A Sociable Bicycle

My wife loves riding a tandem but was fed up talking to my backside. So along with a great friend of mine we decided to surprise her and make us a side by side sociable bicycle.

A few beer mats and a couple of scribbles we had a plan and set about the challenge.

Step 1: Finding Materials

We Needed two ladies bike frames which needed to be exactly the same size.

We took them apart and cut off the rear ends.

Step 2: Need to House the Axel

With the rear ends removed from the frame we made a new rear section for the frames with a bearing housing at the end which the axle will later settle into.

Step 3: Making the Rear Axle

A solid 20mm bar was used with a thread cut into each end to house both the freewheels. Also the hub for the rear wheel was made on the lathe. Two separate units with spoke holes. These were slid onto the axel and braised into position.

Step 4: Making It Square!

The next difficult task was to make sure the bike tracked straight and square. Using another head stock from another bike frame we made the centre front section. It needs to be strong as its taking two peoples weight. Measure and measure again making sure everything is aligned. Braise it all together and you should have your frame! Test to make sure you have space for two people.

Step 5: Making It Wheely Good !

Next the rear wheel was built onto the axle and a bracket was added for the gears. Also a loose bracket was made to support a mudguard for the rear wheel.

Step 6: Steering !

The front forks were put in place along with the three headsets and were connected using a short track rod ends from a car. Brackets were made to bolt these together.

Step 7: Stand Back and Look

We loosely fitted all the components to the bike to see how it all worked. We were very please with the result. Quick spray of undercoat to give it rust protection before the test ride !

Step 8: The Test Ride

We had a good test ride of the bike to make sure everything worked as it should and didn't fail.

Step 9: Paint Job

We took the bike apart again and prepared the bike for spraying. Using the green house in the sun, it made a lovery paint oven and we got and exceptional paint finish.

Step 10: Time to Play!

After all time spent on the project it was time to go and play. It's a fantastic ride as you can talk and ride at the same time.

Step 11: Overview

This build is not for the faint hearted but it was enjoyable to be a part of a fantastic project. If you decide to build one please show me your creations.

Step 12: How Does It Balance?

I have had loads of questions about balance. You can ride this bike single handed. Weight doesn't really matter surprisingly. You just lean a little more to the left or right. Here is a demonstration video.