kids bike seat in front image
Meady
I am 14 and i wanted to know how to make a push-bike trailer, made out of wood, as it is close to hard rubbish time and i would like to collect some rubbish. If you know how to make it , please reply to this question!
Answer
The important parts of a trailer are the wheels and the hitch. The in between part is what makes it useful but you can tie things on with rope or attach a large plastic bin - like a rubbermaid style bin, or a clothes basket... but that can be done after.
Wood is a pretty heavy material and not strong in the ways you need for a bike. Using steel welded together from old bikes is best. Also you could use chopped up old bikes if you don't weld or have metal tools by using a simple plumbing tube cutter and hose clamps.
However, if you insist on using wood... you can be creative.
First you definitely need bike wheels. Try to find an old maybe even broken - children's bike. You need 2 wheels of the same size. Smaller wheels are stronger than bigger wheels so kids bikes are perfect. Also they are much cheaper and thrown away more often so you are more likely to find them.
Next you need something like a bike fork to mount the wheels in. This could be as simple as using the fork from the kids bike you got the wheel from - and then finding another matching fork from an identical kids bike. Finding matching scrap bikes is sometimes hard though. And it isn't wood. If you are using wood you basically have to make something similar to a fork but out of wood. You could use two beams of wood of the same size on either side of the wheel - then drill a hole for the axle in each size - you can drill both holes or even all 4 (for both wheels) all at the same time to make them match up. You will need either very strong wood or thick wood and it may take some figuring out to have it strong but thin enough for the axle to have the bolt fit on the other side.
Now for the decisions. How big a trailer do you want? I suggest basing your design around the container you are going to use. Do you have a large plastic bin of a certain size? Metal or wood would also do but would be heavier/stronger.
For instance, If you have a wooden bin or crate it might be strong enough to be integral to the bike trailer frame. Then you just attach the wheels with the forks to either side of the crate. Put the wheel in the middle of the crate so that your trailer will be balanced in the middle with the wheels carrying the weight. Have the crate be oriented with the opening at the top (of course) and the wheels in the middle of the longer sides so that the trailer is longer than it is wide. Place the Wheels such that the ground clearance underneath the trailer is about 6 inches. The lower you can put the mass to the ground the more stable and balances the trailer will be. However, you need about 6 inches of clearance to go over bumps in the road - etc.
If you are going to use a plastic (or other material) bin/crate/basket/bucket that is not strong enough to form the frame of the trailer you will have to make a frame for the bin to sit on top of or in. This could be a rectangle that supports the bin from the edges. Or it could support the bin from underneath with a U shape. It depends on the material you use. Mount the wheels in the centre on the long sides with about 6" of underneath clearance just as you would if the bin/crate were part of the frame.
Now you will have an almost finished trailer than should be balanced if you hold it. Now test it out and load something in it. Test to see if it is strong enough or you have to add more structure.
Next you make the arm which attaches the trailer to the hitch on your bike. Steel or wood this is pretty simple. Attach in to the middle on (what you decide is) the front of your trailer that you have so far. The easiest place to pull the trailer from is from the seat post. So you basically just need an arm that goes from the top/front of the bin support frame towards just lower than your seat. This should have a curve in it or even a right angle. You need to allow space for the wheel to pass underneath the bar. You need 6" clearance there also because as you ride a bike and turn or go over bumps that distance gets closer.
Finally you have to add the hitch. The hitch could be very complicated if you want it to be very convenient. But since you are using wood we will keep it simple. The easiest place to attach the trailer hitch to your bicycle is to your seat post. There are lots of options but it needs to wrap around the seat post. You could use old bicycle inner tube or bicycle tire to make a flexible linkage. Or you could drill a seat post sized hole in your thick wood. Keep in mind the trailer has to pivot in all directions ideally - up/down, side to side, and twisting. so you have to be creative.
You might also consider attaching the trailer hitch instead to a bike rear rack or "rat trap" style rear race rack. If you have one on your bike already. This will probably not be as strong as attaching to the seat post but it may be easier. If you do that make sure the pivot point that you attach to is exactly above the centre of the rear bicycle wheel because that will make it work b
The important parts of a trailer are the wheels and the hitch. The in between part is what makes it useful but you can tie things on with rope or attach a large plastic bin - like a rubbermaid style bin, or a clothes basket... but that can be done after.
Wood is a pretty heavy material and not strong in the ways you need for a bike. Using steel welded together from old bikes is best. Also you could use chopped up old bikes if you don't weld or have metal tools by using a simple plumbing tube cutter and hose clamps.
