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    <title>Russian trikes forum</title>
    <link>http://www.velovision.co.uk/forum-new/list.php?6</link>
    <description><![CDATA[A forum for owners of, and anyone interested in, recumbent trikes made in Russia, including machines from AS Engineering, Berkut, trikes.ru etc. Intended as a place for knowledge exchange, spares and repair support as well as simply swapping notes.  ]]></description>
    <language>EN</language>
    <pubDate>Fri, 16 Jul 2010 22:38:34 +0100</pubDate>
    <lastBuildDate>Fri, 16 Jul 2010 22:38:34 +0100</lastBuildDate>
    <category>Russian trikes forum</category>
    <generator>Phorum 5.1.12</generator>
    <ttl>600</ttl>
    <item>
      <title>Re: Resurrected!</title>
      <link>http://www.velovision.co.uk/forum-new/read.php?6,7550,7842#msg-7842</link>
      <author>enak</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Thanks Peter,

The seat mount was as it came to me.  Frame is anodised I believe.

Kane]]></description>
      <category>Russian trikes forum</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.velovision.co.uk/forum-new/read.php?6,7550,7842#msg-7842</guid>
      <pubDate>Fri, 16 Jul 2010 22:38:34 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: Resurrected!</title>
      <link>http://www.velovision.co.uk/forum-new/read.php?6,7550,7560#msg-7560</link>
      <author>peter</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Cool!

Unpainted? Or clearcoat?

From the shape of e.g. the handlebar mount and other details it looks to be of a very similar generation to mine.  

Like the braided hoses...

Is the seat mount your own design?

Cheers!

Peter]]></description>
      <category>Russian trikes forum</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.velovision.co.uk/forum-new/read.php?6,7550,7560#msg-7560</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon,  7 Jun 2010 09:11:28 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Resurrected!</title>
      <link>http://www.velovision.co.uk/forum-new/read.php?6,7550,7550#msg-7550</link>
      <author>enak</author>
      <description><![CDATA[I've finally got the trike out of the garage and dusted it off!

Brakes need an overhaul as both the rear and lefthand are dragging a lot.

Here are some pictures!

[img]http://www.kaneaston.co.uk/zenit/zenit01.jpg[/img]
[img]http://www.kaneaston.co.uk/zenit/zenit02.jpg[/img]
[img]http://www.kaneaston.co.uk/zenit/zenit03.jpg[/img]
[img]http://www.kaneaston.co.uk/zenit/zenit04.jpg[/img]
[img]http://www.kaneaston.co.uk/zenit/zenit05.jpg[/img]
[img]http://www.kaneaston.co.uk/zenit/zenit06.jpg[/img]
[img]http://www.kaneaston.co.uk/zenit/zenit07.jpg[/img]
[img]http://www.kaneaston.co.uk/zenit/zenit08.jpg[/img]
[img]http://www.kaneaston.co.uk/zenit/zenit09.jpg[/img]
[img]http://www.kaneaston.co.uk/zenit/zenit10.jpg[/img]
[img]http://www.kaneaston.co.uk/zenit/zenit11.jpg[/img]
[img]http://www.kaneaston.co.uk/zenit/zenit12.jpg[/img]
[img]http://www.kaneaston.co.uk/zenit/zenit13.jpg[/img]
[img]http://www.kaneaston.co.uk/zenit/zenit14.jpg[/img]
[img]http://www.kaneaston.co.uk/zenit/zenit15.jpg[/img]
[img]http://www.kaneaston.co.uk/zenit/zenit16.jpg[/img]
[img]http://www.kaneaston.co.uk/zenit/zenit17.jpg[/img]
[img]http://www.kaneaston.co.uk/zenit/zenit18.jpg[/img]
[img]http://www.kaneaston.co.uk/zenit/zenit19.jpg[/img]
[img]http://www.kaneaston.co.uk/zenit/zenit20.jpg[/img]
[img]http://www.kaneaston.co.uk/zenit/zenit21.jpg[/img]
[img]http://www.kaneaston.co.uk/zenit/zenit22.jpg[/img]
[img]http://www.kaneaston.co.uk/zenit/zenit23.jpg[/img]
[img]http://www.kaneaston.co.uk/zenit/zenit24.jpg[/img]
[img]http://www.kaneaston.co.uk/zenit/zenit25.jpg[/img]
[img]http://www.kaneaston.co.uk/zenit/zenit26.jpg[/img]]]></description>
      <category>Russian trikes forum</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.velovision.co.uk/forum-new/read.php?6,7550,7550#msg-7550</guid>
      <pubDate>Sun,  6 Jun 2010 20:27:55 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Off the road for a while...</title>
      <link>http://www.velovision.co.uk/forum-new/read.php?6,7477,7477#msg-7477</link>
      <author>peter</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Well, the breakage fix described in my last post

