Trike assembly - bis?

Question

Hi

I'm looking to use aluminium tubing to assemble a basic bike frame that will be welded to a trike chassis (also assembled from aluminium tubing). I will be doing so with good workmen though who do not have bike building knowledge.

The tricycle will carry 2 passengers but will never go above 8 kph or run on bumpy terrain.

What would be the ideal thickness for aforementioned aluminium tubing to prevent too much flexing, let alone breaking? I'm looking at 1", 1 half" and 2" diameter circular tubing for the bike frame, and 2" square for the chassis.

Any extra advise would be greatly appreciated

Answer 1

I would just use bicycle tubing. I would look for tandem tubing. Easton makes tons of tubes for tandem use; if you use tandem tubing you'll know all the engineering has already been done: and it's not going to be someone's guess. I did a web-search and couldn't find a supplier:

Check Easton's Northern European contact:

http://www.eastonbike.com/CONTACT/contac...

Your welders should have no problem if they're any good. As long as you build a good jig, they should be able to weld it no problem.

Lon at Nova Cycle Supply does international orders. Check him out. You could check the diameters and wall thickness of the tubes, take the thickest measurement and order a straight gage tube.

http://www.novacycles.com/catalog/index....