However, if you insist on using wood... you can be creative.
First you definitely need bike wheels. Try to find an old maybe even broken - children's bike. You need 2 wheels of the same size. Smaller wheels are stronger than bigger wheels so kids bikes are perfect. Also they are much cheaper and thrown away more often so you are more likely to find them.
Next you need something like a bike fork to mount the wheels in. This could be as simple as using the fork from the kids bike you got the wheel from - and then finding another matching fork from an identical kids bike. Finding matching scrap bikes is sometimes hard though. And it isn't wood. If you are using wood you basically have to make something similar to a fork but out of wood. You could use two beams of wood of the same size on either side of the wheel - then drill a hole for the axle in each size - you can drill both holes or even all 4 (for both wheels) all at the same time to make them match up. You will need either very strong wood or thick wood and it may take some figuring out to have it strong but thin enough for the axle to have the bolt fit on the other side.
Now for the decisions. How big a trailer do you want? I suggest basing your design around the container you are going to use. Do you have a large plastic bin of a certain size? Metal or wood would also do but would be heavier/stronger.
For instance, If you have a wooden bin or crate it might be strong enough to be integral to the bike trailer frame. Then you just attach the wheels with the forks to either side of the crate. Put the wheel in the middle of the crate so that your trailer will be balanced in the middle with the wheels carrying the weight. Have the crate be oriented with the opening at the top (of course) and the wheels in the middle of the longer sides so that the trailer is longer than it is wide. Place the Wheels such that the ground clearance underneath the trailer is about 6 inches. The lower you can put the mass to the ground the more stable and balances the trailer will be. However, you need about 6 inches of clearance to go over bumps in the road - etc.
If you are going to use a plastic (or other material) bin/crate/basket/bucket that is not strong enough to form the frame of the trailer you will have to make a frame for the bin to sit on top of or in. This could be a rectangle that supports the bin from the edges. Or it could support the bin from underneath with a U shape. It depends on the material you use. Mount the wheels in the centre on the long sides with about 6" of underneath clearance just as you would if the bin/crate were part of the frame.
Now you will have an almost finished trailer than should be balanced if you hold it. Now test it out and load something in it. Test to see if it is strong enough or you have to add more structure.
Next you make the arm which attaches the trailer to the hitch on your bike. Steel or wood this is pretty simple. Attach in to the middle on (what you decide is) the front of your trailer that you have so far. The easiest place to pull the trailer from is from the seat post. So you basically just need an arm that goes from the top/front of the bin support frame towards just lower than your seat. This should have a curve in it or even a right angle. You need to allow space for the wheel to pass underneath the bar. You need 6" clearance there also because as you ride a bike and turn or go over bumps that distance gets closer.
Finally you have to add the hitch. The hitch could be very complicated if you want it to be very convenient. But since you are using wood we will keep it simple. The easiest place to attach the trailer hitch to your bicycle is to your seat post. There are lots of options but it needs to wrap around the seat post. You could use old bicycle inner tube or bicycle tire to make a flexible linkage. Or you could drill a seat post sized hole in your thick wood. Keep in mind the trailer has to pivot in all directions ideally - up/down, side to side, and twisting. so you have to be creative.
You might also consider attaching the trailer hitch instead to a bike rear rack or "rat trap" style rear race rack. If you have one on your bike already. This will probably not be as strong as attaching to the seat post but it may be easier. If you do that make sure the pivot point that you attach to is exactly above the centre of the rear bicycle wheel because that will make it work b
How can I learn to ride a bicycle?
Danielsan
I tried riding a bike as a kid but fell and was traumatized to the point that I never got back on a bike. Now I feel, as an adult ready to take on the challenges, but that little fear keeps encroaching back in. How can I make this a successful feat overcome, and finally learn how to ride a bike?
Answer
I had trouble learning to balance a bike and I know someone who thinks correct reach to the pedal is more important than reach to the ground and put my kids on bikes too big for them and they had nasty accidents that put them off for ages.
Here are some tips:
Get a trustworthy bike-shop or sensible and knowledgeable friend help you to work out a good frame size for you. Although most adult bikes are 26" (which is the height of the wheels) the length needs considering as well. But for now, as long as it doesn't seem too hard or too easy to reach the handlebars, that should do. When you are riding well and regularly for some distance, you'll work out what, if anything, is wrong. A call to a bike shop to tell them your height should be enough for them to tell you if you should be on a 26".
Make sure the front and rear brakes are working well and mainly rely on the rear brake for now. Preferably no back pedal brakes unless you feel that lacking in skill. If so, as soon as you feel ready, get onto a bike without because it will be easier to get fully competent.
