connecting 2 tadpoles

I just completed a project of connecting 2 trikes together. My wife and I ride together and I usually let her lead, but she rides at 8-10 miles per hour. I thought if I could connect the trikes, I could encourage (pull) her to go a little faster.
I'll try and upload some pics.

 

Maybe I'll just tell you how it works at some later date.

 

connecting two trikes























Here is another go at it!

 

connecting two tadpoles

This was the prototype. My connecting bar allowed too much side to side movement of the second trike so I am redesigning the connector between the two bike. I'm thinking of a U Joint type of attahment that would limit the vertical and horizontal movement of the connection to the second trike.

I am open to ideas!

Tom

 

connecting tadpoles

AD, thanks for the help with the photos!

 

Well, to be honest, it was both. The rear trike seemed to role faster down hill and that caused it to go out to the side. My son, as stoker, could also cause it to happen. The way I initially designed it there was way too much horizontal (or side to side) play at the connection point, closest to the second trike. I am going to greatly limit that movement and the the stoker would be little more than that of the electric powered trailers. I'll post my experience.
When I ride at speed, on the flat, uphill, or really spin down hill, it worked pretty well but I'd rather have a more experience stoker than my wife at this time. I'm trying simple first. Any feedback appreciated.

 

second attempt

The first attempt had too much side to side motion with the second trike. So, a new design. The connecting tube was shortened, plugged and reshapened, and then a sleeve was attached to the end closest to the second trike. The second trike attachment point was also plugged and reshaped to fit into the sleeve on the connecting bar, than stailess steel pin....

My test drive found this to be much more responsive and the second trike with a more secure connection, towed and followed great. The test wasn't very far and I could not find a volunteer for the second trike because of 2 back to back school cancelling snow storms. Whimps!

Here are some pics.

 

horizontal motion

AD
The horizontal trike is now not much different that a trailer. The front trike hitch does pivot, and has some very limited movement at the hitch, less than 5 degrees. It does tow much better.

 

first good test

It hit 30 degrees and the winds were 18-20 out of the south. The lead trike pulled well and the second trike followed well. my son had his hands off the steering controls much of the ride, except for braking. I thought I was really sucking air at one point in the ride and told my son. He said, "oh, I'm not really pedaling back here!" It got a little easier after that!

 

Isn't that just like kids!!!!

 

tpy2012 - connecting two trikes as a "tandem"...

Hello tpy2012:
I have read and studied your solution for connecting two trikes. My wife and I have the same situation. Would you be interested in making one for me to purchase? If not, any suggestions / plans that might help me get the project done. I don't weld...! Would otherwise need to find a welder to get it done.
Thanks. 2Screamin in Alabama.
A.D. - Could you help me get in contact with tpy2012 regarding this project? I don't have enough posts to send him a private message. Thanks.