Hello, I am trying to make my own trike and base a few items on this site. I'd like to know where I can purchase bearings for the knuckles. Also is a steering right on the wheels comfy? seems odd to push sideways to turn. thanks for any answer. Charles
Rod-end bearings come in different qualities. But the cheap ones will be fine. Most online hardware shops will have them. You will need four male 12mm or equivalent in imperial size.Smaller size like 10mm and maybe the thread will be too short. Plus two female rod-end bearings for the tie rod. Unless you are going to make indirect ( under the seat) steer. In that case you need four female. I can ask a friend in the USA where to order.
And yes it is possible to do indirect steer. Not too difficult. It will also handle slightly better. The reason why I went back to direct steering arms is because I found the Radical trailer hubs more reliable then the DIY drum brake hubs I had made. And since for the rim brakes I needed arms anyway I converted it back to direct steer.
The key to building a good trike is to keep things simple. Don't try to do too much at once. It depends on what front hubs and wheels and brake system you will be using how the rest is going to be like. For example if you have hubs for disc brakes, then indirect steer could be the logical design. And if you are using rim brakes ( caliper or V-brakes) then perhaps direct steer will save some weight and extra parts.
This said, in theory you can do what do like. If you want to try both direct steer and indirect, then it won't be a lot of work. In most cases indirect steer will ride a bit more comfortable. You need a bit less input. But Catrike for example builds excellent trikes with direct steer. It is lighter and stronger. The front wheel alignment is also easier.
If you have any questions you can mail me using this address oootrike@gmail.com
Hello,
ReplyDeleteI am trying to make my own trike and base a few items on this site.
I'd like to know where I can purchase bearings for the knuckles. Also is a steering right on the wheels comfy? seems odd to push sideways to turn. thanks for any answer. Charles
Rod-end bearings come in different qualities. But the cheap ones will be fine. Most online hardware shops will have them.
DeleteYou will need four male 12mm or equivalent in imperial size.Smaller size like 10mm and maybe the thread will be too short.
Plus two female rod-end bearings for the tie rod. Unless you are going to make indirect ( under the seat) steer. In that case you need four female.
I can ask a friend in the USA where to order.
And yes it is possible to do indirect steer. Not too difficult. It will also handle slightly better. The reason why I went back to direct steering arms is because I found the Radical trailer hubs more reliable then the DIY drum brake hubs I had made. And since for the rim brakes I needed arms anyway I converted it back to direct steer.
The key to building a good trike is to keep things simple. Don't try to do too much at once. It depends on what front hubs and wheels and brake system you will be using how the rest is going to be like. For example if you have hubs for disc brakes, then indirect steer could be the logical design. And if you are using rim brakes ( caliper or V-brakes) then perhaps direct steer will save some weight and extra parts.
This said, in theory you can do what do like. If you want to try both direct steer and indirect, then it won't be a lot of work. In most cases indirect steer will ride a bit more comfortable. You need a bit less input. But Catrike for example builds excellent trikes with direct steer. It is lighter and stronger. The front wheel alignment is also easier.
If you have any questions you can mail me using this address oootrike@gmail.com
Here you can see what I paid for the rod-end bearings. Pretty cheap. I have seen even lower prices in the USA.
Deletehttp://www.toolworld.nl/products/11117/STANGKOP-BU.html?groupId=272