Gigatrike's
Tadpole trike Frame FAQ
1) What
are these frames made from?
Pieces from 4-6 old bikes usually a couple 20 inch bikes and at least one 26 inch frame. These are combined with plumbing fittings and pipe
2) What do I need to add to make a complete trike?
Basically the parts from one mountain bike, including rear wheel, brakes, front "peddle assembly" including bottom bracket area. approx 3 bike chains, a piece of PVC pipe as a chain guide, and 2 front wheels usually 20 inch
3)How do "attach" threaded pipe parts?
I have done it 4 different ways a) just tighten(Advantage, it will come apart, Disadvantage, it will come apart b) use thread sealant or epoxy c) dip in salt water and "rust weld" OR d) spot weld or braze
4) Do I need to buy one of your frames or can I make my own?
You might be able to reproduce a similar tadpole trike frame without anything from me at all depending on your fabrication skills and how big your pile of junk bike stuff is. It takes 4 to 6 "donor" bikes to put one together, just carefully look at all the pics on my website, http://www.gigatrike.com.. and "Role your own"
5) If I buy one of your frames what am I getting?
Please understand clearly that you are buying old bike parts and pipe fittings and pipe BUT also a proven front end steering geometry that just works with no guess work and minimal fabrication
6) How do I mount the front wheels?
You will need to drill holes for your axles in the front end "forks" there already are holes that you can use as guides. BMX type wheels or even kiddie 20 inch front wheels work great
7) how about brakes?
I only use one rear brake but you could rig fronts if you want.
8) How do I make an electric tadpole trike?
I have used over the years a number of different electric bicycle drive systems, for these trikes I have had best luck with either rear hub motor systems, or Currie type chain drive power systems.
9) What do I use as a seat?
I have used 3 different seats a) stadium seats (walmart about 15$) b) lawn chairs, there are some real nice ones out there c) scratch built from wood, fiberglass and foam.. Pictures of all three are in various places on the website...
10) Some general comments
You will need some kind of mountain bike type bike for pedal assemblies , derailleurs, brakes ect.. The higher quality of your donor bike the higher quality of your trike. I have built about 20 of these over the last 5 years configured all the way from single speed to 18 speeds and a number of electric versions (Again PLEASE see website) I have gotten this "bare bones frame" to the point that you only will need to scavenge 1 donor bike plus front wheels,,
This particular steering geometry handles like a go cart, very responsive and predictable. I have learned that everyone has there own idea as to what a tadpole should look like, My goal at this point is to put together a base that can be developed into whatever someone wants.
frames are sold as-is with no warranty expressed or implied. Buyer understands that riding anything can be dangerous. Buyer assumes full responsibility for their actions. Buyer is solely responsible for the safe and proper use of this frame. . Use at your own risk. You probably should not buy this or build one unless you feel OK with working on and adjusting bikes (Brakes gears ect.) and building stuff. Always wear a helmet, and get a flag and mirror No returns.
Pieces from 4-6 old bikes usually a couple 20 inch bikes and at least one 26 inch frame. These are combined with plumbing fittings and pipe
2) What do I need to add to make a complete trike?
Basically the parts from one mountain bike, including rear wheel, brakes, front "peddle assembly" including bottom bracket area. approx 3 bike chains, a piece of PVC pipe as a chain guide, and 2 front wheels usually 20 inch
3)How do "attach" threaded pipe parts?
I have done it 4 different ways a) just tighten(Advantage, it will come apart, Disadvantage, it will come apart b) use thread sealant or epoxy c) dip in salt water and "rust weld" OR d) spot weld or braze
4) Do I need to buy one of your frames or can I make my own?
You might be able to reproduce a similar tadpole trike frame without anything from me at all depending on your fabrication skills and how big your pile of junk bike stuff is. It takes 4 to 6 "donor" bikes to put one together, just carefully look at all the pics on my website, http://www.gigatrike.com.. and "Role your own"
5) If I buy one of your frames what am I getting?
Please understand clearly that you are buying old bike parts and pipe fittings and pipe BUT also a proven front end steering geometry that just works with no guess work and minimal fabrication
6) How do I mount the front wheels?
You will need to drill holes for your axles in the front end "forks" there already are holes that you can use as guides. BMX type wheels or even kiddie 20 inch front wheels work great
7) how about brakes?
I only use one rear brake but you could rig fronts if you want.
8) How do I make an electric tadpole trike?
I have used over the years a number of different electric bicycle drive systems, for these trikes I have had best luck with either rear hub motor systems, or Currie type chain drive power systems.
9) What do I use as a seat?
I have used 3 different seats a) stadium seats (walmart about 15$) b) lawn chairs, there are some real nice ones out there c) scratch built from wood, fiberglass and foam.. Pictures of all three are in various places on the website...
10) Some general comments
You will need some kind of mountain bike type bike for pedal assemblies , derailleurs, brakes ect.. The higher quality of your donor bike the higher quality of your trike. I have built about 20 of these over the last 5 years configured all the way from single speed to 18 speeds and a number of electric versions (Again PLEASE see website) I have gotten this "bare bones frame" to the point that you only will need to scavenge 1 donor bike plus front wheels,,
This particular steering geometry handles like a go cart, very responsive and predictable. I have learned that everyone has there own idea as to what a tadpole should look like, My goal at this point is to put together a base that can be developed into whatever someone wants.
frames are sold as-is with no warranty expressed or implied. Buyer understands that riding anything can be dangerous. Buyer assumes full responsibility for their actions. Buyer is solely responsible for the safe and proper use of this frame. . Use at your own risk. You probably should not buy this or build one unless you feel OK with working on and adjusting bikes (Brakes gears ect.) and building stuff. Always wear a helmet, and get a flag and mirror No returns.
