A wooden bicycle - this is what the distant ancestor of the modern bike looked like. All components of the first two-wheeled horse were made from this environmentally friendly material - no metal alloys, rubber or plastic.
Modernity dictates movement in both directions - new designs continue to develop, and some things are taken from the past. Thus, wooden frames returned to life again, albeit in a more advanced form. And some creative designers develop unique bicycle models known around the world.
Accent on wood
Wooden bikes are distinguished not only by their unique attractive design, but also by their practicality due to the properties of wood:
- material strength;
- elasticity;
- ease of processing;
- vibration absorption, resulting in smooth running.
Manufacturers often use layering technology to create a flexible molded form that creates a solid frame, which adds strength. And they also often combine wood with carbon fiber to ensure the lightness of the product. The finished frame is treated with impregnations against moisture and decay, which ensures the product’s resistance to environmental influences.
The most common tree species used in production: ash, maple, birch, beech, oak, cedar, walnut, sandalwood and other varieties of mahogany. Another material worthy of attention is bamboo. It is, of course, not a tree, but it is not inferior in strength.
Materials and tools:
- Plywood sheet 15 mm - 1 pc.
- Plywood sheet 20 mm - 1 pc.
- Wooden beam - 1 pc.
- Round beam 20×360 mm - 1 pc.
- Bolt M10x15 mm - 1 pc.
- Wheels 12″ - 2 pcs.
- Liquid polyurethane - 1 pc.
- Brush - 1 pc.
- Screws
- Bolt + washer + nut
- Screwdriver or electric drill - 1 pc.
- Jigsaw - 1 pc.
- Flat needle file - 1 pc.
- Emery block - 1 pc.
- Phillips screwdriver - 1 pc.
- Wood glue - 1 pc.
Step 1: Cut out all the parts from plywood. In the photo, the bicycle parts are laid out on an “inch” (each large square corresponds to a square inch - 25.4 mm x 25.4 mm) to represent the scale of the product. We transfer this photo by projection onto a sheet of paper or directly onto a sheet of plywood. The parts are cut out with a jigsaw from 15 mm thick plywood. All irregularities and splinters are removed with a file and finally treated with sandpaper.
Do not forget to use a groove cutter to cut out the longitudinal cutouts on which the wheels will be attached (on the sidewalls of the steering fork and on the back of the sidewalls of the frame), as well as holes at the upper ends of the sidewalls of the steering fork with a diameter of 20 mm.
Step 2: Assembling the steering fork and frame elements.
The sides of our bicycle should be located at an acute angle of 11 degrees and the apex of this angle is the steering fork.
We cut out a wedge-shaped blank (angle 11 degrees) from a solid wooden beam; it should be either the same in height as the width of the sidewalls or slightly less.
Then install the side parts of the bicycle frame on the side surfaces of the wedge using glue:
After the glue has dried, drill through holes at the top and secure the connection with bolts.
Tip: Since all operations are carried out at an angle, it is necessary to ensure reliable fixation of the parts using clamps. Also, before tightening the nuts, it is necessary to make small corner recesses for the washers using a Forstner cutter to prevent damage to the wood when screeding.
Finally, drill a through hole at the top of the wedge, into which we will insert the steering fork axle. To attach the steering fork axis, we cut out rectangular parts from 20 mm plywood, corresponding in width to the side elements of the steering fork. In the center of both parts we will drill through holes for the steering fork axis.
Assemble the steering fork. First put a washer on the bolt, then the first rectangle, then another washer, then the side frame elements fastened into the corner, then the washer, then the second rectangle of plywood, then the washer, then the nut and the second locking nut.
We attach the sides of the steering fork to rotating rectangles using glue and screws, as shown in the photo. For better fixation when the glue dries, use clamps.
Insert the steering wheel into the large holes in the sidewalls of the steering fork and secure the connection with glue.
Step 3: Making the saddle.
The saddle is a platform made of 15 mm plywood with an L-shaped holder.
The saddle is installed between two block spacers with a 5.5 degree bevel on one side.
Adjust the height and secure the connections with screws.
Step 4: Finalization and testing.
Cover the wooden surface with waterproof varnish or liquid polyurethane.
Install the wheels with their axles into the pre-cut grooves on the back of the frame and steering fork and tighten with nuts.
