| Rick Wianecki's Leaning Trike Project | |||||
These
web pages chronicle the design, construction and evolution of Rick
Wianecki's leaning trike. The design of this trike allows it to be
ridden like a normal bicycle, and in fact, while moving, it feels and
leans through corners just like a normal bicycle. A locking mechanism is
used to lock the bike into an upright position when stopped. This type
of vehicle would be ideal for faired commuter Velomobile. Rick's trike
uses some of the concepts brought to light by Wayne
Soohoo's leaning trike, though Rick has re-thought and
simplified the lean and lock mechanisms.
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| 2/11/02 Several years ago instead of building a new recumbent street low racer Rick decided to build a recumbent tricycle, not any tricycle but a leaning one. Not a lean steer but one with independent lean and steering. It would be a street trike with a short wheelbase and as narrow of a track width as possible. The seating position would be more upright than laid back. Standard bicycle 21-speed drive train was used with an intermediate step up instead of larger chain rings to get acceptable performance with the 406-rear wheel. |
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| This drawing shows the general arrangement of the
trike. The basic dimensions are 36-inch wheelbase and 22-inch wide track. Seat is fully adjustable with a high back, 16 inches wide with breathable open mesh. Rear suspension uses an elastomer and a 406 wheel. Front wheels are 305.
You can click on these plans for a larger image. |
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This
drawing shows the lean limits of the design. Actually the final vehicle
has a maximum lean of 38 degrees but the bump stops are set to limit the
lean to 30 degrees. During normal riding
one does not ever contact the stops.
You can click on these plans for a larger image. |
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| This drawing is one of several that were developed to help determine the steering geometry. Ideally while cornering all three wheels should pivot at the same point
You can click on these plans for a larger image. |
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