DIY recumbents, trikes, choppers, tandems and more

Bike chopper in snowy England

noreply@blogger.com (Atomic Zombie) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 09:49:00 PST

"Hi, my name is Rob, from Colchester, Essex, England.

I made the bike to learn welding. My welding is still really bad.

The bike is made from a kids bike front welded to a BMX back half. I extended the forks using old gas pipe. The handlebars were found in my nan's garage.

The whole bike has cost me nothing at all as it is all made from bits lying around.

Any more info wanted please let me know. Kind regards, Rob."


Five bike plans for 25 bucks. Time is running out.

A happy customer from Florida

noreply@blogger.com (Atomic Zombie) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:57:00 PST

"Hi Brad. Thought I'd send a quick note your way to say thank you for developing some of the best plans I've ever had the good fortune to purchase.

Last night I ordered 5 of 'em and was so impressed after going through them today, that I just ordered 5 more tonight. I'm telling you Brad, it was worth the $50 just to see how you make those hub-axles. And wow - the content and clarity of the plans - excellent, my friend.

I just had a shop built down in Homosassa Springs, Florida and will be equiping it with all the necessary stuff to do a variety of boat projects as well as bike builds I have in mind, so I've got my eye on a TIG welder to accomodate 4130 Chromoly as well as some aluminum work. My biggest problem now though is deciding which of your excellent designs I'd like to tackle first.

Keep up the good work, Brad.

Kind Regards, Tom W."

Thanks, Tom, for your kind words. Glad to hear that our bike plans meet with your approval. We look forward to reading about your bike building adventures and seeing pictures of your projects in the builders forum.

Bike builders make the world a better place.

Kenya recumbent Cruzbike by Andrew

noreply@blogger.com (Atomic Zombie) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:51:00 PST

"My MBB FWB Recumbent (Cruzbike copy) from Nairobi, Kenya. Andrew Koros."

Nice bike, Andrew. Thanks for sharing.

Hurry - time is running out. Five detailed bike plans for twenty-five bucks!

AZ newsletter February 7

noreply@blogger.com (Atomic Zombie) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:27:00 PST

In this issue:

West Virginia recumbent

Velo concepts

New Orleans cargo bike

Builders community

Pub style bike

Cargo bikes in Africa

noreply@blogger.com (Atomic Zombie) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 10:09:00 PST

"Howdy AZ folks!

Your website and newsletters have really gotten me excited about modifying some bikes.

Here are some pictures of a cargo bike that I made recently that has become a hit in our village and is used for transporting lots of stuff.

There is also a short video showing it being assembled:

Keep up the good work - we're watching the progress from over here in West Africa (The Gambia)!

Erik Brohaugh"

Thanks for sharing, Erik, and please tell us more about your projects in Africa.

Bike builders help make the world a better place.

$55 Front Wheel Drive (No Weld) Recumbent Bicycle

noreply@blogger.com (Atomic Zombie) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 07:14:00 PST

"Hey, ran into your guys' DIY blog and I love it. Just finished a no-weld fwd 'bent and thought I'd share the pics. My name is Jeff Hughes at http://omnomination.blogspot.com/2012/01/front-wheel-drive-recumbent-bicycle.html "

Lowrider choppers

noreply@blogger.com (Atomic Zombie) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 06:43:00 PST

"Please put these bikes in your gallery! Thanks, Dewey Johnson."

Bike builders rock!

Warrior recumbent trike in Greece

noreply@blogger.com (Atomic Zombie) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 06:19:00 PST

"I only have to find disc brakes and then painting! Stathis Thessaloniki, Greece."

Build your own bikes. AtomicZombie can help.

New Orleans bike building bug

noreply@blogger.com (Atomic Zombie) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:10:00 PST

"New Orleans has the bike building bug! In February or March, we will be opening a full service bike shop including a powder coater and a fabrication shop in the rear for custom builds, cargos, and modifications to older bikes as well (like welding V-brake mounts on old cruisers in order to use modern hand brakes).

