Build a kid's long-wheelbase low racer recumbent bicycle

Step 7 Assemble and Ride!

I let the paint dry several days in the sun. It still is soft (a year later!), so I have to be careful with it on the bike rack - I usually wrap and contact points in a plastic bag. I ended up cutting out small grommets and washers out of a 2-liter soda bottle so that the nuts and bolts wouldn't mar up the finish.

I gave everything a good dose of quality bike grease and cleaned up and lubricated the chain. After mounting and adjusting the brakes and the shifting mechanism, we were ready for a test drive. It was a little twitchy at first, but he got the hang of it quick.

I added a few photos with measurements so you can get an idea of seat size, etc.

This bike turns heads everywhere we go with it. My son likes the ride and loves the attention he gets. Because it's a 3 speed and comfortable, I can take him with me on rides that I couldn't before.

Comments

[traceuis]

I guess I missed the step where you explain the steering mechanism. Could you give me some detailed information on it? I have a couple of donor bikes and I'm currently learning welding, MIG, TIG and 70/13 as well as fabrication. Thanks

[homba]

It's pretty basic - add another steering tube and handlebars in reach of the driver. Attach tie rod ends to tabs the same distance apart from the pivot point of each steering tube. cut and thread a piece of round metal stock to connect the tie rods. If you have any more specific questions, feel free to ask. You may also want to check out my other recumbent instructable. It uses the same steering set up.