike is on big apples ?

Wider/narrower tyre will move the centre of the contact patch laterally

(making the steering more/less susceptible to bump inputs),

might also affect brake steer sensitivity?

8.14: co.trike/trice/shimmy:

On Sun, Jun 14, 2009 at 8:52 PM, dthompsoncpa wrote:

While coasting, if I remove my hands from the handlebars,

the wheels shake violently.

my reply:

. I just got through reading

Bicycling magazine's Complete Guide to Bicycle Maintenance & Repair

and it said a common reason for shimmy at high speed

is when the rider weighs a lot on an ultra light or specialized frame .

. the trice makers warn of strict weight limits .

. that reason seems more likely on a bike than a trike;

but, I thought I should throw the group even remote clues .

8.15:

date Fri, Aug 14, 2009 at 2:48 PM

. I recently dialed out a wheel shimmy

with a 1/2" tweak of the rear boom length.

date Fri, Aug 14, 2009 at 5:09 PM

. Check your tyre pressures,

too low will cause some shimmy.

date Sat, Aug 15, 2009 at 9:35 AM

Hi, most times I've had shimmy is due to

the headsets on each wheel coming loose.

This happens quite often when new.

If you can get hold of some old school steel locking washers

with a corrugated under surface,

these seem to hold better than the thin alloy ones.

I also locked the threads with Loctite 243.

After a year I also found that the big nuts holding the front wheels

had become loose.

The front tyres should always have the same pressure of air in them.

Check all these things,

trikes cause a lot of vibrations to all moveable parts .

date Sat, Aug 15, 2009 at 10:06 AM.

. the shimmy on his 20" Q is now cured.

there was an o ring missing in the headset.

It might be worth checking your headset against an exploded drawing?

8.16:

. same problem developed on my new QNT after only a few days.

I tried to checked the alignment,

retorque everything I could think of,

and checking tire pressure.

It improved a lot but

there is still a bit of shimmy at high speed.

So I find that headset thing interesting.

The manual says:

"After the first 50 or 100 miles,

check the steering components for signs of looseness.

The headset bearings may need to be snugged up

after they have bedded in,

and the axles should be checked for tightness as well".

date Mon, Aug 17, 2009 at 7:35 AM

. ICE has been shipping (the last three trikes)

with a well greased O ring between the steering pin cap and first bearing.

.. for those who would like to try

adding damping to the steering,

one could insert--stretch and snap like a rubber band--

an O ring in this location.

The supplied ring has 1/8" thickness and 7/8" id with 1 1/8" od.

It is greased when installed.

The effect is a pressure fit between the cap and stem

which gives the steering some resistance.

date Tue, Aug 18, 2009 at 1:36 PM

. official word [on] the purpose for the O ring:

It was introduced to offset any excess steering vibration

--it is intended as a dampener.

Chip, recumbenttrikestore.com

8.18:

Phil Mix date Mon, Aug 17, 2009 at 8:10 PM

Joe, During my 7,000 miles on my Q

I didn't remove both hands at any speed above 10 mph

that I can remember.

However, I know that in breaking the two frames in,

at about 400-800 miles

the steering and tracking changed and the fix was:

tightening the loose headsets.

I am tempted to loosen the headsets as see if I can create this shimmy.

What is missing here is a root cause analysis.

Are the o-rings placed to

lessen the inevitible initial set in of the headsets?

The same retightening of the main steering bolt

was experienced in both frames.

I observed both times that removing the bolt revealed

a crushed ring of frame paint under the lower bearing,

when the crushed ring of paint was removed

and the bolt retightened,

eliminated the need for further retightening.

I have since been on some really rough macadum

and the steering is solid.

After the onetime tightening, retightening was not required.

..for some no hands stuff see me in this one ....

[ shows a trice rider can steer no-handed

by leaning into desired direction .

]

Ha Ha ..no shimmy then.....2 years ago...

Phil

8.20:

date Wed, Aug 19, 2009 at 8:07 PM

Shimmy of this sort was once a very common problem in automobiles

of the 1920s and 1930s when most cars had solid front axles.

The axle would oscillate whenever its equilibrium was disturbed.

The addition of front brakes in the late 20s made it worse

by increasing the amount of weight on the ends of the axle.

It was the main reason for the widespread adoption of

independent front suspension during the 1930s.

My Model A Fords would develop it when their front radius rod attachments

(which kept the front axle in position) became loose.

It would happen much as described on a Trice,

when the front wheels would hit a bump simultaneously

(such as a ridge across the road) when going fast enough;

it would stop if I hit the brakes

and slowed down below the critical speed.

It is also endemic on Morgan cars,

which have independent front suspension,

but very hard springs

and practically no suspension travel.

I have previously remarked on the resemblance between

a recumbent tadpole trike

and a Morgan three-wheeler.

The crosshead of a Morgan behaves very similarly

to the cross-arm of a trike,

which similarly pivots around

its attachment at the centre

and relies mainly on frame flex for suspension.

On a Morgan, the frame flex absorbs more bumps

than the springs do (I can lean my full weight

on the front of my Morgan without compressing the springs).

On my 1970 four-wheeled Morgan

(which has the same suspension as the three-wheeler),

it happens right around 55 mph if it is going to happen at all.

The cure for shimmy on Morgans

is the same as on a Trice:

first make sure than everything is

tight and properly adjusted

(a 5 psi difference between front tire pressures

can cause Morgan shimmy,

as can wheel balance, kingpin wear,

and apparently the phase of the moon

) and then

introduce some friction into the system to dampen it.

My 1927 Morgan Aero has on it

a "Hooley Steering Damper"

that simply acts like the O-ring in a Trice headset.

In addition, as mentioned,

the rear end adjustment

(tire pressure, and boom length on a Trice)

can affect the front's tendency to shimmy.

Don

http://orangbasikal.blogspot.com

8.23: try the o-ring. [reinstalling what Chip uninstalls]

rgammelg@gmail.com

date Sun, Aug 23, 2009 at 9:09 AM

I started experiencing some changes in the steering

after about 300 miles of riding.

I checked the tire pressure and alignment.

Then I tightened the headsets and noticed a slight improvement.

I emailed Chip and he suggested that I

try the o-ring. [reinstalling what Chip uninstalls]

I just inserted it yesterday

and did notice some differences.

Even with proper tire inflation

my wheels would start to oscillate back and forth

and continue to exaggerate

until I had to put my hands on the steering.

Now, with the o-ring inserted,

I am able to ride with no hands and any speed.

Prior to the o-ring,

I would occasionally notice a slight pedal steer effect.

Now that also appears to have been dampened.

It was fairly easy to install.

Just loosen the two bolts on the side of the stem

(where the handlebars pivot)

and lower the stem.

Grease and apply the o-ring over the bolt

and above the top bearing.

Pull up on the stem until it is back in the original position

and tighten the stem.

Bob

8.17: co.mobi/trike/maint/trice maintenance tools and tips:

. for those who do their own maintenance,

and have had a chance to do all the tasks;

did you find any surprises, have any favorite tools,

or favorite places to get parts and tools ?

. the first tool I'm wondering about

is a torque wrench for the pedal wrench .

. trice warns about following these instructions exactly

-- that would include a torque wrench

which involves either much cost or comments like "(ineffective) .

. are all the bearings sealed?

where do you get replacements ?

. what are the spec's on the trice cassette lock rings

[. not sent, search instead:]

torque wrench talk: (Kerry Irons)

The only thing I use the torque wrench for

is BB's and cassette lock rings.

I'm very comforable with doing everything else free hand,

but I find that [doing it free-hand] will likely not get

70 n-m torque for a BB.

The beam units are not nearly as accurate or reliable.

