Process & Gallery
All Bikecologist trikes, trailers and tandems are constructed from the measurements of the rider. This gives an unparalleled ability to create the correct posture and ensure correct sizing. Seat heights, widths and arm and leg extensions are either designed in, or adjustable. The designs are made to optimise the use of standard components (where possible) to enable local servicing and the sourcing of replacement parts.
Thinking outside the square
Combining a thorough understanding of bicycle frame construction with the eye of both an engineer and artist, Wayne can design and construct all manner of cycles suitable for people with visual or mobility impairment. It is also possible to provide either handcranks or tandem attachments to existing wheelchairs, or to construct tandems that combine elements of both wheelchair and conventional or recumbent cycles to enable social or competitive mobility with family members or support workers.
Long Term Mobility Solutions
Mobility equipment must satisfy many criteria to be used successfully.
1.
It must be robust, well designed and well made. This requires attention to detail, quality materials and the satisfaction of the client’s aesthetic requirements.
2.
It must be correctly sized, and have the ability to be correctly adjusted.
3.
It must be safe, especially considering many contain moving parts and travel on roads or footpaths. It requires modulated steering, with easy to use hand or foot brakes and parking brakes. Stability and control must be appropriate for the rider
4. It should contain as many standardised parts as possible to ensure affordability, and serviceability.
Quality Materials
High tensile and chrome-moly steels ensure super strength Frames without unnecessary weight, and wheels that are handmade in Australia using stainless steel spokes and sealed hubs. Cycles are available in 60 colours in robust powder coat. Seats and covers are supplied in eleven colour combinations. Wayne can also make up guards & guides in alloy or composites.
Our Design Process
All cycles and frames start from a basic discussion, either by email or over the phone or directly if you are in my part of the world. Sizing and weight are basic considerations, as well as an understanding of the experiences of the rider(s) so that the performance of the frame can be dialled in. Obviously, the rider will bring their own expectations and aesthetics to the discussion, and over several chats we can raise potential problems, the limitations of the rider and components and define the requirements.
Once the parameters are defined, the cycles can be drawn and costed, with a bracket of quotes, so that the effect of component choice and frame options are obvious - perhaps you don't really need that reversing hub or copper coated chain stay guard? After the final design and cost is approved we move to fabrication. All components necessary to define the frame sizing exactly are ordered as is the tubing (exact thicknesses and lengths). If required CAD designs are emailed to specialists. Once back the frame tubing is cut to length, mitred and hand brazed or silver soldered together in a giant 2 metre X 1 metre perimeter rotating jig to provide balanced welding and cooling for optimum frame strength.
Sometimes for specialist cycles a partial build will be required to confirm exact fit or performance, and the rider is invited to try it out and I make any modifications required before it gets to the coaters. The frame can then be powder coated (robust 70 colours), epoxy painted (beautiful 2000 colours), or plated (wear resistant and shiny) before being assembled. This may involve spoking up and trueing the wheels, as well as custom assemblages such as trike convertor and intermediate drive trains.
Once assembled, the cycle is rest ridden hard, and then a manual is printed to ensure the user gets the most out of the cycle, understands any unusual or particular requirements and how to maintain their frame at its best. The final payment, a handshake and away into the world it goes!