Folding Python - neat + electric
- Thread starter stormbird
- Start date
DannyC
0
I think the pivot that allows it to "fold-up" like it does is a simple sleeve over a round tube with a spring-loaded locating pin that can be pulled.
It is very neat and a clever idea. Especially good for putting your trike on a train of course.
DannyC
0
The whole driveline (cranks, chain, Internal geared hub) is self-contained in the front section. So all of that is forwards of the pivot and only the front wheel is driven. As the maker says, if required a rear wheel could also be driven by inserting a hub-motor instead of a normal rear hub for e-assist.
Popshot
0
It looks like the pivot is mounted to a tube inside another tube and is able to be unbolted to rotate it. As said though that leaves the pivot 90 degrees out to fold it flat. Here it appears to be a bit of a cheat as the square section tubing off the pivot forwards looks like it slips inside a bigger tube and can be clamped. You can see two pinch bolts on the white part. It is unclamped and turned 90 degrees for storeage so not a simple task but a 4 bolt task. It'd probably have been easier and simpler to not make the pivot rotate and just have the front on a folding bike hinge set at 45 degreees to fold and twist. The drawback there though is the chassis immediately forward of the pivot needs to drop to the hinge so it folds fully underneath. This is right where the chassis naturally wants to rise.
An alternative is to put the pivot on a short chassis spur and the hinge behind it so the front wheel and pivot both fold on the hinge.
Both solutions require a removeable seat.
An alternative is to put the pivot on a short chassis spur and the hinge behind it so the front wheel and pivot both fold on the hinge.
Both solutions require a removeable seat.
DannyCI think I know a way to do this, I will cut up some tubes and let you know if I am right.
Going way beyond the call of duty.....
I am having difficulty keeping up with the ' stuff ' emanating from the ' Essex skunk works !
Catch you tomorrow
Paul
DannyC
0
Actually, if you look at the screenshot below it seems to me that he has no angle on his python pivot; it's all at 90°.
That QR lever on the top is to undo a simple hinge. That suggests that the whole wheel and front fork/frame can then move under the frame.
As the pivot is at 90° it simply drops the hinge open and then uses the pivot to also twist the front wheel into the frames outline. The dimensions are such that the pedals and cranks are still contained within the confines of the frame and rear wheels I think.
That QR lever on the top is to undo a simple hinge. That suggests that the whole wheel and front fork/frame can then move under the frame.
As the pivot is at 90° it simply drops the hinge open and then uses the pivot to also twist the front wheel into the frames outline. The dimensions are such that the pedals and cranks are still contained within the confines of the frame and rear wheels I think.
