Build a Bicycle Sidecar

Step 6: Finished images

Here are some general images to show the sidecar with the bike.

Modifications ?
A threaded bar instead of a pivot would be a simpler mounting and would allow fore and aft adjustment of the sidecar position - although this would not be as quick to release.
The sidecar could have been a little longer to give more growing room. It was designed to fit in the boot of our car, but longer would have been better.
The wheel mounts could have had slot which was open at the Bottom. This would give the simplest wheel removal without the need to unbolt the outer frame part.

More sidecar details can be found at : http://www.steves-workshop.co.uk/vehicles/sidecar/sidecarindex.htm

Comments

[padeutsche]

You could also save time in construction by using a plastic barrel, and if you watch how you cut the hole in the top, you get your seat back at the same exact time save even more time.
Plastic barrels come in all sizes from small medium and large so it will be basically the same technique to build one for an adult.
I saw an article years ago about a guy who used a steel barrel for a homebuilt sidecar for his motorcycle and it looked pretty cool. Plastic barrels have been used to also make travel trailers for motorcycles and bicycles, as well.

[stevebod]

Great idea.
I've seen motorcyle sidecars made from steel drums (and bath tubs!).
You are right that it would save a lot of trouble with the bodywork construction and a plastic drum would be light and easy to work.
Thanks for the tip !

[neaton1]

Have you been able to experiment with one for a full sized adult?

[stevebod]

I haven't tried it but my feeling is that the current pivot design would not be strong enough. A larger sidecar would mean more over hang at the front which would put more strain on the pivot. Perhaps an arm attached to the headstock which is also pivoted would be the way to go ?

[SIRJAMES09]

AWESOME!!
You did good!! because I'm not as smart as I wish I was, there were a few steps that I did not understand, but I think you explained things rather quite well.

This is definately something I want to try & build.

looks VERY SWEET!!!!!!
TY for sharing.

[Ludwig Von Mech]

This is one crackerjack unit! It is really brilliant! Good Show! Or, as my son would say...Sweet!

[bobtrapp]

Have you considered running an addition break to the wheel of the side car? It seems that may help with braking issues. A second cable could be attached to the break lever with a connector at the other end for use when the side car is attached. just a thought.

[stevebod]

I agree that more breaking power would be a good thing. Unfortunately experiments have shown that it is difficult to brake the sidecar wheel without it affecting the handling. Ideally both back brakes would operate together in a balanced way to keep the outfit running straight, but this is quite hard in practice. Would be an interesting thing to try and solve though.

[MondayHopscotch]

granted that this one is "rated" for carrying a person's weight (if I read your 20-25 lb comment correctly), I was wondering how noticeable the added weight is when peddling.

[stevebod]

The weight is more noticeable under braking when the sidecar will tend to slew the bike to the right (with the sidecar on the left).
Under pedaling - it helps to pedal smoothly. If you stand up on the pedals and push hard, the pulsing power strokes make the sidecar oscillate and work against the bike. But if you take it steady and pedal smoothly it works OK.

[CDNbiker]

Do you have a rough idea of how much weight this sort of sidecar can carry?
Great design!

[stevebod]

That's a good question. I think the limiting factor would be the weight the pivot could support. In particular I notice that under braking the front mounting to the chain stay (which is clamped in place) can show signs of movement.
Too much weight in the side car and I would expect that this clamp would loose grip and twist on the chain stay.
Static weight is less of a problem and I think the limiting factor in thsi case would be how much weight you coud pedal.
If I had to estimate it - I would say that it would take 20lb or 25lb OK. But watch out for the twist under braking !!

[atav]

nice bike sidecar 01

[mattbomb]

dude i love bicycles and i love this side car man, dont forget i love you for inventing it. lol

[McDeeck]

I saw your luggage project, I love your honda s90. My bike is honda cb-100 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/aa-deeck/4553704803/in/photostream/)

[stevebod]

Thanks for looking at the Honda and sharing your Bike. The CB looks teriffic and I hope you have fun riding it. Small Honda's of this vintage are great machines.

[theo67]

Something is not too clear to me. Does this allow the bicycle to move from the vertical [bank] when turning left or right rather than being rigidly upright? If not this could be achieved anchoring the front and rear sidecar mount with lockable bosses on the rod to stop forward and backward movements and a loose fit on the sidecar attachment to allow pivoting around the rod. Might be interesting.

[stevebod]

This design leaves the sidecar upright but allows the bicycle to tilt which is what you are suggesting I think. I am using a pivot bar as you said, but with split pins and washers instead of lockable bosses, for simplicity. A tilting sidecar gives nice handling characteristics, but is limited in the weight it can carry.

[theo67]

Thanks. Looks like a well thought out fun thing.

[randomray]

Great project with many good ideas . Looks like I can't put off making one any longer .

[stevebod]

Well, I hope you do make one. They are great fun and an interesting build.