With the "clicker" system, you don't over-torque.

webBikeWorld on torque wrenches for motorcycles:

. our current favorite is this very easy to use split-beam type

by Precision Instruments [C2 Split Beam]

It's important to note that

figures regarding torque wrench accuracy

are usually valid from 20% up to full

of the full scale of the wrench's rated torque capacity

Micrometer torque wrenches can be very accurate;

some are rated at ±3% accuracy

(i.e., about ±1 ft. lb. at a 30 ft. lb. setting).

they can be used in both a clockwise and anti-clockwise direction

(although torque wrenches should never be used to release a fastener).

chain selection and sources:

8.19: co.mobi/triceriders@yahoogroups.com/trike

. I liked the idea posted weeks ago, of having 3 chains

and rotating them so that the cogs wear evenly for the life of 3 chains .

. any tips on chain brands ?

. what chains feature the most reusable master links,

vs links that must be broken apart or are very difficult ?

. do any of you in {usa, uk, euro} buy chains by mail-order?

. books disagree on solvents:

why should I use the ParkTools` orange cleaner instead of, say,

first {wd40, lps-1}

then {30wt motor oil, lps-3} ?

. Bicycle Mag's book tries to economize by using

the same stuff provided by the auto industry .

other hints by that book:

good solvents for thick grease grimes:

. kerosene, paint thinner or diesel fuel (adds oil),

-- jobs that don't clean up with dish soap

which is meant for light oil and particulate messes .

good lube:

. for bearings and cables use white lithium grease .

replies:

date Wed, Aug 19, 2009 at 12:53 PM

Sram chains have what they call a power link.

I've never had on fail on me. -

date Wed, Aug 19, 2009 at 1:31 PM

I suggest using a single chain without the expensive links.

Power-On-Cycling, for example, carries SRAM 951 9 speed chain,

[ SRAM 9 Speed (CHAIN-PC951) $17.99

Good all around 9 speed chain.

The choice of manufacturers on their higher end bikes.

PC-951 has gray outer plates.

PC-971 and

PC-991 have silver outer plates.

Each box includes 114 links and a power link.

Most recumbents will take 2 to 3 boxes to make a complete chain

9.2: SR-PC971 $30 -- sram PC-971 chain

-- SRAM made some minor tweaks to the PC-971 to

enhance shifting performance with Truvativ chainrings

while continuing to offer accurate shifting in SRAM or Shimano drivetrains.

Nickel-plated outer plates for durability with grey inner plates.

Gold PowerLink master link included.

[but one on amazon said it didn't work so well with shimano]

cut to length, one piece.

Add postage and it will be less than DF shots of chain.

Add say 6" for fitting to your needs.

Besides bulk chain will prove to be a discount to you

as the dealer buys it by the 1000 ft roll.

Carry those quick links for emergencies on the road.

8.20:

date Thu, Aug 20, 2009 at 4:39 AM

If you are the [lube it on the bike] type

a ten foot chain isn't a problem

but if you want to maximize the life of your drivetrain

you would do well to take the advice of Sir Sheldon and Jobst Brandt.

Never apply lube to a dirty chain.

The dirt on the outside is doing very little harm

but when you apply lube

it is carried into the inner parts where it forms

the equivalent a grinding paste. This kills chains.

Every 200 miles take it apart

and shake it in a container containing citrus degreaser

then rinse well and dry in the sun or oven.

You can expect at least 6000 miles out of a chain,

and if you rotate 3 chains

you can expect at least 20,000 miles

out of your cassette and chainrings.

8.30: my response:

. follow up on leads .

. what is power link vs quick links?

web:

. here's a story of trouble with power link .

. secret of the SRAM PowerLink removal .

. Park Tools makes a special set of pliers (tool #MLP-1) $15-$17,

that works great on any master link.

Simply insert the specially sized jaws into the masterlink

and squeeze the handles, while pinching the sides of chain .

You need to squeeze the plates together,

but if you squeeze them too hard, they will bind against the rollers

and the pins won't want to move toward each other.

. to make this tool yourself,

bend a piece of stiff wire(old spoke) into a Squared off "U"

[then any pliers can press on the wires to press on the links]

. precede with slight WD-40 flush .

else

take a pair of pliers and set them in the wide position,

then "Z" the chain so the link is the "/" of the "Z"

You can now push the opposing plates

with the pliers angled so each jaw only touches the outer plate.

another success with Z:

Grab the links on either side of the power link

and push together until the powerlink is 90¡ to the chain.

Pinch the side plates of the powerlink with one hand

and push one of the adjacent links to slide the powerlink.

.the Chain Hook.

[wire bent to form pliers with hooked jaws

that can hold chain ends together ]

Taking the tension off the piece of chain you're working on

makes removing a rivet or a PowerLink much easier.

. use a chain tool to push the powerlink pins just a hair farther out.

Removal takes a matter of seconds.

I have done this to countless powerlinks for years with zero failures.

prevention: [I tried this]

. before you install the link,

fiddle with it off the chain a little

to figure out the double action.

Then try it on the chain while not on the bike.

Then go for the full installation.

" I remove my gold powerlink

at least once a week for chain cleaning

" The SRAM links cooperate with me

but the KMC links don't.

" Money saved on KMC/Nashbar chains went towards a Park tool.

" I have found that the silver Powerlink

is MUCH more difficult to open when new

than the *gold* powerlink that comes on narrower (9-speed) chains.

8.30: web.gear/trike/chain:

chains at utahtrikes.com:

KMC X9 9-Speed Chain w/Master Link - $69.95

KMC Z72 8spd Chain w/Master Link - $39.95

KMC Z9000 9 spd Chain w/Master Link - $49.95

9-speed chain recumbent ? Nashbar

Recumbent 9speed Chain 232 Links

Replace your recumbent chain with ease with our really long chain!

Fits most LWB, and SWB A bents.

Compatible with both Shimano and Campagnolo 9 speed systems,

includes a quick link .

[every chain gets bad reviews! no overview is here:]

what does shimano recommend for the capreo ? CN-HG73 (1.83/5 -- bad)

mtbr.com reviews for 9-speed chain

(item, #reviews, grade/5)

SRAM PC-99 (9 speed) 90 3.41

SRAM PC-69 (9 speed) 34 3.56

SRAM PowerLink $5.00 44 4.02

Wippermann 9x1 Chain 21 2.71

Wippermann 908 Chain 15 3.27

Shimano HG-93 9sp $16.00 21 2.29

KMC Z9000 $20.00 21 1.95

SRAM PC-991 Hollow Pin 19 2.79

Shimano HG73 Chain $15.00 30 2.93

I'm willing to bet being a former bicycle mechanic

(and still doing work on the side)

that the chains are not being installed properly

with the Shimano replacement pins.

The replacement pins are a PITA[pain]

but a very simple remedy is a SRAM Powerlink or Connex Connector...

both of which I have used with success

on this chain (I've used two now).

The chain has been reliable, smooth shifting,

and long term durability has been on par with

others at or above its price range.

Having broke both PC69 (now the PG971) SRAM chains in less than a year...

I would highly recommend it over that chain.

I've run HG93 and CN 7701 chains in the past

and I am pleasantly surprised at the quality of this chain.

8.20: bk:

. threads should be oiled; large threads should be greased;

torque values assume this .

. parktool`cl-1 chain lube has a nice drip bottle .

like a syringe but by squeeze .

. before oiling threads, of course nylocked's don't need it;

but, also check that the female threading is not nylocked .

conversions for torque measuring systems:

in lb/12 = ft lb;

nm * 8.85 = in lb;

8.21: mobi/trike/prep like short trips could get long:

. on even short trips, take plenty of water

since being chased by a dog turn it into a long trip .

8.20: co.mobi/trike/trice/maint/tire sizing:

. tyre manufacturers have cleaned up their act a lot in recent years.

In addition to the old 'nominal OD' marking,

which can be hugely misleading,

nearly all modern tyres also carry ISO size markings.

EG 40-406 for a nominally 20-inch Marathon Racer

or 35-406 for a Kojak.

The second number is a direct measurement of the bead seat diameter

(as per cars as stated above

Bike tires are sized by the nominal outside diameter,

not like car tires which are sized by the diameter of the inside of the bead

(where they seat on the wheel).