Here is my proto-type that I have already re-designed for the next build. Enjoy! Jason Marler."

Great stuff, Jason. Keep us posted on your shop and send us some pictures once you're set up so we can help spread the word.

West Virginia Recumbent by Flatblack

noreply@blogger.com (Atomic Zombie) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 13:48:00 PST

"I'm Bill Jones from Morgantown, WV. I have been a krew member (Flatblack) for a couple of years. I don't contribute a lot, only when I think I can help. I follow the welding discussions the closest and that's where I occasionally weigh in. I have built a modified Delta Wolf and a number of other bikes that are basically of my own design with heavy influence from you, the zombie extended family, and others.

The bike in question went through some changes. Originally the top tube was parallel to the ground and it had direct steering. I never warmed up to it so I changed the frame geometry to get a lower seat position, altered the steering system and made a few other changes. I like it now.

The lower riding position is just more fun and the steering more civilized. This riding position is especially amusing and reasonably safe in snow and ice since you are low to begin with and your feet are always at the ready to serve as outriggers when you slide.

The seat and back rest move forward or backward to accommodate different sized riders. The backrest angle can also be adjusted. For chain management all I have is a small plastic skid plate to keep the drive chain off the chainstay. The bike was welded with gas and TIG with some brazed joinery. The camo color scheme was an accident.

I basically paint every bike I make flat black. So, when I finished welding the modified frame, I hit just the bare metal spots with a flat drab green/grey self etching primer and the result gave me the vapors. Who could have imagined that one could improve on flat black?

Thanks so much for your bike plans, maintenance of the forum, the tutorials, the gallery and all the rest. I especially like the way you are so gracious in giving credit to those that came before when describing your designs.

Cheers, Bill

A great looking recumbent, Bill. Thanks for sharing.

Save $$$ - build your own bike. We can help.

Basic Fishmouth Cutting Tutorial

noreply@blogger.com (Atomic Zombie) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 13:55:00 PST

This basic tutorial will cover cutting a simple 90 degree fishmouth into round and square tubing. A fishmouth is a semi circular cut taken at the end of a tube so that it can be joined to another round tube. In bicycle frame building, it is often necessary to cut several fishmouths into the ends of the steel tubing where the head tube or bottom bracket will be installed.

More on this and other AZTV tutorials are here.

Velomobile concepts by Neil

noreply@blogger.com (Atomic Zombie) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:31:00 PST

Hi Brad and Kat,

Thank you for all the inspirational projects and build information offered.

Although I am currently not in a position to physically build any projects yet and still undecided on which one to even build first, I have been spending some time developing "virtual" vehicles and attached are two conceptual overlay images that I would like to share. Although these are still very conceptual illustrations, it has been a very enjoyable creative process and have received a large amount of satisfaction from the results.

First a little history, I have had a very strong interest in HPVs (human powered vehicles) for many years and periodically during that time have done many very basic conceptual sketches. Recently, my interest has been more specifically focused on "Velomobiles" and have been gathering information to create my vehicle, which I am currently in the process of deciding the final design configuration --- so many possibilities lately --- to meet my design needs!

For the past few years, after seeing some illustrations others had done involving velomobiles, decided to expand my illustration/drawing skills and create some considerably more detailed work --- especially after being inspired by some of your project photos.

The first illustration overlay I started was of the Marauder Lowracer, the vehicle position in the image was at what I consider a perfect angle and could see some very interesting possibilities.

The next project was the Streetfighter Quad, which was a bit more challenging since having the idea of using aluminum for the shell --- especially when attempting to visually illustrate this material unpainted in the top section. I also pushed the design illustration just recently, by adding considerably more detail than the previous image, and although I can see more that could be added, believe it is finally complete.

I am looking forward to creating more design concepts from some of the images collected, including the process of being able to create these in a shorter period of time. In addition, as I get closer to determining the final configuration of my vehicle, will possibly even do a few as 3D models before actually doing a physical build --- very possibly this year.