http://www.velovision.co.uk/forum-new/read.php?6,6313,6388

seemed to go OK, but after a brief ride I checked the rear end again and noticed that the whole rear block was now splitting in two, with corrosion running along a crack right back into the main frame tube. Decided it was best to concede defeat for now and have taken it off the road - in fact it's gone up into our loft until I can get a proper chance to do some serious work on it (might be a while with the launch of Electric Bike magazine)... I'll probably have to get the whole rear block out then make a new one. 

Meanwhile as requested some time ago by the other Peter here's a pic of the ratchet I machined to get it on the road when I first got it back:

[img]http://www.velovision.co.uk/storyimages/2010/ratchet1.jpg[/img]

You can see some wear already - it's just unhardened stainless steel. 

[img]http://www.velovision.co.uk/storyimages/2010/ratchet2.jpg[/img]

And this from the other side of the trike is what a proper hardened original one should look like:]]></description>
      <category>Russian trikes forum</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.velovision.co.uk/forum-new/read.php?6,7477,7477#msg-7477</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 27 May 2010 14:52:10 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: Aargh - broke my trike!</title>
      <link>http://www.velovision.co.uk/forum-new/read.php?6,6313,6388#msg-6388</link>
      <author>Peter B.</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Ingenious repair method and very nice work, Peter.

I'll be curious to know how it holds up.

Peter B.

-----]]></description>
      <category>Russian trikes forum</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.velovision.co.uk/forum-new/read.php?6,6313,6388#msg-6388</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue, 16 Feb 2010 17:40:03 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: Aargh - broke my trike!</title>
      <link>http://www.velovision.co.uk/forum-new/read.php?6,6313,6360#msg-6360</link>
      <author>peter</author>
      <description><![CDATA[John - good idea - alas no space!

Hi Peter - on mine the rear block is not welded to the frame - it slides inside the main rectangular frame and is secured with titanium screws and (I think) glue. Some former owner seems to have tried to remove it - the screw heads are quite mangled. You can see one on the last pic below... and as you'll see there's so much corrosion I'd certainly suggest that as the main cause. No idea on total miles - I probably put a few thousand on it at least, then it seems to have been used hard when out of my hands...

Anyway, just fixed it for now...

Propped the trike up on a Workmate, removed the rear shock and pivoted the swingarm up to reveal the damage:

[img]http://www.velovision.co.uk/storyimages/2010/fix/fix01.jpg[/img]

Closer up you can see the steel bushing has been pulled right up through the plate. The white powdery stuff is corroded aluminium - the edges where it cracked off were covered in it, and 'veins' seem to run back each side of the broken out area. These seem to have 'spread' the whole block - at the rear end (where it broke) it's about 2 mm wider than where it fits into the frame. Nasty stuff corrosion - as aluminium oxide is greater in volume than the normal alloy it can burst stuff apart :-(

[img]http://www.velovision.co.uk/storyimages/2010/fix/fix02.jpg[/img]

I've now knocked out the steel bushing and filed away some of the worst of the corrosion. It was quite bad on the underside too - and you can see where it's eaten away at the rib to the left on this pic. I basically filed the underside back to flat, or close to it. Plan is to fit a bit of 10mm alloy plate in to support the bushing - I'm hoping there will be enough strength left in the original to hold it.

[img]http://www.velovision.co.uk/storyimages/2010/fix/fix03.jpg[/img]

Finished the plate - the big bevels on each side are to clear the nice stress-relieving radiuses which the Russians used when they machined out the gap where it's to fit. The stainless steel bushing which forms part of the suspension unit's 'ball joint' is still in almost perfect shape after a quick clean.  

