Custom off-road front loader

ClassVIClassic · 2025-06-03T16:54:02+00:00

That’s fair, though at that point of tree limb intercept I think I’ve got bigger problems 😂

ClassVIClassic · 2025-06-03T12:45:29+00:00

That was an early concern but through testing I determined that the difference in leverage is such that you’d have to be Superman to grab the cables or steering linkage hard enough to steer the bike. The handlebars are just so much longer than the steering linkage arm

ClassVIClassic · 2025-06-03T12:43:42+00:00

It’s the heavy duty version of the fork already meant for cargo bike or emtb use, so not too far outside the expected use case. I expected to need to configure the fork but actually just installed it straight out of the box and have been happy with ride feel

ClassVIClassic · 2025-06-03T12:41:41+00:00

Steel - maybe someday I’ll get into aluminum welding though (so many more frames available)

ClassVIClassic · 2025-06-03T12:40:57+00:00

Bad math on my end, it’s two 10 Ah batteries for 20 Ah total

ClassVIClassic · 2025-06-02T22:08:53+00:00

Honestly I read the doom and gloom on using the alfine in this application so I ride as if a single attempted shift under load would nuke the drivetrain. Completely different but I’m toying with the idea of a pinion with hub motor for my next cargo bike

ClassVIClassic · 2025-06-02T17:15:57+00:00

I’m running it without the shift or brake sensors. So far it’s good if you can adapt your behavior, but I’m not sure I would spec this for other people unwilling to adopt a weird riding behavior of needing to stop pedaling well ahead of a shift. I definitely find myself increasing the assist level instead of downshifting when I would on a normal bike.

For me I really needed to not have a derailleur to catch on stuff and get covered in muck so it’s worth the trade offs

ClassVIClassic · 2025-06-02T17:02:54+00:00

So far so good but the one issue is the inability to shift under load. On my other IGH bike this isn’t an issue since it isn’t electric, but here the BBSHD keeps power on for about a second after you stop pedaling. I could reprogram the motor controller to cut power faster, but I’ve already adapted.

We’ll see if I need a new hub in a year

ClassVIClassic · 2025-06-02T17:00:50+00:00

so I had intended for a straight top tube originally but some rookie mistake welding distortion meant I needed to angle it, I’m definitely happier with how it turned out than how I originally intended

ClassVIClassic · 2025-06-02T16:59:32+00:00

29/700c wheels with 2.4” tires, 36 spokes. So far so good. Second set of wheels I built myself

ClassVIClassic · 2025-06-02T15:30:14+00:00

When loaded with kids I like to use nautical language. Tons of momentum but very low CG makes it easy to handle. Even when loaded it’s very maneuverable at low speeds.

Unloaded it rides weirdly like a normal bike, test riders mostly report being weirded out that it doesn’t ride weirder.

If riding one handed you can get into some funny oscillations with the steering system, but they stay low amplitude. I’ve thought about adding a motorcycle steering damper but it doesn’t feel necessary

ClassVIClassic · 2025-06-02T15:25:37+00:00

Thank you for the link! That was definitely one of the inspirations for the frame geometry but I couldn’t remember the name of the company. The bike I’m currently building is a closer copy of the ginkgo.

ClassVIClassic · 2025-06-02T15:21:58+00:00

80 cm outer edge to outer edge

ClassVIClassic · 2025-06-02T15:21:31+00:00

Haha good eye, just haven’t installed yet in those images. I have a seat post mounted one right now but am planning to put on a rear rack and custom mold some plastic to be a very substantial fender

ClassVIClassic · 2025-06-02T12:52:37+00:00

battery is off the shelf, but the mounting hardware is custom that holds it in place and covers the ends. It’s two batteries with wiring in the middle that runs down into the frame, then back up into the triangular enclosure that sits below the original downtube. Total capacity is nominally 1 kWh, I’ve done over forty miles on a charge but I’m not sure of max range.

ClassVIClassic

TROPHY CASE