Mark's Infinity Project

No pictures yet, I just rolled into the driveway and had to update you.

The bike is what I thought it would be. It's a testament to how far recumbents have come.

Though I haven't gone over it with a fine tooth comb, yet, I can tell you there's a little more work than I thought. We're definitely in the worst case scenario category, mostly because it's been stored outside the last few years. That's OK... For what I have it, the repairs will be affordable and building the thing is half the fun!

The idler pulley appears to have sealed bearings, but they're rusted up. They can probably be replaced, but if not, then a Terracycle unit will work, maybe even a homebrew skatewheel job. The rear derailleur has some rust on it and is pretty low end, anyway. No issues, I have a better one. The front brake caliper is missing the pads, which is OK, because the rear brake is gone altogether! They're cheesy old school stamped brakes, anyway.... A nice set of dual pivot calipers will do nicely to increase stopping power.

The shifters are thumb shifters.... Cheap ones, to boot. I have a nice set of Shimano grip shifters that came off my Mountaintrack. They're 3x6, so just what the doctor ordered! I'm going to replace the cables and housings, too.

The seat is in good condition, but must be missing something in the back part, where it slides on the frame. I'm guessing there was some rubber strips bonded in the slider at one time... Something, because there's a lot of slop in that.

As I suspected, the tires and tubes are pretty much gone. No surprises, I expected that.

So.... I'm pleased. I'll get some pictures posted up tomorrow.

Mark

R42Pilot wrote:No pictures yet, I just rolled into the driveway and had to update you.

The bike is what I thought it would be. It's a testament to how far recumbents have come.

Though I haven't gone over it with a fine tooth comb, yet, I can tell you there's a little more work than I thought. We're definitely in the worst case scenario category, mostly because it's been stored outside the last few years. That's OK... For what I have it, the repairs will be affordable and building the thing is half the fun!

The idler pulley appears to have sealed bearings, but they're rusted up. They can probably be replaced, but if not, then a Terracycle unit will work, maybe even a homebrew skatewheel job. The rear derailleur has some rust on it and is pretty low end, anyway. No issues, I have a better one. The front brake caliper is missing the pads, which is OK, because the rear brake is gone altogether! They're cheesy old school stamped brakes, anyway.... A nice set of dual pivot calipers will do nicely to increase stopping power.

The shifters are thumb shifters.... Cheap ones, to boot. I have a nice set of Shimano grip shifters that came off my Mountaintrack. They're 3x6, so just what the doctor ordered! I'm going to replace the cables and housings, too.

The seat is in good condition, but must be missing something in the back part, where it slides on the frame. I'm guessing there was some rubber strips bonded in the slider at one time... Something, because there's a lot of slop in that.

As I suspected, the tires and tubes are pretty much gone. No surprises, I expected that.

So.... I'm pleased. I'll get some pictures posted up tomorrow.

Mark

Since you got some parts you can use and will have to by some new parts you should still be able to get a complete recumbent for a low price? If you get some rainfall days it might not take to long to finish? Since you have other ride able recumbents it doesn’t matter how much time you use to get it the way you see fit? I will be following your progress and it can be interesting to hear how it rides?

Peder

As promised, here are the "before" picture of the Infinity project. I don't know how quickly I want to complete this project. I mostly want it to be right. I was looking at it today and the rear brake may be a challenge. It looks like I might have to make a drop bolt ala Sheldon Brown, or have a adapter made. I realize this came with a U brake stock and I don't want to go that route, instead, taking a modernistic approach to a classic bike. I'm looking long and hard at the seat, too. I may get me an aftermarket hardshell seat like Actionbent sells, or one of the others. Not sure, yet.

Speaking of the seat; Racer, there is a lot of slop in the back of the seat where it slides on the rails. I'm thinking there should be some UHMW strips, or something, between the seat and the bike tubing to take up that slop. What does your bike have?

Anyway, here are the pics:

I'll take a photo of mine and post it tomorrow. The U brackets on mine are welded to the seat and are open on the bottom. Grenade pins pass under the seat stays to hold it in place.

So, is mine an older model... likely to break at the stays?

Mark

You know.... I've strayed out into the garage a few times and stared at it. The bike really is cool, especially for it's age.... The thing that strikes me is how friggin' large the seat is! Dude, I go 225 and have very broad shoulders and this lawn chair sucks me right up! Talk about a wind sail! I realize this bike was not meant to be a racer... Maybe even aimed at more of the touring market, but geez... This thing is way beyond ridiculous! I still think it's a pretty cool bike.

Mark

R42Pilot wrote:So, is mine an older model... likely to break at the stays?

Mark

Your's is newer than mine. There is a brace between the chain stays on yours where the kick stand is mounted. These were added afer mine was built. You also have a thin tube that runs from the bottom bracket to the chain stay. This was done fairly early on to counter flex created while pedaling, mine has this. Look at the bottom bracket. On some Infinities there is a date code along with the serial #. Mine is a 1984 and has no date code. I figured it out from a guy on the Yahoo board who has one that is a few numbers higher than mine but his does have a date. They switched from a 4 digit serial # (I think the first one was 1001) to a larger number later that had some other information, like color, coded into it.