They often are not the size they are marked. )

while the first denotes the width of the tyre.

The width figure may not be 100% accurate in every case

as it can be affected in a minor way by the width of the rim it is fitted to,

but it is a whole order of magnitude more accurate than the old nominal system.

Using the marked ISO numbers as a basis,

and taking the width marking as height,

normally yields an accurate enough result

for setting a cycle computer.

The ISO sizes are a more reliable guide to what tire will fit your wheel

(there often being several different incompatible sizes

called by the same inch designation),

but not necessarily to the actual size of the tire.

See article on tire sizing

and why companies misrepresent the sizes of their tires,

and an article about the actual measured inflated sizes of Schwalbe tires

compared to their nominal ISO sizes.

Schwalbe does seem to be fairly accurate.

A 20 inch Marathon Racer is 40-406, giving a radius of 24.3cm.

Assuming the ISO figures to be correct (they are normally pretty close)

9.2: Christine Mattheis` the five most common bike-car collisions.

. car takes left turn into on-coming traffic

-- almost half of all bike-car crashes,

according to the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center (PBIC).

. cyclist hits an opening car door .

. car exits a driveway into the path of cyclist.

. car turns right without first being in right lane

cutting off the cyclist who is the right lane .

. car hits a slower cyclist from behind .

[

. the chances of this are proportional to

the difference in speed;

if a car is drifting into your lane,

a fast-moving cyclist can counter-drift into another lane .

. then again, speed kills anyway,

as sometimes the reason for the drift

is because the driver has been startled by something falling

reflexively attempting to retrieve it,

and creating a jerk in the steering wheel at high speed .

. this may be difficult to avoid

-- best to stay on low-speed roads .

9.4:

. then again,

a significant number of traffic deaths

are within a few miles of the victim's own home

-- too short a distance to put on their seatbelts,

they assume .

. you've got to be inspecting traffic all the time

and be prepared to take a sharp exit

-- sometimes from crazed drunks that mean to hit you!

]

43,000 are killed in usa crashes every year,

including 5,000 pedestrians

and 700 cyclists per year.

In other countries,

they've been more active about taking those words seriously.

The United States has the highest

traffic-death rate (15 per 100,000 residents)

of all developed democratic countries.

Several European nations over the past few decades,

- Austria, Belgium, France, Germany,

the Netherlands and Switzerland -

have slashed their annual traffic-fatality figures

largely through "traffic-calming" measures

that forcibly reduce the speeds of motor vehicles.

In places such as Germany and the Netherlands,

traffic regulations are actually biased in favor of

cyclists and pedestrians

-in the event of a bike-car collision,

the legal burden is on motorists

to prove that they weren't at fault,

and Dutch drivers are financially liable

even if cyclists are at fault.

(in the Netherlands,

almost half of all local travel is done by bicycle) .

Dutch and German children are schooled in

safe cycling practices

and, when they grow older and learn to drive,

are taught how to avoid even collisions caused by

lawbreaking cyclists.

Peter L. Jacobsen` 2003 "Safety in Numbers"

. Jacobsen found from studying cities internationally

that cars hit pedestrians and pedal-cyclists less

when they see more of them on the road every day .

9.5: news.trice/safety/dog.guard/Bear Pepper Spray is more potent:

"(note #1: Bear Pepper Spray might be applicable -

use only approved spray specifically formulated for bears

- more powerful spray and more potent.

It's more expensive than that made for people

- using people spray may only enrage the bear

without deterring an attack.

) .

Bear Pepper Spray arizona law

www.azgfd.gov:

If a black bear attacks,

fight back with everything in your power: fists, sticks, rocks

and E.P.A. registered bear pepper spray.

Guard Alaska

Guard Alaska 20% ultra hot bear pepper spray

has proven so effective repelling bears,

it is the only one registered with the EPA

as a repellent for ALL SPECIES of bear!

$35:

. superior 20% concentration

This formula is a scientifically proven superior 20% concentration,

. endorsed by the Alaska Science & Technology Foundation.

. Sierra Club criteria for effective bear deterrent

The Sierra Club wants the Forest Service to require

everyone who enters a national forest in grizzly bear country

to carry bear spray.

Spokeswoman Heidi Godwin said in a news release,

"The proper use of bear pepper spray

will reduce human injuries caused by bears,

reduce the number of grizzly bears killed in self defense,

and help promote the recovery and survival of the grizzly bear."

. shoots 20 feet and contains 9 oz. -- 9 one second shots.

8 3/4 x 2" diam.

Environmentally safe and EPA approved.

(One of the only non-Canadian brands

to be approved for sale in Canada)

Quote from the Yellowstone National Park Website:

"

Bear pepper spray is similar to

the pepper spray police officers carry,

but the canisters designed for bear encounters are much larger.

Park rangers recommend that hikers carry the bear spray

as defense in the event of a bear attack.

Bear pepper spray has proven very successful

in stopping attacks,

although one or two people are still injured each year

by Yellowstone's bears.

"

. University of Calgary grizzly bear expert Stephen Herrero:

. bear pepper spray was found to be 94% effective

in deterring aggressive bears.

W. Bellant "Gamer Geek" (Renton, Wa ).

. pit bulls charged me but I had bear spray .

9.2: co.trice/chain tubes:

date Tue, Sep 1, 2009 at 11:21 AM

I have TerraCycle Over Under idlers installed

and have removed all the tubes except for

a 6 inch piece that protects my right calf.

This short piece is anchored by a couple of wire ties.

I went with this arrangement because, last winter,

The tubes filled with frozen road slush

and the chain would bind so badly

that it was difficult to peddle forward

and I couldn't back peddle at all.

9.3: co.trice/maint/chain tube vs dry lube:

> Don't use oil to gather dirt and dust to wear the chain out faster,

> so our chain is relatively clean and not a problem.

. anyone had experience with white lightening or other dry lube's?

. I read some also degrease the chain

and soak it in hot paraffin .

joe`reply:

I personally, prefer either Pro Link, or Bosheld T9.

I'm sure that there are many good lubes out there.

These are the two I've had the best experience with.

my response:

web for spelling: ProLink Chain Lube

. will not let dirt and grit stick to your chain

-- in wet or dry conditions. It greatly reduces friction and wear,

allowing smoother operation of your chain and cables,

and it will keep your chain and drive train area clean and seemingly drag free.

ProLink is a thin-bodied lubricant that uses MFR technology,

a molecule which bonds to the metal surface.

It does not build up or become tacky

because it contains no solids like Teflon, wax, moly, graphite or plastic.

Boeshield T-9 by Boeing Aviation

as a corrosion inhibitor for aircraft components.

safe on paint, plastics, and vinyl.

Boeshield T-9 is a combination of solvents, lubricants and waxes

designed for penetration, moisture displacement, lubrication, and protection.

Boeshield T-9 dries to a thin waxy film that clings to metal.

Because it adheres to metal so well,

it works directly on exposed metal surfaces.

The product can be used in two ways to prevent rust.

A thicker coating works in places where additional protection is helpful

such as on hinges, chains, undercarriages, cables and on items put into storage.

9.3: web.trice/maint/chain lubes:

"(. I'm using DuPont Teflon Dry Film Lubricant )

www.bikeforums.net:

(ProLink (my all-time fav), White Lightning, Park lube, and Rock n Roll).

But we all agree that wet is out.

. the driest lubes I have found

have been purple extreme if you let it dry

and honda's chain lube -- lasts a bit longer in the rain.

.

1 part Mobile1 10w30,

3 parts mineral spirits;

clean and relube every 100-150 miles.

sheldonbrown.com/chains.html

Most of the contaminants on a chain are thrown up by the front tire.

This lands on the outer side of the chain.

For this reason, you should always oil a chain on the inner side,

the side that faces the sprockets.

The best way to apply the oil is with a drip-type oil can,

along the top of the lower run of the chain.

This applies the oil to the cleanest part of the chain.

