Delta Trike with Front Wheel Drive

This trike is a long wheelbase, semi-recumbent, rear steering delta. I have built five delta trikes so far. This one was number three and it is still my favorite one to ride.

There are three main parts to the trike: the front power wheel (Steps 1-4), the main frame with seat (Steps 5-6), the rear steering wheels (Steps 7-11), rigging (12) and the optional cargo rack (13). The trike is built from parts from three donor bikes I got at a bike coop as I described in this "Ible": http://www.instructables.com/id/How-I-Get-Free-Bike-Parts-Legally/ A parts list is on its way (14).

Welding is required and the cost for purchased parts was roughly $100.

Some specs:

Front wheel 24"
Rear wheels 20"
Width of track 31"
Wheelbase 54"
Length overall 78"
Weight 56#

Step 1 Front Wheel Drive

Front wheel drive has some advantages and some disadvantages. I like it because it is simpler than a rear wheel drive delta trike (no differential is required) and there is not a long chain run.

The two main disadvantages are that it loses traction going up hills because most of your weight is to the rear of the trike and that you probably will want to steer with the rear wheels.

Comments

[funkybassman105]

what if you cut the rear triangle above the bottom bracket and the axle, and just flip it over? then you wouldnt have to invert any small parts, and you could make it more streamlined.

[sdunn4]

This is a pretty clever cargo carrier you have devised here. I especially like how you have the one pipe feeding down into where the seat usually is. Have you made any improvements on your model since you posted this? Is there a Cargo Carrier 2.0?

[mattbomb]

GREAT IDEA! i love this bike and i love the idea, your a good creator of new things, i was thinking about putting an engine on it, but thats just me i want to put an engine on every thing. A+ man

[bikeframe]

You might want some disk brakes if you motorize it! (smile)

[mattbomb]

ya that would be a good idea. would look cool to,

[mattbomb]

i like how easy the stearing set up is with the tie-rods really simple, like it

[bikeframe]

I thought the bolts would let me try toe-in and toe-out.

[mattbomb]

those bolts would be able to tighten and loosen the stearing, so if the on tires is skidding around a corner it would be able to help it but, other than doing the math and stuff for the toe you wouldnt be able to completly stop the skidding.

[mattbomb]

bolts to tighten/loosen the stearing, good idea its always nice be able to have that little bit of tweaking space.

[kostya]

Looks awesome! I thought of building a trike, but I live in a hilly area and it deters me. What is your opinion about adding a hand rear-wheel drive to assist uphill ride?

[bikeframe]

Thanks for the feedback, kostya. Long wheelbase trikes with front wheel drive are not the best design for hilly areas in my opinion. Since most of the weight sits (literally) over the rear wheels there is not a lot of traction up front.

The reason I build front wheel drive delta (one wheel in front, two behind) trikes is that they are much less complicated than any sort of drive for the two rear wheels. There is not an extended chain run and no differential is needed at the rear. I don't even try to put brakes on the two rear wheels.

IMHO all mechanical things are compromises of some sort.

I don't know how a hand rear-wheel drive might work, but suppose that maybe adding electric drive(s) might be easier to build. You might want to check out the Ibles where Razor scooter motors are used as assist devices. I will keep my eyes open for other ideas, too.

Good luck...

[davmaldo]

can you post a video of you riding it?

[bikeframe]

There are now two videos in the last two steps. You asked for it...

[bikeframe]

Here is a new Ible featuring this trike. You might find it amusing!

http://www.instructables.com/id/Giant-Spider-for-Your-Recumbent-Trike/

[the_piro_of_sylvan_island]

Beautiful i love it ,but how is it using inverted steering?

[bikeframe]

The steering feels backward to start with. That quickly goes away and you don't even think about it after a short time.

Note that this trike does NOT have a center pivot rear axle. The two fixed head tubes and linkage between the forks makes for a much more controlled ride. It is well worth the trouble to build the rear steering this way.

[ANDY!]

How's the steering? I was gonna make a recumbent and was figuring out steering methods. I heard that rear wheel steering is unstable at fast speeds, but you would know from experience. I want to make a bike like that if the steering is good.

[bikeframe]

Rear steering with a link between the two rear wheels is smooth and stable. I have only had this trike up to about 15 MPH but that is fast enough to bring out instability in other trikes I have built. This one is easy to steer and feels very much under control. I would recommend it.

[omnibot]

That is one crazy looking trike! How's it to ride?

[bikeframe]

This is an easy rider. Nice and smooth in the turns and easy to pedal. A steep hill s a challenge because the front power wheel only carries about 20% of the load and it slips. Overall it is my favorite trike so far.

Thanks for asking.