[img]http://www.velovision.co.uk/storyimages/2010/fix/fix04.jpg[/img]

Test fit. I was thinking about cross-drilling the whole thing and putting an M5 or M6 stainless bolt through it to counteract any further 'spread' of the rear end - loads from the new plate could tend to lead to this. But the bolt couldn't be very far back (because of the steel bushing) so it probably wouldn't have much effect anyway, so I decided to omit it.  

[img]http://www.velovision.co.uk/storyimages/2010/fix/fix05.jpg[/img]

Finally slathered everything with extremely copious grease to try to prevent further corrosion, and did the shock bolt up. 

[img]http://www.velovision.co.uk/storyimages/2010/fix/fix06.jpg[/img]

Seems OK after a test sit, but time will tell...]]></description>
      <category>Russian trikes forum</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.velovision.co.uk/forum-new/read.php?6,6313,6360#msg-6360</guid>
      <pubDate>Sat, 13 Feb 2010 17:40:43 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: Aargh - broke my trike!</title>
      <link>http://www.velovision.co.uk/forum-new/read.php?6,6313,6359#msg-6359</link>
      <author>Peter B.</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Peter:

Is the broken bit integral with the main frame?  (It's hard to tell from the photo or a quick glance at my Zenit, which I know has a different rear arm design.)

Further thoughts on how to go about the repair?

I wonder if you can make any sort of wild guesstimate how many miles/km are on your S-327.  Could aluminum fatigue have anything to do with the failure or are you convinced it was corrosion?

--

Here, snow, cold and 'reluctance' still prevail, but another calendar month should make a difference, both in the weather and my outlook.

Have it good.

Peter B.

-----]]></description>
      <category>Russian trikes forum</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.velovision.co.uk/forum-new/read.php?6,6313,6359#msg-6359</guid>
      <pubDate>Sat, 13 Feb 2010 14:45:20 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: Aargh - broke my trike!</title>
      <link>http://www.velovision.co.uk/forum-new/read.php?6,6313,6354#msg-6354</link>
      <author>John Turvey</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Thats why you need extra trikes - I only have one of my trikes on the road at the moment - must fix at least one on the other two so I have a spare ready to go.

John Turvey]]></description>
      <category>Russian trikes forum</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.velovision.co.uk/forum-new/read.php?6,6313,6354#msg-6354</guid>
      <pubDate>Fri, 12 Feb 2010 21:03:55 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Aargh - broke my trike!</title>
      <link>http://www.velovision.co.uk/forum-new/read.php?6,6313,6313#msg-6313</link>
      <author>peter</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Not had a particularly lucky time on three wheels recently...

A couple of weeks ago took the S-327 out on a weekend for a gentle ride - and the rear tyre (Schwalbe Marathon) had a bead wire failure - 2 mile walk home. 

Yesterday was out again with a group of friends and a mile or so from home I went over a bump a bit faster than I should have - there was a sickening crack and the rear wheel was rubbing up against the seat. Rear suspension had given way - the titanium bolt which supports the rubber 'shock' had pulled right through the aluminium block at the back of the frame:

[img]http://www.velovision.com/storyimages/2010/broken.jpg[/img]

Walked home :-(

Looking at the fragments I think it had corroded quite badly over the years, so that bump was just the final straw...

It's not _quite_ as bad as I feared - it looks like I may be able to salvage matters by making a plate to fit over where it's broken through. Other options are maybe having it welded up then re-machining, or as a last resort making at entire block anew from a large lump of aluminium.]]></description>
      <category>Russian trikes forum</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.velovision.co.uk/forum-new/read.php?6,6313,6313#msg-6313</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon,  8 Feb 2010 11:41:34 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: Quick fixes and first snowy commute!</title>
      <link>http://www.velovision.co.uk/forum-new/read.php?6,6136,6200#msg-6200</link>
      <author>peter</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Hi Peter,

Thanks for the kind words! Don't have to be that brave - we get pretty tame snow here, and the cars etc keep the main roads pretty clear. 

Seat clamps are still good - rock solid... but as pictured above I'm not sure of the aesthetics. Might see if I can come up with a design which fits within the width of the straps - would look neater...

