I really appreciate your open source approach and showing also the learning experience of developing something. It shows that people should take the freedom of experimenting by trying things out. I will definitely follow your channel.
Thank you so much for your kind comment! I love the learning process and the sharing of knowledge. And because making stuff makes me happy, I try to incentivize others to do that too. I also try to make the videos better and better so that it's more enjoyable to watch. Cheers!
Found your project as I built Phil Vandelay’s first cargo bike design and a friend wants a trike. I’m excited to see the new version, I’m sure my friend will be too. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you very much! I saw Phil's cargo bike. I haven't reached that level of quality, but I expect I will at some point. Hope my drawings and build will be of value to others. Thanks for your inspiring comment. Cheers!
Pedro, with your variable by ten degree caster design, I wondered if finer adjustments might be helpful. I believe you could do this by doing a Vernier style adjuster, where you would have two plates, the one you currently have with the 10 degree adjustments that the A arms bolt to and another that is attached to the frame. Both plates would have holes regularly spaced over the same distance. One of the plates would have N number of holes and the other would have N+1 holes where N= whatever fineness needed. The larger N is, the finer the adjustment (and the more work to drill them). A bolt goes thru whichever pair of holes needed to give you the subtle number of degree needed for optimum tuning. Then for structural reasons, holes that allow greater clamping force would be needed. Just a thought!
I appreciate that! I was trying to find grossly where caster should. I know it should be more than 0 and less than 20;). And 10 was the option that I had. I agree with you that such a plate would allow me to fine tune in further. Cheers!
This project looks really promising. I watched thinking that I'd like to build one of these myself so the open source part is absolutely amazing. thank you
Thank you very much! I'm happy to read that my build inspires you to build your own. For the Open Source model, I'm working on having it with rigorous drawings so I hope it helps. I expect to publish in less than 3 weeks. Cheers!
There are a few creators for which I drop anything I'm doing and watch them the moment I get the notification, and you are one of these. Keep improving the project and congratulations on the new frame!
Hi Pedro, first of all, thank you for creating these amazing videos. I'm Pim and live near Arnhem. I'm also planning to build my own cargo bike and have learned a lot. I wanted to achieve a maximum speed of 45km per hour. However, I noticed that the gear ratio is too small. You end up pedaling at a high cadence. So, I'm going for two dual hub motors so that I can apply a "high-speed Schlumpf drive". What do you think of that idea? Regards, Pim PS: If you're ever in the vicinity of Arnhem on your bike, feel free to stop by for a cup of coffee!
Hello Pim, thank you very much for your kind comment and invitation for a coffee;) I'll certainly consider it;) Regarding the cargo bike at 45 km/h - be careful! That is some proper speed!;) Regarding the drive that you mentioned, it looks a very cool product indeed! Cheers!
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YES! Am a follower and enjoy your thoughts! I have a SWBase recumbent, but need a trike instead as I am too old and weak to go up hills without falling over. I would like to say you need a simple small lathe. NOT CNC, just an old Proper lathe like something someone want's to sell that's old and SOLID not a Mini lathe that people buy today and find it's no use to make a solid aluminium or brass part.
Hello and thank you so much for your kind comment;) I would love to have a lathe! Actually, I will have a small lathe course before releasing my next video because I will need to make a spindle for the new wheel hubs;) Cheers!
I enjoy your videos with my background in mechanical engineering design and bike mechanics. Your tadpole tilting trike with electric assist would be a perfect platform for me and my daughter to tandem together. I would love to correspond with you about this. Much admiration for your courage in starting such an ambitious design and build project and for your generosity in sharing your insights. I hope it comes back to you in many ways.
Thank you so much for your kind comment. It's very inspiring to read that what I make and share may be useful to you. You are welcome to correspond via email: pncneves@hotmail.com. All the best to you. Cheers!
Hello Ron, thank you so much! I recently disassembled a Bosch mid-drive from the bike for the next cargo trike project, and I would say it is encouraging. This was the video on UA-cam the helped me most: ua-cam.com/video/KlJ1jRGMpjg/v-deo.htmlsi=eUGC-ny5sDan68G-. Cheers!
Design your own mid drive?! Now that's some engineering skill right there! Love that you are open sourcing it for all tinkerers to enjoy. As a dad I love a cargo bike but like you have already experienced, they all have their own pros and cons which really doesn't tick enough boxes. I've owned an Urban Arrow but I didn't really like it that much.
I have this deep wish of designing my own mid-drive for a long time;) So, I must give it a shot. Also, I would like to incorporate a gearbox in it. Let's see how it goes. I also love the open source part. As I gain knowledge in this, I would like to share it. With open sourcing, it will also force me to be more rigorous with the drawings. I have also tried several cargo bike. And I like some of them very much. But, I believe in the advantages of a tadpole trike, mostly in a place where it rains so much, like in The Netherlands. Cheers!
Thank you so much! It will be faster. As you mention, the learnings help to improve the process of designing and building, and also I'm dedicating more time to this project. Cheers!
Man, you would NOT believe the amount of design work you have saved me. I've been working on a cargo variant of another youtuber's tadpole trike design for quite a while now, and trying to graft your front suspension to it. Thank you for sharing your designs, data, and general enthusiasm. Oh, i did have one question: have you had any issues with your custom printed front wheels? Finding bike wheels that are able to handle heavy loads has been a real challenge, especially over here in the US. Thanks again for everything
Hello, thank you for your kind comment! It's great to know that my videos were useful! I put real effort into it to make it understandable;) Regarding the wheels - the printed wheels were not rigid enough. Also, they cannot be trued, so after some time they are unusable. I'm working on wheels for my next build, that I believe will be very good and universally easy for anyone to make. If you like to buy wheels already made, I saw these recently: www.greenpower.co.uk/product/348. They are in UK so probably easy to order to US. Hope this helps. Cheers!
keep your videos coming! this was one of my favorite videos of yours in they it have some background in the trike build, keep up the good work! you should demo the bike with a load in it, what it's intended use, also others might have interests in making the front end adjustable, for stable pleasurable ride or work bike transporter
Thank you so much! I will;) I have so many things to improve and I'll also improve how I share the builds with the open source designs and better videos. Cheers!