Phil Wood Tenacious oil.

mosquito proof's from cycle.wear:

9.4:

. citronella oil helps repel flies from horses;

Lafuma Mosquito Shirt - Long-Sleeve - Men's (citronella treated)

. lycra? spandex -- gives body aerodynamics

http://www.bugshirt.com/ -- made of microfiber?

9.5:

. the only notable place for microfiber was the mosquito slacks;

apparently not for uppers?

Railrider's Eco-mesh pants in summer.

Regarding the Eco Mesh pants, they have side zippers to reveal the mesh material

(similar to their shirts).

9.24: co.trice/maint/tires for reduced bounce:

. go lighter tires, likes 95psi 1.35" wide kojaks .

9.27: co.trice/maint/tire pressure:

The damping has to come from the suspension.

Trice suspension is wonderful compared with nothing

but has a weakness in this regard.

> http://www.vintagebicyclepress.com/images/TireDrop.pdf

I believe there is danger about

using the linked bicycle chart for three wheeled trikes.

Bicycles do not have side forces on their tires.

The Trice Q has a fairly even weight distribution on each wheel.

My total weight of 240 lbs/3 =80 lbs/wheel...

The article would suggest 35 psi for a 406x35 Kojak.

This is way under the recommended tire pressure by Schwalbe of 55 to 95 psi.

One would run the dangerous risk of a tire rolling off the rim in a tight corner

with only 35 psi in your tires.

Consider you may be in a tight cornering situation on "two wheels".

Schwalbe's tech rep recommended 95 psi for the front Kojaks on my ride.

I have been saved several times in near rollover cornering situations

including one on very rough macadam at over 30 mph.

Schwalbe: "actual tire pressures should never be higher or lower than

the maximum and minimum inflation pressures marked on the tire sidewall."

9.26: trice/safety/surprised by heel.strike:

. another way legs can get caught under trike

when not using clipless or shell with floor

is heel strike causes surprise-bouncing out of pedals,

and then being surprised lets foot fall to the ground

which then grips the shoe and drags it back .

10.4: news.trice/safety:

. safety course from League of American Bicyclists Traffic Skills

. took the course and learned quite a bit

-- even after a life time of cycling .

composite tech for velo'shell

4.6:

homemade trike from bolted aluminum

cloroplast blog

use of plastic pipe as fairing support

clear fairings

. long clear fairings get VERY hot .

. the reason for the valley down the middle

is so you can see despite having

a leg covering while leaning back .

. minimizing knee bend (maximizing ankle work)

will help visibility too .

aluminum clothes line wire and make some more supports

. for the main frame, I use PVC tubing:

flexible to allow some 'give' for potholes

. bent using a heat gun:

heat small sections and use a jig .

HILLMAN 123150 WIRE CLOTHES 9GA ALUM50 ($7.41 each)

coroplast.com

sources of coroplast and foam board

1. In the yellow pages, look under plastics.

Any sign making supplies shop

will carry coroplast,

but charge a premium for it.

2. after an election,

check for large signs being tossed

in the dumpsters of the losing candidates

3. Foam board at Staples and Office Max

(foam core with plastic front and rear panels)

. stiffer than coroplast; Expensive, but sturdy.

4.6: construction ideas

aluminum wire:

. I used wire rope clamps

to secure the ends of the aluminum wire to make a hoop

. I didn't use a jig to make the hoops

and later wished I had.

. use 2mm "fine flute" coroplast.

(Most coroplast is 4mm,

and is more difficult to work with .)

4.7: proj.mobi/dog.guard/sum of recent web:

. facebook coro'shell site has links? they weren't obvious .

best new tech ideas:

. alum clothesline for ribbing,

and bolted square 2"alum to flat angles .

4.11: tech.mobi/aluminum contouring:

. one way to get aluminum to bend into curves like a boat

is to use bundles of thinner pieces,

like the ones in the screen kit

4.22:

. when they are bound with string many times,

they will bend without kinking or wrinkling .

4.11: mobi/trike/xt fairing:

. the small lexan fairing would be a good base

for attaching fiberglass rods,

or the screen kit beams laminated .

. walmart online may show cheap tents

for extending the strong xt .

4.11: all about fairings

fairing supplies(eu):

http://www.bayplastics.co.uk/

http://www.arielplastics.com/

http://www.diyplas.co.uk/

http://www.kentplastics.com/

[epoxy-fiber] composite construction of aircraft

. polystyrene as core material

Polystyrene comes in large blocks

and is normally used to form large structures

such as wings, control surfaces, etc.

If you are building a plans-built airplane

you will build a large portion out of this material.

Polystyrene can be cut with a knife, saw,

or "hot-wired" into the shape of an airfoil.

You can find plans for a "hot-wire" device

in the Rutan booklet

Mouldless Composite Sandwich Homebuilt Aircraft Construction

available from supply companies.

glue:

. on being informed that I was building an aircraft,

Indspec Chemical Corp. refused to sell me

any glue other than Penacolite Adhesive G-1131

Avex rivets:

. not all blind rivets are pop rivets .

something to help build a tent

micro tent $1000

A one-man tunnel tent

Two all-around zippers allow a

middle part to be opened.

The zippers are made waterproof

by specially designed storm flaps.

The integral mosquito net

can be closed separately.

Five loops on the back

hold the insulating mat in place.

The Worlds Strongest Dome Tents

We manufacture a wide range of

patented Tensegrity and Geodesic structures

using our own tarp fasteners, "Grip Clips."

All Shelter Systems' structures are "shingled,"

with the panels overlapping each other

to make a totally waterproof

and yet breathable shelter.

. made with a strong, tear-resistant fabric

and non-puncturing tarp fasteners.

The poles of the dome are made of PVC, a thermo plastic,

which gets stiffer with the cold.

Poles may be kept warm by

wrapping them in a blanket

with large bottles of boiling water.

4.12: tech.mobi/beam connectors:

. the way to connect aluminum beams geodesically

is drill the ends

and sew them with metal wire for pull

and then wrap the joint with parachute cord,

or other rope like nylon .

. then glob the rope together

by smearing it construction caulking .

. since the beams can be joined at any angle

in any number,

this can form a web of any shape .

. another form of beam lamination or sandwiching

is when the layers come from various directions,

so that where there is a joint,

one vector is being attached from both sides

by another vector .

4.22: web.mobi/shell/parts suppliers:

tents and flag poles!

GPX 4-person Backpacking Dome Ten

flag poles are another local

. by using a superflex pole (fiberglass)

the sides poles can be bowed apart

by a top pole that fits in a pocket sewed to both side poles .

. these pockets look are T shaped,

with the top of the T sewed around the side poles .

. this'll give me a cheap source of many fiberglass rods,

so the velo'shell can be kick-tuff!

6ft x 1/4" white fiberglass rod

6ft x 1/4" white fiberglass rod e140037

/ $2.40 ea + (Oversized Shipping)

Bike Flag Bracket:

Silver plated stamped steel e140038 / $1.80

-- these brackets can hold the rods in ways that are either removable

or can be constructed modularly:

here is a rod pocket that can be bolted to other things,

strong where strength is sorely needed .

oversized shipping costs:

For small products we can ship by USPS using Priority Mail ONLY.

Up to 2 lbs. $11.25

each extra lbs. $.75

Pole 6' to 8' $24.00

each extra pole $1.00

. you'll want to ask how much each pole costs,

for 10 poles the shipping is

45.25/10 = 4.52 per pole;

so the real cost is 7 per pole ok .

Fibergrate Dynaform¨ Round Tube

. a strong hollow tube will be easy to connect by drilled holes

$23.7 per 10ft x 1"(1/8 wall)

Polycarbonate Tubing

Can be used with flexible fittings (tube fitting section).

UV stabilized, can be used outside.

Item is priced per foot;

sold in 8' intervals only.

abs vs pvc

ABS is foam core and more flexible than PVC

so it will warp in the sun.

[. maybe it would do ok with reflectix shell over it?]