Re drive ratchet: this isn't like the standard one which screws on to the end of the original drive shaft. Because I'd made a replacement drive shaft too (years ago), I decided it would be easier to make it a 'screw in' rather than 'screw on' design. So the ratchet wheel has an M10 thread which screws into the drive shaft. 

So I take some 1&quot; round rod, turn about an inch long down to 10 mm, and cut the threads. Part/saw off leaving about 15mm at 1&quot; diameter, and tidy up the face holding the 10mm section in a collet. Transfer to a spin indexer in the mill and cut a hex head (so it can eventually be removed with a spanner). Then set the cutter so its edge is over the centre line of the ratchet wheel and cut the 12 flats for the ratchet... deburr and you're done. Sorry about mixed units...

I did feel a bit guilty not taking pictures but was in a serious rush to get it done in a day. I'll take some when I disassemble once the snow's gone - it's starting to thaw a bit now. Rarely sits for more than a few days here, hence all the fuss about this year's slightly more persistent snow... 

Not touched the handlebar clamp yet - that's a bigger project than I've had time for. I'm just hoping it'll last out a few more days - the crack doesn't seem to have grown so far.]]></description>
      <category>Russian trikes forum</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.velovision.co.uk/forum-new/read.php?6,6136,6200#msg-6200</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 11 Jan 2010 17:52:22 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: Quick fixes and first snowy commute!</title>
      <link>http://www.velovision.co.uk/forum-new/read.php?6,6136,6199#msg-6199</link>
      <author>Peter B.</author>
      <description><![CDATA[You have a good deal more pluck than I, Mr. Eland.

Here, there has been much snow, temps have not wanted to climb above the lower 20's (F*) and I haven't attempted a ride since early December (before our first snowstorm).

A warm-up is predicted for later this week, and I hope to take my Sidewinder out for a spin... but I'm yet feeling too protective of the Zenit to subject it to the elements.

How are the new seat clamps working out for you?  (In time, I may order a pair from you, though I may instead try to improvise a different seat.)

I wonder what was involved in fabricating the replacement drive ratchet... if you would, a brief step by step would be of interest.

Have you repaired/replaced the handlebar clamp yet?

--

I also wonder if we will ever have 'company' on this forum.  It would be a real treat if some other Russian trike owners would find their way here.

Congrats on getting the S-327 roadworthy again...

Regards,

Peter B.

-----]]></description>
      <category>Russian trikes forum</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.velovision.co.uk/forum-new/read.php?6,6136,6199#msg-6199</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 11 Jan 2010 17:02:57 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Quick fixes and first snowy commute!</title>
      <link>http://www.velovision.co.uk/forum-new/read.php?6,6136,6136#msg-6136</link>
      <author>peter</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Wimped out of cycling the five miles to work yesterday (Tues) following a big fall of snow here around York the night before. Instead I decided to stay home and fix my trike to riding condition - with the cold weather set to last at least a week it seemed worth taking the time now for safer commuting later. 

First finished off the two seat clamps as described here:

http://www.velovision.co.uk/forum-new/read.php?6,5969

I slightly changed the design to make it easier to make, but basically same idea:

[img]http://www.velovision.com/storyimages/2010/snowtrike/02.jpg[/img]

Reverse view. I also disassembled, cleaned and greased the rear shock:

[img]http://www.velovision.com/storyimages/2010/snowtrike/02a.jpg[/img]

Fitted this light mount which I'd made earlier for another machine:

[img]http://www.velovision.com/storyimages/2010/snowtrike/03.jpg[/img]

Also:
- Made a new drive ratchet for the left front wheel - just in non-hardened stainless steel as that was the best material I had - will eventually re-do in hardened silver steel.
- Completely stripped and cleaned front brakes, and re-filled hydraulics. Seem to work OK now, just a bit of pull to one side.
- Fitted mirror, flag. The screw to get the rear light open for new batteries was corroded solid, so had to saw through it (hence cable tie now holding lens on...)
- Tightened kingpin bolts, replaced more fasteners with decent stainless bolts etc etc 

Going through the trike fixing it made me realise just how much it needs a proper paint job to protect the aluminium. Once the snow's over I'll take it apart and re-paint fully. I also plan to try some home anodising to protect e.g. the new seat clamp parts I made. Also numerous components need sorting - the BB and pedal bearings are both on their last legs, etc. 

