SquiggleTrike

SquiggleTrike
Owner	Ted, Eric, Roger, Nate B
Date Created	July 7-10, 2011
Storage Location	Commons Area
Status	Completed
Documentation
Other References	Final presentation video (YouTube)

Intro

The SquiggleTrike was built by Ted, Eric, Roger, and Nate B for the 2011 Red Bull Creation challenge in NYC, from 7 - 10 July 2011. It's a pneumatic tricycle with a novel non-rotary drive mechanism, and runs from compressed air or CO2.

Documentation

When the SquiggleTrike needs to go to an off-site event, here are some things that want to go with it in a travel kit:

• Compressor, Nate's little pancake works but it's heinously loud
• Lots of air hose, with 1/4" quick-connects on either end, to let the compressor sit far away
• The red portable air tank, with 1/4" quick-connects, for use as an air shuttle or local accumulator
• One stout extension cord, but really the compressor should be plugged straight into an outlet if possible
  • Make sure the hoses and cords are labeled i3Detroit so we get them back!
• Wrenches or pliers for the pulley bracket bolts
• Wrenches or pliers for the front fork axle
• Spare parts:
  • Air line (6mm or 1/4" OD, nylon or whatever)
  • Zip-ties
  • 1/4"-NPT to nylon line push fitting
  • PTFE tape for threaded joints
• Sturdy cloth totebag for most of the above

Maintenance

• Use the Genie to retrieve the trike from its ceiling display location. Doing so will require brief disruption of work at the tables in the Commons and should be coordinated in advance.
• On May 2, 2026, the front wheel's tube was replaced. Spare tubes are not currently available in the Bike Zone - Ted's Bike Shop in Ferndale stocks the correct size.
• Rear wheels are wheelchair casters and should require minimal maintenance.