Back to the steering geometry. Can you do more testing with the caster. As a mechanic, I knew your jig was too broad - 40 degree caster is far too much as you discovered.and so you settled for 10. Caster however, is finer than that. Motorbikes, I believe, run around 7 degrees. Bikes closer to 15 (I think). Would you tempted to modify the jig to go from 5-15 in one degree increments? I'm quite interested in building a tilting recumbent e-trike, using your R and D. I have a Greenspeed X5 now.
I totally agree that the testing was too broad and not fine tuned. I think I need different tests to fine tune actually because all the tests I've done are based in personal feelings so I need to get more scientific ;). At the moment, I'm focused on Improving things that are not good at all such as the wheel hubs. Then I'll be able to get to the details.
Hi Pedro. What is your background? By that I mean, is this a hobby as an expression of your creativity, skills and desire to use your hands or is it an application of your studies or professional area of activity towards a side project? I "found" you a few days ago and am loving it so far. I just wish you would raise the volume a bit because you're soft spoken but then the commercial jumps in full blast, since I had to raise the volume. 😂 All the best! 👍
Hello João, the area of technology that I studied the most was Electronics Engineering. I graduated 20 years ago in Electronics Engineering from Universidade do Minho with specialty in Power Electronics and I've been working in related fields ever since. I love mechanics as well but it's been more of hobby for me. Now that I'm learning more, I try to make it more "serious". I do consider myself a creative person, and I always had several projects going on. I'm super passionate about learning, and I guess that makes me love sharing knowledge as well. I'm not sure how much you are interested in my professional background, so I'll leave my LinkedIn profile, in case you're interested: www.linkedin.com/in/pedro-neves-36b46367/. Thank you so much for your kind comment about having found me;) Regarding the volume compared to the commercials, that is incredibly useful feedback. I will optimize the volume from now on. Cheers!
Hello, thank you so much! I filmed while building it, actually, and I intend to publish a video about that. Your comment helps with the motivation for sure;) Cheers!
Very inspiring. Look forward to the next episodes. I'm just an armchair watcher, as I don't have your nice skills. But I really enjoy watching you systematically figure out the "best" ride. I wonder if you can compare the turning ability of the tilt method against a non-tilt machine. Would be instructive to see just how much tilting improves the system.
Hello and thank you very much for your kind comment! It's also very inspiring to read comments such as yours. And I am also an armchair of several maker channels (people that build furniture, their own houses, bicycles, etc). It's very enjoyable to keep iterating and make it better over time;) I have tried a non-tilting mechanism just by blocking the tilting mechanism on my setup. I did not like it because you ride like a quad. The tilting mechanism makes it ride more like a bike, which I like with the added safety and ability to carry cargo of a trike. Cheers!
Absolutely. By the time a release the first video with the open source project, the drawings will be made available via a website that I'm in the process of making. Cheers!
Thank you for this, I feel very heard from your last video! I am really interested to see if i'll be able to make my own and I'm definitely willing to give feedback.
Thank you so much! That is awesome! I hope this inspires you and helps to build your creation! And I would love to see it if you like to share it one day. Cheers!
Thank you so much for sharing so much interesting and useful information. Providing a venue to inspire a community is great and I look forward to your upcoming episodes and dialogue from others. I found your suspension testing especially informative in a design I've been working up in Solidworks for an enclosed DIY E-trike. If you have need for stress analysis and modeling I could run designs through Solidworks.
Thank you so much also for your inspiring words. I have great pleasure in sharing in a community with common interest. Once I have the drawings ready and share them, would love to get your ideas on proceeding with stress analysis!
Thank you so much! And I love it that my design motivates you to build. In the next phase of the project, I'll share the drawings in editable format and more rigorously. I hope that helps;) Cheers!
Thank you! I'm going for a more enclosed system because I liked the system where everything is inside the drive unit, and maybe even incorporating gearbox. Cheers!
you can save time for the printing part by printing only the outer shell and pour epoxy resin into it. you can mix it with talc powder it will be stronger than solid 3d printing.
@@pedro-neves I play with resin and wood before. so i got my vacuum pump, but you dont need that just pour little by little. you can mix with fiber glass, its cheaper and faster and stronger. but dont forget to seal all the holes from 3d printing. and thanks for the design
Thank you! Well, I tried a trike with rear steering once and loved it. Honest opinion - I think adding rear steering would rock! One day, when the front is deemed complete, it could be a cool project to add steering to the rear;) Cheers!
I have built my own e-bike, and I like rear hub motors the most because they don't consume space. Additionally, I can regen brake, thus charging the battery and slowing down at the same time.
I absolutely agree that in-wheel motors have advantages. The reason I like mid-drives is partially because of being a big fan of mountain biking, so I got used to not liking unsprung mass. Part from that, it's easier to have good torque sensing in a mid-drive and there is even the possibility of incorporating a gearbox, which I'm considering to try and create in the near future. Cheers!
@@pedro-neves When you say 'create' a gearbox, are you thinking of designing and building one? I'm really interested in the Motor Gearbox Units that are coming out- But no one is really selling them to the public yet.
@@andrewmclean1239 I'm planning to design and build a motor gearbox system as part of this project and fit it in the place of the original bosch mid-drive. There are commercial ones - checkout the "pinion"
I have been watchin gthe development series for a while now and it is wonderful, I ride an 8 freight cargo bike. I have not tried with the load up front. I wonder why your logo is not flipped vertically so that it becomes an N for Neves?
Thank you so much for your kind comment. And I love your suggestion about the logo! I will change it! I didn't see it but it's such a good idea;) I love sharing stuff. Thanks again;)
I agree that it may make sense given that this is a cargo vehicle and may be hard to reverse if you're carrying cargo. The drivetrain that I have does not support reverse gear but one day when redesigning the drivetrain, it's something to consider for sure. Cheers!