Anyway, rides Ok for now! Set off in clear conditions:

[img]http://www.velovision.com/storyimages/2010/snowtrike/01.jpg[/img]

Ride is fantastic on packed snow or ice. On heavy loose snow it does still make progress but really hard work - I ended up pushing through some of it. A fatter rear tyre would probably help to avoid it digging in so much. On slushy roads it feels super safe and easy.

Arrived in a blizzard!

[img]http://www.velovision.com/storyimages/2010/snowtrike/04.jpg[/img]

I'll try to sort out some more powerful lights over the next few days, too.]]></description>
      <category>Russian trikes forum</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.velovision.co.uk/forum-new/read.php?6,6136,6136#msg-6136</guid>
      <pubDate>Wed,  6 Jan 2010 10:37:56 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: Magura Modifications...</title>
      <link>http://www.velovision.co.uk/forum-new/read.php?6,5973,5983#msg-5983</link>
      <author>peter</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Not sure what you mean - the Magura system is 'closed' i.e. the whole thing is simply filled with fluid with (you hope!) no air bubbles. 

So if you squeeze one lever it increases the fluid pressure throughout the system, until this is balanced by the resistance of the brakes against the slave cylinders. Obviously if you then try to squeeze the second lever there'll be resistance as you've already increased the pressure by the action of the first lever. 

Both levers contribute to the braking if you squeeze both - the fluid always equalises the pressure through the system.]]></description>
      <category>Russian trikes forum</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.velovision.co.uk/forum-new/read.php?6,5973,5983#msg-5983</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue, 15 Dec 2009 18:57:11 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: Magura Modifications...</title>
      <link>http://www.velovision.co.uk/forum-new/read.php?6,5973,5981#msg-5981</link>
      <author>Peter B.</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Peter:

I thought of the manifold idea too, but I wonder if the two master cylinders might not 'oppose' each other without one way valves?

Peter B.

-----]]></description>
      <category>Russian trikes forum</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.velovision.co.uk/forum-new/read.php?6,5973,5981#msg-5981</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue, 15 Dec 2009 15:18:02 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: Magura Modifications...</title>
      <link>http://www.velovision.co.uk/forum-new/read.php?6,5973,5979#msg-5979</link>
      <author>beeline</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Sorry to butt in Pete, but this reminds me of the time you rolled your trike when showing me how effective your brakes were. Better that you found out the limits on that quiet road than under heavy traffic conditions :-)]]></description>
      <category>Russian trikes forum</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.velovision.co.uk/forum-new/read.php?6,5973,5979#msg-5979</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:20:47 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: New seat clamp design</title>
      <link>http://www.velovision.co.uk/forum-new/read.php?6,5969,5976#msg-5976</link>
      <author>Peter B.</author>
      <description><![CDATA[peter Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
 
&gt; Getting some freezing mornings here with icy roads
&gt; - I'm wishing I had my trike working!

Here we have over a foot of snow... and I'm not inclined to try the Zenit under said conditions...

Spring is only about five months away... (sigh).

Peter B.

-----]]></description>
      <category>Russian trikes forum</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.velovision.co.uk/forum-new/read.php?6,5969,5976#msg-5976</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 14 Dec 2009 20:32:44 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: Magura Modifications...</title>
      <link>http://www.velovision.co.uk/forum-new/read.php?6,5973,5975#msg-5975</link>
      <author>peter</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Factory setup certainly easiest. 

When I had mine before, I got the larger 'industrial' Magura lever for the two front brakes - it has a bigger cylinder and moves more fluid, so making the adjustment a bit less critical. There was a reference to the part number on the ASE trikes list a few years back (who knows if still valid...)

To have all three brakes on two levers should be do-able too - you'd need a 'manifold' with two inputs and three outputs. Easily enough made with a block of aluminium - drill through 5 mm and tap each end M6 for the barbed adaptors; then cross drill three 5 mm holes to intersect this 'channel' and again tap M6 for barbed adaptors. I'll make one for you next time I get out to the shed if you like - 10 minute job.  