R42Pilot wrote:You know.... I've strayed out into the garage a few times and stared at it. The bike really is cool, especially for it's age.... The thing that strikes me is how friggin' large the seat is! Dude, I go 225 and have very broad shoulders and this lawn chair sucks me right up! Talk about a wind sail! I realize this bike was not meant to be a racer... Maybe even aimed at more of the touring market, but geez... This thing is way beyond ridiculous! I still think it's a pretty cool bike.

Mark

That seat fits me quite well but I go quite a bit over 225.

My SN seems to be 310036A, though it's kind of hard to read.

You know, I applied for membership to the Yahoo group, but haven't heard anything back.

Mark

Racer... If you have the owner's e-mail address, would you send him an e-kick-in-the-nads and get him or her to approve my membership so I can peruse the stuff on there? I think I've been patient enough.

Mark

The owner is Russell Zech, he was riding the 24 hours of Sebring over the weekend. I'm guessing he's a little worn out.

I finally got accepted today. I felt like such an outsider there for a minute!

Mark

Seat Pix:








Bike turned upsidedown for ease of picture taking.

The small tube that runs from the bottom bracket to the left chainstay was added to keep the chainstays from cracking. Seems that the frame has enough flex that when pedaling the chain induced enough torque to bend the frame slightly at the chainstay with every pedal stroke. As I'm sure you know, aluminum doesn't like being bent repeatedly and will work harden and eventually break. It was determined that a brace was only needed on the left side as the chain itself kept the frame from bending the other way.

It’s a nice day and my day off so I’m going for a ride. I’ll catch up with you later.

Your seat definitely attaches different from mine. Mine just slides on the back and two grenade pins in the front. I'm going to fit some UHMW in between to take up some of the slop and protect the tubing. The previous (original?) rider had wrapped the tubes in tape to protect them. He/she seemed to have an affinity for electrical tape. I can't wait to clean it all off the bike and see how the original finish looks. I'm toying with the idea of having it powder coated.

I made a decision this morning. If I can get the tires to hold air, even for a little bit, I'm going to throw a bottom bracket and crank on it, lube up the chain and install some front brake pads. Then, I'm going to ride it around the block a time, or two, just to say I rode it before I break it down for overhaul.

Mark

I called Ace Tool & Engineering today and gave them my serial number. It turns out my bike was manufactured on my birthday, 10/07/91 and shipped 01/07/92 to it's first home in Austin Tx. It was a 12 speed, so it was originally equipped with a double.

Mark

IT LIVES!!!!!!! BWAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!! The $36 recumbent took to the streets tonight in God only knows how long. As soon as I got home from work, I put air in the tires and they HELD!! I quickly threw an old bottom bracket in and tossed on some Shimano 600 biopace cranks I had lying around. I put some brake shoes on the front, rerouted the cable, zip tied it to the top tube, a liberal dose of Tri-Flow to the rusty chain and VOILA!!!! I had to mess around with the front derailleur to get it working, but the back shifted just peachy. I ran it up and down the street and decided right away the seat was too close. I put it as far back as it would go and I was riding. Here's a couple pics and a short video as proof!





Mark

Is that a mob of angry villagers with torches and pitchforks I see behind you, Dr. Frankenstein? Semi-seriously, though, not bad for 36 bucks! I'm certain the tweaking has just begun... Keep us posted!

So far, I'm pretty impressed with how this thing is cleaning up. I had to do some straightening and adjusting of the front derailleur. It shifts just like a new one, now. The chain, after several liberal doses of Tri-flow and repeated wiping off of the excess, now seems serviceable with no frozen links. I removed what must have been half a roll of electrical tape from the frame and front fork, wiped her all down with simple green and polished the surface rust off the front fork. I've still got some cleaning to do on the wheels and then it will be time to spend money. I'll be needing tires and tubes right away. I've decided if I can't fine a suitable rear brake, I will bite the bullet and upgrade to some long reach dual pivot calipers.

Other than that, I think I'll just ride it as is for awhile to get a feel for if I really want to keep it. If and when I decide it's a permanent part of my fleet, I'll break it down for a complete overhaul. At that time, I'll repack everything, replace the chain, derailleurs and shifters. I will probably upgrade to a triple at the same time. It's a beautiful old bike. Used, perhaps neglected for several years, but seemingly not abused.

Mark

Mark,

This looks like it's going to be fun project. It might make a pretty cool single speed, ever thought of one of those?

Walt

Mark,

Just watched the video, forget the single speed huh??? BTW the siren in the background...they weren't coming to haul you away were they?

$36 can't beat that with a stick!!!

Walt

Actually..... I looked at that. It could actually be made into a fixed gear, but that would be a whole bunch of chain to keep tight!

I'm thinking if I keep it, it will be my touring bike. I have a Burley Nomad that would pull nicely behind it.

No, there were no guys in straight jackets. There is a fire house a few blocks away, it was probably me burning up the streets!

Mark

Mark,

Now that would make a great tourer. Doesn't look like you could be any more relaxed than that! I've never pulled a trailer, I'm not so sure I'd like that, too much room for me and you know the more room you have, the more sh#* you tend to take with you.

Walt

The Nomad pulls really nice. I have no qualms about towing it.

Mark

Thanks to some tips from Racer, I overhauled my steering and rearranged the cable bolts. The bike handles great. I'm amazed at how well this seventeen year old bike does. I believe this is an overlooked and underappreciated platform.

Mark