Cargo Bike Build

[snath]

I've always liked the Long John type cargo bike so a few weeks ago I started my version. It's built around a Target elcrapo donor bike, some 8020 structural tubing, an Ilia BMC kit, and 16 20Ah ThunderSky batteries from Elite Power Solutions (both by the way have excellent customer service).

Here's a photo diary:

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View attachment 5

 

[Sacman]

I like!!! Looks good Snath!
Can you show more pics of your steering mechanism as well as the more detailed pics of how you welded the structural steel to the donor bike? I'm curious how you're welding it to the bottom bracket or downtube (or both).

 

[amberwolf]

Yes. Lots of higher resolution detail pics (including different camera angles) would be nice.

 

[Scorefield]

That's a nice bike you made there, if I'm right then this is a Danish design.
The Danes had made a cover for them and I'm sure you can make something that will be usable.
View attachment 2
If you going to make another cargo bike, then I would suggest a Mobii trike.
Around Copenhagen people usally drive a Mobii trike due to the size and the steering,
it's a lot better then a Christiania bike while it's more handy and don't weight that much.



Best regards from Denmark and
welcome to the forum. :wink:

 

[snath]

Ok, here's some more pictures. I apologize for the quality but I'm something of a technological Luddite when it comes to this stuff.

Steering:











The link between the control arms is simply some Aircraft Spruce chrome moly tubing that I fishmouthed and silver soldered totgether. The two ends telescope together for adjustment. The whole process looks kinda like this: http://www.scytheconnection.com/adp/toolmaking/larry/index.html where I use the same process to make snaths (handles0 for the scythe blades that I mow my yard with.

Here is a picture of the attachment to the bottom bracket. It is simply a piece of 2 inch steel telescoping tubing from McMaster Carr http://www.mcmaster.com/#telescoping-tubing/=67pur2 , fishmouthed with a holesaw and welded 100%. I was a little concerned that I hadn't put a gusset at the seat tube, but so far, so good.



For those of you who aren't familiar with 8020, here's a couple of links.

http://www.8020.net/ http://stores.ebay.com/8020-Inc-Garage-Sale

I've use the stuff for a lot of things:







Finally, Scorefield, thanks for the pictures of the three wheelers. I'm thinking I will do that to mine. Unfortunately, as a "not a spring chicken anymore" I find that balancing this beast, particularly at low speed is tricky. I'm working on a hub center steering arrangement so I can easily vary rake angle and trail to see if I can resolve the problem; but, the answer may be an extra wheel

 

[Scorefield]

CNC router with a plasma cutter, I just wish that I had room for that.

Now when you mention it, I saw a Long John as a trike in Christiania today where they are hand build.
The box for the cargo was made like a low Mobii trike.

It's gonna take a little time to learn the balance while driving it at the slow speed and around corners. 8)
I wish you the best luck and think the extra wheel for you will be very usable.

 

[ebikes-sf]

Great build! I particularly like battery box. A few more pics of Dutch bikes:

ilia

 

[Hugh-Jassman]

Be sure to use motorcycle tires