Not sure how advisable it is to tie all three brakes together, though - skidding the rear wheel on a trike makes it easy to lose control, so it's good to have explicit control of it via a separate lever IMO.]]></description>
      <category>Russian trikes forum</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.velovision.co.uk/forum-new/read.php?6,5973,5975#msg-5975</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 14 Dec 2009 20:30:45 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: New seat clamp design</title>
      <link>http://www.velovision.co.uk/forum-new/read.php?6,5969,5974#msg-5974</link>
      <author>peter</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Hi Peter,

Thanks for the diagram - yup, that's the design mine used originally. No need for photos if yours is like that too. 

Good point re the scratching - I was thinking of a layer of rubber on the bottom anyway.

Re the spacer - the top block of my new design fits closely between the 'eyes' so no extra spacer is needed. That was one of the design objectives - I wanted something which would clamp the whole lot solid with a separate mechanism for the 'lift' action which wedges it in place on the frame tube.

Not a bad idea to add a more comfortable seat - though I don't recall being uncomfortable on mine (can't remember what sort of seat cushion it had when i owned it before). You could maybe incorporate some seat angle adjustment too... and a luggage rack? 

Getting some freezing mornings here with icy roads - I'm wishing I had my trike working!]]></description>
      <category>Russian trikes forum</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.velovision.co.uk/forum-new/read.php?6,5969,5974#msg-5974</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 14 Dec 2009 20:20:55 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Magura Modifications...</title>
      <link>http://www.velovision.co.uk/forum-new/read.php?6,5973,5973#msg-5973</link>
      <author>Peter B.</author>
      <description><![CDATA[The previous owner of my Zenit modified the brake lines so that instead of having a front/rear brake split, the front brakes are independent and the rear brake is unused.

I'm not actually keen on differential braking, and would like  to alter the system such that each brake lever operated all three brakes... but it looks like the only practical way to do that would be to have a remote master cylinder (serving all brakes) that was actuated by independent cable pull levers.

It would take a fair amount of 'engineering', and I may well settle reverting to the factory front/rear split.

Thoughts?

Peter B.

-----]]></description>
      <category>Russian trikes forum</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.velovision.co.uk/forum-new/read.php?6,5973,5973#msg-5973</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 14 Dec 2009 18:00:38 +0000</pubDate>
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    <item>
      <title>Re: New seat clamp design</title>
      <link>http://www.velovision.co.uk/forum-new/read.php?6,5969,5972#msg-5972</link>
      <author>Peter B.</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Peter:

Here is a diagram from Robert Mackinnon's Zenit owner's manual:

[img]http://www.occupantunknown.com/trikes/misc/seatclamp.jpg[/img]

The lower 'ramp' wedge is plastic and stationary.  The angled block rides the lower wedge as the pin is tightenened.

I don't have any closeup photos of my own at present, but may be able to get some together soon if you'd like.

I agree that the original seat clamps were a rather poor design... especially given the sophistication of the rest of the trike.  I've replaced the quick release pins with 'honest' 6mm bolts, and rather crudely shimmed the seat clamps to keep the seat from sliding out of place... for now.  It's not the best solution, by any means.

I would encourage you toward the clamp redesign.  What you have looks good (to my untrained eye), but I might make the bottom block out of a nylon-like plastic, to save marring the paint.  Lining the inner clamp surfaces with some sort of plastic shell might help avoid scraping paint on seat adjustment as well (have already scarred mine). Also, I think you'll want a spacer between the seat mounting 'eyes' to keep them from breaking when tightening the seat bolt.

(I'm aware there's no paint at present to be concerned about, but...)

I'm not all that happy with the seat itself, despite added padding.  The seating position just doesn't feel that 'secure', and I may end up trying to find an alternate seat and modify it to fit the Zenit.

(Heresy.)

Peter B.

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      <category>Russian trikes forum</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.velovision.co.uk/forum-new/read.php?6,5969,5972#msg-5972</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 14 Dec 2009 17:30:29 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>New seat clamp design</title>
      <link>http://www.velovision.co.uk/forum-new/read.php?6,5969,5969#msg-5969</link>
      <author>peter</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Sadly not much progress so far - been busy with VV and had a bit of a lack of space for dismantling it!   

