Frequently Asked Questions
How much will it cost to build a Bentech frame?
How much it will cost is dependent on the materials you choose to build with and the amount of sweat equity you are willing to put into the project. A chromoly frame and seat that you weld yourself will cost about $150. If you buy one of our tube packages and have it welded by a professional welder, that cost could easily double. However, if you choose to use exhaust tubing and electrical conduit you could build a frame and seat for under $100. The cost of a completed bike will depend on the quality of parts used. If you have an under-utilized road or mountain bike that can be stripped of its running gear and brake parts, a quality, ready to ride bent can be built for less than $400 or less.
How long will it take to build a Bentech frame?
This is a tough question to answer because there are so many variables involved, such as, how fast you work, are all the tools and materials available, and do you have all the skills necessary to understand the blueprints and carry out the machine operations? If you had all the tools and materials on hand and could work straight through it is estimated that a frame could be built in 24 hours. Of course this is not practical but it serves as the best estimate we can come up with.
How much weight will a Bentech carry?
Riders up to 235 pounds have ridden the SWB model. The Long-Easy, due to it's longer wheelbase will be acceptable for riders up to 185 pounds. Both frames can be modified to handle heavier riders (up to 225 lbs.) by adding an additional seat crossbar and by using a 2" main frame tube in place of the 1-3/4" diameter that is specified.
How much will a Bentech bike weigh?
A typical finished Bentech will weigh between 28 and 32 pounds depending on the quality of the parts you attach to the frame. A lighter frame can be achieved if thinner chromoly main frame tube and an aluminum seat frame are employed. You will find that a homebuilt frame can be made as light as commercial recumbents costing thousands of dollars more.
Can I build a frame if I've never done this type of project before?
It all depends on your motivatation. If you are driven to ride a recumbent bike and can't justify the high cost of a commercial model you can push yourself to learn what is necessary to do it. I never built a bike until I built the first Bentech prototype in 1995. I started with a good set of manual skills and had access to a machine shop but my welding skills were inadequate to put it all together. Fortunately, there are many weld shops in my area and this did not become an excuse for me not to build my dream bike.
What tools do I need to build a Bentech frame?
The single most important tool you will need is a drill press. The Bentech design uses accurately drilled holes through the main frame tube to fit the chainstays, headtube, bottom bracket shell and seat mount. To drill these holes you will need the following bits or bi-metal hole saws: 1/8", 1/4", 3/8", 7/8", 1-1/8", 1-1/4", 1-1/2", 1-3/4".In addition, you will need the following hand tools: portable jig saw, hammer, files, center punch, bench vise, clamps, ruler, protractor, framing square, screw driver, wrenches and hack saw.
If I don't have all these tools, does this mean I can't build a Bentech?
Not necessarily. If you don't have all these tools you may be able to find a local welder or machine shop to drill the holes for you. If you do all the layout and build the drilling and welding fixtures (shown in the plans) the amount of time it will take to do the drilling is minimal. Another alternative is to take a welding or machine shop course at your local tech school. You will learn how to weld your frame, and also have access to all the machine tools.
One point to think about: Any tools that you purchase are durable and will last many years. They will come in handy for other projects around the house or can be sold at any time. The money saved over the cost of a commercial recumbent may justify the purchase of the necessary tools.
Can the Bentech design be modified?
Of course! The big advantage to building your own frame is that you decide what you want on your bike and what you want it to look like. Many builders have changed the design to suit their particular needs. If you look at our Builder's Gallery you will notice that none of the featured bikes are built the same. Only one or two builders have built their bikes to our original specifications. If nothing else, the Bentech plans will give you enough basic framebuilding information to instill the confidence needed to get started on your dream project.
Can under-seat steering (USS) be added to the SWB design?
Yes. In fact, we recently released our newest short wheelbase design that will give you the option of USS or (OSS) over seat steering.
Can over seat steering be added to the Long-Easy design?
Yes. E-mail us for more info.
How can I guarantee that my frame will be straight and ride-able?
Our plans give detailed specifications on how to build an accurate frame welding fixture that will hold all the frame elements together during welding. If you are careful fitting the frame elements together, your frame will come out as straight as any welded part made from thin wall tubing can. Our design has eliminated most of the difficult tube miters that are used on most other bike frames. The only tricky miter required is on the front derailleur stem. We provide a template that simplifies this process so that it will take less than an hour to perform.
Are the frame tube kits you offer assembled and welded?
No. The frame tube kits only include the tubes indicated, which are bent to the plan specifications and cut to rough length. It is up to the builder to lay out, cut and drill the holes necessary to fit the tubes together for welding.
How many Bentechs have been built so far?
This is a good question. Only a handful of riders have come forward (see our Builder's Gallery) with photos of their completed bikes. We have sold over 1600 sets of plans since July 1996.
FAQ last modified 3-25-08