My quadricycle now has a name. It is Fargo—a long distance traveler, that in some ways reminds me of a stage coach. May it “go far“.
I have been working with Captain Creeg of BROL to depict graphically what I’m hoping to achieve with this cycle build as well as verify spacing and storage ideas. The steps to what I’m giving you today are documented in my BROL Quad Planning Thread as well as my Cycling Experiences… Blog [less detail].
I am hoping this help you visualize what I want and that you can use it as you model this quad in SolidWorks. You should make changes and adjustments for greater efficiency and fit. These are concept drawings. Were the quad can be made lighter and more aerodynamic, I definitely need those changes. I like the shape of the top. I see aluminum rails to more easily achieve that shape. The frame needs to have some portability for ease of transport and building entry.
I want as large a surface area as I can have for the weight bearing floor plates. I also want 4 fenders. As to Lexan for the front, it should be low enough for me to see over it and likely is needed on the sides. The canopy is to be slidable [fore & aft] to adjust for sun position. I also have the concept of Lexan in the front portion of the center of the canopy to allow me to see through it when slid far forward. Can you build this canopy for me? If so, I want it light and that it permits airflow to preclude any parachuting effect. At some point, I want to add side panels for rain protection. I welcome your thoughts.
The files above can be viewed in a group on my blog in this article.
I anxiously await your comments on this concept and the utility of these drawings. If you want me to give you a call to discuss details, I will or you can reach me at 910-488-6750. I welcome your comments on my blog. We’d also love to hear from you in the BROL thread.
Thanks Ashley. This is an exciting build for me. Soon, you will get more details on the magnitude of this venture. I think you will be pleased and excited. My effort is to have a functional [light, attention gathering] cycle that is a recumbent built by Utah Trikes.
The drawings are excellent and the expectation of a very sharp looking vehicle has certainly been met. It is too bad about the larger Stanley box. I thought it looked good and certainly provided for some excellent storage. I’m sure there will be ongoing modifications as the build progresses.
We’re up to 10 degrees now… We may celebrate by heading to REI for their annual sale!
Hi Zeke, I liked the larger Stanley bags also. Now I’m down to strong boxes. Yes, there will be adjustments. I just wonder what they will be. Entry & exit, as well as lighting placement. Then there is the SON dynamo location.The front UV protection arrangement may also change.
Not bad for a concept set thought. Captain Creeg get lot a praise for his work. I wonder how many collaborative bike builds we have seen via the Internet???
I think it is a pretty fine opportunity for those involved in the actual build and for those of us “on the sidelines” watching. I tried to get that point across in my post yesterday encouraging folks to check in here.
BTW, a “little birdy” told me that cyclingexperiences.com received a nomination in the 2010 Weblog awards (http://2010.bloggies.com/). I think it was under “best topical weblog” but I could be mistaken. It may also have been under “Best Kept Secret” weblog…
Why thank you sir! I understood your point for yesterday and I welcome the visitors. I noted that I had several who came through Zeke’s Great Smokies 2-Wheeled Adventures! Thanks again!
A “little birdy.” Wow! I had no idea. It will be interesting to see how that plays out. Thanks for pass on the info from the “little birdy.” Interesting…
The concept looks good. It’s starting to look heavy though.
We’ll have to figure out the drive train with the hub generator before we figure out exactly how much rear cargo area you have.
Attaching the floorboard so that it does not interfere with all the drivetrain components will be interesting.
The Canopy should be relatively easy to implement and attach. I’m going to fool around with some tent poles to see if those will work.
We have the quad base model done in Solidworks, so we should be able to be very precise with figuring out what we’ll need to attach everything.
Thank you Ashley, We do not want heavy–yet, practical & functional. I understand the sequence to finished product. Some concern has been raised regarding the ease of entry & exit, suggesting the support poles off the cruciform may interfere. Of course, you will know from your modeling. I await your work. Thanks! –jim
My letter to Ashley Guy:
The drawings are excellent and the expectation of a very sharp looking vehicle has certainly been met. It is too bad about the larger Stanley box. I thought it looked good and certainly provided for some excellent storage. I’m sure there will be ongoing modifications as the build progresses.
We’re up to 10 degrees now… We may celebrate by heading to REI for their annual sale!
- Zeke
Hi Zeke, I liked the larger Stanley bags also. Now I’m down to strong boxes. Yes, there will be adjustments. I just wonder what they will be. Entry & exit, as well as lighting placement. Then there is the SON dynamo location.The front UV protection arrangement may also change.
Not bad for a concept set thought. Captain Creeg get lot a praise for his work. I wonder how many collaborative bike builds we have seen via the Internet???
I think it is a pretty fine opportunity for those involved in the actual build and for those of us “on the sidelines” watching. I tried to get that point across in my post yesterday encouraging folks to check in here.
BTW, a “little birdy” told me that cyclingexperiences.com received a nomination in the 2010 Weblog awards (http://2010.bloggies.com/). I think it was under “best topical weblog” but I could be mistaken. It may also have been under “Best Kept Secret” weblog…
- Zeke
Why thank you sir! I understood your point for yesterday and I welcome the visitors. I noted that I had several who came through Zeke’s Great Smokies 2-Wheeled Adventures! Thanks again!
A “little birdy.” Wow! I had no idea. It will be interesting to see how that plays out. Thanks for pass on the info from the “little birdy.” Interesting…
jim
Ashley Guy says:
My reply: