An experienced bicycle mechanic can convert a bicycle frame into a tricycle frame with steel tubing and access to a fully outfitted welding shop. From there, the new frame will need an axle housing, wheel hubs and bearings, rear wheels, a sprocket and a chain. The alternative to a workshop fabrication is to obtain a conversion kit and start turning a bicycle into a tricycle on the spot. This can be done in the family garage or anyplace with a stable platform to stand the bike upside down.
Step 1
Remove the bicycle seat and post, and the rear wheel handbrake assembly. Lay these items aside and stabilize the bicycle upside down. If the bicycle has a pedal brake, remove the clip that holds the brake arm to the bicycle frame.
Step 2
Take off the nuts that hold the rear wheel in place and ease the wheel forward to slack the chain. Remove the chain from the front and rear sprocket and set it aside. Remove the rear wheel and set it aside. Loosen the small nuts that hold the fender to the frame and remove the rear fender.
Step 3
Position the dual-wheel conversion assembly so the extension arm is facing directly away from the bicycle and resting on the floor. Use wedge blocks against the rear wheels of the conversion to keep it from rolling. Turn the bicycle frame right-side up and insert the rear wheel frame arms into the mount on the conversion.
Step 4
Start the nuts on either side of the mount and tighten these by hand. Rotate the extension arm toward the bicycle and align the connection port on the end of the arm with the bicycle seat mount. Insert the seat and post into the connection port and into the bicycle frame.
Step 5
Attach the chain to between the pedal sprocket and the conversion sprocket. Push the bicycle forward until the chain has 1/4-inch deflection up and down, and tighten the nuts on either side with a box wrench. Adjust the seat to the desired height and tighten the keeper nut on the post.
Step 6
Align the arm of the pedal brake with the underside of the bicycle frame. The arm should be pointing forward, away from the rear wheels. Attach the retainer clip to the arm. Attach the other end of the slip to the frame and tighten the keeper nut.
Tips and Warnings
- Order the conversion kit according to the wheel size of the bicycle.
Things You'll Need
- Tricycle conversion kit
- Metric wrenches
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