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{{Lang|[[Fahrrad-Anhänger|Deutsch]] - [[Baby jogger bike trailer|English]]}}


[[Image:Sideviewwithflyon1.jpg|thumb|250px|left|Bike Trailer with rain fly on]]
{{Tocright}}


== Introduction ==
I decided to construct a bike trailer for personal use. Since I am an Arcata resident,  I find to easy and enjoyable to bike everywhere  except when  I have to move around things that don’t fit into by backpack. Thus, a bike trailer would be the logical solution to my problem.  It will allow me to be self reliant.  A rain flap will be incorporated into the design for usage in foul weather, since it tends to rain quite often here.
I decided to construct a bike trailer for personal use. Since I am an Arcata resident,  I find to easy and enjoyable to bike everywhere  except when  I have to move around things that don’t fit into by backpack. Thus, a bike trailer would be the logical solution to my problem.  It will allow me to be slef reliant .  A rain flap will be incorporated into the design for usage in foul weather, since it tends to rain quite often here.
 
== Understanding the Market ==
Literature Review
 
Ayre, Michael. (1986). “The design of bicycle trailers.” Intermediate Technology Publications Ltd. 9 King Street, London WC2 8HW, UK.
*An excellent resource for a novice bike trailer beginner. Covers everything needed to design and build your own trailer including, design, hitch mechanism, load, frame, wheels, and use.
Ballantine, Richard , Richard Grant. (1992). “Richards’ ultimate bicycle book.” Dorling Kindersley, INC. New York.
*Refer to for basic bicycle maintenance and repair.
 
Carrell, Al. (1973). “The super handyman’s big bike book.”  Prentice –Hall Inc,. Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey.
*Good reference for bike parts, tools and maintenance.
 
Krieg, Martin.  Help map the national bicycle greenway. Plans, Community bike cart designs and Instructables. http://www.bikeroute.com/WhyTrailer.php#Sources
*In you follow the Community bike cart designs link you will be able to find several design plans for the different cart options. More plans can be found under the Instructables link.


== Project Requirements ==
== Project Requirements ==
===Criteria===
===Criteria===
*Cost (less than 50 dollars)
*Cost (less than 50 dollars)
*Weight (Weight=8)
*Weight (Weight=8)
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*Amount of movable parts (the less the better) (Weight=3)
*Amount of movable parts (the less the better) (Weight=3)
*Availability of material locally (closer to Arcata the better) (Weight=5)
*Availability of material locally (closer to Arcata the better) (Weight=5)


== Proposed time line ==
== Proposed time line ==
March 13, 09 : Final project design completed
*March 13, 09 : Final project design completed
March 15, 09 : Finished buying all materials  
*March 15, 09 : Finished buying all materials  
March 22, 09 : Finished building the trailer, assembling all parts and attaching it to the bicycle
*March 22, 09 : Finished building the trailer, assembling all parts and attaching it to the bicycle
March 30, 09 : Finished all trouble shooting, final product complete
*March 30, 09 : Finished all trouble shooting, final product complete
April 16, 09 : Finished writing the final report and complete the website
*April 16, 09 : Finished writing the final report and complete the website
 
 


== Design ==
== Design ==
An Instep baby jogger/stroller was found at the Arcata Angles of Hope thrift store.  It was purchased for $ 20.00. The stroller was disassembled and a bicycle trailer was constructed from the parts.
An Instep baby jogger/stroller was found at the Arcata Angles of Hope thrift store.  It was purchased for $ 20.00. The stroller was disassembled and a bicycle trailer was constructed from the parts.


'''The tongue of the trailer:'''
'''The tongue of the trailer:'''
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[[Image:Boltontongueoftrailer1.jpg|thumb|left|Figure 2: Bolt to attach the trailer to the rear bike rack]]
[[Image:Boltontongueoftrailer1.jpg|thumb|left|Figure 2: Bolt to attach the trailer to the rear bike rack]]


I took the front wheel bracket and installed a 6inch by 5/8ths inch  
I took the front wheel bracket and installed a 6inch by 5/8ths inch  
Line 74: Line 42:


Then a safety chain was added from the shaft of the bolt to the brace of the frame (figure 1). The chain is held in place by a bolt screwed through the brace. Rubber washers were placed between the brace and the chain, and then a washer and then a nut were added to secure it in place (figure 1).
Then a safety chain was added from the shaft of the bolt to the brace of the frame (figure 1). The chain is held in place by a bolt screwed through the brace. Rubber washers were placed between the brace and the chain, and then a washer and then a nut were added to secure it in place (figure 1).


[[Image:Fullsideview1.jpg|thumb|left|Figure 3: Trailer with rain fly off]]
[[Image:Fullsideview1.jpg|thumb|left|Figure 3: Trailer with rain fly off]]


[[Image:Sideviewwithflyon1.jpg|thumb|left|Figure 4: Trailer with rain fly on]]
The frame leading form the rear axle to the tongue was already attached, To turn it into the trailer, it was flipped upside-down with the wheels remaining attached. Then a supporting “L” shaped beam was a added to fix the position of the tongue and frame (Figure 3). First holes were drilled with a high speed drill bit (1/4 inch).


