Luxembenter Recumbent commuter

[arnie1]

This is my homebuilt recumbent commuter. I call it Luxembenter because it is a luxurious recumbent. I've ridden it 6500 miles over 4 years. Drivetrain started out as Kollmorgen 400 watt mid-drive using NIMH cells. It was unreliable. Now it has a ordinary Crystalyte 408 hubmotor and Ping 48V 20AH battery. The Ping needs to be replaced. Lipo is tempting but they just aren't suitable for daily commuting. Maybe in a couple years they'll be more plug and play.

My daily roundtrip commute is 44 miles using mostly bikepaths. Average speed is 19-20 mph, which is due to trail conditions rather than the motor. Top speed is about 23 mph. Roadies can keep up with me for a while. Weekdays I charge at work. On weekends the bike will go 35-40 miles. Then it's time to find an outlet and have lunch while recharging.

Recumbents are so comfortable. Riding 60 miles on a conventional bike left me walking funny at best and darn near crippled at worst. On the Luxembenter 60 miles is a nice Saturday outing. Nothing hurts

 

[John in CR]

Outstanding Arnie, mileage and comfort say it all!

I'm full of questions because finally a recumbent I'm compelled to copy for my record attempt.
1. Do you have build pics too?
2. Can you provide all of the critical dimensions and angles for someone wanting to build one?
3. Any quirks in the handling? What about at higher speeds like going down hills?
4. Why did you settle on the battery in the trunk, since it looks like you have a battery tray on the bottom? Every time I've had a battery high and rear I didn't like it?
5. Construction materials, total weight?
6. Wheel sizes?

Any info would be greatly appreciated and put to immediate use. The bike I have in mind will be on the road for testing within a month. I'll even name it the Luxor or Arnie, if you prefer, as a tribute.

John

 

[dnmun]

why does the ping pack need replaced? bad cells or leaking electrolyte? which version?

 

[arnie1]

1. Do you have build pics too?
2. Can you provide all of the critical dimensions and angles for someone wanting to build one?
3. Any quirks in the handling? What about at higher speeds like going down hills?
4. Why did you settle on the battery in the trunk, since it looks like you have a battery tray on the bottom? Every time I've had a battery high and rear I didn't like it?
5. Construction materials, total weight?
6. Wheel sizes?

Any info would be greatly appreciated and put to immediate use. The bike I have in mind will be on the road for testing within a month. I'll even name it the Luxor or Arnie, if you prefer, as a tribute.
1) Build pictures of any use are not available.


2) Seat height is 23 inches. Overall length 102". Wheel base 76". Fork angle I'd have to measure. I think it is 30 degrees. Bottom bracket is 15" which is a litle too low. It should be 1" higher to eliminate heels striking the pavement in turns. Seat is a Sun recumbent bought for $120 of E-bay.
3.) Tight turns are hard due to the long wheelbase. It handles like a Lincoln at speed.
4.) Battery goes in tray under the seat. It is being charged when this picture was taken. The tail trunk holds tools, clothes, charger, etc.
5.) Frame is 1/8" wall thickness 6061 aluminum square tubing. It weighs 12 pounds without fork or rear triangle. Total bike weight with Crystalyte motor, Ping battery, tools, and so forth is 120 pounds. Pedaling without motor assist is no fun.
6.) Wheels are 26". I'm installing never-flat tires. Fixing that rear tire on the trail is hard. Slime sealant helps, but fixing two flats this year was a real chore.

I love recumbents and would never go back to riding a conventional bike.

 

[John in CR]

Thanks Arnie. I apologize for not seeing your response sooner. Thanks for those details.

John