Thank you very much! With my new build I'm sharing the cad files. See the description of the new build video : ua-cam.com/video/UWFQ6nFzpgE/v-deo.htmlsi=Zd-cf20gpgTyB-Ih
Hello, great question! The Ackerman part was quite tricky indeed. I made the drawings to calculate the position but then had to do some practical adjustments. I described all about it in here: ua-cam.com/video/q2GTZd428vM/v-deo.htmlsi=5lN7ulCU91MO3hPq. It works very well when turning. No scrubbing of any wheel. Hope this helps. Good luck with your build!
Hehe, I could;) But, I think there are already very good builds being shared by other makers on UA-cam. This is my favorite: ua-cam.com/video/Ie3uTHq4LSE/v-deo.htmlsi=5PlsqN0qnmhk8LlH. Cheers!
Pedro, do you think a speed-sensing tilting bike could ever be made? As I'm looking at Recumbent trike design and I like to ride fast, the tilt should be more aggressive the faster you go - like on a normal bike. Obviously it would need a small microprocessor, and some sort of servo set up to increase and decrease the length of the rod. Does this concept excite you?
I watched a few more of your videos. I always assumed the tilt was tied to the steering, but it's not. It's actually the weight of the rider, which is really cool. You are fortunate to be in the Netherlands - the choice of bikes to try are a lot more than in Australia! What geometry affects the side to side stability? I love your work!!
@@andrewmclean1239 indeed! I try to make it ride as a bike with the extra safety and stability of the two front wheels. I do try to make it simple. I a fan of making things as simple as possible but not more (not my quote ;))
Been watching your project from day one and I wish here were more youtubers like you. I think you have gone above and beyond proving that upright reverse trikes do not have to be recumbent to be stable. I pedaled around on a Dickie D icecream reverse trike one summer in my teens. It wasn't the most stable but was very rideable. I started building an aluminum version of your version but decided to put that on hold until my aluminum welding skills are better because it's not as forgiving as steel. I do have two questions and if you have the time to reply, I would greatly appreciate it and if you don't, it'ss all good. 1. The shocks look like they haven't changed aside from using a single shock. I can't seem to find any mention of them in any of your videos. What make and model are the shocks? 2. What is your reasoning for cutting the head tube off instead of simply extending?
Hello, and thank you so much for your kind comment! I do set aside some time to reply to comments. It is my pleasure. First of all - let me say that I'm working on a new build with an aluminum frame and this is my first time welding aluminum. Well, it's much more difficult than steel but it is like any other thing - it is only difficult until it's easy;) I've been spending many hours welding together bits of aluminum and only yesterday I welded the first actual part that goes into the build and even thought it's not great, on every new part it gets better. Regarding your questions: 1 - The shocks went from two to one to simplify the build and the geometry. Simpler is better. I chose "rockshox deluxe r debonair 210 mm x 50 mm" because it suited my geometry a long shock and also I wanted something with a long travel so that it works with cargo and without cargo and still having travel. Also, I got a big promotion on these really good shocks (84 EUR);). 2 - Well, I just think it's easier to cut it off and weld a new tube. Just practicality. Cheers!
When i asked about the head tube I was asking if thought the angle change was necessary since you were splitting the head tube you just squared off the head tube angle to make it easier? Sorry for not being clearer. I need to make my bike somewhat modular because i don't have room for a 10 foot bike lol
@@GypsyJrs, if you're making a connection like I did - With an arm and a bar connecting the head tube to the front pivot, the best would be if the head tube does a 90 deg angle with the extension tube because both steering tubes will be at the same angle. In the design that I'm working on now, I'll have cable steering with pulleys. This way it is less relevant the angle of the head tube. Hope this helps. Cheers!
@@pedro-neves I switched back to my aluminum build. I really don't trust my aluminum welding for the head tube so it's going to remain the original angle on this build. I'm using a 3"x2" aluminum beam with 1/4" walls from an awning someone near me demo'd whch I coped and welded to the aluminum Norco frame I'm using. I have a coil shock from a CCM mountain bike Rockshox are great right up until you look at the ridiculous price tags they have. Any ideas where I might find a decent shock I can repurpose for this build? I'm sticking to my repurposed theme except for 4 ball oints I bought from Temu for $8. One other thing, I Frankensteined the steering column using 3 pieces of tube and it it got me thinking that it's really awesome of you to share every aspect as you make improvement with each video. You have my gratitude because it's like an adventure piecing the craziest things together to makei t work and I'm really enjoying it. Thanks
@@GypsyJrs , indeed, you have to be careful with the welds. Especially the head tube. Regarding the shocks, I agree that they are very expensive. I mostly use two stores for bike parts: - www.bike-components.de/ - www.internet-bikes.com/en/parts/ And I also buy used parts from local private sellers with websites similar to ebay. Thank you so much for mentioning that my videos helps to piece together these kinds of puzzles;) I try to give a good explanation and make it better every time. I also get a lot of helps from other maker UA-cam videos so I try to be good at it;) I'm working on a new build and I will publish the video in less than 2 weeks from today. I think this video will have the best head tube extension explanation that I did so far;) Also it has cable steering so I look forward to sharing it. Good luck with your build! Cheers!
Aluminum as a material for stiffness and weight reduction may not be ideal for the consumer in the long run. Aluminum has a finite fatigue life and is brittle in some modes compared to steel, allowing it to tear easily if not made stiff and securely welded. It HAS to be stiff in order not to fail, and when it DOES fail, repairs are more difficult for the DIYer and more costly for someone who brings it to the shop to be fixed. On top of that, shops might also simply refuse to work on a homemade product, leaving the consumer high and dry, so to speak. Furthermore, DIY repairs are more difficult because of the process of welding aluminum is more skill-restricted due to aluminum's head conductive properties. But that's the only criticism so far. Mid-drive (I assume for the electric powertrain) is something I agree with, so good on ya for that. Reducing rotating and unsprung mass is excellent, as is mounting the weight of the motor lower than a hub drive would allow.
