Hi all,

I have been interested in cyclekarts for a few years after seeing a video online and then I kind of forgot about them as I thought it was a closed event.

I have recently moved house from Northampton to Winslow and I finally have a garage again so it’s time to look for a new project. I have experience making bikes, recumbents and other similar things while I was growing up but now it’s time for something bigger and better.

I am really keen to start planning over the next few months and am looking to start making something next summer really. First I need to pick a car, has anyone done a model T speedster yet?

Hi Stefan,

Thanks so much for finding those plans, they are really amazing!

If I am honest I have never really looked at pre-war cars much. I am good up to about 1960 but after that my knowledge is very lacking. I am looking for some inspiration on what to build and am open to ideas. What would everyone like to see?

Ideally I would like a British car, I came across an Aston Martin Ulster but I don't think I am allowed to build one of those as it was more a street car from what I can see.

I also have some follow up question just about the build and events in general to get me started (apologies if these are very basic/ answered elsewhere)

Are we allowed to use rack and pinion steering? Is anyone doing this?

How many events are there in the UK each year?

What sort of speeds to people achieve?

Has anyone used 3D printing to mold some of the complex shapes? I am thinking of making either ABS components or PLA molds and then fibreglassing over them. I ask as this is technology I am somewhat familiar with. Just wanted to ask if anyone else has tried and what were your experiences?

Hi Richie,

I know it's not quite what you asked, but the normal answer to "how fast can they go" is "that's the wrong question".   The first objective is to have fun.  A really common experience is for people to see cyclekarts going around a track and to think "hmm they're not very fast"  and then they get to have a drive of one and they come off the track with an insane smile on their face.

That said, technically there's nothing stopping you designing and building a cyclekart that can do 70mph, but the safety risks will have gone up exponentially, the fun gone out of it etc etc.

Perhaps more usefully is the following info:
The aim is to keep the weight in the region of 100kg or less if you can (mine weighs about 120kg now)
The engine is pretty standard at about 6.5hp and torque of about 12Nm (you can play with the engine to increase the power if you want/need to)
Gearing of the chain drive is typically between 6:1 to 7:1 multiplied by the ratio range of the Torque Converter which is 2.7:1 to 0.9:1
Wheels and tyres give you a combined radius of 250-300mm.

Those factors plus the weight of the driver pretty much determine the performance until you start travelling fast and wind resistance kicks in.

My recommendation would be to build light (certainly lighter than mine!), go more towards the 7:1 end of the ratios and enjoy the fun.  Oh and keep your weight as low as possible.

Marek is building a Delage 15S8 and is planning to use an electric powertrain so that's an alternative route.  I don't think its been done in the UK but in the US people have found that something like a 3kW motor gives good performance.   So, electric is also an option albeit less proven

Chris has answered about the number of meetings in the last year.  I'll only add that the first meet was last September (2018) and things have developed fast in the last 12 months so I suspect we'll have even more going on over the next 12 months.

Re pre-war racing, there's plenty of places to get inspiration.   Brooklands Museum is probably the home of this era and has plenty to see if you're ever nearby, but of course Google will show you 100's of options.  How about an Aston Martin 'Razor' or an Aston Martin Halford Special...honestly, the list is endless.

If you haven't already found them, then watch some of Dennis Thomas's build videos on youTube.

Hi Richie, welcome and so pleased to understand your enthusiasm.

Please have another look at the 'Start Here' forum if you have not already done so, especially posts 'What is a CK' and 'Additional links'. I think it will help answer a lot of your questions. That's for your help, not to stop you asking questions of course, there are always members happy to respond with assistance. 

There are no standard designs, that's shunned, individuality and innovation is encouraged.

I hope you are also following our Facebook page. CycleKarts GB

Looking forward to meeting up soon. Graham

As regards drawings you could work your way through this: https://www.cyclekartclub.com/forum/cyclekart-tech-forum.2/cyclekart-plans-and-drawings-thread.22/

Hi Richie, good to have you join us.
As the guys have said, it’s all about having fun
I really enjoyed the challenge of building my Cyclekart and keep tinkering to make it better
Our days we meet up are a blast. Great cheap fun. Stretton circuit is sort of mid country and a 2 - 3 hrs journey for most of us
Try and get along to our next meet and you will come way inspired
Steve