[[Image:Topshotofrainfly1.jpg|thumb|left|Figure 5: Top shot of the rain fly]]
Then a screw was inserted into the hole to hold it together. Rubber washers were placed between the screw head and the metal frame, and on the other side, between the metal frame and the nut holding the screw on.


[[Image:Rainflyattachedwithvelcro1.jpg|thumb|left|Figure 6: Fly attached with velcro]]
The basket was attached to the frame via three u brackets, 1 in the front and two in the rear, and two hook support screws, one on either side (Figure 3).


[[Image:Topshotofrainfly1.jpg|thumb|left|Figure 4: Top shot of the rain fly]]


[[Image:Rainflyattachedwithvelcro1.jpg|thumb|left|Figure 5: Fly attached with velcro]]
The rain fly from the jogger was taken and attached to the basket with four Velcro straps (Figures 4 and 5).


== Costs ==
== Costs ==
*'''Budget'''


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
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I did not have to spend the entire budget. Only $20.00 was spent on the frame of the trailer. The entire $25.00 dollars was spent on the hardware. Hardware included bolts, nuts, washers and chain.
I did not have to spend the entire budget. Only $20.00 was spent on the frame of the trailer. The entire $25.00 dollars was spent on the hardware. Hardware included bolts, nuts, washers and chain.


== Conclusions ==
Overall, the project was a success. Converting the Instep baby jogger/stroller was strait forward. Only 2 holes needed to be drilled and there was no welding required. It can hold at least 200 pounds applied directly onto the basket area, while the trailer is static.
The design criteria were met. The trailer cost less than $ 50.00 out of pocket.  Since the trailer was converted from the jogger, it is inherently light, durable and light. The Jogger was purchased at a local thrift store, so the material was available locally.
 
One disadvantage for this design is a rear bike rack is required to hitch the trailer onto, and the bike rack itself had to be modified for easy removal of the trailer.
When bicycling uphill pulling a load of 20 lbs, there was a lag between the trailer and the bike. Consequently the trailer pulls back slightly.I found that a simple bungie cord eliminates this problem. Unfortunately it caused the trailer to hit the rear tire, which was not previously a problem. Thus, I removed the bungie cord and am still trouble shooting ideas to prevent the lag.


The rain fly was tested by leaving the trailer outside for 12 hours while it was raining. An object was placed in the basket beneath the rain fly. When I checked the object after 12 hours, I found that it was not even damp. Thus, I will have to conclude the rain fly is a sucess.




== Literature review==
Literature Review


== Conclusions ==
Ayre, Michael. (1986). “The design of bicycle trailers.” Intermediate Technology Publications Ltd. 9 King Street, London WC2 8HW, UK.
Overall, the project was a success. Converting the Instep baby jogger/stroller was strait forward. Only 2 holes needed to be drilled and there was no welding required. It can hold at least 200 pounds applied directly onto the basket area, while the trailer is static.  
*An excellent resource for a novice bike trailer beginner. Covers everything needed to design and build your own trailer including, design, hitch mechanism, load, frame, wheels, and use.
The design criteria were met. The trailer cost less than $ 50.00 out of pocket.  Since the trailer was converted from the jogger, it is inherently light, durable and light. The Jogger was purchased at a local thrift store, so the material was available locally.  
The “rain fly” has multiple functions. It can be used for shade as well as foul weather.
Ballantine, Richard , Richard Grant. (1992). “Richards’ ultimate bicycle book.” Dorling Kindersley, INC. New York.
One disadvantage for this design is a rear bike rack is required to hitch the trailer onto, and the bike rack itself had to be modified for easy removal of the trailer.
*Refer to for basic bicycle maintenance and repair.  


Carrell, Al. (1973). “The super handyman’s big bike book.”  Prentice –Hall Inc,. Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey.
*Good reference for bike parts, tools and maintenance.


Krieg, Martin.  Help map the national bicycle greenway. Plans, Community bike cart designs and Instructables. http://www.bikeroute.com/WhyTrailer.php#Sources
*In you follow the Community bike cart designs link you will be able to find several design plans for the different cart options. More plans can be found under the Instructables link.


== Contact details ==
== Contact details ==
Line 120: Line 100:
hml8@humboldt.edu
hml8@humboldt.edu


[[Category:Engr305]]
[[Category:Cycling]]
[[Category:Engr305 Appropriate Technology]]
[[Category:Projects]]
[[Category:Projects]]
<layout name="Project" />
[[Category:Bike trailers]]

Revision as of 23:37, 31 August 2013

Template:Lang

Bike Trailer with rain fly on

I decided to construct a bike trailer for personal use. Since I am an Arcata resident, I find to easy and enjoyable to bike everywhere except when I have to move around things that don’t fit into by backpack. Thus, a bike trailer would be the logical solution to my problem. It will allow me to be self reliant. A rain flap will be incorporated into the design for usage in foul weather, since it tends to rain quite often here.