The bicycle for your child is ready!
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Drawing a drawing
An important point in making a balance bike is drawing up a sketch and drawing a drawing. Typically, a children's balance bike is made of plywood. The parts have different thicknesses: 3 mm - seat, 12 mm - frame, 24 mm - steering column. The structure is cut out according to the drawing, assembled, and the parts are fastened.
How everything works
“I spent about a month searching for the right tree. Initially I cut 200×200 from timber. In the end I chose pine because I wanted to make a cheap bike. Plus, it is quite massive, has enough strength, and its softness gives the bike ergonomics. Everyone who switches from a regular bike to mine says that it is much softer and smoother,” says Gleb.
The guy uses Ukrainian wood, but orders all the components from Europe.
“My second test bike had cheaper components. But the longer I worked on the model, the more beautiful it became, and I simply didn’t dare put cheap rims or a saddle on it. The rims are now French, the tires and rear hub are German, the Brooks saddle is English. We don’t even have these components freely available; everything has to be ordered from Europe.”
When the guy found the materials and components, the search began for a workshop equipped with everything necessary.
“I needed a master who had a CNC milling machine for 3D milling, but it turned out to be difficult. But fate brought me to this, I think, not by chance. Andrey was also passionate about the idea of making a bicycle, and besides, he has an engineering education.”
Gleb was really lucky with the master - he not only took up milling, but also helped the guy master modeling, suggested good programs in which this can be done:
“Andrey does milling. I buy the material, cut and glue the blanks, then sand and trim. I have a small workshop. From the milled parts to the finished bike, it takes six days of work.”
The guy says that he read a lot about wood processing and tried different ways to achieve maximum strength:
“Even if the tree is not initially super strong, this can be achieved by gluing the parts together. The boards are glued together in steps.”
Gleb's bicycle weighs 17 kilograms and costs $1,200. It has two gears - thanks to a planetary hub with automatic shifting. Brake - foot brake. There are metal pipes under the saddle and inside the steering frame. Oak is used in areas of maximum load (carriage, steering wheel).
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The top of the bike is covered with water-repellent Dutch oil, which preserves the wood, protects it from moisture, but is almost invisible. If you smell a bike, it smells like wood, not chemicals. It can be washed, exposed to rain:
“This is a touring bike, it’s not designed for you to jump up three steps or go as fast as possible down a mountain. Yes, this is a little old school model – shape, color. But the new models will be more modern, with brighter colors.”
Sports bikes
Highway
Road bikes
Synonyms: highway, roadbike, roadbike, racing bike. This bike falls into the category of bicycles designed for road racing. Road bikes are characterized by:
- a light weight
- steering wheel ram
- narrow tires (slicks)
All this provides an aerodynamic landing, so long rides at high average speeds are not a problem. But the road surface must be very good. You can’t hang fenders and a rack on such a bike, but it’s worth it for a breeze to ride a couple of hundred kilometers.
Cost from $700 dollars.
You can learn more about road bikes.
Cyclocross
Cyclocross bikes
Synonyms: cyclocross, cyclocrosser. Outwardly similar to a highway, but there are differences. This type of bike is adapted for fast off-road riding. It features a more durable frame and a slightly modified fit; toothed, cantilever or disc tires (more common).
Although this type is designed for off-road cyclocross racing, that doesn't stop cycling enthusiasts from using it as an all-around bike to ride everywhere. You can install fenders or a trunk. The thing about cyclocross is that during races the bike often has to be carried on the shoulder, so they are made as light as possible.
Price tag starts from $1000
You can get to know them in more detail and find out their differences from other types of bicycles in ours.
Trial
Trial and freestyle bike
Here we include BMX and trial bikes. Trial models are easy to recognize, they have long, low and light frames, no saddle, long stem and wide handlebars. The rear tire is often thicker than the front. All this allows you to perfectly balance on the rear wheel and perform complex sports tricks.
BMX bikes also have a low frame. Wheels 20 inches. Special tubes (pegs) are attached to the axis. On a BMX you can turn the handlebars as much as you like without the cables getting tangled. This trick is usually used in tricks.
Prices start at $200, but it is better to choose a more expensive model.
