Hi! I'm new here but I've occasionally been reading on this forum for the past few years. I've had a trike idea in my head for quite a while, and now I'd like to share it.
The idea: a Python delta trike, but make it foldable.
Design requirements:
Stats of first design draft:
The idea: a Python delta trike, but make it foldable.
Design requirements:
- Comfortably haul a 10kg 40L backpack, to go on hiking trips I otherwise can't do without a car
- Be able to take it (plus backpack) on a Dutch train, which officially means no dimension over 85 cm
- Max 75cm total width, to fit through shed door and comply with Dutch traffic regulations more easily
- Fun project to build together with my dad, who is an experienced aluminium welder and has worked on bikes before
- The only other folding Python trikes I can find are Howard Stevens' Porta Velo's, but folded up they're still a little too big/wide for what I want. Have there been any other folding Python trikes?
- Pivot point & seat should be as much forward as possible, to put more weight on front wheel. This is extra important because of the added weight of the backpack
- Wheelbase should be as long as possible, also to put more weight on front wheel
- Seat should be as low as possible for cornering stability, but not so low that there is no ground clearance
- 20" front wheel, possibly with 5 speed gear hub with coaster brake
- 20" rear wheels. Thinking about simple spoon brakes that push onto the surface of the tire, to have some emergency braking power and also as a parking brake
- The rear wheels are on swing arms that can fold 180° forward
- The seat folds forward too. Haven't designed the seat yet, but I'm thinking about something similar to a beach chair
- Open space between the rear wheels for mounting my backpack
- When folded, the backpack can stay attached to the seat and the whole thing acts as a luggage trolley running on the rear wheels
Stats of first design draft:
- Pivot angle 60°
- Trail -18 cm
- Wheelbase 90 cm
- Total width 75 cm
- Seat height 20 cm
- Ground clearance 11 cm at the pivot, 17 cm in the middle