Project Requirements

Criteria

  • Cost (less than 50 dollars)
  • Weight (Weight=8)
  • Simplicity (easier to assemble the better. Most inportantly, the easier to attach and take off the better)(Weight=8)
  • Durability of the material (more rain proof the better) (Weight=7)
  • Amount of movable parts (the less the better) (Weight=3)
  • Availability of material locally (closer to Arcata the better) (Weight=5)

Proposed time line

  • March 13, 09 : Final project design completed
  • March 15, 09 : Finished buying all materials
  • March 22, 09 : Finished building the trailer, assembling all parts and attaching it to the bicycle
  • March 30, 09 : Finished all trouble shooting, final product complete
  • April 16, 09 : Finished writing the final report and complete the website

Design

An Instep baby jogger/stroller was found at the Arcata Angles of Hope thrift store. It was purchased for $ 20.00. The stroller was disassembled and a bicycle trailer was constructed from the parts.

The tongue of the trailer:

Figure 1: "Tongue" of the trailer

The front portion of the stroller originally holding the front wheel was converted into the front portion of the trailer “tongue” that hooks onto the rear bike rack (figure 1).

Figure 2: Bolt to attach the trailer to the rear bike rack

I took the front wheel bracket and installed a 6inch by 5/8ths inch bolt to it. Washers were used to hold the bolt in place. Then a 1 1/4th inch chain was slipped onto the bolt and help in place by 4 washers and 2 nuts. So there are 6 total washers, to brace the towing chain. 4 nuts total were used (Figure 2).

Then a safety chain was added from the shaft of the bolt to the brace of the frame (figure 1). The chain is held in place by a bolt screwed through the brace. Rubber washers were placed between the brace and the chain, and then a washer and then a nut were added to secure it in place (figure 1).

Figure 3: Trailer with rain fly off

The frame leading form the rear axle to the tongue was already attached, To turn it into the trailer, it was flipped upside-down with the wheels remaining attached. Then a supporting “L” shaped beam was a added to fix the position of the tongue and frame (Figure 3). First holes were drilled with a high speed drill bit (1/4 inch).

Then a screw was inserted into the hole to hold it together. Rubber washers were placed between the screw head and the metal frame, and on the other side, between the metal frame and the nut holding the screw on.

The basket was attached to the frame via three u brackets, 1 in the front and two in the rear, and two hook support screws, one on either side (Figure 3).

Figure 4: Top shot of the rain fly
Figure 5: Fly attached with velcro

The rain fly from the jogger was taken and attached to the basket with four Velcro straps (Figures 4 and 5).

Costs

Frame Hardware
$50.00 $25.00

I did not have to spend the entire budget. Only $20.00 was spent on the frame of the trailer. The entire $25.00 dollars was spent on the hardware. Hardware included bolts, nuts, washers and chain.

Conclusions

Overall, the project was a success. Converting the Instep baby jogger/stroller was strait forward. Only 2 holes needed to be drilled and there was no welding required. It can hold at least 200 pounds applied directly onto the basket area, while the trailer is static. The design criteria were met. The trailer cost less than $ 50.00 out of pocket. Since the trailer was converted from the jogger, it is inherently light, durable and light. The Jogger was purchased at a local thrift store, so the material was available locally.

One disadvantage for this design is a rear bike rack is required to hitch the trailer onto, and the bike rack itself had to be modified for easy removal of the trailer.

When bicycling uphill pulling a load of 20 lbs, there was a lag between the trailer and the bike. Consequently the trailer pulls back slightly.I found that a simple bungie cord eliminates this problem. Unfortunately it caused the trailer to hit the rear tire, which was not previously a problem. Thus, I removed the bungie cord and am still trouble shooting ideas to prevent the lag.

The rain fly was tested by leaving the trailer outside for 12 hours while it was raining. An object was placed in the basket beneath the rain fly. When I checked the object after 12 hours, I found that it was not even damp. Thus, I will have to conclude the rain fly is a sucess.


Literature review

Literature Review

Ayre, Michael. (1986). “The design of bicycle trailers.” Intermediate Technology Publications Ltd. 9 King Street, London WC2 8HW, UK.

  • An excellent resource for a novice bike trailer beginner. Covers everything needed to design and build your own trailer including, design, hitch mechanism, load, frame, wheels, and use.

Ballantine, Richard , Richard Grant. (1992). “Richards’ ultimate bicycle book.” Dorling Kindersley, INC. New York.

  • Refer to for basic bicycle maintenance and repair.

Carrell, Al. (1973). “The super handyman’s big bike book.” Prentice –Hall Inc,. Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey.

  • Good reference for bike parts, tools and maintenance.

Krieg, Martin. Help map the national bicycle greenway. Plans, Community bike cart designs and Instructables. http://www.bikeroute.com/WhyTrailer.php#Sources

  • In you follow the Community bike cart designs link you will be able to find several design plans for the different cart options. More plans can be found under the Instructables link.

Contact details

Heidi hml8@humboldt.edu

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