Triangle-wheeled bicycle - GIF

[Altair]

Triangle-wheeled bicycle.




Previously:

Square-wheeled bicycle - GIF
Split wheel bicycle - GIF
Hubless bicycle - GIF
Chainless bicycle - GIF
Treadmill bicycle - GIF

[mklotz]

The wheels are in the form of a Reuleaux triangle...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reuleaux_triangle

a form that has a constant "width". (Use a caliper to measure the "diameter" and the value will be the same for any orientation of the caliper around the central axis of the triangle.) This means that they can be used in place of cylinders to serve as rollers supporting a flat plate placed across their high points.

The difference, of course, is that the height of the geometric center of the cylindrical roller above the ground remains constant while it rolls while that is not true for the RT. This fact accounts for the up/down motion of bicycle wheel attachment points. Good rollers, lousy wheels.

I made three RTs by gripping three lengths of equal-size hex in a 3jaw chuck, machining the exterior, rotating each piece in the chuck, machining, and repeating. As expected, they serve very well as rollers.

[Dollar Bill]

Impressive feet of engineering - Someone has way more time and energy than I do ;-)

[hemmjo]

In my view, it makes a lot of sense to take something as simple as a bicycle, make the "wheels" odd shaped, then add a bunch of extra moving parts so it the ride will not be bumpy. (note: that is sarcasm)

I do however salute the skills, creativity, workmanship of the builder, and the creativity it displays for its artistic value.

The frame of that bike does appear to be from a bike similar to this one with the rear spring removed and modifications to the front fork.

[mklotz]

Notice how the rider and the two baggage racks (?) roll along at a constant height above the roadway. Only the center of rotation of the wheels must jog up and down to sustain the motion.

[hemmjo]

Notice how the rider and the two baggage racks (?) roll along at a constant height above the roadway. Only the center of rotation of the wheels must jog up and down to sustain the motion.

Those “luggage racks” are rollers the tops of the wheels ride against to maintain constant height. One problem I see with the set up is when the apex of the wheel is down there is a very small footprint to span uneven pavement or to spread the load over soft spots on the ground.


But then I see the project more as an art form rather than a prototype for the worlds next best bicycle.

[Dollar Bill]

Yeah, perhaps I'm wrong but I don't see the world beating a path to their door to make this modification.