The long awaited new model is here ! home
It may look like the
evolution of the
Golf Coaster,
but I assure you it is not a product of random
processes. I had to revert to intelligence, take out the old design board and
come up with a heavy duty
model
that would meet the needs of my e-mail
inquires.
Now to the subject at hand !
Thousands of you, (well maybe not quite that many) have expressed a desire for a bike that will carry more weight than the Golf Coaster. The side-kick is the answer.
The side kick is a two passenger four wheel bike with six speeds, that can support the addition of an electric or gas engine. The frame is built from 1-1/4" PVC tubing reinforced with a steel tube in the lower rails. in comparison, the Golf coaster and Sun Coasters use 1" tubing.
To
the casual observer the most obvious change is the use of the manufactured
bucket style seats. this feature allows the seats to be mounted at
different distances from the pedals. These seats are available at discount or
marine stores . They can be found in various colors and are very light weight.
last but not least you don't have to build them.
I paid $55 for the pair.
A bench seat could also be used.
Some of the more
astute observers may have pick
up the fact that the front and rear wheels are both twenty inch diameter, this
is possible because the side-kick
has a wider stance than it's predecessors.
I have also moved the seats back 2" and increased leg clearance by the clever
use of a handle bar steering system.
Yes, that is a fishing tackle box that serves as a glove compartment or tool box.
The gear shift lever to control the 6-speed derailleur is mounted on the steering column. The hand brake levers are connected to inline brakes on both the rear wheels.
Like the Golf Coaster the driver sets in side the frame and the "side kick" straddles the right side rail. The reason is to keep the vehicle as narrow as possible for use on bike lanes. the carrier on this model is made from 1"X2" hard wood strips.
A 48volt electric wheel can be added. I have also been experimenting with a small gas motor. (More on that later. )
The bottom line the Sun Coaster and the Golf Coaster are both fine units . they are just lighter weight, which is good in the cycling world. I would say if you are 6' or taller or want to carry 350lbs or more the side-kick is the right choice. The Side kick can also be built as a single passenger bike basically a heavy duty Sun Coaster. Of course all the American Speedster vehicles are environmentally friendly .
The plans have diagrams so you can construct most of the hardware if you wish. The crank requires a commercial bender to make, but can be purchased separately. All the parts are offered individually.
There is also a Help site with many pictures .
The plans are $18.00 plus $2.00 s&h US and Canada
The hardware kit will enable you to build the Side-kick with parts from two salvage 20" bikes. the kit contains the following :
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a: 2- outer rear wheel supports |
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b: 1- 5/8" steel crank with 5/8" collar and spring |
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c: 2-front wheel brackets, arms and bolts ( spindles) for standard 20" bike wheels |
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d; 1-sprocket and adaptor |
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E: 2-PVC crank mounts & 2-5/8 ball bearings |
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F: 3-pedal assemblies and collar |
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g: 2-tie-rods ,4 rod ends and center link |
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h: 2- inner rear wheel supports |
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I: 1- steering handle bars |
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j: 1-tee drilled for steering column at dash |
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k: 4-inline brake brackets |
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l: 1-aluminum Crank brace and adjusting bolt |
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m :1- PVC handle for right seat and aluminum mount |
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n: 1- aluminum strut to reinforce front suspension |
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0: 1- right rear frame member, cut and drilled to except clamp |
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p: parking brake |
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q: nut and bolt package contains all fasteners listed pg 1 of plans |
| r: 1-4oz can gorilla PVC cement |
The price of the Side-kick hardware kit is $295.00 + $30.00 S&h .
This kit is shipped from Florida.