Hope you enjoy the images and thanks again for the inspiration!

Neil Biers
Boulder, Colorado

Great stuff, Neil!

Bike builders rock!

AZ newsletter January 30

noreply@blogger.com (Atomic Zombie) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:06:00 PST

In this issue:

Feature article: Texas electric velomobile

Newfoundland, Tennessee, Philippines choppers

Netherlands cruiser

bike builders community

New Zealand touring bike

Australia kangaroo bike

Handcycle and trailer in California

noreply@blogger.com (Atomic Zombie) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:14:00 PST

"Hello. My name is Arvin Gee from Elk Grove, CA. Here is my handcycle and trailer. Took a few days to build. Has 24" front wheel and 20" rear wheels.

I have also built some recumbent trikes. Will send some pictures later. Hope to build more recumbents."

Our own Ucan2 handcycle

The Ucan2 handcycle takes a different approach to the arm powered trike with a cool looking, rugged and nimble machine that looks more like a freestyle BMX bike, rather than a special needs trike. Built simple and lightweight with the younger rider in mind, the Ucan2 is easy to maneuver, yet tough enough to take to the skate park or off-road into territory only a kid would dare to conquer. There are no machined parts or expensive custom bicycle components, just a few BMX parts and some steel tubing, so anyone with a welder and grinder can build the Ucan2 in a few days for very minimal cost.

We built this trike for a local children's center that provides programs and services for special needs kids and youth.

The plans are very easy to follow, and modifications can be made along the way to suit your building style, or any special needs you may have to accommodate for the intended pilot. Leg straps are easily installed on the foot pegs, and an alternate seat with a full back and seat belt are also shown in the plans. The Ucan2 is highly adjustable for riders of various ages or heights, and advice is given along the way so you can create a much larger or smaller handcycle if you choose. Parents and caregivers will appreciate the light weight and size of the Ucan2, especially if it is to be carried up stairs, in and out of vehicles and through doorways.

Handling and acceleration are great once you get the hang of using your upper body for motive power, as well as steering. And the upper body workout is amazing! The Ucan2 uses a simple single speed coaster brake hub, so there is no need for hard to reach shifters or awkwardly positioned brake levers, just pedal forward to accelerate, and pedal backwards to slow down. The Ucan2 stops on a dime, moves as fast as any kid's bicycle, and can easily carry a friend on the back.

Take a look at our Builder's Gallery to see other handcycle examples, including many creative modifications to the plan. Our international builders community ranges from students to retired engineers, but they all have one thing in common - the desire to build their own stuff!

Identifying wild birds

noreply@blogger.com (Atomic Zombie) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 09:08:00 PST

These two pairs have been hanging around our feeders for a couple of weeks. They seem to get along with the Blue Jays, Whiskey Jacks, chickadees and nuthatches. Does anyone know what they are?

Newfoundland bike chopper

noreply@blogger.com (Atomic Zombie) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 07:32:00 PST

"Hello, I am Charles Brennan, with the bike "Dying Breed", hailing from Newfoundland! She is my pride & joy, it took me 10 years to piece it together from old & new parts.

Thanks for the inclusion, I have been following your site for years.

Best regards, Charlie"

Dying Breed chopper built by Charles

Nice bike, Charles. She's a real beauty!

Netherlands Lowlife Limo

noreply@blogger.com (Atomic Zombie) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 08:52:00 PST

"My name is Willem Willemsen, 48-years old and I'm from the Netherlands (West coast). My bike project started about 2 years ago, after I strolled around on the Internet. I used to ride motorcycles, but because of the lack of space and funds, I was looking out for some worthy replacement.

And, that's where the bikes stepped in. So, I started the project together with a colleague of mine (who worked in our company's workshop). We used a lot of scrap metal and second-hand bike parts.

