This trike Frankentrike was constructed to meet a unique need. All commercial tadpoles seem to have an upper weight limit of under 250lb. I wanted to install a VERY heavy electric power system so I decided to "roll my own" how hard could it be? Well
I learned a lot .

After doing many hours of research on google (which I STRONGLY suggest you do to if you have any interest in building a tadpole) I came up with a plan. I needed the trike to have a couple of features.

1) Ability to carry heavy loads (350lb+)

2) Disassemble and small enough to fit in a standard bike box

3)Adjustable rear suspension

4)Adjustable boom and seat

5)Aluminum frame to reduce weight

6)Large enough to hold future power system.

7)Comfortable

My first lesson was that there is no one way to build a recumbent! Many frame materials will work and have been used; wood, steel ,aluminum,carbon fiber and others. The frame is the key to a successful project and much thought should be given to its design.

Can you weld? or have access to a welder? you are going to need to! While many parts can be modified from stock (free) bike parts ( if you are creative). You will certainly need to weld something. Another alternative is that I can sell you a frame alone rather inexpensively which then requires only "modified" stock bike pieces to complete. Current delivery time is about 4-5 weeks.

A tadpole recumbent consists of a lot of pieces. To build The Scavenger I used parts of 6 bikes!! Yes I said 6. The hub assemblies are the most challenging. The design I finally settled on is rather easy to build and steers like a great handling "go-cart". For the frame I used 2 inch square aluminum tubing from an old stair rail, Cromag steel from old bikes or 2 inch exhuast tubing would have worked as well ,and will be used on future designs.

They say a pic is worth 1000 words, OK so here is a bunch on the details of the construction of the Scavenger (click on the thumbnails to see the big pics)