CIRCLE WITH A DOT

@kinetix You mean one brake handle for each wheel? I think the rear also has a locking option to use it as a parking brake. Could you make a picture of how the disc is mounted on one of the front wheels?

@kinetix It’s a cable V-brake (pads on the rim) in the rear and a double cable drum setup on the front, front and rear operated independently. Hydraulic would be ideal but might also be complicated and expensive. Just need to do research in what is out there today, haven’t driven this bike for at least 15 years. As these were build on order they are very rare. Later models did offer disc brakes but it was very expensive at the time.

@kinetix Stored dry and secure and with only high grade aluminium, stainless and titanium alloys, the bike itself is in good condition. The running gear is Shimano titanium, it only needs a clean up and lubrication, thankfully, as the titanium alloy chain is extremely expensive. In today’s money the bike would cost the equivalent of about 15,000 € today, of which a good chunk went to the chain alone. The later disc brake upgrade they offered would have put another 1,000 - 1,500 € on it.

@kinetix It was hand build over 30 years ago by a small Dutch bike factory, they used as much standard parts as possible on their bikes to minimise the need to make their own parts. The aluminium composite lightweight frame was completely hand build. The current drum brakes are not going to be sufficient, at the time I did reach higher speeds, specially downhill, but it was scary sometimes as the front brakes would heat up and slip while the V-brake on the back would lock.

@adamrice

@kinetix Possibly I could upgrade the drums, but I do want to use a powerful motor set up and the current brakes on the small wheels are not going to be safe. There’s suppliers for electric systems around that have a shop and they usually also sell other upgrade parts. I’ll do my research and see what is possible, but liquid operated disc brakes have my preference as it also cancels the need to tune the double cable set up to make left and right brake evenly.

@adamrice

I’m once again considering to restore and electrify my recumbent bike. It’s such a shame that it’s dusting away in my parents attic. The problem is though that I would need to upgrade it’s brakes to discs and with a 3 wheeler that’s not straight forward. I think it should be possible though.

#Cycling #RecumbentBike #RareBikes