Fat Cruiser & poor timing

[Seesquare]

The timing of this contest & challenge is not ideal. I have, essentially, just completed the massacre on my fat tire critter. I am still working on the optimal gearing scenario, though. So, technically, it ain' finished, yet. I didn't keep a photo journal during the process, so I can't even meet the metamorphosis component, either.
Oh well, I will let the rest of you blokes duke it out.
Stay busy & stay well!

 

[Seesquare]

I'm finding that 45t front crank ring, to the 36t middle ring, doesn't give me the (ideally) easy pedaling, with much less than the 34t rear, climbing sprocket. Got a 36t front crankwheel arriving soon, so we shall see if that makes a significant difference in the gearing & pedaling effort. I found the alignment issues with the front-to-middle crank rings was pretty crucial, also. A lot of chain-slap & slippage, without that chain idler gizmo. BTW, it measures 88", end-to-end, & 58#. She ain' no ballerina.....

 

[Rat Rod]

Yep..we've held the Build Off every Summer from May-August for over 14 years now.

We'll catch ya on the next go around.

 

[Seesquare]

I am late to the party. This was my first awakening. I knew about the build contests, but not tracking the time period.
Thanks, and I will pay more attention, in the future!

 

[Wildcat]

I wonder if you might be able to omit the center crankset altogether and just use the 36 up front. Would the derailler have enough spring?

 

[Seesquare]

Mighty long chain involved with that option. I have a KMX recumbent tadpole with, essentially, two "regular-length" chains hooked together, & it has quite an engineered chain management system. It has a conventional rear derailleur, so the tension is not a factor, anyway.
I designed this fat tire critter to not disturb the existing gearing & geometry, & just extend the frame, so I have my feet extended forward. That's why there are 2 bottom brackets. And, it was kinda unconventional, which also appealed to my eccentricities. Actually, I probably should have the chain idler between the bottom brackets spring-loaded, also.

 

[Seesquare]

Wildcat, you were right about omitting the central crank. The gears work just fine, now. The front crankwheel is a 40t, connected to the 7-ring freewheel, with the 34t "granny". No chain supports or idler wheels appear necessary. Seems to ride comfortably, albeit rather heavy @ 58#.
I will shoot a photo & post it, later.

 

[Seesquare]

The Critter works, & pedals, much better with only 1 chain. Ain' no hillclimber, though! Even with 42t in the front, & 34t in the rear. Only 140mm crank arms, to provide ground clearance.

 

[Wildcat]

It's looking good! I might steal your license plate fender idea for my next bike. I've got ten plates from different states.

 

[Seesquare]

Thanks! You are most welcome to the use of the license plates scenario. When I asked my spouse if this was a legal repurposing issue, she replied, "If not, y'all will be makin' 'em!"