Update: I will be updating images and progress at https://ninapaley.com/jackalope-in-progress/
Update 3-12-26: I have found my frame builder! And I made a slightly better sketch:
Original sketch:
I have an idea for a custom recumbent frame that’s haunted me for a few years. Out riding Monday I thought, “life is short, I should try to get this realized before I die.”
I envision a front end with linked steering like a Calfee Stiletto (which I own)
and rear folding/suspension like a Fold Rush (which I also own) AND a jackshaft at the folding joint, like on the unusual one-off purple custom ‘bent built by Tom Teesdale (which I also own) joining 2 belt drives.
Years of riding these different bikes, plus Bromptons, have made me yearn for a really practical fine-handling truly foldable LWB ‘bent that doesn’t exist yet, but could and should.
I am currently seeking a frame builder who could bring this into existence. I can supply sketches (I’m a professional artist but not an engineer, so artist-style not technically technical), measurements of existing “reference frames”, and even even ship the Teesdale and the Stiletto for further reference if that helps. And money, of course.
I feel like you should do a cook-along for those of us internationals who want to learn to make chocolate like you! I never participated in that sort of thing during covid but it could be a good idea haha