PVC is easy to work with in the same manner as ABS,

but if you buy foam core, you will have the same problems.

You can buy PVC in solid core.

If you don't use the cleaner, the joints will come apart.

We in the Tampa Bay Area

stopped using ABS here over 30 years ago.

PVC is stronger and holds up better then ABS.

abs -- very strong per weight!

. not only will it warp, but it also changes

length with temperature more than metals .

. they say to be sure you get a good grade (see markings)

so perhaps tampa bay felt cheated by fakes .

. never thread the abs?

it backs your threads with nothign but foam;

reminds me that drilling foam core

may be another source of weakness .

could drill larger than needed,

and make an epoxy neck .

Compositech (3830 E 44th St Ste 538, 85713 )

(520) 584-8780

Harrington Ind Plastics Inc (4141 E Tennessee St Ste 137, 85714)

(520) 745-8433

Fiber Tech USA Llc (1517 N Wilmot Rd Ste 105, 85712)

(520) 546-7892

astm D2661 Specification for Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS)

Schedule 40 Plastic Drain, Waste, and Vent Pipe and Fittings

www.simplifiedbuilding.com

Kee Lite -- the way to quick rebuilding

Aluminum slip-on pipe fittings

secured to pipe with a set screw .

Aluminum Schedule 40 Pipe, 3/4" ft/$5.35

Aluminum Bundle - 6 of 6', 1" /$157.22

Aluminum Bundle - 6 of 6', 1-1/4" /$193.30

Aluminum Bundle - 6 of 6', 1-1/2" / $221.65

Kee Klamp: Galvanized steel slip-on pipe fittings.

walmart` fiberglass rods

4.24: aq.gear/walmart#kolb&speedway:

4 camp pads /$5.88 -- for shell

wire galvanized yoursymmetry.com`14guage 100ft/$3.47

8 fiberglass poles, 6ft with safety flags /$4.96

4.25: sci.gear/mobi/flag.pole`adhesion:

. how is flag on pole?

fabric pocket glued on, and flag sewed to pocket .

. also notice the metal clip is pounded into place

so it stays on by a compression fit -- the fiberglass is tough .

4.23: hub caps: [obs except composite ideas]

. the hubs can be cut from high-density foam

and with the scraps of foam,

strips of these can be used as backing

like 2ndary washers, so that each cap

is held into place by 3 points,

where each point is a strip and a region of hub,

sandwiching 1..3 spokes .

. then paint dayglo orange

. to complicate things,

use fabric to cover the screws;

sew on a fabric from the radius

up near the screw locations,

then finish off with some spray-on adhesive .

. the paint will then cover the threads and gloss the fabric .

4.27: mobi/trike/hubs/alum or .com:

. hubs can be reinforced with aluminum flashing over hub

may also be commercial hubcaps for aerodynamics .

4.27: trike/hub`caps:

. hubs are complicated by quick release doesn't rotate

so hub has to clear it,

. the foam can be like a doughnut,

with its hole filled by aluminum flashing circle

that can have tabs

that are bent down and then out again

to fit snugly within the foam hole .

4.30: gear/composites/rattle-free hinge:

. could make a rattle-free hinge by

using rope binding wo matrix .

4.30: proj.trike/shell design/ [safety tip]

rods and adhesives have silicates:

. rods and adhesives have silicates

{epoxy use, fiberglass-cutting} needs the air.filter

-- both involve epoxy(silicates).

proj.trike/shell design/knots:

. this reminds of a boyscout trick,

I should check a manual similar to theirs

for more tech with tied branches:

use 3 tied poles to form a

pole with a knotch at the end .

. that knotched pole is bound to the faring`horz'tube,

the knotches are bound to the shell`s top poles .

composites/overview

mobi/trike`shell/materials selection:

fiber-matrix

5.12: composite tech:
. here is foam but used as a mold for fiber-epoxy,
Zote foam from Mark Mueller at Windwrap Fairings
. he used contact cement on zotefoam to itself and to velcro .

5.23: foam

. could use art`gift/apt`bedroom`floor.mat

as stronger version of shell than the camping mat .

5.28: foam/stays round:

. the roundness of the shell around the wheel wells

can come from the shell if something stiff is used as the skin,

such as the camping mats .

6.5:

. in addition to tent fly, try fabric store .
rip-stop nylon fabric

8.30: todo.gear/composites/foam shade:

. mobi foam may need cover from sun

see kite place for carbonate finish sheets,

and kevlar thread .-- see how this is uv protected .

tech.gear/composites/rod-structuring

5.3: pull.ropes:

. instead of relying on shear-grip alone,

when doing rod-composite structures,

also use rope along the length of the rods,

as is used for holding the sanctum together;

eg, when making an H-shape,

you would run rope along the horz.rod,

tying the two verts together .

5.6:

. when the joints are being bundled by a composite,

there will be several layers;

and the pull.ropes can be applied between the 2nd and 3rd layers

-- atleast it shouldn't be under the first layer,

because it would get in the way of the composite making the most

densely fibrous contact possible to the rod .

5.15: pull.ropes for bows:

. string comes up to rod pocket into a seam

like when a drawstring is closing a pouch

. how is rod`pullstring following the curved rod of a bow?

the strongest and easiest is to bring string to both pockets;

then wind a double helix around the rod .

. to be modular, keep a metal ring between pocket and pull.string

perhaps fashioned from galv'wire .

[23: . but a pocket will give the string more support, less wear .]

. alt'ly,

a piece of strap is folded to form both a pocket and double loop

then a loop for each helix

then make pull strings wrap around the pocket to reinforce its stitching .

5.25: pull.ropes/strategic placement:

. both pull.ropes should be in both loops to pull them evenly .

[5.28: they should be symmetrical,

but the can go through just one loop .]

5.25: pull.ropes/loop reinforcement:

. to reinforce the pull.rope`loop, keeping them open,

even after bundling T-joint with fiber-epoxy,

leave in each loop a bike brake cable housing

(or if need larger for both pull.ropes to fit,

then use some rubber hose from tire pump)

. the housing may help keep the fibers from cutting eachother .

5.6:

. keep in mind that epoxy is brittle like aluminum,

so it should only be involved in situations where flexing is minimized;

that's why, altho' aluminum is stronger per weight than steel,

this is so only in tubes that are of larger diameters,

offering greater triangulatory resistance;

so,

you don't want to try making a filler out of very thin rods:

keep the compositing action near the joints

where thickness can be built up relative to the surface area .

5.12:

. to minimize dependence on testing epoxy strength,

the primary strength should come from the stitching

like a tent holds poles together .

. the epoxy will be there just to protect the threads from wear .

5.25: overlapping rods

. when overlapping poles to make an extension

and using a composite binding (rope with epoxy or caulk)

then reduction of wiggle room could be sufficiently done

simply by addition of a 3rd rod to the bundle .

5.30:

. 2 rods can fit in one al'beam at the same time;

so, they can be like female-female connectors .

5.31:

. while the pull.ropes will keep overlapping rods from lengthening,

the overlap-joint must somehow prevent shortening .

. when using the one al'beam as a female-female connector,

the way to do this is to make the al'beam longer than the overlap,

so that each end of the al'beam will allow only one rod .

. the pinched part is wrapped in fiber-matrix

both to prevent the al'beam ends from being a cutting hazard,

and to strengthen the fragile crimped aluminum .

5.31: overlapping rods/nylon.strap:

. is there some nylon.strap-version of an overlap-joint:

. T-joints (the kind using strings) on both ends of both rods,

could use their pull.ropes to provide both the usual pull-apart resistance,

and a push resistance: the ends that are near the overlap,

their pull.rope loops would share a rope .

. a joint specialized for overlaps could be like this:

a 3" strap uses 1" loop back to form a pocket,

and then another 1" strap is sewed on the part of the longer strap

where there is no pocket .

. the short side of the pocket should include a pull.rope loop .

. a nylon.strap joint could also be useful in conjunction with an

al'beam fe-fe connection by filling this sewed strap piece with matrix

instead winding a matrix-slathered string around the al'beam ends .

