kingsley mandrake retro-direct

[auzio]

whats that pouch on the back? the lock? what kind??

[ericareininger]

@auzio not a lock just a small tool bag, made it myself.

[hartleymartin]

I like the tribute to Sheldon with your helmet-eagle.

[DVMsucks]

ha! super cool bike, do you happen to know weather it uses 1/8 inch or 3/32 chain? i am putting one together and need to buy my chain(s) soon.

thanks for your help, Josh

[sthouck]

1/8 with same width freewheels seemed to work the best, tried other combos and had issues. every build seems to be a little different, so experimentation is neeeded

[mchimonas]

Trying to put together a retro direct for my father in law, I am having issues with chains popping off the cogs and the chain rubbing against the chainstay. Any hints? Did you make the tensioning device yourself. Is it pretty reliable your bike?

[sthouck]

made the tensioner myself, the trick is the top pulley which reroutes the chain around the chainstay you lose a little efficiency but it makes the system possible. weld a small tab on underside of chainstay to attach tensioner and spring. all of the un-sprung ones i have seen don't seem to work well.

I have over a thousand commuting miles on the bike and have had the chain come off twice in that time (nothings perfect). good luck

[jalvarn]

@mchimonas made my tensioner from an old derailer, it's adjustable for fine tuning

[sthouck]

when i change directions pedaling in the video I stopped the rear wheel for demonstration purposes. When you are riding there is really no felt difference when you change pedaling directions except a gear change. Friction in the drivetrain itself is of course high because of the double length chain and the pulleys. but not that much more than say an old sturmey 3spd.

[mchimonas]

what are the actual teeth count on the gears you are running?

[sthouck]

44 front, 16 forward pedaling, 22 reverse pedaling.

68.4 gear inches forward 49.7 backward

[sausageslaps]

this type of drive is pointless, why would anyone want such a backwards system?

[sthouck]

your comment made me realize how pointless this thing I built is. I now ride a donkey.

[sausageslaps]

at least you came to your senses. backwards pedalling indeed!

[sthouck]

I made the video shortly after his death and rode the bike in a memorial ride where helmet eagles were handed out. Also, he was one of my heroes.

[jjamesstark]

What's with the Sheldon Brown helmet?

[johnston650]

Captain Escapades, you sir are ridiculous. yet so informative, in such a distinguished manner. Mr Mandrake, until next time.