Have managed to draw up a draft design for new seat clamps - idea is that a 9mm bolt (will probably machine from stainless) goes through the hole in the top block, clamping the seat itself and the sheet metal 'loop' which goes around the main frame tube. Tightening the bolt which goes through the wedges will tighten it all up against the frame. The dowels between top and bottom parts keep it all aligned - not sure they're strictly necessary. 

Not completely decided re materials - possibly aluminium for top and bottom and stainless for the wedges. Or stainless top and bottom (maybe machined away a bit more to save weight) and brass for the wedges. Bolt will be stainless or possibly titanium if I can find it :-)  

The original seat clamps were missing when I got it back - they were a bit of an awkward design anyway and never worked really well.

[img]http://www.bikepete.f2s.com/s327/seatclamp1.jpg[/img]

[img]http://www.bikepete.f2s.com/s327/seatclamp2.jpg[/img]

Any thoughts? Peter B, any chance of a close-up of your seat clamps? They may have done an updated design at some point which it may make sense to copy instead...]]></description>
      <category>Russian trikes forum</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.velovision.co.uk/forum-new/read.php?6,5969,5969#msg-5969</guid>
      <pubDate>Sun, 13 Dec 2009 19:53:54 +0000</pubDate>
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      <title>Re: Cassette Compatibility...</title>
      <link>http://www.velovision.co.uk/forum-new/read.php?6,5856,5865#msg-5865</link>
      <author>Peter B.</author>
      <description><![CDATA[What I learned this morning informed me that my questions were largely academic.  And the chain deflection 'problem' one merely of perception... not something that needs fixing.

For what it's worth, I always seem to spend (and waste) massive amounts of time 'personalizing' my possessions.

Nor is that to be helped it seems.

Thanks for your time...

Peter B.

--

PS - The 'big' sprocket on the current cassette is 23 T.  With a 46 T chainring and the Schlumpf, I have (roughly) 15-78 gear inches.  Good enough for someone who has no 'legs' as yet.

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      <category>Russian trikes forum</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.velovision.co.uk/forum-new/read.php?6,5856,5865#msg-5865</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue, 24 Nov 2009 19:19:17 +0000</pubDate>
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    <item>
      <title>Re: New Zenit Owner...</title>
      <link>http://www.velovision.co.uk/forum-new/read.php?6,5796,5864#msg-5864</link>
      <author>peter</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Looking good...

Sadly no Ventisit template from me...

Can only suggest a permanent black marker for the tyres!]]></description>
      <category>Russian trikes forum</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.velovision.co.uk/forum-new/read.php?6,5796,5864#msg-5864</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue, 24 Nov 2009 17:04:29 +0000</pubDate>
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      <title>Re: Cassette Compatibility...</title>
      <link>http://www.velovision.co.uk/forum-new/read.php?6,5856,5862#msg-5862</link>
      <author>peter</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Just read it myself and it seems that yes, there are two lengths of adaptor; either 7 or 8/9. 

The tool you need is I think pretty standard (and reasonably priced) - google &quot;Shimano Cassette Lockring Tool&quot;. 

Obviously you need to remove the RH drive shaft before you can use it...

Re limitations on cassettes, any 8 or 9-speed cassette will fit the adaptor you have. ISTR there is a limit on the largest sprocket you can have - maybe 32? - before the chain gets a bit close to the cross beam behind the cassette. But I can't seem to find a reference to that in Rob Mackinnon's manual. I'll try to take a look in my original manual and see if it's mentioned there. 

Cassettes normally only go up to 34T so if it can handle that then you're pretty much free to choose any. What's the largest sprocket on it currently?]]></description>
      <category>Russian trikes forum</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.velovision.co.uk/forum-new/read.php?6,5856,5862#msg-5862</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue, 24 Nov 2009 16:54:32 +0000</pubDate>
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      <title>Re: Cassette Compatibility...</title>
      <link>http://www.velovision.co.uk/forum-new/read.php?6,5856,5861#msg-5861</link>
      <author>Peter B.</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Coincidentally, I was just at the linked page this morning... and saved it to disk.

I'm learning... slowly.

Thanks, Peter.

Peter B.

