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All that's left is to do is the finish sanding and then make the mold. After I make the mold, I'll make a copy, then make the hatch access, then make another mold. This will allow me to offer the unit with or without storage. If I make the hatch openings before making the first mold, stresses inherent in the pattern will warp the part after I make the cut. I don't need that kind of headache.

I am postponing a first test ride until I have the first production part. I've decided to minimize risk to the pattern. It is turning out pretty well and adjustments can easily be made, even after the mold is constructed.

You can see in the photos a unique approach to eliminating interference between the rear of a helmet and the fairing behind the head. It works for all rider sizes (heights) and neck rest adjustments. In the photo that shows my head in a laid back position, there is about an inch of clearance on all sides of the rear point of my helmet. This clearance extends rearward and upward so that taller riders will also have a clearance.

Jeff Bales
GoblinMotors.com

Thanks for the compliments. =)

I went to take a look at the Power On Cycling neck rest and find that the link is either dead or gone. It appears that the owner is busy setting up a new bike store and has re-done his website. If you can send me a pic or working link to take a look at the neck rest, I'll do so. I've seen it before. It may require a very slight amount of trimming to the fairing to get it to clear, but that would only take a few minutes and be quite easy to do.

I haven't announced this yet, but I will be making a super squishy rubber neck rest pad that is designed to conform to the neck. It will mount to a fiberglass plate that will attach to the existing Catrike neck rest. It will be molded rubber that has ribbing on the back for lighter weight and shock absorption. It will be impervious to UV and chemicals. I have years of experience as a furniture designer (and years of chiropractic neck adjustments due to a horrible bike/truck wreck) and want to have a high performance cushion available. A neck rest is like a pair of sunglasses... one style may work, but not 100% for everyone. My offering won't work perfectly for everyone either. A lot of folks are very happy with the stock neck rest.

This is not a design flaw of the Catrike in my opinion... merely an example of what it is to live in the GREAT USA! Bring on the innovations! You want accessories? Come thee unto America! I feel a Neil Diamond tune coming on... 'time to go put on my rhinestone studded jump suit and put gel in my hair.

Jeff Bales
GoblinMotors.com
Tucson, AZ

I'm working on the mean part. I'll get that back for sprinting. I'll never see the lean part again. There are advantages to having an aerodynamic belly. It has the freak out factor that I like so much when a lean cyclist looks down to see me right there... or pass them. Hah!

I plan to lose some weight.. about 30 pounds, but I still won't be lean. I've previously lost 56 pounds in 42 days by doing the high protein thing, but that was when I was single and had no kids in the household. Ugh, the Fruit Loops and oopy-goopy candy foods are gross! My fiancee has the kids eat healthy food at dinner time, but good Lord, the nasty breakfast stuff and school lunches... I sample them too much. I'll get some weight off, but more slowly. I lost it so fast the last time, it made my chiropractor angry! I'll be more relaxed about it this time.

I'll try to keep the price down on my products to make them more affordable for 'normal' folks. I count myself as one of those. I respect most of those that have the smarts and experience to gain great wealth, but they don't need my help. That's the reason why I'm starting out by offering units in fiberglass rather than carbon fiber.

Carbon fiber based products are awesome! They equate to Ferrari characteristics... and expense. I'm shooting for Camaro/Corvette characteristics. Quick, cheaper, and good enough to get the job done. Plus, you don't have to freak out so much when you get a scratch in the paint.

Jeff

The nose cone came in yesterday! I will chop it up and shape it for my needs to build the 700 front fairing. It is already the same width as the trike the front wheels. Take a few inches out of its height, shape a tunnel down the middle of the top for better viewing of hte road, shape it here, shape it there, whammo! Catrike 700 front fairing.

A pic of the nose cone that I'm using is just like the one in the link, just without the NACA duct intake.

http://lh3.ggpht.com/michaelcaban/Rbj7CqasNrI/AAAAAAAAACQ/qukrQgvPZOM/Beechcraft%20Cover%20May%202006.jpg

Jeff

The mold is coming along nicely! I expect to have some juicy photos next week.

Goblin Green is getting ready to take over the Rillito River Bicycle Path. Bwah-hah-hah!

Jeff

There will be quite a lot of available space in the fairing. If you want to send your trike to me to adapt the rear fairing to it, I can add a speed bump, if necessary, to fair in your gizmos and modify the hatch opening, etc. If there is extra work to do to adapt the fairing, there will be extra cost, but it might not be too bad. If you have pics of the type of set up you'll have, send them to me at: monsoon (at) comcast.net

The front fairing is going to be just as killer... I can't wait to get into its development 100%. I'm working on it little by little as I complete the tail fairing's mold.

Jeff