Build a long-wheelbase low racer recumbent bicycle

Step 14 Finish assembly

make sure that your crank is on tight and install the rear derailler. Splice your chains together (about 2-1/2 10-speed chains) and set up one brake. You may need tandem bike cables to reach the front brakes and rear derailler. Loose Screws Bicycle Parts is a good source for cheap cables and bits. I bought extra long cables for the entire project and cut them to size.

Only do one brake and just adjust the deraillers so you are in a fairly low gear as you may need to disassemble and adjust the frame. Ride in a parking lot and check for heel strikes. If you have heel strikes, you will have to remove material from the two front tubes, but not so much that your pedals hit the front tire. This is a pain. I had to remove 1.5" from my frame. Hopefully you measured correctly at the beginning. Cut it with a tube cutter to get nice straight cuts and try to find tubing scraps that will fit inside for support. You will have to bend the frame to make them line up as they are on an angle - this inner tubing helps hold things in place and will also help keep you from burning through the metal. Just be patient and try not to stomp around and cuss too much - you are almost there.