Theo Jansen mechanism as a bicycle

[troublemakir]

I can't see from here but did you elevate the crank above the main leg pivots as in the original Jansen mechanism or did you go with the simplified one? Most people building these put the crank at the same height as the 'hips' but I think this would be a problem when climbing over things.

[hbsmits]

@troublemakir the originalone, maybe you can see it better in the londer youtube movie?

[crioseven]

how the fuck could you steer this thing?

[hbsmits]

@crioseven I don't really know, but I intended to hinge it on the middle, instead of variable speed for each side. Consequently you would have to use some steering device (I have seen cow horns somewher on the internet) to force the hinge ...

Have a look at the longer movie also!

[TheC1c2c3c4c]

@crioseven

you get up... change the direction its facing... then get back on

[hbsmits]

more at wind-water nl

you know how to make this into a web adress



[FredrikAn123]

I think its to hard with the pedals, you need to gear it down..

[hbsmits]

@FredrikAn123 Yes, could be too hard, but gearing down should not be a problem as the front sprocket "hangs free"

[MrL1berty]

the idea is really good

I would buy it immediately^^

[hbsmits]

@MrL1berty  Thank you, but is only a virtual 3D product ;-))

[MrL1berty]

@hbsmits

I know^^

[akumabito2008]

..any thoughts on steering it? I find the idea intriguing, haven't yet found a soltion to steer it though.. :(

[hbsmits]

Two mechanisms seem possible

1. unequal speed of feet left and right, realised by shifting the chains differently

2. making a hinge in the middle, sitting on the rear and forcing the front part around by the handle bars (horns on a head?)

I would opt for the latter, altough the turning circle might be large, but is more a fun thing then a practical thing

[hbsmits]

I do not think it is necessary to change it to a different drive system from the normal bicycle chain and sprocket system. It will still look alien.

There are some very talented builders of steel and aluminium versions of the Jansen Mechanism, it should be relatively easy to change that to human drive.

And a lot of fun

[321098aj]

finaly someone that shares the same ideas as my own i've been thinking of making a theo jansen bike and your the first person i've known to have the same idea, you deserve to be subscribed, also i was think if there could be a way to use a chain or some gaint rubber band of some sort into the project but without it still bieng like the bike petal

[AAEuser]

Ever planning to build the thing? I just found out about the whole Jansen thing today and I'm pretty stoked on the idea of turning into a bike.

[hbsmits]

It has been an excercise in 3D design and although tempting I don't think I will build it

[ehall007]

wow! what program is this made in?

[hbsmits]

rhinoceros and 3D studio max