Track
Track bike
Also known as Track bicycle. This is a special type of bicycle designed for track racing. It also doesn't have brakes. The wheel is connected to the pedals, so there is no free play. As the pedals spin, the wheel spins. Ram handlebar - to achieve a sporty landing.
This is the lightest of all the bikes, but prices for professional track bikes start at several thousand dollars.
Cutting
Trim bike
This is a subtype of road bicycle, it is used in time trial racing, and is also popular in triathlon. There is an emphasis on aerodynamics. Narrow wheels, a steering wheel with a sun lounger, the frame geometry is designed for maximum air flow.
Prices for cutting bikes start at $3,000
Improvement
A designer from Germany, Drez, created an ancient bicycle in 1817, which in fact was a wooden scooter equipped with a saddle and handlebars. The invention was named “trolley” in honor of its creator. This term is still used in relation to some self-propelled vehicles.
In the forties of the nineteenth century, the device was modernized, thanks to the efforts of Kirk Patrick Macmillan (blacksmith of Scottish blood). The former bicycle without pedals is equipped with metal rods fixed to the rear wheel. With the help of them it was possible to set the car in motion using the legs. The driver himself was located between the front and rear wheels, adjusting the direction using the steering wheel interacting with the front rim.
It is worth noting that engineer Thompson soon provided inflatable tires, which at that time did not gain popularity due to their technical imperfections. Mass production of bicycles with pedals and tubes began after 1867.
Bold and innovative solutions from China
Let's fast forward to the Celestial Empire - the most cycling country in the world both in terms of the number of riders and the production of models. The Chinese are a creative people, and wooden bikes for them are one of the reasons to express all their abilities in practice.
A model of a bicycle on a wooden chain is considered a treasure of Chinese folk art. The chain is made according to all the rules - the same links and rollers, but only wooden. The great distinctive feature is that the wheels here are not spoked, or even discs, but solid circles.
Close-up of the chain and the center of the rear wheel: cuts, notches, hooks
This bike is made entirely of wood and was invented by a young Chinese designer.
A Liaoning resident named Song Chao built a bicycle from Chinese chopsticks. There is no point in counting the number of sticks spent - there are clearly tens of thousands of them! Probably, the designer ran around all known and unknown catering establishments to collect such a quantity of “raw materials”. And then I spent several months processing and gluing them.
However, the result is worthy of the costs and expectations. In the photo we see the happy creator of a “stick” bicycle, and a rather durable product that can withstand an adult.
Folding aluminum bicycles
A wooden bicycle with sectional wheels is the creation of the Chinese master Peijia Wu. Not a single metal part, not even a tiny nail. Everything is made exclusively from wood! Probably, such a bike will withstand more than one rider.
Why are the wheels sectional? The rim is not a single piece, it consists of pieces of wood fastened together, the joints are kept to a minimum. Of course, if compared with a smooth wheel, then riding this bike will be accompanied by shocks. But, according to the creator himself, this minus is insignificant - the bike perfectly fulfills its purpose.
Another feature of this miracle model is the beam transmission. The transmission does not take place through a chain, but through a beam driven by the legs. The mechanism resembles the jumpers of locomotive wheels.
Historical roots of the wooden bicycle
The first bicycles made of wood only vaguely resembled the modern design - the wheels were attached to a straight frame, and handles for control were attached to the front. There were no pedals or drive; the bicycle was driven by pushing the feet off the ground. In general, the design was more like a balance bike.
The first painting of a two-wheeled structure was painted by the artist Giacomo Caprotti, a student of the legendary Leonardo da Vinci, at the end of the 15th century. That is, we can safely assume that the history of the bicycle goes back at least half a millennium.
Something vaguely similar to a bicycle originated in the Renaissance
The Chinese, however, do not agree with this - according to their version, bicycles were invented before our era. To be more precise, using the drawings they found from 2,500 years ago, they managed to reproduce a real miracle of antiquity - a wooden bicycle booth.
The device is no simpler than a modern bike - that’s what the designers of that time tried
But let's get back to the balance bike. Officially, the inventor of the first bicycle is Karl von Dres, a German design engineer.
The invention dates back to 1818. Starting from the 19th century, the bicycle received a significant impetus in development: its design was modified several times, and at the end of the century, machines similar to the current ones began to appear.
