Bicycle transformer adult. The perfect convertible bike that every family should have. Step #8: Bike Assembly: Chain

An unusual transforming bike, developed by Danish engineers, having appeared on the market, immediately attracted the attention of bike lovers with its widest possibilities: it is a cargo bike, a pleasure bike, and a baby stroller.

Engineers from Denmark have created a bike that, thanks to its widest functionality, has every chance of becoming the perfect family vehicle.

Firstly, Triobike is the perfect solution for parents who want to combine their morning fitness sessions with getting their kids to kindergarten. In the stroller, located between the front wheels of the tricycle, there are two places for children under 9 years old. The developers were especially concerned about safety, prudently equipping places for kids with seat belts.

According to the developers, Triobike, which is one of the lightest cargo bikes in the world, can also be used for transporting goods. The stroller can easily carry 80 kg of cargo.

Secondly, Triobike easily transforms from a bulky tricycle with a sidecar into the most ordinary bike. All you have to do is unplug the “cargo box” and put the spare tire underneath it where the front wheel is on a regular bike. Just a couple of minutes and you can recover on a bike ride.

While one parent is enjoying riding a mono bike, the other can use a Triobike stroller for walking with the kids or doing chores.

Bicycles have always been a special area for the application of design talents. A confirmation of that, which has already managed to gain popularity in the market.

Love for an active lifestyle cannot be taken away - any amateur cyclist and professional athlete will declare this. The desire to ride a bike, keep fit and have fun while riding is stronger than any circumstances: lack of storage space in the house, lack of funds to buy a folding model, and even the birth of a baby.

The transforming bike is designed specifically for outdoor enthusiasts. Those who do not understand life without a bike and appreciate, first of all, convenience and practicality, can safely choose a flexible fold. For young mothers and their child, a bicycle transformer with a stroller is the best fit. And lovers of crafting in their garage will be happy to read and learn how to make a bicycle transformer on their own.

Folding transformers, their advantages

The characteristic of a folding bike is a quick transformation from a full-size state to a folded one. The main folding joint is located on the frame - in fact, many simple models do just that.

Transformer bikes do not just fold along the frame. These are real robots that can fold up and down. The actual occupied dimensions are reduced by 3 times.

Transform nodes:

frame (at one or two points);
steering wheel;
system;
saddle.

The picture shows a Sorena folding bike. The frame is folded in such a way that the wheels are clearly adjacent to each other. Thanks to this, the bike can be easily placed in a canvas bag and transferred to public transport. Well, also return to full size.

Let's highlight some unusual models of folding transformers:
1. Locust (translated as "Locust"). "Three-wheeled" bike, two of which are designed to move, and the third is a fixed part of the frame. The entire bike is placed in this very wheel, due to which its dimensions are reduced by 3 times.

Locust in semi-folded and folded state

The development belongs to the designer Joseph Kadek, the project was first presented at the International Bicycle Exhibition in 2006. The distinctive features of this model are absolute compactness, cleanliness and stylish design.

2.Dubike is an elegant and practical invention by Polish designer David Fionik. This sophisticated bike is as light as a feather at first glance and quickly folds in half lengthwise and across.

When folded, it will be thicker than the Locust, so it is better to prepare an extensive backpack for carrying it. However, the design can be carried in this way: it is light and absolutely safe.

3. Many models repeat each other, although they are embodied in the world by different design approaches. But here's a bike that can be disassembled on the spot and assembled into a solid structure in 5 minutes without the help of tools is unlikely to be so common. The Urban Bicycle is one of those.

Disassembled Urban Bicycle

The whole structure is connected mobile modules, which allows you to compactly fold the frame and remove the fork, system and saddle from it.

Still, such a bike would not be a very good solution for short-term transportation on the subway. But it will justify itself in long-term storage and transportation by train. Even an additional ticket is not required - the whole bike will fit into a travel bag.

Hybrid bicycle and pram

The constant routine after the birth of a child quickly tires. This especially affects mothers who in the recent past led an active lifestyle, in particular, rode bicycles.

