Imagine going to fill up your tank. You walk up to the
counter, put down $5, and order.......
a plate of lasagna.
That's right the Transformation Trike runs on anything. From Avocados
to Zuchini bread. This vehicle is the true 21st century transport.
The Transformation Trike
is a convertible HPV which can function either as a single recumbent,
a tandem, or a cargo bike.
Flexibility is the key. You can pick up a friend
at the airport, and if you see an unbelievable deal at someone's yard
sale, you've got the space for it. This is the perfect alternative to
an automobile because you can perform any task with this vehicle that
you would normally perform with a motor car.
In addition to the flexibility of use, this vehicle
is designed to use commonly found components. There's no need to search
out specialty trike wheels or other hard to find components if ever
you need repairs. You don't have a 700cc wheel? Just pop on a 27"
one. Cantilever brakes don't do it for you? There are mounts for disk
brakes.
Advantages
So what makes the
Transformation Trike more
worthwhile than other trikes such as
Greenspeed? The answer is that this vehicle is designed to be the
most robust HPV around. For those who are aware of the
coming energy crisis, this trike is designed to be a survival tool.
It requires no imported fuel, it can be used as a pedicab or ambulance
for the lesser abled, plus you can assemble it with off the shelf parts.
Multiple bottle cage mounts provide space for an air
zounds horn, a cage mounted battery light, as well as three water
bottles. So unlike a store bought trike, this vehicle can be used for
dozens of different purposes. It can be used for cargo, event setup, a
bike move, or a trip to Seattle.
2008 The Transformation Trike is complete. Watch the video
here. Currently under construction is the outrigger rack which
is used for cargo. Plans are in the works for a stoker section which
can carry two passengers. This increases the versatility of the vehicle.
The machine has proven itself capable of long trips to the countryside
and carrying passengers of different physical ability.
I am currently meeting with a couple of framebuilders who could produce
more copies of the Transformation Trike. It will take some time to
work out the logistics and complete cost-estimates. I welcome your
patience while these issues are resolved.
With oil prices increasing by the day, I am certain
that this is the vehicle of the future.
Trike frames in the final stages. The frame is constructed of 4130
chromoly steel and the components are from specialized.
The fabrication was completed by Bill
Stites, a highly skilled bicycle sculptor. The brazed joints
have been handled by Sacha White of Vanilla
Bikes.
Features of the
Transformation Trike
Comfort - Ergonomically designed seat which allows cycling in an 'armchair'
position. Sensible
Track Width (width from centerline to centerline of front wheels) allows
the Transformation Trike to fit through most bikepath width
restrictors.
Flexibility - The custom coupler system allows the Transformation Trike
to be transported easily. It also allows the Transformation Trike to be
used as either a full size tandem/cargo bike or as a single recumbent..
Safety - Recumbent
trikes command a great deal of attention whether on the open road or at
a set of traffic lights. As a conventional cyclist, how many times have
motorists skimmed your elbow or looked through you as if you didn’t exist?
An unexpected benefit to the riders of recumbent trikes is the attention,
respect and roadspace, which the average motorist allows them. Not everyone
notices the Porsche but everyone sees the trike. To complement this every
standard trike is fitted with a safety flag to aid in visibility in poor
weather and heavy traffic.
Durability - The Transformation Trike is constructed from heavy duty chromoly
tubing with simplicity of design. Additionally the parts are easily replaced
with off the shelf components. This is particularly important for long distance
touring as well as for an impending era when cheap asian imports are not
accessable. Extra
Braze ons for mounting pannier rack, mudguards, headlight, and multiple
braking systems. Sram dual drive hub to simplify gearing for both riders Chain pulley to ensure
proper tension
Disk brakes standard, SPD pedal standard ,Bar end shift levers.
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noted.