Balance bikes with wooden frames are still made today
The wooden balance bike is not gone forever - modernity brings back retro from the distant past, giving a second wind. For example, bicycle scooters are no longer the same as they were in the 19th century, but are also made of wood. However, not only balance bikes are made of wood. These are quite ordinary, at first glance, large. Of course, such models are not common and often exist in a single copy.
From origins to modern times
Excluding dubious information about frescoes found during excavations with images of structures resembling a bicycle, as well as about the drawings and drawings of Leonardo da Vinci, the German baron Karl von Draize is officially considered the creator of this vehicle. The bicycle he made from ash was devoid of pedals and other mechanisms familiar to us today; it was set in motion by pushing off the ground with our feet, which is why it was called a “running machine”, and in common parlance a trolley. Despite the primitiveness of the design, this wooden bicycle marked the beginning of its further modifications and is the progenitor of all modern bicycles.
Today, the production of structures made from natural materials is rapidly gaining momentum in the sports industry. Many leading manufacturers can boast of interesting conceptual models. One of the most striking representatives of this species is the wooden electric bike. The symbiosis of good old wood and improved mechanisms is increasingly fueling the interest of bicycle modern lovers.
Folk craftsmen are not far behind in their creativity; some of them even manage to recreate a chain mechanism using only wood.
Sometimes funny, sometimes admiring designs delight with their originality, awakening the desire to make a bicycle out of wood with your own hands.
Elite model
Standard velomobile option
Velomobiles, like other types of entertainment and sports transport, can be different in their structure and capabilities. But, despite this, there is still a standard for the external and functional content of this type of transport.
A velomobile, in its usual form, includes:
- A three-wheel design in which the front wheel is slightly larger than the two rear wheels;
- Steering wheel;
- Front frame;
- Connecting elements;
- Sitting.
Naturally, standardity is an opportunity to add color and add notes. After all, if a person converting an ordinary bicycle into a velomobile has taken on such an interesting mission, it means that his imagination is sufficiently developed and will help him make a special design.
A velomobile is not only a means of transportation and a way to pass the time profitably, it is also an opportunity to stand out from the crowd and show that the owner of the vehicle is special. Thanks to creative and unusual solutions, be it decor or a structural part of a velomobile, every craftsman can make the fruit of his efforts especially interesting.
All-terrain velomobile and features of its creation
When making a velomobile, it is important to take into account many details.
- How the vehicle will be used;
- How many speeds does the owner of an unusual vehicle need?
- What will be the design of the structure;
- Quality and quantity of fasteners.
For those who plan to get the most out of their new iron friend, you need to think about whether the wheels or tires have good rubber. After all, for those who are going to spend a lot of time at any time of the year on a velomobile, cross-country ability is important. To do this, instead of regular tires, you can use larger tires with a larger diameter.
And also, for higher cross-country ability, vehicles are included in the design instead of the usual three wheels, four. Seat height can also affect cross-country ability because the higher the seat, the safer the passenger is, protected from the influences of the sidewalk, ground and other surfaces.
veloinsider.ru
Penny farthings
The year 1969 is famous for the appearance of new bicycle designs. These bicycles were called penny farthings or spider bicycles. They looked like coins of different diameters: a penny was a large coin, a farthing was a small coin. The large wheel gave the structure stability and stability. The penny farthing was invented by Eugene Meillet. Spider bicycles were made with spokes, which reduced the weight of the wheel and improved balance. Only men could ride penny farthings, because you had to climb on them from behind, standing on a step, and ride it with your legs stretched out in different directions, which is impossible to do in a skirt.
The time when spider bicycles were invented was the time when such devices were popularized. Following the advent of penny farthings, bicycles for women are invented. They had 3 wheels, which is why they were called tricycles. Instead of one big wheel, they had two. The saddle was between the wheels. A chain drive was introduced on tricycles, which improved the quality of their movement.
Tandem bicycles also appeared, in which a man sat behind a woman. They organized collective trips out of town. A man and a woman were spinning wheels together, sitting next to each other. Penny farthings reached speeds of up to 25 km per hour, so they became popular among students, fashionable youth and men of all ages. The large wheel made the structure more stable.
