Home Built Recumbent Bike

A few years ago I bought this fold up bike at a local army surplus store and it was ok for a while. Later, I thought I'd turn it into a recumbent bike. I was researching them on the web and became really enthusiactic. It took me a month or so to conceive and build. In the end though, I trashed it because it was too small for my body frame anf the gearing on the bike was too low. I thought you guys might like to see it and get some inspiration. I'll be building a new one soon. Let's call this one a learning prototype.

Here's a shot looking down on the fork that was bolted on to the frame and the chain guide wheels I made from skateboard wheels.

With the longer chain, I needed guide wheels and I bought these replacement skateboard wheels at the dollar store. I filed them down on my drill press and made a groove for the chain. Overall not bad, a little noisy. Next time, I'll try for some sort of wheel tension.

Here's the pedal crank bolted on the fork. It seemed to work out ok.

Basic plywood seat covered with foam and fabric. After riding it for a while, I'd change the position of the foam.

Another shot of the seat. Here's the back. I used old seat parts and a photographers clamp for adjustment.

Yet another shot, here the bottom of the seat is bolted to the frame. Next time, I'll add some sort of adjustment.