Tear drop tail for MK2

Hello folks

It's raining since days now.

I moved my temporary workshop to the 3rd floor under the roof  because working outside is impossible and the garage is cluttered with a Mk1 velocar, a Mk2 rolling chassis, a small boat under construction and a lot of other bicycles.

The new tail/trunk is 50% assembled now and luckily still small enough to get it downstairs without damage.

An hour ago the rain takes a break and so I quickly pulled the Mk2 chassis out of the garage and mounted the new tail onto it.

Alterations in comparison to the Mk1 version:

 I want the inner sides of the wheel wells flaring outside.

This reduces the wasted space for the wells and gives more room for the kids shoulders.

Furthermore, the rear end of the tail is 20cm/8inches narrower than the maximum width.

This gives a benefit, when cornering through bottlenecks or chicanes.

I got lot of scratches at the old body, because of the wide rear end of the tail.

I assume to end up with an tail weight of 10kg or less with all still missing parts.

The Mk1 part has a weight of 17kg.

Another racing bicycle in weight is saved...

Kai

Velocar MK2 update

Hello,

Since weeks I'm fiddling on the suspension parts.

It takes much longer than I suspected, three weeks now.

The velocar gets double wishbones (a-frames) at the front axle and swing arms for the rear wheels.

Suspension works with elastomere elements instead of steel springs, 

which saves almost 2kg in weight.

This picture was taken with most suspension components still missing, just for show

These are the mounts of the rear swing arms

And here finally with all a-frames, kingpins and frame mounts 

Double a-frame construction with elastomere dampers

The three-pieced tie rod was still in the works then

The lower frame mounts have to be enlarged, to spread the loads of the suspension better into the wooden frame.

The Ackermann geometry is finally working.

Did you know, the real inventor was Georg Lankensperger?

Rear swingarms with offset mounted spring elements

Both rear wheels are fitted with Nuvinci N360 hubs.

Next week the steering components and body work awaiting completion.

Kai