Utah Trikes - New Hubmount Assembly for TerraTrike Linkage Steer Trikes

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New Hubmount Assembly for TerraTrike Linkage Steer Trikes

This is one I've been thinking about for a long time. Some issues that come up with the TerraTrike Steering are:
1. Turning radius is too large.
2. Bushings in the hubmounts wear and can eventually cause the steering to be sloppy.
3. The front fender mounting system is complicated and makes changing a tire difficult.

Our new system must:
Be 100% compatible with the existing steering system.
Use bearings instead of bushings.
Include direct-steer option to cut turning radius.
Include fully adjustable steering system with direct-steer option.
Include improved fender mounting system.

This was one of my first ideas for the hubmount. I had a basic idea of the shape I wanted and how to incorporate a direct steer mount.

Click to view larger image.
In order to work all the clearances out properly I ended up modeling the TerraTrike frame. This allowed me to have a virtual prototype that I could actually use to test the motion and discover clearance issues.

Click to view larger image.
Here's a closeup of the hubmount with all the clearances adjusted for. As you can see our hubmount is compatible with the stock steering system by using the end hole. The new tierod is connected to the inside hole which provides for accurate Ackerman compensation.

Click to view larger image.
Finding the bearings that can handle the right load was a challenge. As you can see the bearings are a pressed fit and are isolated from the frame by the spacers. A tight fit assures that the bearings wil spin and the kingpin will stay stationary in the frame.

You can also see the quick release axle tubing which allows the wheels to be removed without removing the brakes as is the case with the stock setup.

We've had a lot of responses on this project. One thing you guys want is more flexibility with the handlebars, so here you go. This will be a lot easier to fabricate too.

Share your comments below:
WHEN WILL NEW HUBMOUNT BE AVAILABLE?
Posted by ron
01/08/2010 02:14:25 PM

We are still testing bearings and axles. There is no ETA, nor any guarantee at this point that we will ever produce them.
Posted by Ashley

how would the qr axles work? will they be threaded on? how would you take them off? great design though w/wo qr axles. they will definitely give trike that sporty race car feeling. but what would be even nicer is if you could develop your mount to where a person could set there steering bars inward or outward (not fixed) so people large and small could adjust bars to their liking. (just a thought)
Posted by troy
01/09/2010 07:17:36 AM

My plan is to use a modified Marzocci quick release. We are testing the sheer strength on it now. We've worked out the extra adjustments.
Posted by Ashley

Instead of puting a clamp on top where the handlebars go, you could make a post of a certain dia. where you could use catrikes handlebar assembly or weld a clamp onto the handlebars you have now. Trying to come up with an adjustable solution to a great product.
Posted by troy
01/09/2010 09:40:59 AM

Take a look at the latest pictures. We have just found a source for clamp on handlebars like those on the Catrike, so this setup will work and should be affordable.
Posted by Ashley

What do you think if you flare out the end of the axle and made a hex on the end (capable of using wrench or socket) instead of reusing the allen bolt. Make the right axle screw in right/tight and left axle screw in left/tight and make threads on axle (standard size) so they can be easily threaded in/out without stripping. (no fine threads)
Posted by troy
01/11/2010 08:54:30 AM

Our quick release setup will not reuse the axle bolt. It will actually slip right out of the wheel. I am still trying to find an inexpensive source for the axles we want to use, but they exist and it will work.
Posted by Ashley

I like it! Could you incorporate a mounting for fender mounts. Instead of using the brake mounts. As I see the renderings. The brake mounts are both on the bottom. Are you thinking of a changing the left brake.
Posted by Scott
03/15/2010 12:07:09 PM

Fender mounts will be incorporated on the vertical riser for sure, when and if we ever make these.
Posted by Ashley

Very interested, would they fit TT 3.3? Would it be possible to BB7 brakes?
Posted by Carter
04/03/2010 08:01:29 AM

This is only compatible with 3.6 and newer.
Posted by Ashley

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