Hi, thanks for that. I start to become more aware of the downsides of aluminum. I'm thinking that what makes sense to me, if this ever becomes a product, is to partner with a bike manufacturer to make the frame and then I being responsible for the front. Cheers!
Hey, thank you so much for being interested! You are welcome to send an email to me at pncneves@hotmail.com if you like. Regarding a community discussion, there is no other channel but the comments here on UA-cam. I'm in the process of creating a website for hosting the files, given that it will be open source. I will also consider creating a forum for discussing. Cheers!
I will definitely make the front part modular. I agree with you, it may make sense to sell parts. Second, I think it will also be easier for people to make because someone could extend any frame and then mount the front. Cheers!
Hi, that's a good point. Actually, I've been debating quite a bit about wheel size. Also considering the rear wheel size. I've been seeing new models of cargo bikes with smaller rear wheels. But haven't fully understood the impact of wheel size so haven't made any decision yet. Cheers!
Impressive design theory and practical engineering. Could you please, however, address this trike tilting mechanism found on TRIS Trikes. It uses two interconnected front forks that seem to tilt effortlessly and require fewer moving parts. Do you approve of this approach? What are the pros and cons of doing it this way. ua-cam.com/video/pS2ZDMKep7E/v-deo.html
Hello, thanks! The TRIS trike looks very cool. It's not totally obvious to me how the tilting mechanism works but it seems to be in the frame. I think there is a small disadvantage in not having suspension but regarding the tilting mechanism, I cannot see how it works. Cheers!
I love your work and designs. But I do not see any advantage that a tilting 3 wheeler has for someone who can't balance a 2 wheeler.. In 1910 Walter Brennan came up with "The Self Balancing Monorail" that on a single rail was able to self balance and lean as it went around turns without any input from the driver... For people unable to ride 2 wheelers, your bike would need a gyro that controls how the wheels tilt as a reaction factor of the centripetal force of the turn itself. Also look at Two-Wheeled, Self-Balancing Gyro-X vehicle from 1967 in action & driving scenes! Balancing on Inline Wheels with Gyroscopes -- James Bruton The only other part that I see needs improvement is where the battery is located. It could be mounted vertically on each side of the seat post, tilted backwards so that it could be pulled out behind the seat... That way you would have the option of having 2 batteries if needed... and the batteries wouldn't get soaked driving through puddles.... Note about your failed CNC disc.. The reason it failed is because no matter how precise the CNC is, it can't center a disc as well as turning it on a lathe... (I put a coin on a lathe and drilled a hole through it's center.) I know you can do it...
I really loved this project and look forward to your next one.
Thank you so much! I look forward to making it better;)
I really appreciate your open source approach and showing also the learning experience of developing something.
It shows that people should take the freedom of experimenting by trying things out.
I will definitely follow your channel.
Thank you so much for your kind comment! I love the learning process and the sharing of knowledge. And because making stuff makes me happy, I try to incentivize others to do that too.
I also try to make the videos better and better so that it's more enjoyable to watch.
Cheers!
@@pedro-neves i am thinking the same a new subscriber here
@@leo133636 thank you so much!
Thank you for sharing everything... You are a fascinating and enviably meticulous person...
Thank you so much for your kindness!;) I do enjoy very much the sharing part, and I'm trying to get better at it.
Cheers!
Thanks. I look forward to your coming project videos.
Thank you!
Super nice you’re making it open source!
Thank you! I love it this way too.
Found your project as I built Phil Vandelay’s first cargo bike design and a friend wants a trike. I’m excited to see the new version, I’m sure my friend will be too. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you very much! I saw Phil's cargo bike. I haven't reached that level of quality, but I expect I will at some point. Hope my drawings and build will be of value to others.
Thanks for your inspiring comment.
Cheers!
Would be very cool to see your take on a combination gearbox/electric mid-drive motor (like the electric Pinion) on the next bike.
The Pinion is one of my favorites! During my next build series, I intend to make a mid-drive with gearbox;)
Cheers!
Pedro, with your variable by ten degree caster design, I wondered if finer adjustments might be helpful. I believe you could do this by doing a Vernier style adjuster, where you would have two plates, the one you currently have with the 10 degree adjustments that the A arms bolt to and another that is attached to the frame. Both plates would have holes regularly spaced over the same distance. One of the plates would have N number of holes and the other would have N+1 holes where N= whatever fineness needed. The larger N is, the finer the adjustment (and the more work to drill them). A bolt goes thru whichever pair of holes needed to give you the subtle number of degree needed for optimum tuning. Then for structural reasons, holes that allow greater clamping force would be needed. Just a thought!
I appreciate that! I was trying to find grossly where caster should. I know it should be more than 0 and less than 20;). And 10 was the option that I had.
I agree with you that such a plate would allow me to fine tune in further.
Cheers!
This project looks really promising. I watched thinking that I'd like to build one of these myself so the open source part is absolutely amazing. thank you
Thank you very much! I'm happy to read that my build inspires you to build your own. For the Open Source model, I'm working on having it with rigorous drawings so I hope it helps. I expect to publish in less than 3 weeks.
Cheers!
Appreciate your enthusiasm.
Thank you very much!
Great job Pedro. I really enjoy the process of several iterations and lessons learned.
Thank you so much!
There are a few creators for which I drop anything I'm doing and watch them the moment I get the notification, and you are one of these. Keep improving the project and congratulations on the new frame!
That is incredibly inspiring. Thank you so much for your kind words! And I'm super glad you like it!
Well Pedro, your trike was truly amazing, so I'm sure that the new project will be great as well. Greetings from Italy
Thank you so much! I think the next one will be much better;) Greetings from NL / Amsterdam!
Thanks for the update, looking forward to the next!