Having a small child, you rarely run over an ordinary bike, and even more so together with the whole family. Just for such cases, special hybrids of prams with a bicycle mechanism, or family bicycles, were developed. We note right away that it will not work to drive on such a design: firstly, a child is sitting in a stroller, and secondly, such a bicycle transformer is not very maneuverable. But nature walks on flat roads, rides along embankments and parks are the right path for this transforming bike.

The design of the bicycle stroller is an ordinary baby cradle with a frame attached to it. Directly on the stroller is a steering wheel with brakes on the front wheels. For the reverse transformation, it is enough to separate the stroller and the frame. Here is such an interesting transformer!

There are several modifications of family bikes:

single;
double;
with a special seat for newborns;
covered.

Single and double modifications of family bicycles Taga Bike

The Salamander City model is more like a motorcycle. An adult can fit in the cradle of this family.

Passenger bike Salamander City

Child seats are equipped with seat belts or restraint rails. Benefits of wheelchairs:

the opportunity to lead an active lifestyle;
sports form support;
exciting rides for a child: it is much more interesting to watch the world from a bicycle than from an ordinary stroller;
convenience: both a bicycle and a baby carriage.

Note that a bicycle stroller is an environmentally friendly and safe solution for going out into nature with a child. The car, as you know, accelerates, besides, there is a risk of getting into an accident, and with a baby it is doubly scary. The bike-transformer allows you to avoid all this and fully enjoy the road!

We make a transformer with our own hands

Fans of inventing fundamentally new models and generally doing something with their own hands are probably interested in the question, is it possible to create a bicycle transformer yourself? It turns out that this is quite real, however, you will have to spend more than one or two days on it.

We will invent a semi-folding bike. Such a bike has two positions: lower, like a chopper, and upper vertical. The restructuring occurs in motion due to the effort on the pedals and the work of the air shock absorber.

What we need:

tools for removing and mounting attachments;
gas shock absorber;
2 steel pipes of round and one square section (extensions);
welding machine;
Bulgarian;
shock absorber kit.

This is the finished transformer.

1. At the first, remove all components from the bike, take out the handlebar, saddle and rear shock absorber. The fork is completely separated from the frame.

2.Cut off the rear triangle behind the carriage and clean up the area for welding the extension.

3. Lengthening the back. We prepare a square pipe (length 27 cm) and weld it to the carriage and the cut off part on the other side. We get this result:

4. Fork extension. We cut off the upper part of the fork, then weld two steel pipes (length 60 cm) of circular cross section to it. Then we weld the rest of the original fork. The frame will be raised high, this is the top position. Tilt the fork forward to provide a low position. We get:

5. Installation of gas shock absorbers. For this type of construction, shock absorbers with a compression distance of at least 40 cm are suitable. For example, you can put air vents 51 cm long in a compressed state and 94 cm in an expanded state.

6. The upper part of the shock absorber is mounted in the center of the frame triangle. To install the tube on the frame, a 6 mm steel tube is welded with a 8 mm connecting nut. The lower part is fixed to the plate, which in turn is installed at the junction of the feathers with bolts.

7.Chain. Since the design has increased significantly, a longer chain will be needed. To do this, we buy a new mountain bike chain and connect it to the old one. Remove extra links if necessary.

8. The last stage is the installation of components. The carriage and the system are mounted using pullers. It will be necessary to install elongated cables and shirts on the brakes, the same applies to the speed switches.

The rearrangement of the bicycle from one position to another occurs due to the force on the shock absorber. In a compressed state, it will be an analogue of a chopper (populezh landing), and in an unclenched state, it will be a “scissor bike” with an overestimated fit.

Conclusion

Transformer bikes are a good solution for those who appreciate the compactness and mobility of their bike. These can be folding models, “dancing” bicycles with gas shock absorbers and wheelchairs for safe movement with children. Although transformers do not claim any sports ranks, in everyday life they compete with full-size models.