But these devices were dangerous because when turning, the center of gravity shifted and the large wheels tilted to the side. Sometimes they turned over, dragging the would-be cyclist along with them. The rear wheel was useless when braking. The brake was on the steering wheel and excessive pressure on it caused the person sitting to fly over the steering wheel, getting their feet tangled in it. But regardless of the health threat, penny farthings remained popular for a long time. There was a need to improve the bicycle to make it safer.
What types of modern bicycles are there?
An antique tricycle can now only be found in a museum. Modern analogues can be divided into three types:
- Mountain models. They are designed to move over rough terrain, mountains and off-road. High-quality modifications of this type are considered the most popular, reliable, strong and durable. Some versions are equipped with a pair of shock absorbers (two suspensions). Despite the fact that such a car is heavier than the standard version, it shows better performance when driving on uneven surfaces.
- Road bikes. These modifications are lighter, have larger diameter wheels with narrow tires. The model is equipped with a lowered steering wheel, which allows the driver to adopt an aerodynamic position, resulting in improved speed performance.
- Mixed options. Such bicycles combine the best qualities of the analogues discussed above; they are intended for riding outside the city and in it, but are not suitable for participants in sports races.
The emergence of pneumatic tires
Pneumatic bicycle tires were created by an ordinary veterinarian, John Boyd Dunlop. He treated animals in small villages. But Dunlop was an inventor by vocation. In 1888 he invented pneumatic bicycle tires. The roads in the 19th century were full of holes and potholes, so it was impossible to drive along them without grinding and shaking. Wheels were then made of bare metal or covered with thin rubber. John's son loved to ride a bicycle and his father watched with alarm as his bicycle vibrated and shook on the rough road.
John Boyd Dunlop measured the diameter of the wheels, took a water hose, cut it to length and wrapped the wheels. To achieve at least some kind of tightness, he covered the joints with a thick tarpaulin. To avoid slipping, I put rubber on the tarpaulin. Then he pumped air into the wheels. He first made pneumatic tires for his son's tricycle, and then for an adult model. Soon he received a patent for their creation.
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Story
The first representatives of wooden bicycles had a completely different appearance, the wheels were fixed through a straight frame, and handles were attached to the front area for maneuvering.
There was no pedal mechanism. The first bike moved by pushing off the ground with its lower limbs. The principle of operation was more like a balance bike.
The first painting of a bicycle appeared in the 1490s, which means the history of the bicycle includes more than 500 years of development.
In China, they claim that the bicycle appeared before our era. According to the found drawings, which are more than 2,500 years old, the Chinese assembled a kind of bicycle - a booth, also made entirely of wood.
According to official data, the bicycle was invented in Germany in 1818. After this, the two-wheeler was constantly modernized. Machines began to appear that were vaguely similar to their modern counterparts.
However, the wooden bicycle has not disappeared; new designs are making it possible to use it again. Bicycle scooters, which were invented in the 19th century, are now also made from wood.
Bicycles made of wood are not so popular and are often made in single copies. The models are characterized by a high monetary cost and not every rider can afford to buy a bike made of wood.
Modern models on wooden frames
A bicycle is an environmentally friendly and quiet transport. It does not pollute the environment with exhaust, does not irritate with crackling and noise, and is also less dangerous than a car. Perfect. But it turns out that you can make a bicycle even more environmentally friendly - assemble it on a wooden frame.
Indeed, with wood, the bicycle becomes almost 100% natural - the production of metal alloys and carbon fiber, which is unsafe for health, is completely eliminated, and besides, wood is a more affordable material. Tireless designers managed to make wooden bicycles a reality. Let's evaluate the five best models:
1. Perfect Day - a mountain bike with a wooden frame - is perhaps the most durable among its metal counterparts. The idea of creation and the exclusive model belongs to the Dvoika company. Frame material – birch.
In general, this is a full-fledged MTB, in the quality we are used to seeing it: frame geometry, multi-speed transmission, powerful shock absorption, steering wheel design, disc brakes, aggressive tires.
2. Ash-bike - a unique solution by Dutch designer Paul Trimmer. The lightweight and environmentally friendly bicycle is made from solid ash boards.
By design, this model occupies an intermediate position between three classes of bicycles: road, highway and mountain. From the road bike, the ash bike took a single-speed transmission and the type of wheels, from the road bike - lightness (about 10 kg) and the relative position of the steering wheel and saddle, from the mountain bike this model adopted the shape of the steering wheel and disc brakes. Indeed, v-brake is inappropriate here - you would have to cut the wood, and this is already ugly.