5.3: gear/composites/shell-to-rod attachment:

5.24:

. the shell is partially nylon like a tent for toughness,

and then also some sort of insulation for reflecting desert heat .

. this insulation can be either foam mats

(as for placing under sleeping bags, or at a stand-up station)

or it can be reflectix, which is not as tough, but great at insulating .

. the foam can be arranged like plates on a rhino,

then along the cracks of these plates are wide bands of nylon fabric;

this gives a lot of surface for many connections .

5.3:

. the mat is sewed to cloth with stitches 1/2inch apart

-- the same as its thickness .

5.24:

. there is not eno' strength along the rod to epoxify the flange .

-- that fact nixes this idea:

5.3: "(

. the insulation is attached to fiberglass rods by a composite flange:

. the general flange pattern is to form a pocket of several epoxied layers

on both sides of the the rod,

perhaps also gluing the rod to the fabric,

but leaving edges unglued for easy sewing to the mat or other flanges .

-- if smearing the entire pocket with epoxy to strengthen the threads

then the flange could not easily be reused

in case the shell or was damaged or the threads broken .

) .

5.24:

. attaching foam to anything by stitching is very labor intensive;

that fact nixes an any idea that shell should get some of it strength

from triangulating the rigidity of the foam;

eg:

5.3:

. "(. the rear cone [mobi/trike`shell/tailbox] can get strength from

the rigidity of its own camping mat panels .

)

5.6: rod-structuring/application of the matrix:

5.24:

. for some rod-to-rod connections it is better to use fiber-epoxy

than to sew pockets together;

this is where technique of applying the epoxy

can be critical to the strength of the joint .

5.6:

. once the epoxy or other matrix is mixed,

simply wad strips or strings of fiber into the mix,

then after working it in,

slide down fiber with pinched fingers to wring out the excess,

and apply to joints that are already held together with a wire tie .

. practice ahead of time winding the string in place,

keeping in mind that it has to be very tight,

so it is the fiber that is filling up most of the volume,

not your matrix (the epoxy) .

. pre-knot the end of the string,

and then when the winding is done,

use that knot to catch a clamp to weight the end down .

5.12:

. the test can be part of the manufacture

by making pockets that tightly fit pole via sewing

and pole is slathered with epoxy to see how holds to fabric,

then pockets are sewn together .

-- re: 5.3: try the epoxy on practice parts first .

rod & beam structuring:

5.12:

. the design is extensible and repairable in layers

. the core is a flimsy pole,

while stiffening can be done incrementally by

splinting on layers of aluminum.beam

. if an aluminum.beam is bent then it may be floppy

but the shell will still be usable until home for repairs .

5.24:

. a network of aluminum.beam is also useful for

minimizing the effects of a cutting gash

such as when caught on something while in motion

or during a vandalism attempt .

. when a network joint can be floppy

it can be constructed by stapling the ends together

with a twisted ring of wire .

. if stiffness is needed, then the joint can be bolted,

and/or reinforced with epoxy-fiber .

5.25: aluminum.beam triples:

. the aluminum beams can be triple bundled

to form h-structs at their ends;

ie, during a T-struct with the bottom being a triple,

and the top being a rod,

the concavity at the end of the triple will fit around the rod .

. the triple can be stapled around a rod by wire loop,

then goop with flashing caulk

then cover goop wih bundles of rope loops around the triple .

. picture the triple with the rod taking the place of the middle beam

about a centimeter deep, so there is room to have

bindings around the triple on both sides of the rod .

. the staple goes through at a 1/4inch below the rod,

and also just above the rod,

the middle beam above the rod is not connected by the staple

but is there simply to provide filler to prevent collapse

during bundling of the beams above the rod .

5.27: aluminum.wire

. sculpting the fenders can be easier with the aluminum clothesline wire

. twisting wire can make random networks .

. a bit of epoxy to hold the twist on its base,

and then the whole net is kept in place by fabric sewed onto it .

5.28: sewing with string:

. sewing needle for string ?

can be done by small loop of thread holding string,

and using an awl to widen holes .

rod-structuring/nylon straps/T-joint

5.24:

. the most important pocket is holding 2 rods in a T-structure,

where the base of the T is part of a bow,

so that pocket is also got a pair of loops for the pull.ropes on the bow .

5.16:

. a T-shaped rod connection can be done with a single strap,

doubled to form 3 loops:

. form loop for rod connectiong to bow;

run the strap down the bow`s rod and then back up

to form the loop for the top pull.string;

then run the strap back up to bow`rod`end

and down the bottom side of the bow`rod,

ending the strap with a loop the bottom pull.string .

finally, the sandwich of strapping around the bow`rod is stitched shut .

5.24:

. a major design variation at this point

is whether to create a T-joint is strong eno to

keep the top from breaking and sagging,

or instead design it with the sag built-in,

so that the top rod is hanging in a loop that is tangling from the bow`tip .

. yet another version is to be both dangling

and resting in the corner formed by the bow's rod and its string:

here the same loop that holds the bow`string could hold the T-crossing rod .

5.30:

. this is an improvement on, the T-joint:

. the previous version tried to do the whole joint with just one strap;

but for getting the cross-loop near the end of the pocket,

that meant that the piece was too thick to machine-sew in some places

meaning that it took longer, and the result was loose or messy .

. the new method just uses some rope in place of the cross-pocket:

just sew a pocket with loops at the end for the pull.ropes,

but wherever you want a cross-loop, leave a couple of 1-ft ropes

that are perp to the pocket's stitching on the sides

and are inside the pocket so they get run over by the stitching .

. alt'ly or additionally,

the loops of the rope can be sticking out of the stitching,

so it has a P-shape .

. bring the ends of the rope outside the pocket

to insure that the rope got run over by the stitching multiple times .

rod-structuring/nylon straps:

5.24:

. if you did need the pocket to adhere to the rods

then one way to make sure the pocket hugs tightly during epoxy cure

is to wrap string around the drying pocket;

when that dries, then the string can be removed

and another layer of fabric-epoxy applied .

. if you have slow-curing epoxy,

then you might try doing all the layers at once .

5.15:

. the design should not allow the parts to press directly on the stitching;

eg, if you have a wide nylon band,

then you could double-fold it to make a pocket where

2 of the 3 sides are held by fabric alone rather than stitching .

5.16:

. a single 1"-wide strap fits around a pole,

to make the joints for connecting string to rod,

which is good for making a stand-alone bow;

but, consider how the joint lets the bow points attach to other rods,

in the case of the TT-struct that is extending the chair`back,

there is a perp horz' which has the same need as the pull.rope

only the sheath is larger to fit a rod .

5.24:

. at one point in the design (the top rim of the clam`bottom),

there is a need for some rods to be bound overlapping,

in order to form one long rod out of 3 shorter ones .

. this can be done without having to know how much overlap is needed,

like so:

. 2 of the rods come together at the back to form the tailbox`top,

these are then fed through the loops of the TT-struct

extending from the chair`back .

. a bow is made for the front, which has a version of bow`string in the middle,

so that rather than looking like a D,

it's as if an H had its top verts bent inward to connect with eachother .

. this can be done with a system of pull.ropes that not only keep the pockets on,

but also help keep a couple of mid-way bands suspended in place .

. with the front and rear subsystems in place,

it becomes readily apparent how much they overlap .

. the entire tear-shaped struct can be pull.roped to keep the overlaps together .

5.30: rod-structuring/nylon straps/X-joint:

. the x-joint is has no 3-sided pocket,

it's just 2 perp loops stapled together like so:

a 2" strap is viewd vert'ly;

a 1" strap is placed parallel 1/4" from the top;

the sides of them are sewn together -- to hold a vert.rod .