In your new project I want to show how from a regular bike you can do it yourself build something extraordinary. The bike will easily transform while riding from a regular bike to a bike with a high handlebar and seat (and vice versa)!

The transforming bike is made of a full-suspension mountain bike and a set of gas shock absorbers. The spring on the mountain bike was removed to allow the bike to spin freely; the fork and rear triangle of the bike have been lengthened. The gas shocks expand when the bike is in a high position and compress when it returns to a low position.

The general steps for building this type of bike are described below. Special materials and their dimensions will vary depending on the materials available, the type of bike and the body type of the rider.

Step #1: Remove the components from the bike

Bicycle components are removed before cutting and welding.
The connecting rod is removed using a special puller.
For other parts of the structure, standard tools are used (cutters, adjustable wrench, socket / hex keys).
The shock absorbers also need to be removed from the fork.

Step #2: Cutting the Bike

The bike is cut behind the bottom bracket. Use a whetstone to clean up the cut points before welding on the extension piece.

Step #3: Extending the Back Triangle

To lengthen the rear triangle, you can use a piece of square steel pipe about 27 cm long.

Step #4: Fork Extension

To extend the fork, I used two pieces of steel pipe 60 cm long.

Step #5: Which gas shocks to use?

The distances between potential mounting points on the bike were initially measured to calculate the possible expansion and contraction lengths for gas shock absorbers. The wheels and seat have been remounted to make the measurement process easier, and the cranks and pedals have also been remounted to ensure they won't make contact with the shocks in any position.
Next, gas shock absorbers were used, the length of which in the expanded state is 94 cm, and in the compressed state 51 cm.

Step #6: How Much Damping Force Do Gas Shocks Use?

The gas shock absorbers used on the bike use a force of 41 kg. With a cyclist weighing 55 kg, the total depreciation force will be at the level of 66%. This is great when riding slowly, but when riding fast over small bumps and potholes in the road, it will compress the bike a little. Locking shock absorbers or higher damping force can help with this problem.

Step #7: Installing the Gas Springs

The upper end of the gas shock absorbers is attached to the center of the triangular part of the bicycle frame near the seat. Gas shock absorbers are supplied with metal flare fittings and 8mm threaded ball studs. An 8mm union nut is welded onto a 6mm diameter steel tube to fit into the triangle, and the resulting structure is then welded to the bike.
The lower end of the gas shock absorbers is attached to a similar steel plate, which is attached to the bike's rear frame mounting holes with screws.

Step #8: Bike Assembly: Chain

The derailleurs were not set back so the bike only has one speed. The rear derailleur was used as a chain tensioner and a small piece of wire was used to lock it in place. Two new chains were connected together to make one big chain.

Step #9: Bike Assembly: Brakes

I used new 2 meter brake cables; the rear cable used existing cable deflectors and tie-downs to hold it in place. The front brake cable used a single tie to hold it in place.

Step #10: Finishing the Project

The bike has been cleaned and repainted; the bike trial pedal was installed on the left side as a step to get on the bike comfortably.

Now you can hit the road on an unusual transforming bike!

The stroller bike transformer Zigo Leader X2 Carrier Bicycle is designed to make life easier for moms and dads. Zigo Leader bike transformer, which has several transformations. Zigo is offered as a vehicle for parents with twins or with one child. In Russia, bicycle transformers are not very common, and transformers for twins are even less common. We will be glad to introduce you to an unfamiliar miracle of technology - using an interesting thing as an example.

So, meet the Zigo baby carriage transformer bike.

Briefly about the creation of a bicycle transformer

The american team of engineers and designers from Zigo, Inc. created the transformer bike stroller. is a dba (doing business as) of SOMA Cycle, Inc.. They bill their Zigo Leader product as "the first transportation system driven by the power of dad or mom." A very controversial statement. However, it came to the release of serial production. The first presentation of Zigo in the form of a transformer stroller bike was received in September 2007 in Las Vegas at the international exhibition Interbike. And the company Zigo has established production in Taiwan.

