I've been searching for a particular bike for about 4 years. In a post around 3 weeks ago, someone mentioned a recumbent they had bought. Out of curiosity I googled it to see what it was like. Up came e-bay and lo and behold the 3rd picture along was the bike I'd been looking for. Serendipity or what?
I contacted the seller, offered the asking price - less than half new price- and went to meet him at a BHP racemeet on sunday.
Having been assured that I would embarass myself on first ride, I faced it with some trepidation. However I tested it with no incident and was told I'm a natural!
So, here's the bike:
New seat cover is on order, meanwhile there's a few things to deal with.
First, I've had to shorten the boom to suite my little legs and, as you can see, I need to shorten the chain. I've found 3 speed links in the chain, 2 of them 25 links apart.
Here's the type of link:
So, ignoring the surface rust, can this type of link be removed without destruction, what are they called? I do have a link remover but it's many years since I used it, may need a refresher course.
The chain is sitting on the middle front ring and rear 4 of 7. How many links do you think need removing?
The kit is a horrible Dillenger pancake and is not going to stay. It's 48v and, I suspect, a direct drive which is probably not going to be suitable for the Welsh hills around here. There is no torque bracket and, not sure, but I don't see a torque washer. It may also not be fully seated in the dropout.
Once I get further along I will be looking for a 36v rear wheel hub that's legal, high torque and preferably silver.
I've tried to remove the battery from it's cradle so far with no success. Does anyone know the trick?
There is a lever under the front but this just feels loose with no 'mechanical' feel to it.
Lastly - this horrible little mirror. When riding it's actually very low down, probably stuck with the location. It's only about 2" across and needs to be bigger. Obviously can't use a bar end 'cos of the gear change. Found some alternatives but not sure. Any suggestions gratefully recieved.
I contacted the seller, offered the asking price - less than half new price- and went to meet him at a BHP racemeet on sunday.
Having been assured that I would embarass myself on first ride, I faced it with some trepidation. However I tested it with no incident and was told I'm a natural!
So, here's the bike:
New seat cover is on order, meanwhile there's a few things to deal with.
First, I've had to shorten the boom to suite my little legs and, as you can see, I need to shorten the chain. I've found 3 speed links in the chain, 2 of them 25 links apart.
Here's the type of link:
So, ignoring the surface rust, can this type of link be removed without destruction, what are they called? I do have a link remover but it's many years since I used it, may need a refresher course.
The chain is sitting on the middle front ring and rear 4 of 7. How many links do you think need removing?
The kit is a horrible Dillenger pancake and is not going to stay. It's 48v and, I suspect, a direct drive which is probably not going to be suitable for the Welsh hills around here. There is no torque bracket and, not sure, but I don't see a torque washer. It may also not be fully seated in the dropout.
Once I get further along I will be looking for a 36v rear wheel hub that's legal, high torque and preferably silver.
I've tried to remove the battery from it's cradle so far with no success. Does anyone know the trick?
There is a lever under the front but this just feels loose with no 'mechanical' feel to it.
Lastly - this horrible little mirror. When riding it's actually very low down, probably stuck with the location. It's only about 2" across and needs to be bigger. Obviously can't use a bar end 'cos of the gear change. Found some alternatives but not sure. Any suggestions gratefully recieved.
