Lads and Lassies
If this thread is targeted to those who like to weld and build pedal powered playa transport and art, then I suggest folks check out what's been built by some of the "big boys and girls".
http://spontaneousfire.com/
http://kineticsculpturelab.com/
as for me, I am a mere amateur..... I have built 3 playa trikes over the years, all cut and re assembled from old bikes. This winter I made a "Rat Rod" themed trike. The frame was fashioned from 1.5 in EMT. The wheels are 15 inch from a Dodge pickup (center cut out and spoked). Drive train starts with Shimano/gripshift 9 speed, then transfers to gokart chain and on to a 2 speed rear axle. (When geared real low, gokart chain does not break, unlike bicycle chain)
Yes its heavy. Right now it weighs 200lbs. Eventually it will weigh 300. But it pedals like a dream on the flat.
I plan on replacing the 24 inch front wheel and hub with an electric hub/wheel this summer. (FYI, 2-3 wheeled pedal powered vehicles with less than 750 watt electric motors are considered bicycles by "The Man" and do not have to meet DMV standards/approval)
This summer I will also add propane cannons to look like chrome exhaust stacks.
The "body" is made from a recycled and rusty trash can and the "bed" was fabricated by me, ( purposefully rusted to give it the "patina" of a Rat Rod.)
There are LOTS of ways to go with a MIG welder and a pile of $10 used bicycles. Have fun and dive in.