The result was this 10' long lowrider which weighs around 90-100 lbs. It has a 3-speed SRAM coasterhub,a 28" front wheel and a 26" 80 mm wide rear wheel. That's the story in a nutshell."

Bike builders rock!

Philippines bike chopper

noreply@blogger.com (Atomic Zombie) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 14:08:00 PST

Carlo Ahillion from the Philippines sent us another picture of his chopper. A future bike builder there, too? Love that smile! :-)


Bike builders rock

Australia kangaroo chopper

noreply@blogger.com (Atomic Zombie) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 07:06:00 PST

"The top frame just lent itself to a Kangaroo shape, so we made these coreflute cut-outs to adorn the sides of the frame with.

"Completed ride ready for Australia Day, January 26. Big Red - an 18 inch frame on bottom with a 16 inch top frame with non-direct steering." Peter Tremlett, Adelaide, South Australia


Build your own recumbents, choppers, tandems, trikes, scooters, ebikes and more.

Tennessee chopper

noreply@blogger.com (Atomic Zombie) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 16:29:00 PST

"Hello. The thing I hate about it is I did not think of it first. I love this bike I get more looks on this thing than I do in my Corvette.You do great works of art. keep up the great work Thanks for the fun, Kenneth."

You can build your own OverKill chopper


Detailed DIY bike plans

OverKill is appropriately named because everything about it is way over the top. With its ridiculously wide rear wheel, and ultra long forks, what else could it be called other than OverKill? Does a chopper really need a dragster tire on its rear end, or such a high frame? Not really, but does a roadster really need a Hemi? You know where I'm going with this. Actually, the main reason I built OverKill to such outlandish proportions was to retaliate against the mass marketing of big box store choppers.

Even though this sick chop has proportions that rival some of the petrol-burning street customs, it certainly won't bust your wallet or require you to spend the next year in a machine shop. The fact is, OverKill is built from nothing more than an old car rim, some scrap bicycle parts, and a few lengths of electrical conduit using only a welder and grinder. Yes, anyone can pull this one off using the tricks shown in the plan.

Every step of the build is detailed using high resolution photos, and you will be amazed at how simple it is to add bicycle spokes to the car wheel, and there is plenty of room for you to add your own evil modifications to the frame. How does it ride? Dude, look at this beast, it was made for cruising!

As you can see, OverKill not only rides well, but it dominates the road with its radical proportions and kicks dirt in the face of conformity. Choppers belong to us garage hackers, so let's take back what is rightfully ours and send a message to those who think mass production is the way to go. Get building!

Philippines bike chopper

noreply@blogger.com (Atomic Zombie) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 09:49:00 PST

"Good Day! I'm Carlo Ahillion from the Philippines.

I've been viewing your website "atomiczombie.com' and it helped me build my own chopper bicycle.

Attached is a picture of my bike that I wanna share with you guys, and hope to post it on your cool website! Thanks!"


AtomicZombie.com sez you rock!

Switzerland velomobile by Harry

noreply@blogger.com (Atomic Zombie) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 07:48:00 PST

Harry Müller

Zürich, Switzerland

www.letsgo-harry.weebly.com

www.facebook.com/letsgoharry

Great velo, Harry. Keep up that winning smile.


Bike builders rock!

Texas electric velomobile from Warrior trike

noreply@blogger.com (Atomic Zombie) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 09:58:00 PST

By Gerry Strope, Texas

"I have just completed a velomobile based on an extended Warrior design with an electric hub added. It turns out that the warrior design is a very good choice to put a velomobile shell around. I have had no problem with handling with the body on the warrior chassis.

I didn’t know anything about velomobile design when I started this project. I just started reading all information available and started building. I learned quite a bit while working on this project. I have learned how to work with coroplast to shape the body and I do like working with it. I have found a good source of information is on Facebook in the “Coroplast Tutorial” and “Velomobile—Coroplast” groups.

Gerry's first coroplast velomobile.

