Linear Limo Recumbent - 2 Year Update

Back in 2019 I made a video showing the assembly of my Non-folding Linear Limo Recumbent bike. Having owned the bike now for more than 2 years and ridden it nearly 10,000 km, this video shows all the things that I've changed on the bike since it was 'new'.
Assembling my Linear Limo Recumbent Bike (2019): • Assembling my Linear L...
Removeable Milk Crate: • How to Add a Milk Crat...
3D Printed Panier Part: • Repairing Equipment at...
1992 Iowa Linear Update: • 1992 Iowa Linear Recum...
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Thanks for watching.

[@JoeBManco]

The cross dowels worked really well. I might have tried rivet nuts first, but there is no doubt your repair will work permanently.

[@cjhoyle]

I've never used riv-nuts myself, but I'm not sure I'd want to try them in this application. Because I was concerned about weaking the structure of the seat, I drilled the holes so they were only a tiny bit larger than the size of machine screws that I selected. To use riv nuts, I would have needed to drill much larger holes. I've since read on a forum that others have done the same kind of repair as me but used standard pop rivets. I'm sure they're not as strong as my method, but a lot lighter, quicker and if they ever fail they're pretty easy to replace.

[@AndrewsQuest]

wow, inserting the cross dowels to repair your seat was smart, but I can only imagine what the pain of threading 12 of them was. very interesting to see the unconventional solutions for your repairs, thanks for the video.

[@cjhoyle]

Thanks. It wasn't an easy task, but I found an ergonomic position to do it in and just took my time. Like I said in the video, I don't ever plan on removing those screws.

[@billzielke6798]

Glad to see your Iowa recumbent is still around. Those were made about an hour north of where I live now. You have great solutions to your bike problems. Keep up the good work.

[@cjhoyle]

Thanks. Very cool!

[@mikelandry3375]

Already 2 years. Thanks for this informative video!

[@cjhoyle]

Ya, time flies!

[@mikyl-fo8rh]

Beautiful!

[@DemiGod..]

On the trike have sram 44-32-22 chainrings. Aslong as the pedals are far enough away, no strain on my knees, but not too far that have to stretch.

[@adventureswithjosie]

It's really interesting to learn more about your bikes and all of the neat ideas you've come up with to either fix them, or improve them! Curious to know, why do you have two recumbent bikes? Is one for a different purpose than the other?

[@cjhoyle]

Thanks and great question. It's kind of a long story, but basically I bought a 2nd Linear because my first one had a problem with it that was really challenging to fix. Eventually I managed to get the first one fixed, but by that point I was already kind of attached to it. I've considered selling it, but it's also been really handy having a second recumbent that I can ride when something needs fixing on my main bike. I've also recently been using my older Linear for towing my kayak on my bike trailer. The reason for this is that I need to leave the bike locked up on shore for hours while I'm out on the water in the kayak, and if my bike were stolen it would be less of a tragedy if it was the older one.

[@adventureswithjosie]

@@cjhoyle Oh I see, good idea! Yes having a backup bike if you're able to is great idea, in case something breaks, especially being that yours is a unique bike that I imagine might be more difficult to fix or get parts for. And another good idea to use the older bike for rides where you have to leave your bike locked up somewhere for a long time. After buying my new bike this spring, I haven't sold my old bike yet. I've been considering keeping it for that reason, to have an old bike to use when I might be going somewhere and I don't want to worry about someone stealing the bike if I leave it alone for a while.

[@WheelsonaBike]

It amazes me how many things you're able to make yourself. You mention 3D printing the part elsewhere (not the library), have you found a company that prints small parts? I'm looking into printing something as well and was considering the library, but now that you mention it... I do want my part to be durable.

[@cjhoyle]

Thanks. To be honest, I really haven't spent any time researching this yet. Contrary to the two 3d printing examples that I showed in this video, all the other parts I've printed at the library have been fine. It's a great place to start in my opinion.

[@WheelsonaBike]

@@cjhoyle Thank for that. I don't think libraries offer 3D printing services just yet (pandemic service restrictions), but based on your comments, I may give it a go. I'm thinking of printing a camera case.

[@JohnMHammer]

Ah, CJ! Those Lasco cranks look really nice! I think I'm going to get a set for the nose of my P-38 next spring. I'm going to leave the SR Suntours on my Stratus, though, because I don't mind a bit of additional forward weight on that bike and want to keep the bash guard, too. What bottom bracket spindle length are you using with the Lasco? You went from a 113mm before that, if I'm remembering correctly.

[@cjhoyle]

Thanks John, and thanks for your helpful advice last summer. I actually found myself reading back through our email thread when I was preparing to make this video! I switched from a 122.5mm bottom bracket to 115mm.

[@JohnMHammer]

@@cjhoyle Wow, more than 7mm difference. That was going from the Action cranks to the Lasco. I've got a 113mm with my SR Suntour to generate a 50mm chainline, I can probably get away without changing the BB to accommodate only 2mm, shouldn't have to do more than twiddle with the stops on the front derailleur a little. Great mods on the bike, it looks terrific! I'm always impressed by your work.

[@helliko]

Did you try Shapeways for the 3d printed part? They claim their process results in stronger, less porous plastic than normal 3d printers. Pretty sure they ship to Canada

[@cjhoyle]

I've heard of them, but haven't done any research yet. That's great to know!

[@charlesriley23]

Do you feel at 5'3" one would be comfortable on early 90s linear recumbant?

[@cjhoyle]

Hmm, good question. I know in the later iterations of the Linear they modified the frame design which placed the seat lower making it better for shorter riders. I haven't ever let someone shorter than me ride mine, so I can't speak from personal experience.

[@ting280]

Can we get a tutorial on the milk crate hack? Mine is zip tied on

[@cjhoyle]

You certainly can. The video is titled "How to Add a Milk Crate to a Bicycle (Removable)" and there's also a link to it in the video description.

[@ronitbd]

Can you please make a video how to convert a regular bike to an e-bike, thank you

[@cjhoyle]

Thanks. I'm sorry but this is a topic that I doubt I will ever cover.

[@trump959]

I have a recumbent exercise bike that I got for free that I don't use because I don't like the riding position. Not knowing anything about recumbent bikes I was wondering why you choose them over a traditional road type bike?

[@ting280]

He had hand issues that made regular bikes a little too painful to ride

[@cjhoyle]

This is a frequently asked question and the answer to it isn't a short one. I've talked about it before in a few videos but I've also added a blurb about it on my website: www.cjhoyle.com/bikes

[@trump959]

@@cjhoyle thanks for the response CJ, that was an interesting read for sure!

[@AndrewNesterenko]

I'll print that latch for you using PETG or ABS. Free. Let me know if you are interested 😊

[@cjhoyle]

That would be amazing! Please send me an email: cjhoyle (at) cjhoyle (dot) com