3. Aero – a stylish model with an “eye” frame. Unlike previous models, this one is equipped with a thin metal and rigid fork. The rear seatstays seem to merge with the front of the frame, there is no seat tube - the saddle is simply attached to the top of the “eye”.
The model belongs to the Ukrainian designer Maria Koroleva. The emphasis was on originality and style, while the bike itself belongs exclusively to the pleasure class. However, walks with such a bike will be remembered forever!
4. Bough Bike – an electric bicycle made of wood with a two-speed belt transmission. The engine power is 225 W, the maximum acceleration speed is up to 25-30 km/h without the cyclist's power consumption. Brakes – manual rim and classic drum.
The frame material is oak wood from France, the wheel fastenings and the joints of the frame parts are made of stainless steel.
5. Guapa – urban singlespeed on a bamboo frame and rigid aluminum fork. The model is distinguished by its lightness and high directional stability on smooth roads.
The bike is perfect for fast city riding and will delight cycling enthusiasts and adherents of an eco-friendly lifestyle.
Bicycles for asphalt
Urban
City bike
Synonyms: citybike, city bike, road bike. The classification of urban bicycles is quite extensive. In short, these are bikes for commuting to work and walking in the park. Properties of a city bike:
- heavy
- comfortable
- Is there a trunk or basket?
- front and rear wings
- circuit protection
- wide saddle
- single speed or planetary hub
- rigid fork
- vertical or almost vertical landing
- step
In a word, this type is optimal for short trips around the city in any weather and in any clothing. City bikes are characterized by low maintenance. This type is very common in many European countries as the main means of transport.
Prices start from $200
Bicycle hybrid
Synonyms: Hybrid, hybrid, cross bike. The types of bicycles are so rich in their diversity that it was necessary to create a separate type, which took over the properties of mountain, road and city bicycles. Formally, this is a simplified mountain bike, more suitable for riding on asphalt.
Lighter and taller frames, low-travel forks, disc or V-brake brakes. 28 inches, moderately aggressive tread to maintain stability on the ground and roll well on asphalt. Many people add fenders, racks, horns and other accessories to their bike. Who is this bike suitable for? For those looking for versatility.
Prices start from $300
Bicycle touring
Synonyms: Touring, tourist bike. These types of bikes are ideal for touring on asphalt roads. Outwardly it resembles a road type due to the ram steering wheel. However, touring has a number of its own differences:
- frame material steel, aluminum, chrome-mol or titanium
- trunk designed for heavy weight (front and rear)
- rigid steel fork
- strong and reliable wheels
- transmission with off-road calculation
- good protection against dirt
- powerful lighting technology
Since this type of bike is designed to cover long distances with luggage, reliability is more important than weight.
Not many manufacturers produce touring cars, so their prices are high, starting from $1000 and above.
Folding
Folding bicycle
Also known as Folding bike. An excellent option for getting around the city. Due to the small wheels, the bike folds easily and can be taken with you to the office. Speed, comfort and handling are kept at an average level due to its compactness.
The roll-up on such a bike is rather weak, but if your goal is not tens of kilometers per approach, then this is an excellent choice. Prices from $300 and up.
How to make a bicycle out of wood
Some manufacturers offer the buyer a kind of “do-it-yourself” construction kit - that is, such a kit contains all the parts of the bicycle, as a result of which, as a result of fastening, a full-fledged vehicle is obtained. You can also find instructions for assembling branded bicycles posted on the websites by the developers themselves (not for free) and make a similar bike yourself. But if your craving for modernization is coupled with the desire to own an exclusive model, then you should still make a bicycle out of wood with your own hands.
So, you, inspired by the ideas of modern designers, have decided to update your old bike using a wooden frame or assemble a new one almost from scratch (for which, of course, you will have to buy additional parts if you don’t want to cut every gear out of wood).
Bike with wooden frame
Required materials and tools:
wood (it is important to choose the right material, the wood must be strong enough and so that the fasteners adhere well to it); wood glue; epoxy resin; carriage connecting the mechanism to the frame; plywood; wheels, handlebars and the rest of the mechanism of a regular bicycle; plane; screwdriver or drill; hacksaw; bolts, screws.
