The complete Gitche Gumee Tadpole. The intended use of this machine is as a tow bike for the pedicab trailer that I built the previous month.
Incidentally “Gitche Gumee” is the Native American name for Lake Superior — meaning “big water”. #TheMoreYouKnow
No bike build project is complete without painting. Here’s the front end painted to match the pedicab trailer that it will be towing.
In order to strengthen the front end, trusses were added connecting the top tube to each head tube. I repurposed the original fork sides from the Gitche Gumee’s fork for the tadpole’s trusses. [I thought it only fitting.]
With the steering linkage installed, it was simply a matter of installing the front wheels in order to perform a quick rolling test ride. 🙂
Using a piece of string to determine the angle of each fork’s tie rod connector plate in order to achieve an “Ackerman” steering geometry to the steering linkages.
What is Ackerman steering geometry and why is it important? Click here.
Use a straight rod to align the forks. Place the forks in a straight-ahead position.
Center steering tube with the tie rod connector plate welded to it.
Pieces of flat iron (salvaged and cut from used bed frames) used to connect the tie rods to the forks and steering tube.