Thank you very much! I'm trying to make a good one;)
Cheers!
great. this will be the basis for many great products.
Thank you! I hope so;)
Great Project! Excited to see the next version. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much! And you are welcome;)
Cheers!
Thanks for sharing.
Thank you! I love the sharing part of it;)
Hi Pedro, first of all, thank you for creating these amazing videos. I'm Pim and live near Arnhem. I'm also planning to build my own cargo bike and have learned a lot. I wanted to achieve a maximum speed of 45km per hour. However, I noticed that the gear ratio is too small. You end up pedaling at a high cadence. So, I'm going for two dual hub motors so that I can apply a "high-speed Schlumpf drive". What do you think of that idea? Regards, Pim
PS: If you're ever in the vicinity of Arnhem on your bike, feel free to stop by for a cup of coffee!
Hello Pim, thank you very much for your kind comment and invitation for a coffee;) I'll certainly consider it;)
Regarding the cargo bike at 45 km/h - be careful! That is some proper speed!;)
Regarding the drive that you mentioned, it looks a very cool product indeed!
Cheers!
Tôi đang chờ những dự án mới mà bạn sắp thực hiện trong tương lai. Cảm ơn bạn đã lan truyền cảm hứng sáng tạo những chiếc xe đạp 3 bánh chạy trên phố rất linh hoạt 🎉🎉🎉
Thank you very much! I'm working hard on the next one and trying to make it good;)
Yeah!!! Open Source CAD plans!! I love this project.
Thank you! I love it too;) I hope there will be good value there for others.
Good luck with the next build and enjoy your learning experience. 😊
Thank you so much!
Thank you so much for everything you are doing, keep it up!
You are welcome;) Thank you very much for your kind comment!
YES! Am a follower and enjoy your thoughts! I have a SWBase recumbent, but need a trike instead as I am too old and weak to go up hills without falling over. I would like to say you need a simple small lathe. NOT CNC, just an old Proper lathe like something someone want's to sell that's old and SOLID not a Mini lathe that people buy today and find it's no use to make a solid aluminium or brass part.
Hello and thank you so much for your kind comment;)
I would love to have a lathe! Actually, I will have a small lathe course before releasing my next video because I will need to make a spindle for the new wheel hubs;)
Cheers!
I enjoy your videos with my background in mechanical engineering design and bike mechanics. Your tadpole tilting trike with electric assist would be a perfect platform for me and my daughter to tandem together. I would love to correspond with you about this. Much admiration for your courage in starting such an ambitious design and build project and for your generosity in sharing your insights. I hope it comes back to you in many ways.
Thank you so much for your kind comment. It's very inspiring to read that what I make and share may be useful to you. You are welcome to correspond via email: pncneves@hotmail.com.
All the best to you.
Cheers!
I just saw your new video, the progress is amazing! Thanks for making it open source!
Thank you so much! And you are welcome;)
Thanks again, Pedro you should be so proud of this project 👻😜just looking at my older mid drive Bosch electric bike and she is looking very nervous,
Hello Ron, thank you so much!
I recently disassembled a Bosch mid-drive from the bike for the next cargo trike project, and I would say it is encouraging. This was the video on UA-cam the helped me most: ua-cam.com/video/KlJ1jRGMpjg/v-deo.htmlsi=eUGC-ny5sDan68G-.
Cheers!
Design your own mid drive?! Now that's some engineering skill right there!
Love that you are open sourcing it for all tinkerers to enjoy. As a dad I love a cargo bike but like you have already experienced, they all have their own pros and cons which really doesn't tick enough boxes. I've owned an Urban Arrow but I didn't really like it that much.
I have this deep wish of designing my own mid-drive for a long time;) So, I must give it a shot. Also, I would like to incorporate a gearbox in it. Let's see how it goes.
I also love the open source part. As I gain knowledge in this, I would like to share it. With open sourcing, it will also force me to be more rigorous with the drawings.
I have also tried several cargo bike. And I like some of them very much. But, I believe in the advantages of a tadpole trike, mostly in a place where it rains so much, like in The Netherlands.
Cheers!
More power to you! Hope the learnings make things faster for you in the future iterations!!
Thank you so much! It will be faster. As you mention, the learnings help to improve the process of designing and building, and also I'm dedicating more time to this project.
Cheers!
Man, you would NOT believe the amount of design work you have saved me. I've been working on a cargo variant of another youtuber's tadpole trike design for quite a while now, and trying to graft your front suspension to it. Thank you for sharing your designs, data, and general enthusiasm.
Oh, i did have one question: have you had any issues with your custom printed front wheels? Finding bike wheels that are able to handle heavy loads has been a real challenge, especially over here in the US.
Thanks again for everything
Hello, thank you for your kind comment! It's great to know that my videos were useful! I put real effort into it to make it understandable;)
Regarding the wheels - the printed wheels were not rigid enough. Also, they cannot be trued, so after some time they are unusable.
I'm working on wheels for my next build, that I believe will be very good and universally easy for anyone to make.
If you like to buy wheels already made, I saw these recently: www.greenpower.co.uk/product/348.
They are in UK so probably easy to order to US.
Hope this helps.
Cheers!
@@pedro-neves Thanks for replying, I'll have to give that site a look, here's hoping that the cost with shipping is reasonable. Thanks again!
@@mr.headcrab31, you're welcome. My pleasure;)
Selection of the grade of Al and TIG welding the way to go. Just check what is needed to destress the weld areas.
Thank you! That's the way I'm going.
Cheers!
keep your videos coming! this was one of my favorite videos of yours in they it have some background in the trike build, keep up the good work! you should demo the bike with a load in it, what it's intended use, also others might have interests in making the front end adjustable, for stable pleasurable ride or work bike transporter
Thank you so much! I will;) I have so many things to improve and I'll also improve how I share the builds with the open source designs and better videos.
Cheers!
@@pedro-neves sounds great look forward to it!