. the bottom edge of the 2"strap is flipped around

to be aligned with its top edge;

and then these edges are sewn together -- to hold a horz.rod .

gear/composites/rod-in-tube/pull-rope doubles as anchor.line:

5.30:

. instead of having a pull.rope joint at bottom of seat`back`s extension.rod,

attach its top pull.ropes to the bottom of seat or to some other point on trike

so that the pull rope will both keep the top`T-joint on its rod,

and also keep the rod in seat`tube .

6.15: gear/composites/metal chemistry of copper with aluminum:
. Copper is PLUS 0.34 volts OVER Hydrogen.
Aluminum is negative 1.7 volts UNDER Hydrogen,
that is 2.04 apart with Copper the anode,
therefore copper would be sacrificed to the aluminum.
However, if chlorides from salt air is around,
then the aluminum will also be corroded.
Properly sealed, preferable dichromate sealed,
aluminum is non conductive and hence zero with respect to hydrogen.

11.16: gear/composites/sewing plastic sheet:

. to sew plastic into shell or tents etc,

use foam strip as shim to reduce leak

and allow wider stitching (fewer hand-stitches) .

gear/composites/nylon.strap/overview

gear/composites/nylon.strap/pull.rope buckle:
6.5:
. make things easy to take apart
by adding a buckle into the pull ropes:
. instead of pulling end-to-end pockets,
each end`pocket is pull-roped to the loop of a buckled belt .
. buckles with adjustable straps can also make it easier to
get a good pull.rope`tension .

9.6.2: gear/composite/nylon.strap/al'beam to rod

. the al'beam triple could have a nylon.strap joint
-- easier to reproduce than fiber-matrix;
here is for one or more al'beams
that don't interlock with rod:

. make a pocket for al'beam like for the belt`loops on jeans:
the beam is like the belt in this model;
the straps are perp to the belt .
. the strap that is holding the belt loops together (the pocket strap)
has loops on either end, like the usual T-joint:
one for pull.ropes, the other for a rod .

. to interlock triple.beam with rod,
replace rod's loop with a full wrap-around -- an exact T-joint,
only the construction differs to accomodate
the beams not fitting the usual strap pocket like a rod can .
. either use wider strap's (3" as in car seatbelts)
or first sew thin straps together like this ++-++ ,
then bend in half and sew the tips of the crossbars together .

. to keep sandwich from sliding
drill beams and rivet with wire twist .

. the strap joint has to be strong eno'
to crumple al'beam before it can penetrate driver .

. when a triple beam is arranged to interlock with a rod,
drill 2 holes so that one hole is just beyond the inner beam,
and the other hole is a half inch under the first;
ie, solidly going through all 3 beams .
. putting the tie this wqy reinforces the area contacting rod .

ripstop sheet

6.5: summary:
. best is ripstop polyester with a polycarbonate resin finish.
(originally by icarex)
cheapest is blemished ripstop nylon at kite store .

. tutorial on Sewing ripstop nylon

types:

CORDURA¨
Ultra-Lightweight Woven CORDURA¨ Fabrics Made with INVISTAª
Type 335C High Tenacity Nylon
* pack cloths, ripstops, dobbysÉparachute fabric strength, ultimate lightweight
Type 480 and 485 High Tenacity Polyester
* best-in-class performance at value price
n.amer suppliers:
http://www.jennisfabrics.com/JEnnisFabrics/faq.jef#searching
http://www.emtexinc.com/
http://www.consoltex.com/pages/brands.aspx?lang=EN-CA
http://www.buschassociates.com/products.php
http://www.brookwoodcos.com/rg_division.html
http://www.bdadye.com/specifications.html
http://www.bpf-llc.com/specifications.html

fabric and thread weights:
There is the weight per area of fabric {usa: raw oz, uk: finished gsm};
-- gsm: grams per square metre --
and there is also a 'denier' ('d')
'denier' was originally grams per nine kilometres of thread.
[a high-d thread is thick or dense]
Thus we have the well-known 1000 d and 500 d Cordura fabrics,
the 210 d Packcloth,
and the 70 d tent fly fabric .
[a high-d thread with low fabric weight has a loose weave]
--
. usa's raw oz per sq.yard, means the actual weight depends on the coatings
used for durability, rainproofing, etc .

materials caveats:
. neon colors do not fare well in the sunlight
. For added UV protection in the sun,
spray fabric lightly with Armor All
(used on dashboard of car)

www.tufflight.com/icarex.html:
We seal the seams and edges for fuel proofing and durability with CA, epoxy, or Goop
. Goop can safely be thinned for brushing with laquer thinner.
5.6:
polycarbonate-toughened fabrics lose toughness when adhered with solvents.
. polycarb'fabric can be very tough on sewing machines .

3m77 is example of changing formula for lower voc content
replaces some carcinogen with acetone -- not good for same targets .
there are actually 2 3M-77 formulas - the "Classic" one that contains dimethyl ether
and the new one that contains acetone

polycarbonate sheet

gear/composites/polycarb (polycarbonate farings)

6.6:
. the faring is made of 'carb (polycarbonate)
and it's supposed to have reflectix glued to it;
but, polycarbonate loses toughness when adhered with solvents?
should rethink the use of spray-on adhesive:
maybe use caulk, esp'ly silicon? that may not stick to well to 'carb;
a greenhouse.text said it does work with al'tape and silicon,
but just as a window sealant .
GE SilPruf Silicone Sealant (Polycarbonate Compatible)
GE silicone 2, its used for aquariums and food prep areas in resturants.
(one silicone has "mineral spirits, and Xylene, is that ok?)
. don't clean with either ammonia or bleach; use soap rinsed with acid .

. some construction silicones may be ok for 'carb but not stick that well .
http://books.google.com/books?id=dSQ8cS5WXpcC&pg=PA516

. the most important thing is that the reflectix`surface be fixed,
so that the al' doesn't rub off;
in that case, the gentlest thing for the al'
is to spray-glue it to the plastic sheet,
and then staple-stitch it to the faring .
. drilling is one thing 'carb is really tolerant of .
. make the staples alligned with the wind .

. the al'tape can help both with curving the reflectix,
and attaching it to the faring`edges .

polycarbonate adhesives are formulated free of volatile organic compounds (VOC)
for better air quality and yet provide high strength bond
for polycarbonate and other thermoplastics.

. could it be painted to provide shade?
It is UV blocking already, but you can paint the inside with a plastic paint.
-- Garry :www.utahtrikes.com/ 05/26/2009 09:07:08 PM

. use of spray adhesive
8.11.7/aq.gear/ace hardware/elmer's multi-purpose spray adhesive
. the spray adhesive has many of the evils not meant for polycarb's,
but perhaps it may be used in undo-mode:
spray it on the reflectix, wait for the voc's to boil off,
then applying it to the polycarb will not be dangerous .

. to give it perm'tack, it may also be ok to spray 'carb strategically,
just as you would cut it, making holes only where the remaining web is
strongly triangulated: like an small blots every 6", about 3" from the edge .
. then again,
what if the 'carb is porous wrt to voc's?
putting just a dot on, the solvent might spread
surprisingly beyond the dot .

advice from the maker:
http://www.hobby-greenhouse.com/lexan.htm

Chemicals to avoid include:
. benzene, gasoline, acetone, and carbontetrachloride,
formulae containing petroleum based solvents (Deep Woods mosquito repellant)
etc --. 'carb can turn opaque and become brittle, losing toughness .
materials to watch:
. vinyl -- used as covers for greenhouse .

Drilling: Drill with a high-speed steel or carbide-tipped twist drill.
Drill holes slightly larger than the fastener to allow for expansion and contraction
(e.g., drill a 1/4" hole for a 3/16" screw).
Place holes at twice the fastener diameter
or 1/2" from the edge of the sheet, whichever is greater.

