Our classic, short
wheelbase modelBENTECH was established to provide do-it-yourselfers a quick and cost effective way into the world of recumbent cycling. After years of dreaming about traveling the world's highways on a shiny, new recumbent we came to the realization that we could not justify the $1000+ cost of a commercially made recumbent bike. This set the wheels (and CADD system) in motion designing a medium wheelbase recumbent bicycle. After months of designing, building prototypes and test riding we now offer a complete set of building plans to help you build your first recumbent.
1. The bike must be cost effective (cheap) to build. Our frame can be fabricated for under $100 or less depending on the materials you choose and your level of skill. If you have access to a welding machine (or have friends that do) you will save even more.
2. The frame must be build-able by a wide variety of people with differing skill levels. If you can drill holes using a drill press and have the ability to cut plywood with a reasonable level of precision you can build a recumbent bike frame. Unlike other plans on the market, we show you how to build the assembly jigs that help you to build your dream bike correctly the first time. Our unique design eliminates most of the tedious tube mitering associated with most bike frames. Our detailed drawings and cutting templates take the guess-work out of the framebuilding equation.
3. No specialized tools are required. Most recumbents are designed with bent tubing (ours is no exception) which requires a very expensive machine to do accurately. Our plans call for the tubing to be bent by your local muffler shop. Likewise, we leave the welding to the professionals. Our handy assembly jigs help you do all the tube fitting so the welder doesn't have to. Welding the frame and seat should not take more than 2 hours. The only tools necessary to build an accurate frame are typical woodworking tools, a drill press, some hole saws and basic hand tools.
4. No exotic materials are required. Our first bike was made from exhaust tubing and electrical conduit and weighed 32 pounds. It was hardly a lightweight, but guess what? It rides pretty darn nice for a homemade bike. The second frame was made from 4130 Chromoly tubing and weighs 28 pounds just like commercial bikes that cost over $1000. The great part of building your own is that you can put into it what you can afford.
5. No expensive sub assemblies to buy from us. It isn't necsssary for you to buy any expensive pieces from us to finish your bike. Most parts spec'ed for our bike can be found locally. All the hard to find frame parts (like the bottom bracket shell and chain idlers) called for in our plans can be obtained via mail order from sources we provide. We're betting that after you build your first frame and find out how rewarding it is, you'll start building another right away, just like we did.
