Cold weather wind deflector

[trebuchet03]

I really hate riding in the cold.... and the temps outside will soon be uncomfortable for commuting. I've also been meaning to teach myself how to use SketchUp - so I made a 3D model, then went through the painful process of making a development view (not the easiest in SketchUp - you kinda have to fool it) and cut out a prototype in some scrap cardboard. I kind of screwed up one of the flaps (it's rotated 180 degrees), that's why the centerline goes off to one side... Yay descriptive geometry :p

Without further digression, my next ugly bike abomination - accessory :p

http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FZ1/QW1G/F82EXQ6D/FZ1QW1GF82EXQ6D.MEDIUM.jpg


No, I don't care what people think when I ride by :p And yes, there's some inherent flaws in the first prototype -- like air being funneled right into your face :p But as of right now, I need to figure out how to mount it :)

Comments?

[SVOboy]

You look funny, :p

Anyway, wouldn't the face get quite cold? What about something attached to the fork to shield the legz?

[omgwtfbyobbq]

Maybe cut up some soda bottles and do a CAFE knockoff.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/thaticktockman/HondaCR750.jpg

[ajohnmeyer]

not to knock bicycle windscreens and such, but a $30 wind/waterproof cycling jacket would save you a lot of time. Oh, and some winter cycling gloves, frostbitten fingers aren't any good at all.

[trebuchet03]

not to knock bicycle windscreens and such, but a $30 wind/waterproof cycling jacket would save you a lot of time. Oh, and some winter cycling gloves, frostbitten fingers aren't any good at all.

Yes, very true -- don't forget the bandana or face mask :p For me though, I enjoy doing this sort of stuff - so it's on free time :D Plus it's on free, although finite, recycled materials :thumbup:

You look funny

Yes, we're in the midst of "beardtober"... All of my friends don't shave for the month of October (something we've been doing a few years now) :p I just can't seem to grow hair between my chin and chops :p That, plus I enjoy my longer hair :D

[ajohnmeyer]

Cycling jacket be damned!
If you could actually pull off a full CAFE style fairing and windscreen you would be cyclo-pimpin'

..hmmm...especially on an old non-suspension mtb with about a 1.5" slick on the front and a 2.25" slick on the back....yeah.

It would be like a much cooler version of those "Orange County Chopper" bicycles that were all the rage with eleven-year-olds a few years back.

[trebuchet03]

Pardon my ignorance... what exactly does CAFE mean with respect to motorcycle fairings?

So I put something together... attached with some threaded rod (on the reflector mount) and some wing nuts.... And held in the desired position with my hands....

Iteration 3 (technically the first thing I posted was #2, #1 being a failure from the start because I didn't do a dev. drawing for shape accuracy).

http://www.gassavers.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=1011&stc=1&d=1193634534

I know it looks like my hands are on the handlebars on the outside of the fairing -- that's not the case. They are holding the fairing in the desired position as the mount isn't really a mount - it just sort of props things up :p

Ideally, I'd have clear plastic sections so I can duck my head completely.

[SVOboy]

Gonna take it to a hill and do a coast down?
What kinda bike is that, by the way?

[trebuchet03]

Gonna take it to a hill and do a coast down?
What kinda bike is that, by the way?

A customized "Hunter Custom"

Here's a very old picture - but you get the idea... The seat is in much better condition and I have adjustment for my rear dérailleur - and I have safety features now, like brakes (front only) :p I've also removed the mid chain guide (the original dérailleur), the kickstand (at that time, it secured the added brace bolt) and rear brakes that weren't anywhere near the rear wheel :p.

http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/F90/UZ6X/T1PEZTBBC08/F90UZ6XT1PEZTBBC08.MEDIUM.jpg

It's heavy, so I feel a grade a bit more, but the momentum it generates on a flat is nice (especially during a draft opportunity) and it carries cargo and the occasional person in reverse tandem like you wouldn't believe (I just never have a camera on hand during that time :/)...

----
Oh, and no coast down :p I imagine it would lower my top speed -- it's the tail end that matters more anyway ;) This is a mod for comfort :D

[theclencher]

Pardon my ignorance... what exactly does CAFE mean with respect to motorcycle fairings?

Cafe racer style bikes as pict in #3.

not corp av fe

[ajohnmeyer]

does your "longbike" add-on work with any of the Xtracycle (http://www.xtracycle.com) stuff? How's it handle with the longer wheelbase?

[dm1333]

Why not try a good gore tex jacket, winter riding pants (they have heavier materiel or a double panel on the front of your leg to keep the wind out) and a helmet liner under your helmet? You can find less expensive jackets and pants by looking on ultra light back packing sites. Frogg Toggs seem to be a popular brand.

For the record I live on Michigans Upper Peninsula and rode my bike right up until the beginning of December. With snow on the roads all the time I gave up riding because I don't trust the drivers around here. You should have seen the looks I got riding my mountain bike around town when it was snowing out! Good luck with your project!

[hypermile]

Why not go to a junkyard, and see if they have any motorcycle windshields? mounting it might be complicated through :)