Recumbent forks, what are my options?

[Stuckinthemud]

I am in the design phase for a 2 x 20” recumbent. Still haven’t finalised whether to go fwd or rwd but fwd is the most likely option. The frame will be hollow wood laminate. I have some questions.

As the boom extends past the front fork it seems I should go with a tube through the frame. This seems the normal practice but I do see one or two upright designs that use a top and bottom pivot point and extend the forks up to the handlebar stem. Would this be stronger than putting a tube through the boom. Will it limit steering movement? Presumably I would have to use rwd as the fork would prevent the use of an idler wheel?
If I laminate ash fork blades and go with a tube through the frame can I salvage the tubes from a donor and how would I bond the fork blades and yoke to the steering tube?

 

[Popshot]

I suggest you would need to weld large flat tabs on to the tube that will slip in as part of the laminating process with bolts through too. Similar to this...

 

[stormbird]

Personally I would make your first bike as simple as possible , ridden a few miles and lot's of improvements will suggest themselves.
A traditional fork will be easier to mount and come with brake mounts already to use , although you may need them on the back to clear the chain.

This could be made from wood ?

and a trike

Paul

ps yes I have some build instructions for it

 

[Stuckinthemud]

Hi Paul, I am planning to use a conventional fork with a wood tiller/handlebar but I just want to explore other options in case I miss something