#308 - 20120617 - Z-cumbent hybrid electric recumbent bicycle project part 2

Phase 1 nearly complete. A little paint and trim, then on to phase 2 - adding electric motor, batteries and regenerative controller derived from my now infamous CCPWM. See updated specs below.

Old Specs: Wheels - 24", Wheelbase - 7'3", Head angle - 72.5*, Rake 36mm, Trail 56mm, Front cassette - 11T-32T, Crank - TBD, Weight - 36lb so far (Should be about 40-41lb when complete, without the electric assist).

New Specs: Same except for Rake = 80mm, Trail = 10mm (Wheelbase now 7'6"). With this adjustment and reshaping of the handlebar, sweeping ends back placing my hands 2" behind the pivot, this bike is now stable enough to pedal in its lowest gear, uphill at less than 3MPH! And, with the long wheelbase, it's super stable at high speeds.

Seat was purchased from Ocean Cycle in Torpoint, UK. Found them on ebay. Ended up dealing direct. Seat was only 60GBP, 20GBP for the headrest and 25GBP to ship from UK. Website http://oceancycle.co.uk/ Tell'em Z sent you.

Many thanks to YouTube user ChrisLuxembourg for his inspiration and advice on getting this done.

Thanks to Dan Mumm for permission to use his entire original music library in the production of my videos. Please visit http://www.danmumm.com or YouTube channel http://youtube.com/danmummsolo Great music. Great guy.

Also thanks to Joe at North Haven Bike for his services on the front wheel. Couldn't have done it without him. Please visit his web site http://www.northhavenbike.com

I visited quite a few bike shops around my area as I compiled the parts I needed to build this project. Without exception, every shop I walked into had competitively priced products, friendly and knowledgeable staff. Besides North Haven Bike I would like to specifically mention Berlin Bicycle, Tolland Bicycle and Bicycles East in Glastonbury. Forget ebay. Buy locally. Visit your local bike shop today!