The main focus of Zigo's design is placing the children in front of the parent. This emphasizes the importance of children for their parents and improves the ability to communicate with them. The creators of the transformer bike stroller clearly do not like trailers. The front location of the transformer stroller provides maximum control of the situation and safety of movement.

Characteristics of the Zigo Leader transformer bike stroller and the materials from which it is made

The Zigo Leader convertible stroller uses 20-inch bicycle wheels with built-in internal drum-type brakes. The stroller has 8" folding wheels at the front. The original LeaderLink system connects the control to the brakes, so that the connection does not interfere with the transformation of the stroller into a transformer bike.

The frames of the bike and the stroller are made of strong aluminum alloy. The bike has a 9-speed gearshift. The material for the stroller is durable and water-repellent - Cordura. Protection from bad weather and ultraviolet rays entrusted to special vinyl and mesh coatings. There is protection from insects and rain in the form of a grid.

The weight of the parent - the driver of the bicycle is up to 90 kg, the passengers of the children are up to 36 kg. Only it is not clear whether the two are together, or each separately. However, users experimented. They put children with a total weight of up to 45 kg into a bicycle carriage and nothing bad happened. Child safety is ensured by five-point seat belts that can be set according to the height of the child. There is a front bumper just in case, so that there is something to meet an obstacle. The maximum assembled length is 224 cm, the weight of the bike without sidecar is 15.5 kg. Separately, the stroller has a width of 80 cm, a length of 107 cm and a weight of 18.6 kg.

Stroller bicycle transformer - technical features and configurations

The first transformation of a transformer bicycle stroller, it is also a full view - it is a bicycle stroller in the form of an adult tricycle with twin front wheels, between which a carriage-carriage for two or one child is attached.
The second transformation is a bicycle transformer baby stroller for twins with two rear bicycle and two front small wheels. Great for leisurely walks.
The third is a children's bicycle carriage, only on three bicycle wheels. It is positioned as a stroller for an active lifestyle, for example, for jogging.
The fourth is just an adult urban two-wheeled bicycle.
Fifth, she is the last, Zigo transformation - a bicycle trailer for two children, she is just a bicycle trailer. It is attached to the back of the bike with a special holding device.

We figured out the number of transformations. Now, to understand how this is possible, you need to remember that the stroller bike transformer Zigo Leader X2 Carrier Bicycle consists of only two main elements: a bicycle for adults, which is called Zigo Cycle and a baby stroller for twins (originally two children) called Zigo ChildPod. According to the manufacturers, the entire transformation process takes only 30 seconds. For an inexperienced user, this can take up to 5 minutes. As you get better at it, things will get faster.

Zigo manufacturers also claim that their transformer bike stroller can be used separately as a two-wheeled bike and as a pram for two children. Moreover, the stroller can be made a trailer for this bike. Here is an interesting puzzle for an inquisitive mind. If the bicycle is two-wheeled, the stroller also has two bicycle wheels, then the bicycle and stroller require 4 bicycle wheels, and only three of these wheels are included in the kit. Attention to the question - where does the fourth wheel come from? The answer is given on the manufacturer's website, there is a video posted where there is a magical appearance of the missing wheel. Obviously, in ordinary life, magic over a bicycle and a transformer and a baby carriage must be done at home before the trip, otherwise extra spare parts will remain on the road that have nowhere to go.

Stroller bicycle transformer - reviews and experience of use

Let's talk about the experience of using the Zigo transformer bike stroller. Abroad, this transformer, like any velotransformers in general, is a fashionable trend. There is a thriving fashion for environmental friendliness, multifunctionality, an active lifestyle and beautiful design. It is not yet necessary to talk about the wide distribution of bicycle transformers. The same one is much more common and looks more familiar. And it is quite difficult to find reviews about transformer bikes, but they are.

The reviews are mostly positive, so much so that manufacturers have arranged a streaming small production and release modifications of the transformer stroller bike for two and one child separately with different models. In addition, they offer their Zigo Cycle bikes and Zigo ChildPod pram, also separately. Moreover, the stroller is in two types at once - a stroller, and for an active life, for example, for jogging or in the form of a trailer for a bicycle. In general, the company is doing well. They found their niche with Zigo.