To work out a good height for the saddle, sit on the bike and make sure that you can put both feet almost completely on the ground at the same time. Best not to be able to put both fully and completely on the ground because that will make pedaling very cramped and if you are too cramped, it will affect your balance. This is an excellent height for being able to stop yourself falling over in most situations or give you some control of the fall if you do lose your balance. This will help with confidence which is key to learning.
To learn to balance a bike, find a gentle slope with a safe ending, either going uphill or just levels off. Start at the top of the slope and sit on the bike saddle with your legs hanging out to the sides, not on the pedals. Let the bike roll and use your feet to lightly push you back towards centre if you start to go over. (If necessary, take the pedals off for this stage but children upwards of about 7 and adults probably don't need to.) Keep going back to the top of the slope and rolling down again; as you feel more confident about your balance, try putting your feet on the pedals (but don't worry about turning them yet). The slope doesn't need to be very long - the dead-end I learned on only had about 3 houses on each side. When you can balance the bike and get your feet on the pedals, start trying a bit of pedalling. Soon after this, you're ready for a longer slope or a piece of quiet straight road.
When you have mastered your balance and are starting to ride fairly confidently, start raising the seat a bit at a time, never going beyond what you feel safe doing, until your legs are just slightly bent as you sit on the seat and put your feet on the pedals.
It took me most of an afternoon to finally get my balance. My family had spent quite a bit of time helping me but I still hadn't got it. That afternoon of rolling down the slope was pretty much what finally got me going.
Also, stay away from bumps until you feel really confident and then just small ones until you work out what you can handle. And of course, *never* jump your bike up onto a kerb unless you have special wheels - they'll get damaged and go out of "true" and then the brakes won't work properly.
I had trouble learning to balance a bike and I know someone who thinks correct reach to the pedal is more important than reach to the ground and put my kids on bikes too big for them and they had nasty accidents that put them off for ages.
Here are some tips:
Get a trustworthy bike-shop or sensible and knowledgeable friend help you to work out a good frame size for you. Although most adult bikes are 26" (which is the height of the wheels) the length needs considering as well. But for now, as long as it doesn't seem too hard or too easy to reach the handlebars, that should do. When you are riding well and regularly for some distance, you'll work out what, if anything, is wrong. A call to a bike shop to tell them your height should be enough for them to tell you if you should be on a 26".
Make sure the front and rear brakes are working well and mainly rely on the rear brake for now. Preferably no back pedal brakes unless you feel that lacking in skill. If so, as soon as you feel ready, get onto a bike without because it will be easier to get fully competent.
To work out a good height for the saddle, sit on the bike and make sure that you can put both feet almost completely on the ground at the same time. Best not to be able to put both fully and completely on the ground because that will make pedaling very cramped and if you are too cramped, it will affect your balance. This is an excellent height for being able to stop yourself falling over in most situations or give you some control of the fall if you do lose your balance. This will help with confidence which is key to learning.
To learn to balance a bike, find a gentle slope with a safe ending, either going uphill or just levels off. Start at the top of the slope and sit on the bike saddle with your legs hanging out to the sides, not on the pedals. Let the bike roll and use your feet to lightly push you back towards centre if you start to go over. (If necessary, take the pedals off for this stage but children upwards of about 7 and adults probably don't need to.) Keep going back to the top of the slope and rolling down again; as you feel more confident about your balance, try putting your feet on the pedals (but don't worry about turning them yet). The slope doesn't need to be very long - the dead-end I learned on only had about 3 houses on each side. When you can balance the bike and get your feet on the pedals, start trying a bit of pedalling. Soon after this, you're ready for a longer slope or a piece of quiet straight road.
When you have mastered your balance and are starting to ride fairly confidently, start raising the seat a bit at a time, never going beyond what you feel safe doing, until your legs are just slightly bent as you sit on the seat and put your feet on the pedals.
It took me most of an afternoon to finally get my balance. My family had spent quite a bit of time helping me but I still hadn't got it. That afternoon of rolling down the slope was pretty much what finally got me going.
Also, stay away from bumps until you feel really confident and then just small ones until you work out what you can handle. And of course, *never* jump your bike up onto a kerb unless you have special wheels - they'll get damaged and go out of "true" and then the brakes won't work properly.
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Title Post: How do you make a bicycle trailer?
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Rating: 94% based on 932 ratings. 4,1 user reviews.
Author: Unknown
Thanks For Coming To My Blog
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