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

Without further digression, my next ugly bike abomination - accessory




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

Comments?

[SVOboy]

You look funny,

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.

[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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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

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) I just can't seem to grow hair between my chin and chops That, plus I enjoy my longer hair

[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).



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

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]

Originally Posted by SVOboy

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) 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 .



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 I imagine it would lower my top speed -- it's the tail end that matters more anyway This is a mod for comfort

[ajohnmeyer]

does your "longbike" add-on work with any of the Xtracycle 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