11.16: trike/shell/faring/uv shield:

. good way to get good fit over faring is

pieces of nylon glued and smothered with epoxy;

it's not in contact with the carbonate:

it gets stapled over reflectix .

staple stitching

gear/composites/staple stitching
6.17: summary:
. foam camping mats are light and tough;
but, the mat is too thick to machine-sew;
however, it can be easily stapled:
. 18 guage wire is 1.2mm thick, 50ft /$1.9,
http://www.acehardwareoutlet.com (sku#50598)
is a replacement for paperclip wire,
but the aluminum is a bit softer .
. staple-stitching is more convenient than hand-sewing with rope;
because, while a sewing needle for rope is not easy to come by,
staples serve as their own needles, though for most situations
you may need to use an awl or scissors point to start the hole .

. the 2 major stitching styles are:
1: the foam-wide staple grabs the foam
and then on the other side,
gets twisted with the ends of adjacent staples .
2: the hair-pin staple stradles a backer wire,
and then twists around itself .

. the use of thicker wire; eg, 14guage galvanized
(walmart/yoursymmetry.com's 100ft/3.47)
allows the design of undoable stitches:
it's stiff eno' so that you can form the ends of the stitches into
loops that can be laced with string,
or hooks that can grab string or rods .

. if staples will be eroding one of the "(fabrics) involved;
(as when a foam hub`cap is stapled to the spokes of a wheel)
then consider adding an additional layer of fabric
(as when spokes are laced with string
that the staples can twist around)

. if pieces of fabric are arranged in a way that cannot be machine-sewed,
the job of hand sewing can be replaced by stapling;
before the pieces are to be assembled,
prep them by sewing a tube of fabric along their edges
(eg, fold the fabric's edge over
and sew that fold in place)
then fill all the edge tubes with backer wire
which can be straddled by hairpin staples .

6.2: foam:

. staples on foam can be both very strong and look neat on the outside
by using the sewing mach's stitching tech:
instead of looping around the fabric,
the stitch loops around a thread on the other side .
. on the outside along where the staples will be,
is a wire that can either be run continuously
or in segments from a series of shallow wide staples .
. from the outside pushed inward are narrow deep staples,
that straddle the outer [backer] wire,
and then on the other side,
they twist around a nearby rod, beam, or spoke .

6.4: avoiding spokes:
. if concerned that the wire will erode the spokes,
then foam can be on one side with a catch-wire[*] on the outside,
and a catch-rope on the other side of the spokes .
so then long staples come in around the catch-wire,
through the foam, past the spokes,
and finally are wrapped around the catch-rope on the other side of the spokes .
(*: a backer wire, like the backer thread provided by a bobbin spool)

6.5: fabric:
. a metal grommet is the ring in a fabric that reinforces the edge,
as for lacing holes in a shoe;
. to reinforce woven fabric cheaply, use wire and the sewing.mach:
. sew loop all along the edges, ie, fold-over for a neat edge,
but do it widely, so that a wire can be sent through the loop .
. with wires on all edges, there can be staples that go around that wire,
while one prong of the staple goes through the fabric .
. both prongs then bend around something the panel is being attached to .

al'beam (aluminum composites)

gear/composites/al'beam

6.4: twin-beam triangulation:
. to curve a vert.beam around some obstacle,
have the vert spawn a diagonal on the way up,
and then a horz.beam at the top will have 2 points to attach to .

6.14: dooring:
. a door`frame and it's threshold`frame can be made from al'beams
connected by shaped wire:
the wire is shaped like a paperclip bent into a right.angle;
and also bent in such a way that it creates a friction fit
between the wire form and inside of an al'beam .
. reinforcing this formed-wire connector is a caulk filling
and/or a fabric covering .
. the hinge can be part of the formed-wire joint:
. for the joints making up the hinge`side of the threshold`frame,
one end of the wire comes out of the joint
and follows close by along the z-axis -- where the hinge should be .
. when this is done for both the near and far corners,
there can be overlap that is bound together
-- forming the core of the hinge .
. the fabric that is forming the panel of the door
can then be wrapped around this core .
. to be more modular,
a hinge`core.wire can be built into the frames of
both the door and the threshold;
and then these cores can be bound by wire spirals .
. the door can thus be repaneled independent of the hinge .

bows of fiberglass rod

gear/composites/bow
6.22: gear/composites/bow/multi-string.bow:
. with a single string, as normally defines the bow,
the bending of the rod can only occur in one way for a given size of rod:
depending on the length between the attachment points .
. the shape can be further modified by using more than one string:
mark the 4ft rod at every ft for mark#0..4,
the left string is mark#0 - mark#2,
the middle string is mark#1 - mark#3,
the right string is mark#2 - mark#4 .
. this can take the shape from "(u) towards "(o) .
. in the making of vehicle structures,
it allows a rod to be bent without having the string being in the way as much,
because the shape is more like "(C) than "(D);
eg, there can be a bow under the seat
and extending far up each side,
without requiring the driver to duck under a string .
. this multiplicity of bow strings
can be taken to a continuum
by using just one string on a bow in a sock,
so that when the string is pulled taut,
both the string and the rod are pulled into a curve .
. a discrete version of the continuous sock,
is to knot a 1...4-inch loop in the string every 6...12 inches,
then while stringing the bow, also wrap the loops around the bow
as was done with the sock .

10.28: web.mobi/trike/shell/fire-resistant fabric:

.adlinsulflex.com/fire-blankets/pyroblanket-17-oz

Flame Resistant Fabric Information

Topps Safety Apparel Inc.

P.O. Box 750, 2516 E. State Road 14 Rochester, IN 46975

Phone: (574) 223-4311 or (800) 348-2990

Flame Resistant Industrial Apparel

Fabric Content: DuPont NOMEX¨ IIIA aramid (93% NOMEX - 5% KEVLAR - 2%Carbon).

Characteristics: Inherently flame resistant anti-static fabric

engineered to reduce "nuisance" static.

Self-extinguishing, will not ignite, melt, drip or burn.

Nomex¨ is a registered trademark of DuPont.

Fabric Content: INDURA¨ (100% Flame Resistant Cotton).

Characteristics: 100% cotton treated with a permanent flame resistant finish.

INDURA¨ is a registered trademark of Westex, Inc.

FIREWEAR¨ 55%FFRª (Fibrous Flame Retardant Fiber) - 45% Cotton.

The FFRª Fiber is designed to emit a noncombustible gas

through microscopic pores in the fiber when the fiber is exposed to flame.

FIREWEAR¨ FFR Fabrics are trademarks of Springs Industries, Inc.

Fabric Content: TUFFWELD¨ (60% Lenzing FRª - 40% Kevlar¨).

protection against constant weld spark spatter.

TuffWeld¨ is a registered trademark of Southern Mills, Inc.

40% PBI¨ - 60% Kevlar¨).

PBI¨ - KEVLAR¨ blended fabrics have excellent flame resistance

and are self-extinguishing. Does not burn, melt or drip.

Pbi Gold¨ is a registered trademark of Hoechst Celanese Corporation.

Topps¨ garments meet all requirements of the

NFPA 1975 Standard on Station/Work Uniforms for Fire Fighters, 1999 edition.

Topps¨ Flame Resistant Garments meet the performance requirements for

protective clothing as governed by

OSHA Rules 29 CFR, Part 1910.269

and ASTM F1506-1994.

10.29: proj.trike/shell/screen-foam composite:

. another way to prevent mold and reinforce shell

is to patch-work al'screen stapled to foam

so it better resists tearing from knives or dogs .

11.16: trike/shell/cheap vs easy-to-work materials:

. cheaper than fire-resistant plastic-board

is finding way to apply al'flashing to edges

need a crimper to make edges safe, and neat way of stapling it to the foam .

11.28: trike/shell/toughskins epoxified fabric plates on foam:

. another way to reduce vulnerability to flames and cuts

is to do a fiberglass construction in a paneled or semirigid way:

. start with tent construction,

use foam for insulation and contouring,

then use plates of epoxified fabric over that .

. paneling is like when sidewalk concrete is separated

into sections that can mov randomly without cracking randomly

-- keeps the fiberglassing tough .

. another view is the recipe for thorn-proofing jeans:

it was something like tough-as-nails, a chewy adhesive,

that would bend with the fabric .