Utah Trikes - Fargo - Jim's Custom Quad

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Sitemap Fargo - Jim's Custom Quad

Jim wants us to build him a custom quad and has had lots of input for others on BROL. You can see his goal on his website at http://cyclingexperiences.com/ and his BROL thread. My job is to actually implement his desired modifications at a feasible price point. I'm trying to keep the cost low for Jim, so I'll be working on the design of the project on my own time. I'll post renderings here and you'll be able to see things go from a rough to finalized version.

Jim wants a floorboard on the Quad, so here are some basic ideas of the room that we'll have to work with. There are only a few mounting points, plus it needs to work around the chainline. Oh, and he wants it strong enough to support 200lbs or so, all while being lightweight.

The main obstacle here is going to be trying to make it strong and lightweight.

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Here is my first draft of the outer cage. The cage's main purpose is to provide support for a sunscreen and solar power cells.

My first thought was to use a flexible material that could easily be dismantled and stored in the field, but Jim said that the shape of the cage is of utmost importance, so that was out.

I think that 1/2" aluminum tubing will give us the rigidity and light weight that we need. With the right couplers the cage will still be able to come apart.

I have this setup with 4 different curves and no straight pieces.

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I plan on coming up with an entire roll cage structure first. Once the mounting points and method is decided it will give me more structure to attach a floorboard to. I'd like to avoid attaching the roll cage to the boom, but I may need to do it to get the front end solid.

Here is the magic piece I think will work to hold the cage all the way around to the frame.
2 up front and 2 in the rear.

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This shot shows the cross arm with a clamp and the bottom mid section cage support.

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The cage is coming together nicely. I have some preliminary couplers for the perpendicular tubing sections.

With the front sidemembers of tubing we won't need to attach anything to the boom. The lateral stiffness will be very good, and can easily be augmented if needed by a triangular brace between the top rear support and the nearby side supports.

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If I can find some premade couplers that will suit the application it will probably be cheaper, but here is what I am envisioning at least for the perpendicular sections.

The main reason I want something like this is to not have to drill holes through the tubing allowing the crossbar spacing to be moved if necessary to accomodate the widest variety of covering solutions.

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The lower crossmember here is for floorboard support. Between that and the frame we should be able to hook a floor up.

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While I'm waiting for the SON generator hub from Jim I figure I might as well start filling in the gaps to see what it might look like with some covering.

I figure a flexible cloth material on top so it can be moved and 5-6mil polycarb on the front and rear.

Still need to figure out the floor.

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Here is a top view to give you an idea of the room we have to deal with.

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Here is a side view to give you an idea of the room we have to deal with.

This is my model of the SON hub that Jim sent me. An accurate model will let me figure out exactly where it needs to go.

Share your comments below:
Thank you Ashley. I've been peeking here all evening and waiting with great anticipation. Thanks for the quick work. Fargo is looking good. I marvel at your design work. The cage shape is perfect.
Posted by Jim Artis
01/10/2010 02:46:37 PM

Is that an electric engine behind the seat? If so, neat.... looks like room enough to put a 4 stroke gas mid-drive pedal assist engine and get what? - 200+ Miles per gallon?
Posted by Codger
01/10/2010 03:21:49 PM

That is the Alfine middrive. We do have a gas option if you look at our Recent Trikes page.
Posted by Ashley

How will you enter and exit this quad? Seems a bit tight. Jim is not short.
Posted by Bluecoyote
01/11/2010 05:48:07 AM

I keep thinking about that:)
I'm sure getting in and out will be as fun as getting into most velos. A lot of sliding and gymnastic moves.
Posted by Ashley

Hi Cornell,

The "cage" is now similar to the VelTop that Giraldo used on his Catrike Expedition. I think more open though. He was able to get in and out without a lot of difficulty. I think I'll be okay. I'm going to do some stretching...
Posted by Jim Artis
01/11/2010 10:08:37 AM

This is a very sweet concept. Kudos to all involved!

I really hope it comes to fruition at a reasonable price point. With or without a solar/electric or gas assist it would be a killer design.

This would truly open up a entirely new demision in cycling. IMHO Similar to the Rhoades Car but taken to the next level in concept and design.
Posted by Anonymous
01/12/2010 05:08:57 AM

This development is fantastic. Kudos to Jim Artis for the vision and motivation. Kudos to Ashley and the Utah Trikes gang for the innovation and creativity. This is a quantum leap from the Rhoades Car and similar as it leverages the most up to date tadpole trike design and components, resulting in a much lighter build and lower drag coefficient. If entry/exit quandary can be addressed, the appeal to a broader public seems to be possible. Again, a tremendous job Jim and Ashley, and thank you for sharing your project for many to benefit and enjoy!
Posted by DenverQuad
01/17/2010 08:39:21 AM

Loving all the design images of this! Can't wait to see the real thing coming together!
Posted by terraFirma
01/20/2010 04:58:31 PM

Fargo is the coolest dude on the road! I predict traffic jams if you decide to ride this beauty in traffic, Jim. All the other four-wheelers are going to be gawking so much nobody will go anywhere!
Posted by hmw46
02/20/2010 10:10:11 AM

Updates? I've heard rumors the platform is Catrike. Any new artwork from Ashley? The suspense is too much! LOL
Posted by DenverQuad
04/28/2010 01:19:21 AM

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