You need to start by creating a sketch of the bicycle frame design on paper. As an alternative, you can simply find a suitable sketch on the Internet and print it in the desired format
When designing a frame, it is important to take into account the dimensions of the remaining elements of your bike. The design must fit adequately into the rest of the mechanism. When the paper and plywood model is ready, we begin to make the bicycle frame by gluing thin layers of wood together. Cut the boards according to the template and process them with a plane, paying special attention to the corners. Glue all layers (there can be several of them, if desired).
After all the procedures, two wooden parts of the frame remain, which should be given their final shape and inserted inside (immediately gluing the surfaces), metal tubes cut exactly to the size of the wooden part. It is desirable that the tubes have as many slots as possible so that the finished product is lighter in weight
Press both halves of the frame until they are completely set; you can put them under the press for a while. The forks are made from several wooden strips glued together using plywood and bolts, and attached to the main part in the same way. Sand the finished frame and coat it with varnish. Assemble the remaining parts of the bicycle together, check each mount for strength.
Now your exclusive beauty is just waiting for a test drive, ready to amaze with its originality and attract attention. Perhaps in the future such models will not be uncommon on the roads, but for now such non-standard solutions surprise and fascinate the public
If you're a jack of all trades and love creating cool things, why not learn how to make homemade bicycles. You can ride around the city on a bicycle, show off your unusual homemade structure to your neighbors, and most importantly, show your son what talents his father has, teach him basic techniques and further strengthen the concept of “master” in the house.
How to make a headlight for a bicycle yourself? How to choose a suitable LED for a flashlight? Parts you will need, how to assemble and attach to the bike.
How to choose a battery for an electric bicycle. What characteristics do different types of batteries have? How to assemble a battery with your own hands.
DIY tricycle
Our land is not lacking in the talents of all kinds of Kulibins and the following information is specifically for them. To assemble a tricycle at home you will not need many spare parts.
List of required parts
You will need a base, which can be any used bicycle that is sized to suit your needs. These can be both domestic “oldies” and models from foreign manufacturers.
- Set of hand tools (wrenches, screwdrivers, etc.)
- Two long bicycle chains.
- Gear shift cable, brake cable.
- Set of stainless steel clamps.
- Rear bicycle axle Uk6 or, as an option, axle M2.
- Two matching bicycle wheels.
- Metal paint.
- Other parts that may be needed when restoring the base.
Build process
- The rear wheel of the bicycle, taken as the basis of the design, is removed.
- The bridge is installed at an angle of 90 degrees on the frame, maintaining symmetry. Clamps are used as fasteners.
- Secure the chain and, if necessary, reduce its length to the desired size.
- Attach the cables to the braking mechanism and the gear shift mechanism.
- To eliminate possible problems associated with reworking the old frame, it is recommended to reinforce it with a metal profile.
Source: ProVelik.ru
How to make a bicycle trailer out of wood
A wooden trailer is best suited for children's bicycles. It does not withstand heavy loads, but 20 kg is enough for transporting small loads.
Materials required for manufacturing
- Two wheels (10 inches),
- Plywood panel (4x4ft),
- Thin board and plastic,
- 2x4 boards (8 feet long),
- Glue,
- Putty,
- Paint in several colors
- Square steel pipe,
- PVC pipe,
- Fastening tools,
- Drill,
- A circular saw
- Screwdriver,
- Other working tools and small accessories.
Side panels and floor
The side panels of the bicycle trailer and the bottom are cut from sheets of plywood. The walls should have a semicircular shape. The floor panel is 15 inches wide and the same length as the side panels (31 inches).
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After cutting, all three parts are fastened with screws - the holes in them are drilled in advance, with a drill of a smaller diameter. The surface of the trailer base is primed with white paint.
Strengthening the Foundation
The mount will bear most of the load. If you assemble the “skeleton” correctly, the trailer will not be deformed. To secure the trailer, two long pieces of board (14 inches) are placed on the front panel, top and bottom. The same board is attached to the bottom on the opposite side. Two long boards on the sides complete the “skeleton”.
The boards are secured with three screws to the floor and side panel.