Back to the steering geometry. Can you do more testing with the caster. As a mechanic, I knew your jig was too broad - 40 degree caster is far too much as you discovered.and so you settled for 10. Caster however, is finer than that. Motorbikes, I believe, run around 7 degrees. Bikes closer to 15 (I think). Would you tempted to modify the jig to go from 5-15 in one degree increments?
I'm quite interested in building a tilting recumbent e-trike, using your R and D. I have a Greenspeed X5 now.
I totally agree that the testing was too broad and not fine tuned. I think I need different tests to fine tune actually because all the tests I've done are based in personal feelings so I need to get more scientific ;).
At the moment, I'm focused on Improving things that are not good at all such as the wheel hubs. Then I'll be able to get to the details.
Hi Pedro. What is your background? By that I mean, is this a hobby as an expression of your creativity, skills and desire to use your hands or is it an application of your studies or professional area of activity towards a side project?
I "found" you a few days ago and am loving it so far. I just wish you would raise the volume a bit because you're soft spoken but then the commercial jumps in full blast, since I had to raise the volume. 😂
All the best! 👍
Hello João, the area of technology that I studied the most was Electronics Engineering. I graduated 20 years ago in Electronics Engineering from Universidade do Minho with specialty in Power Electronics and I've been working in related fields ever since.
I love mechanics as well but it's been more of hobby for me. Now that I'm learning more, I try to make it more "serious".
I do consider myself a creative person, and I always had several projects going on.
I'm super passionate about learning, and I guess that makes me love sharing knowledge as well.
I'm not sure how much you are interested in my professional background, so I'll leave my LinkedIn profile, in case you're interested: www.linkedin.com/in/pedro-neves-36b46367/.
Thank you so much for your kind comment about having found me;)
Regarding the volume compared to the commercials, that is incredibly useful feedback. I will optimize the volume from now on.
Cheers!
I like the idea of your notching machine. Can you make a video about that?
Hello, thank you so much! I filmed while building it, actually, and I intend to publish a video about that. Your comment helps with the motivation for sure;)
Cheers!
I wonder if you could add a very subtle rear-wheel steer, and it if it would be worth it given the added complexity.
I tried a cargo trike once with rear steering and loved it. I certainly consider it but I'm not there yet.
Cheers!
Very inspiring. Look forward to the next episodes. I'm just an armchair watcher, as I don't have your nice skills. But I really enjoy watching you systematically figure out the "best" ride. I wonder if you can compare the turning ability of the tilt method against a non-tilt machine. Would be instructive to see just how much tilting improves the system.
Hello and thank you very much for your kind comment! It's also very inspiring to read comments such as yours.
And I am also an armchair of several maker channels (people that build furniture, their own houses, bicycles, etc).
It's very enjoyable to keep iterating and make it better over time;) I have tried a non-tilting mechanism just by blocking the tilting mechanism on my setup. I did not like it because you ride like a quad. The tilting mechanism makes it ride more like a bike, which I like with the added safety and ability to carry cargo of a trike.
Cheers!
Tens que colocar o teu repositorio no teu site e na descrição para te conseguirmos acompanhar por outras vias :)
Absolutely. By the time a release the first video with the open source project, the drawings will be made available via a website that I'm in the process of making.
Cheers!
Sensacional, Pedro!
Thank you very much!
Congratulations, keep going.
Thank you!
Thank you for this, I feel very heard from your last video! I am really interested to see if i'll be able to make my own and I'm definitely willing to give feedback.
Thank you so much! That is awesome! I hope this inspires you and helps to build your creation! And I would love to see it if you like to share it one day.
Cheers!
Thank you so much for sharing so much interesting and useful information. Providing a venue to inspire a community is great and I look forward to your upcoming episodes and dialogue from others. I found your suspension testing especially informative in a design I've been working up in Solidworks for an enclosed DIY E-trike. If you have need for stress analysis and modeling I could run designs through Solidworks.
Thank you so much also for your inspiring words. I have great pleasure in sharing in a community with common interest.
Once I have the drawings ready and share them, would love to get your ideas on proceeding with stress analysis!
Your rock. I might use your design someday. Thank You!
Thank you so much! And I love it that my design motivates you to build. In the next phase of the project, I'll share the drawings in editable format and more rigorously. I hope that helps;)
Cheers!
i really like the concept. Why dont you go for a Bafang Motor, like the BBS02?
Thank you! I'm going for a more enclosed system because I liked the system where everything is inside the drive unit, and maybe even incorporating gearbox.
Cheers!
Happy 2C this update!
Thank you!
Je suis très admiratif de ton travail et fier de porter le même nom que toi ! Salutations de Paris.
Hehe, thank you so much Mr Neves!
you can save time for the printing part by printing only the outer shell and pour epoxy resin into it. you can mix it with talc powder it will be stronger than solid 3d printing.
Thank you! Actually, I never worked with resin but I look forward to a good excuse;)
Cheers!
@@pedro-neves I play with resin and wood before. so i got my vacuum pump, but you dont need that just pour little by little. you can mix with fiber glass, its cheaper and faster and stronger. but dont forget to seal all the holes from 3d printing. and thanks for the design
@@ZuNunchaku those are very good tips, thank you very much!
Great
Next : rear steering trike improved with two rubber silentblocks to provide a little steering to the front wheels ?
Thank you!
Well, I tried a trike with rear steering once and loved it. Honest opinion - I think adding rear steering would rock! One day, when the front is deemed complete, it could be a cool project to add steering to the rear;)
Cheers!
@@pedro-neves
3 legged sheep !!!
I have built my own e-bike, and I like rear hub motors the most because they don't consume space. Additionally, I can regen brake, thus charging the battery and slowing down at the same time.
I absolutely agree that in-wheel motors have advantages. The reason I like mid-drives is partially because of being a big fan of mountain biking, so I got used to not liking unsprung mass. Part from that, it's easier to have good torque sensing in a mid-drive and there is even the possibility of incorporating a gearbox, which I'm considering to try and create in the near future.
Cheers!
