Introduction: Strategy for Joining Two Bicycles
This Instructable grew out of a response to a question by janmcevoy, who is contemplating joining two bicycles side-by-side for more riding stability when bringing home groceries by bicycle. It is really for her, but others may view and comment.
Shown is my bicycle on the left and my wife's bicycle on the right. If I were pairing two bicycles, I would pick two that are more similar, and would probably not use one with drop handlebars.
Step 1: Keep the Bikes Next to One Another
Struts or braces can be used to pair two bikes in a side-by-side configuration. The green lines represent the location of bracing to keep the two bikes abreast of one another so one does not lead or lag behind the other. The bracing together with the chain stay forms a triangle, which is very rigid and a basic component of structural engineering.
If two bikes are to be paired like this, the bracing cannot interfere with the normal movement of the pedals, the feet, and the legs. This diagram assumes the rider will ride from the bike on the left. The bracing could be flipped if the rider were to be on the right side bike.
I would remove the crank and the chain on the bike not ridden. Not only does this lighten the bike, but it also offers more places to connect things.
Step 2: Another View
This provides another view of the lateral bracing to keep the bikes abreast.
Step 3: Tie the Front Together
The front of both bikes will need to be tied together. The yellow line shows approximately where the fronts of the bikes could be joined to keep the front separation the same as that at the rear.
Step 4: Vertical Stability
The bikes need to be stable vertically as well as laterally. The green lateral brace from earlier steps is not shown in this view so it is possible to concentrate on the structure and the location of the vertical bracing. It is in an "X" pattern. It attaches below the seats and at the rear of the chain stays. Where the members of the "X" cross one another, they are fastened together to make two rigid triangles.
Step 5: Link the Steering
The handlebar stems on both bikes could be linked by means of an extension and a connecting tie rod similar to the design used on an automobile. See the blue lines. The handlebar on the bike not ridden could be removed.
Step 6: Most of Us Do Not Weld
Because most of us do not have a welder, and perhaps no welding skills, "U" bolt clamps can be used to secure the braces to the bicycles. "U" bolts come in many sizes according to each need.
Step 7: Using the "U" Bolts
Some places it may be possible to drill holes through materials used for making the braces and then insert the "U" bolts and tighten them down. In other places, the brace materials may not clear the spokes of the wheel adequately. For those locations, a steel plate with extra holes could be bolted to the end of a brace member and then clamped to a portion of the bicycle frame. The black oval represents the cross section of a frame member on the bicycle. The tan piece could be a wood 2 x 2. It would be strong enough and is very inexpensive. The black circles are holes for bolts. Angle iron could also be used for the braces. It all depends on what you have available and how much you want to pay.