I made a number of errors in my design. This design has too many vertical joints and the tail section is too narrow compared to the front. Also, the nose should be rounded. I put together a series of flat sections with joints where a curved rounded shape is more desirable. It takes more skill too make the rounded corners which I am learning. All seams should run horizontal.

I also found the under seat steering is not the best design for a velomobile. The handlebars are too wide and interfere with the body and the under seat mounting interferes with having a bottom surface of the body. Also, if you want to enter the body from the top, the handlebars occupy the area that you want to step on to get in. I am going to convert to a top mounted tiller steering at some point.

Now, ignoring all the mistakes I do like the way the streamlined body works even though mine could be more streamlined. The body is nice in cool weather to keep you out of the wind and the fairing makes headwinds much easier to deal with. It seems to go almost as good into the wind as when it is behind you. With the extra weight the electric hub is a real plus. I do like to pedal along with it. Most of my travel is in the 15 to 25 mph range depending on the grade. I can see where this could be an alternative to using an auto for short trips.

Gerry added an electric assist motor to his velo.

I must warn you if you don’t like attention a velomobile is not for you. When you go by a playground the kids scream and wave. People will follow you in cars and take your picture. Young boys yell out awesome and girls of all ages wave and smile. All in all I am having a good time with this and will build more."

Gerry's build blog: forum.atomiczombie.com/showthread.php?5897-Warrior-based-Velomobile

Great write up, Gerry. Congrats on your first velomobile and all the attention. You deserve it!

New Zealand recumbent tour bike

noreply@blogger.com (Atomic Zombie) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 07:24:00 PST

"Hi there. Here is a photo of my recently completed LWB Tourer.

Cheers for now,

Julian Clothier
aka Jayceenz
New Zealand"


Build your own recumbents, choppers, trikes, tandems, tall bikes, ebikes, scooters and more.

AZ newsletter January 20

noreply@blogger.com (Atomic Zombie) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 18:01:00 PST

In this issue:

Florida Blue Bullet Warrior

UK choppers

Montana side hacks

Argentina and New Jersey bike hacks

builders forum news

New Jersey Warrior

DIY recumbents, trikes, choppers, tandems and more

Bike chopper in snowy England

A happy customer from Florida

Kenya recumbent Cruzbike by Andrew

AZ newsletter February 7

Cargo bikes in Africa

$55 Front Wheel Drive (No Weld) Recumbent Bicycle

Lowrider choppers

Warrior recumbent trike in Greece

New Orleans bike building bug

West Virginia Recumbent by Flatblack

Basic Fishmouth Cutting Tutorial

Velomobile concepts by Neil

AZ newsletter January 30

Handcycle and trailer in California

Identifying wild birds

Newfoundland bike chopper

"Hello, I am Charles Brennan, with the bike "Dying Breed", hailing from Newfoundland! She is my pride & joy, it took me 10 years to piece it together from old & new parts.Thanks for the inclusion, I have been following your site for years.Best regards, Charlie"

Nice bike, Charles. She's a real beauty!

Netherlands Lowlife Limo

"My name is Willem Willemsen, 48-years old and I'm from the Netherlands (West coast). My bike project started about 2 years ago, after I strolled around on the Internet. I used to ride motorcycles, but because of the lack of space and funds, I was looking out for some worthy replacement.

Philippines bike chopper

Carlo Ahillion from the Philippines sent us another picture of his chopper. A future bike builder there, too? Love that smile! :-)

Australia kangaroo chopper

Tennessee chopper

Philippines bike chopper

Switzerland velomobile by Harry

Texas electric velomobile from Warrior trike

New Zealand recumbent tour bike

AZ newsletter January 20

"Hello, I am Charles Brennan, with the bike "Dying Breed", hailing from Newfoundland! She is my pride & joy, it took me 10 years to piece it together from old & new parts.

Thanks for the inclusion, I have been following your site for years.

Best regards, Charlie"