@@pedro-neves When you say 'create' a gearbox, are you thinking of designing and building one? I'm really interested in the Motor Gearbox Units that are coming out- But no one is really selling them to the public yet.
@@andrewmclean1239 I'm planning to design and build a motor gearbox system as part of this project and fit it in the place of the original bosch mid-drive. There are commercial ones - checkout the "pinion"
Pedro. That is so cool! Yes I have seen pinion, and intradrive. If you need testers!
@@andrewmclean1239 thank you! I'll probably start this project in the winter and share in UA-cam. Let's see how it goes ;)
I have been watchin gthe development series for a while now and it is wonderful, I ride an 8 freight cargo bike. I have not tried with the load up front. I wonder why your logo is not flipped vertically so that it becomes an N for Neves?
Thank you so much for your kind comment. And I love your suggestion about the logo! I will change it! I didn't see it but it's such a good idea;)
I love sharing stuff. Thanks again;)
Cheers!
@@185kph cheers!;)
Nice job
Without trike steering lock ( there is .. )
Can you stay seated on the saddle feet on the pedals when stationary ?
Thanks
Thank you very much!
No, you can't. The tilting will let it fall to the limits of the ball joints (30 deg).
Cheers!
Could it be possible to have a reverse gear? or it would be too much complcation?
I agree that it may make sense given that this is a cargo vehicle and may be hard to reverse if you're carrying cargo. The drivetrain that I have does not support reverse gear but one day when redesigning the drivetrain, it's something to consider for sure.
Cheers!
very nice . Keep up the good work.
where can i find the cad files?
Thanks
Thank you very much! With my new build I'm sharing the cad files. See the description of the new build video : ua-cam.com/video/UWFQ6nFzpgE/v-deo.htmlsi=Zd-cf20gpgTyB-Ih
Amazing
Thank you!
Doesnt the ackerman get fucky when you're tilting causing toe in/toe out?
Edit: Asking because im in the design phase of a tilting 4 wheel velomobile.
Hello, great question! The Ackerman part was quite tricky indeed. I made the drawings to calculate the position but then had to do some practical adjustments. I described all about it in here: ua-cam.com/video/q2GTZd428vM/v-deo.htmlsi=5lN7ulCU91MO3hPq.
It works very well when turning. No scrubbing of any wheel.
Hope this helps.
Good luck with your build!
Can you make 2 wheel cargo bike version?
Hehe, I could;) But, I think there are already very good builds being shared by other makers on UA-cam. This is my favorite: ua-cam.com/video/Ie3uTHq4LSE/v-deo.htmlsi=5PlsqN0qnmhk8LlH.
Cheers!
Pedro, do you think a speed-sensing tilting bike could ever be made? As I'm looking at Recumbent trike design and I like to ride fast, the tilt should be more aggressive the faster you go - like on a normal bike. Obviously it would need a small microprocessor, and some sort of servo set up to increase and decrease the length of the rod. Does this concept excite you?
I watched a few more of your videos. I always assumed the tilt was tied to the steering, but it's not. It's actually the weight of the rider, which is really cool. You are fortunate to be in the Netherlands - the choice of bikes to try are a lot more than in Australia! What geometry affects the side to side stability? I love your work!!
@@andrewmclean1239 indeed! I try to make it ride as a bike with the extra safety and stability of the two front wheels. I do try to make it simple. I a fan of making things as simple as possible but not more (not my quote ;))
Been watching your project from day one and I wish here were more youtubers like you. I think you have gone above and beyond proving that upright reverse trikes do not have to be recumbent to be stable. I pedaled around on a Dickie D icecream reverse trike one summer in my teens. It wasn't the most stable but was very rideable. I started building an aluminum version of your version but decided to put that on hold until my aluminum welding skills are better because it's not as forgiving as steel. I do have two questions and if you have the time to reply, I would greatly appreciate it and if you don't, it'ss all good. 1. The shocks look like they haven't changed aside from using a single shock. I can't seem to find any mention of them in any of your videos. What make and model are the shocks? 2. What is your reasoning for cutting the head tube off instead of simply extending?
Hello, and thank you so much for your kind comment!
I do set aside some time to reply to comments. It is my pleasure.
First of all - let me say that I'm working on a new build with an aluminum frame and this is my first time welding aluminum. Well, it's much more difficult than steel but it is like any other thing - it is only difficult until it's easy;) I've been spending many hours welding together bits of aluminum and only yesterday I welded the first actual part that goes into the build and even thought it's not great, on every new part it gets better.
Regarding your questions:
1 - The shocks went from two to one to simplify the build and the geometry. Simpler is better. I chose "rockshox deluxe r debonair 210 mm x 50 mm" because it suited my geometry a long shock and also I wanted something with a long travel so that it works with cargo and without cargo and still having travel. Also, I got a big promotion on these really good shocks (84 EUR);).
2 - Well, I just think it's easier to cut it off and weld a new tube. Just practicality.
Cheers!
When i asked about the head tube I was asking if thought the angle change was necessary since you were splitting the head tube you just squared off the head tube angle to make it easier? Sorry for not being clearer. I need to make my bike somewhat modular because i don't have room for a 10 foot bike lol
@@GypsyJrs, if you're making a connection like I did - With an arm and a bar connecting the head tube to the front pivot, the best would be if the head tube does a 90 deg angle with the extension tube because both steering tubes will be at the same angle.
In the design that I'm working on now, I'll have cable steering with pulleys. This way it is less relevant the angle of the head tube.
Hope this helps.
Cheers!
@@pedro-neves I switched back to my aluminum build. I really don't trust my aluminum welding for the head tube so it's going to remain the original angle on this build. I'm using a 3"x2" aluminum beam with 1/4" walls from an awning someone near me demo'd whch I coped and welded to the aluminum Norco frame I'm using. I have a coil shock from a CCM mountain bike Rockshox are great right up until you look at the ridiculous price tags they have. Any ideas where I might find a decent shock I can repurpose for this build? I'm sticking to my repurposed theme except for 4 ball oints I bought from Temu for $8. One other thing, I Frankensteined the steering column using 3 pieces of tube and it it got me thinking that it's really awesome of you to share every aspect as you make improvement with each video. You have my gratitude because it's like an adventure piecing the craziest things together to makei t work and I'm really enjoying it. Thanks
@@GypsyJrs , indeed, you have to be careful with the welds. Especially the head tube.