-----]]></description>
      <category>Russian trikes forum</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.velovision.co.uk/forum-new/read.php?6,5856,5861#msg-5861</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue, 24 Nov 2009 16:32:16 +0000</pubDate>
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    <item>
      <title>Re: Cassette Compatibility...</title>
      <link>http://www.velovision.co.uk/forum-new/read.php?6,5856,5859#msg-5859</link>
      <author>peter</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Hi Peter,

Not sure what exactly your trike's adaptor will be compatible with, but this page should get you going identifying it:

http://sheldonbrown.com/k7.html

Mine came with a 7-speed cassette, still in place currently, but I also have a spare adaptor which IIRC was described as nine-speed.  

Cheers

Peter]]></description>
      <category>Russian trikes forum</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.velovision.co.uk/forum-new/read.php?6,5856,5859#msg-5859</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue, 24 Nov 2009 16:02:19 +0000</pubDate>
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    <item>
      <title>Re: Soloviov S-4 3x3 Gallery</title>
      <link>http://www.velovision.co.uk/forum-new/read.php?6,5829,5857#msg-5857</link>
      <author>Peter B.</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Peter:

I'm inclined to agree with you about the desirability of the 'third wheel' drive.  On the other hand, I'm a lightweight, and have found I can lose traction powering up slight inclines and loose surfaces, even with non-slick tires.

I wonder if the 3 wheel drive would be of use for light riders?

Peter B.

-----]]></description>
      <category>Russian trikes forum</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.velovision.co.uk/forum-new/read.php?6,5829,5857#msg-5857</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 23 Nov 2009 17:18:42 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Cassette Compatibility...</title>
      <link>http://www.velovision.co.uk/forum-new/read.php?6,5856,5856#msg-5856</link>
      <author>Peter B.</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Hello:

I am very new to either biking or triking and my grasp of basics is not strong... the following questions are likely to reflect that.

I currently have a 9 speed cassette, a Shimano rear derailleur and a single front chainring (with a Schlumpf Mountain Drive hub).  The chain deflection from chainring to the outer cassette sprockets seems a bit extreme, though all appears to work just fine.

I'm considering other cassette possibilities, but I've been told the type of cassettes compatible with the ASE machined splined carrier is limited, and I don't know by what factors (e.g. make, number of speeds, etc.).  

Can anyone enlighten me on those factors?

Is a Shimano cassette characterized by wider (physical) spacing between individual sprockets?  Do other makes have closer spacing?

Is a special tool required to remove and replace a cassette?  Is the tool 'generic'?

What I'm trying to do is identify what my actual choices might be with respect to alternate gearing and shifter possibilities.

Thanks much for any/all replies.

Peter B.

-----]]></description>
      <category>Russian trikes forum</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.velovision.co.uk/forum-new/read.php?6,5856,5856#msg-5856</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 23 Nov 2009 17:12:45 +0000</pubDate>
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      <title>Re: Soloviov S-4 3x3 Gallery</title>
      <link>http://www.velovision.co.uk/forum-new/read.php?6,5829,5841#msg-5841</link>
      <author>peter</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Yes indeed - the new steering geometry looks particularly intriguing. 

Not sure that I'm all that bothered about three wheel drive - two seems to work pretty well anyway in most conditions, but it would be fun to try in snow... and the extra drive chain can presumably be removed easily enough if it adds too much noise/drag/weight for normal riding.]]></description>
      <category>Russian trikes forum</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.velovision.co.uk/forum-new/read.php?6,5829,5841#msg-5841</guid>
      <pubDate>Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:54:09 +0000</pubDate>
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    <item>
      <title>Soloviov S-4 3x3 Gallery</title>
      <link>http://www.velovision.co.uk/forum-new/read.php?6,5829,5829#msg-5829</link>
      <author>Peter B.</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Here is a set of photos of the Soloviov (Solovjof) S-4 3x3 all wheel drive trike:

http://www.occupantunknown.com/trikes/s4/s4.html

One can find reason to wish the S-4 was readily available.

Peter B.

-----]]></description>
      <category>Russian trikes forum</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.velovision.co.uk/forum-new/read.php?6,5829,5829#msg-5829</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:31:34 +0000</pubDate>
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