Paul A. said:Hi. Interesting exercise. A modern " Sociable". May I ask how you intend to join the two frames?
Mig weld in some cross tubes?Ensuring that both frames are sloping out from the vertical about one
or two degrees. Provision for toe-in adjustment of the front wheels. With independent rear drives,
the stronger rider will affect the steering direction. Could be great fun, picnicing by the lake
with your lady friend. Keep us informed? Cheers.
Thanks for your thoughts, Paul.
The kit that is available from Canada comprises an aluminium "girder" between the head tubes clamped
on with U bolts; a triangulated pair across the rear seat stays; and an adjustable tie-rod between
two steering arms clamped to the stems.
My thoughts are that aluminium with U bolts is a bit harsh on the bike tubing, and so I will try for
the main braces, very strong and light pine planks with semicircular grooves that will fit the tube
diameter cut across the ends of these planks (beams) and clamped with U bolts around "gaskets" of
similarly grooved pine pieces.
Why do you suggest leaning the two bikes out? Camber? I was thinking of leaning slightly in if
anything for perhaps slightly more cornering stability.
How much toe-in at straight ahead do you suggest? I was going to try a 40degrees Ackerman angle
(angle between the steering arms at straight ahead.)
As I will be effectively "Captain" I don't believe I will have serious problems with "power steer".
I may alter the brake levers so that I have control of both fronts, and my "Stoker" has control of
both rear brakes when I give the command 🙂
How did you know I had lakes and picnics in mind? 🙂
Of course there is a supermarket a few km along the cycle path from our home, and a large plastic
crate strapped between the rear wheels will serve this well. A small trailer may be added at a
future date.