Roof
The trailer roof must be made of flexible material. Thin board, plastic panel, and (ideally) a large poster frame will do. The length of the roof panel is 14.75 x 36 inches. You need to cut it out with a sharp knife. After this, primer paint is applied to the panel and the roof is attached to the trailer. The corners of the frame are painted in the desired color. They are attached to the roof using self-tapping screws. Space each one 6-8 inches apart.
Wheels and axle
A mark is made on the bottom of the trailer: where the axle will be placed. Cut two 15-inch lengths of plywood. One is divided in half (about 2.5 inches wide). The smaller pieces are attached to the bottom of the trailer using screws on both sides of the axle. A piece of greater width is attached to the top. A piece of PVC pipe will be used as pads between the wheel bearings and the body. The wheels are held on the axle using clamps.
Door and other elements
A hole for the door is cut in the trailer roof. Leave 2-inch holes on the sides. From the remaining piece you need to make a front bumper. It is held on the roof with glue. While the glue dries, it is strengthened with adhesive tape. When the bumper is dry, a coat of paint is applied to it.
The door is made of a piece of plastic. The panel is cut to the required length and width and attached to the roof with screws. After this, the door is painted with the same paint as the trailer.
Additional decor
You can further decorate the trailer: paint the bottom part with the same paint as the corners and bumper. This is easy to do using strips of duct tape. The trailer door will be closed using a latch strap. On one side it is held in place with a screw, on the other there is a hook that is attached to the screw.
You can also add lighting. A 7 amp battery, a wire with a fuse, and all wires are located under the door of the trailer.
Fastening
In order for the trailer to be a trailer - to follow the vehicle - a piece of steel pipe is mounted to it (attached with self-tapping screws to the brackets). A spring axle is attached to the pipe.
The trailer is ready to go on a long journey with your bike.
The fate of the inventor Drez
Karl Dres was born on April 29, 1785 in Germany in the city of Karlsruhe. Graduated from Heidelberg University. In 1811 he became a forester. But after a while he had a desire to invent something. For the first time he invented a machine that drew musical notes. The invention gained popularity because drawing lines is a tedious and difficult task.
The second he created was a four-wheeled bicycle. It was driven by muscle power. But at the Congress of Vienna it was heavily criticized. Critics pointed out to him that a four-wheeled car is difficult to push, moves slowly and is subject to shaking. But Drez was a man who never lost heart and always believed in his strength and his mind. Karl corrected all the critics' comments. Instead of 4 wheels, he made 2 and added a steering wheel. This is how the first wooden bicycle appeared. For it he received a royal prize.
To promote his invention, the baron went to travel around the world. For 5 years he showed what his design was capable of, attracting more and more bicycle connoisseurs. But trouble happened: my father fell seriously ill. Karl had to return home. The last minutes of his life, the father felt that his son loved him and was next to him. He managed to see his son's next invention - a typewriter. After his father's death, his enemies began litigation over property.
In 1937, Drez suffered a stroke. After recovery, he moves to a hut in the forest and continues to do what he loves: inventing. He places the bicycle on the iron rails. So the word trolley received its new meaning, and the new device was used in practice for a long time. Drez's other inventions were a 16-key typewriter and a meat grinder. The typewriter was the ancestor of Morse code.
In 1849, Karl von Dres supported the revolution. He renounced the title of nobility and began to call himself a citizen. The revolution was soon suppressed. The inventor was declared crazy. His property was taken away and his pension was deprived. So Karl Dres became a beggar. He died on December 10, 1851 in his hometown.
Modern hypothesis of the creation of the wheel
The word “wheel” comes from the Proto-Slavic “kolo” and the Proto-Indo-European “kel-so” and means “rotation”. The name “chariot” comes from the same root.
According to the latest data from researchers, the history of the invention of the wheel originates from Europe. The earliest clay wheels were found during excavations of the Trypillian culture on the territory of modern countries (Romania and Ukraine), which are dated 5 thousand BC. e. More “later” finds were made in areas of Germany, Poland and the North Caucasus. Ancient burials of people along with chariots were recently discovered on the border between Armenia and Georgia in the upper reaches of the Kura River (4-3 thousand BC).
One of the prototypes of wheels is considered to be ancient stone millstones for grinding grains into flour. The first wheels were made of clay, stone and only then of wood.