Users note that Zigo, as a transformer bike stroller, is more like a human-powered car. You can easily carry yourself and two or at least one child on it, but not for long. Then the legs begin to hurt, because this is a serious burden for them. For those who want to lose weight, the most optimal thing: I took the children for a walk, and I myself lost weight or gained strength (if there is nowhere to lose weight)).

In appearance in the main, full, transformation, the Zigo transformer bike stroller looks large and impressive, it seems bulky. The transformer is really big and the turning radius is about 3 meters. So just take it and turn around in the park alley will not work. To do this, you need to get off the bike, lift the part to which the stroller is attached to the bike and turn it around. At the same time, it is necessary to hold the saddle of the bicycle, otherwise the stroller loaded with children can overturn the entire structure.

Users note that a place for a turn is needed like a car, and on the road a bike stroller transformer takes up space like a car. Therefore, comparing it with a vehicle is more than correct. However, people do not complain about the cumbersome design. The same situation develops with its closest competitor - a bicycle transformer. We even have a separate article about him. You can watch out of interest.

About the possibility of riding a Zigo, in the transformation of a bicycle stroller, only on flat roads is not specifically noted, since in America and Europe this is understood by default. Everyone marks the passage of curbs. They become a major obstacle. Even without children, with an empty stroller, it is not easy to get on them, you have to get down and lift them up. And even more so with children, you have to act as if you were turning around - lift and hold.

The use of a transformer bicycle stroller in the mode with three bicycle wheels is noted by lovers of running without leaving the baby. They are glad that even on a walk the baby is always with them. In addition, this option is interesting for cyclists, as a bicycle trailer, where you can place not only children, but also other payloads.

The stroller is assembled and transformed into a bike transformer really quickly. Zigo manufacturers did not deceive. The bicycle transformer in the assembled compact form is placed in the trunk of an average passenger car. People try to do all the transformations in advance at home, or at the car. One of the reasons we have already mentioned is the phenomenon of the magic wheel.

In general, people are satisfied with Zigo, but the transformer bike stroller is not very popular.

Bicycle transformer baby stroller Zigo in Russia

The first thing you need to pay attention to is that there are very few bicycle transformers in Russia. Transformer stroller bikes look even for Europe and America is not yet usual. And in Russia, they simply attract everyone's attention with their appearance. Such attention is not always helpful. People perceive Zigo as an attraction for transporting their children. And the little ones will fight for the right to ride in a stroller. It just sometimes causes the same reaction in adults and kids.

The second is the price, a transformer bicycle stroller can be purchased from $ 1300, which, to put it mildly, is a bit much. You can only buy Zigo online. Feel live, really only in Moscow. However, there are people who have already bought a bike transformer and use it successfully. Their thoughts about the use of a transformer stroller bike coincide with the opinion of foreign users.

It should be noted that there are still few good roads in our country, so Zigo will have problems with avoiding potholes. Not everyone is easy to get around. Not every road you decide to go with your children in principle.

Toddlers really like to ride in the Zigo transformer bike stroller. Parents say - you can’t pull it by the ears. But to collect a lot of things on a hike with the same children and put them in Zigo, it just won’t work. There are many small pockets, but there are no large capacious ones. And yet, you can’t drive fast on such a device, only 8 km / h when turning.

TOTAL: Now for us any stroller bicycle transformer is exotic. Just as before, child bike seats were a rarity, which have now become almost the norm in the life of lovers of cycling with small children. Therefore, let's hope and look closely. What if transformer bikes have a bright future?

Many young moms and dads are accustomed to a socially active lifestyle, as well as outdoor activities with a bike, skateboard or roller skates. But with the advent of a child in the family, they begin to realize that they will not be able to live as before.

Actually, for such parents, the Taga corporation offered an original way to solve this problem. This is a unique design - a bicycle-transforming stroller "Taga Bike / Stroller". This design is a unique structure, it can serve both as a vehicle for dads or moms, and as a stroller for a baby.

