folding recumbent build.

[john davidson]

After studying pertinent chapters of bicycle builder's bonanza, I might be able to build a recumbent. But I'd really like to able to build a folding recumbent so I can carry it in the trunk of my car and drive to safe place where I can bike. There are no bike lanes where I live. Has any member created a folding recumbent?

 

[Emiel]

I didn't, but the man where I ride with and helps me with my build, did.
You can buy the joint and weld it on the place you want. Also, you can put it a bit rotated. Than the wheel will go flat above the rest.

 

[aeronaut]

Think about something like a Voyageur, and fold it just before the first chain guide. That way, the whole front boom folds 'groundward', cutting the length in half. As Emeil mentioned, a slight angle on the joint and the front wheel would fold on the non-gear side of the rear wheel. Steering rod would have to be detached.
(I know this is an old post, but maybe someone else will check it later.) Sorry, had to edit this twice to get it to not misspell 'groundward'.

 

[maddox]

It's a common thing in commercial trikes. For Azub it's a €300 option,

 

[DannyC]

My tadpole has the ability to fold for transport.
It is a simple joint placed in the optimum spot at a 45° angel to the vertical and the rear wheel lays flat over and between the 2 front wheels.
Appreciate that this is a Necro-thread.

 

[aeronaut]

Also, another thought, with the Voyageur, or the similarly built trike (Tri-Cruiser, I think), you could just disconnect the shock absorber and then bend at the hinge point at the back of the long frame, or disconnect it completely. Would require small mods to make it fold enough, and would only get you a partial reduction in length, but it's also practically built into the design. Maybe toss in a chain hook so that the chain folds with the rear wheel, like the Linear folding bikes do (you can find a fold-up video online easily enough with Google).