Regarding the shocks, I agree that they are very expensive. I mostly use two stores for bike parts:
- www.bike-components.de/
- www.internet-bikes.com/en/parts/
And I also buy used parts from local private sellers with websites similar to ebay.
Thank you so much for mentioning that my videos helps to piece together these kinds of puzzles;) I try to give a good explanation and make it better every time. I also get a lot of helps from other maker UA-cam videos so I try to be good at it;)
I'm working on a new build and I will publish the video in less than 2 weeks from today. I think this video will have the best head tube extension explanation that I did so far;) Also it has cable steering so I look forward to sharing it.
Good luck with your build!
Cheers!
cool!
Thank you!
Aluminum as a material for stiffness and weight reduction may not be ideal for the consumer in the long run. Aluminum has a finite fatigue life and is brittle in some modes compared to steel, allowing it to tear easily if not made stiff and securely welded. It HAS to be stiff in order not to fail, and when it DOES fail, repairs are more difficult for the DIYer and more costly for someone who brings it to the shop to be fixed.
On top of that, shops might also simply refuse to work on a homemade product, leaving the consumer high and dry, so to speak. Furthermore, DIY repairs are more difficult because of the process of welding aluminum is more skill-restricted due to aluminum's head conductive properties. But that's the only criticism so far. Mid-drive (I assume for the electric powertrain) is something I agree with, so good on ya for that. Reducing rotating and unsprung mass is excellent, as is mounting the weight of the motor lower than a hub drive would allow.
Hi, thanks for that. I start to become more aware of the downsides of aluminum. I'm thinking that what makes sense to me, if this ever becomes a product, is to partner with a bike manufacturer to make the frame and then I being responsible for the front.
Cheers!
Is there any discord channel or other forum to contact and sharing ideas ?
Hey, thank you so much for being interested!
You are welcome to send an email to me at pncneves@hotmail.com if you like.
Regarding a community discussion, there is no other channel but the comments here on UA-cam.
I'm in the process of creating a website for hosting the files, given that it will be open source. I will also consider creating a forum for discussing.
Cheers!
Are you planning on heat treating the aluminum?
Hello, I didn't think about that. What kind of heat treatment do you suggest?
@@pedro-neves I think typically 6061 alloys get a T6 treatment on bikes to retain rigidity. I myself have only messed with steel
@@0gham me too! I'm still learning about aluminum before I let the TIG torch anywhere near the trike frame;)
Fabricate then sell the front ends people would definitely buy them I would.
I will definitely make the front part modular. I agree with you, it may make sense to sell parts. Second, I think it will also be easier for people to make because someone could extend any frame and then mount the front.
Cheers!
Thank you for sharing. Cant wait for it. May Allah reward you with the best
Thank you so much for your kind comment! All the best to you too!
Dove posizioni la batteria ? Potrei darti alcuni consigli.
Thank you very much! In the next version, the frame is already made for holding a battery so I'll use the default.
Cheers!
Bien. Moi, je te suis et je kiffe bien.
Thank you!
How about larger front wheels?
Hi, that's a good point. Actually, I've been debating quite a bit about wheel size. Also considering the rear wheel size. I've been seeing new models of cargo bikes with smaller rear wheels. But haven't fully understood the impact of wheel size so haven't made any decision yet.
Cheers!
@@pedro-nevessmaller rear wheel diameter is used for strenght so it can carry heavy loads. but maybe problematic on uneven roads.
@@TaylanEkinci, I agree with those pros and cons. Another pro of a small wheel may be that the trike is more maneuverable.
wow and zamzam water
Impressive design theory and practical engineering. Could you please, however, address this trike tilting mechanism found on TRIS Trikes. It uses two interconnected front forks that seem to tilt effortlessly and require fewer moving parts. Do you approve of this approach? What are the pros and cons of doing it this way. ua-cam.com/video/pS2ZDMKep7E/v-deo.html
Hello, thanks!
The TRIS trike looks very cool. It's not totally obvious to me how the tilting mechanism works but it seems to be in the frame. I think there is a small disadvantage in not having suspension but regarding the tilting mechanism, I cannot see how it works.
Cheers!
I love your work and designs. But
I do not see any advantage that a tilting 3 wheeler has for someone who can't
balance a 2 wheeler..
In 1910 Walter Brennan came up with "The Self Balancing Monorail"
that on a single rail was able to self balance and lean as it went around turns
without any input from the driver...
For people unable to ride 2 wheelers, your bike would need a gyro that controls
how the wheels tilt as a reaction factor of the centripetal force of the turn itself.
Also look at
Two-Wheeled, Self-Balancing Gyro-X vehicle from 1967 in action & driving scenes!
Balancing on Inline Wheels with Gyroscopes -- James Bruton
The only other part that I see needs improvement is where the battery is located.
It could be mounted vertically on each side of the seat post, tilted backwards
so that it could be pulled out behind the seat... That way you would have the
option of having 2 batteries if needed... and the batteries wouldn't get soaked
driving through puddles....
Note about your failed CNC disc..
The reason it failed is because no matter how precise the CNC is,
it can't center a disc as well as turning it on a lathe...
(I put a coin on a lathe and drilled a hole through it's center.)
I know you can do it...
Thank you so much for your suggestions and also for sharing those examples of great inventions!
purely out of interest, it wouldn't make more sense if you sat over the front axle, i.e. not in the back :=?
Hello, indeed there are also cargo bikes like that but I always like this way more because if you're carrying people, you can see them.
Cheers!
@@pedro-neves Cool THX :)