This is an absolutely safe means of transportation that even those who do not ride a regular bike can master.

What will an unusual stroller or transforming bike "Taga Bike" give you?

If you are super active and after childbirth do not plan to stay at home with your child all day, but to go to nature, walk and even ride a bike, then in the initial period for you such a stroller - the Taga Bike bike transformer will be an indispensable friend! When the child is still small, it is too early to put him in a children's bicycle seat. But if he rides with his dad or mom in a stroller, which is located in front of the bike, then it will be very convenient and comfortable and, most importantly, informative. If you follow all the basic safety measures, then turn such walks into an unusually pleasant pastime with your baby.

And while you pedal hard on a tricycle, your child sits and rejoices in a special chair in front, spends time outdoors, looks around or sleeps. As you have already figured out, this wheelchair helps, if necessary, to lose extra pounds, thereby helping you lose weight after childbirth to the optimal size. In addition, such a ride on such a bike is a great exercise for the body.

Among other positive qualities, this Taga wheelchair will turn all your walks in clean and fresh air into an exciting and unconventional journey. You will instantly feel the difference, and at the same time you will compare - as if walking with an ordinary stroller. Moreover, this transport is environmentally friendly in every respect, which means that the term "keep up with the times" applies to you, thereby you are fighting against environmental pollution.

From stroller to bike and back in just 20 seconds

In the case when you have to stop by a supermarket on your way home or you want to have a bite to eat in a cafe, you just need to unfasten the latches and you will have a full-fledged baby stroller. The creators claim that it takes only 20 seconds to modify the transport and voila!

The Taga Bike design itself, when assembled, has a very compact size, thanks to which it fits easily in the trunk of a car.

Video how to turn a bicycle into a stroller in 20 seconds

Varieties of Taga Bike bike transformer models

The developers did their best! They made not only a transforming bike, for the convenience of movement of parents with a child, but also took care of various other situations. For example, while your child is still a baby, he can walk and ride with you on this bike in a specially designed seat for newborns, and if he is already sitting confidently, then you can transfer to a larger seat. If a second child is born in your family, then you can use the model of this bicycle stroller, which is designed for two - then the chairs for children are placed one after another.

However, this is not the limit of the advantages of this stroller. Taga specialists installed a convenient and, most importantly, very necessary basket with a roof for their bike transformer, in which two babies can be accommodated. Sitting across from each other, kids will chat while dad or mom pedal.

In addition to the bike, you can design a shopping basket, if you are traveling without children, you can carry various heavy goods or food in it. The photo below shows various models of the Taga Bike bike transformer.

How much does it cost and where to buy?

This unusual sidecar, according to the official website in September 2012, cost $1195 US dollars. This is only the classic version - a bicycle stroller, which has only one seat for a child. But it will be enough for many dads and moms.

You can also purchase a basket with a roof for $471, a shopping basket for $171, a second baby seat for $163, a car carrier for $71 (yes, this stroller can also be used as a child seat in a car).

Available in 4 colors - green, blue, red and orange. All colors evoke sympathy for themselves. If you want to buy such a bicycle stroller, you can do it on the official website (tagabikes.com). True, international delivery will cost a tidy sum, which will be 30-70% of the cost of the transformer itself. Delivery in Canada and the USA is free (classic modification without accessories), for this reason, if you have friends or relatives who could send this stroller to Ukraine, Russia or other countries cheaper - by all means take advantage of this opportunity!

Bicycle technical data:

In the "deployed" form, "Taga" is like a tricycle bike with a length of 165 cm.
In the stroller configuration - 120 cm;
width - 73 cm;
height - 102 cm;
weight - 20-29 kg based on the configuration;
the frame is made of aluminum;
wheel diameters 16 inches;
has three speeds (Shimano Nexus Inter-3),
The front brakes are disc and the rear are roller (Shimano Nexus).

When folded, the stroller will easily fit in the trunk of a car.