The very first ideas and concept designs were in my head of course. After a few months of working over the concept and sketching here and there, I made my first serious drawings. I also took measurements off of bicycles I had to try and determine the basic ergonomics of bicycle design. I also researched on the internet.
	The side view of this drawing is pretty similar to the first image. I have also started thinking about how to cross-connect the frames.
	After thinking about the idea and doing some drawings, I built this model. It is not to scale and it only meant to further explore the working requirements of the concept.
	After building the concept model, I decided on my ergonomic measurements and drew up these drawings. They are to scale. Initially I contemplated using 10 wheels, but now have decided 8 is the right number. The design is starting to gel I think.
	These computer drawings were to help me figure out how to lay out the steel tubing to build the frames. I also wanted to figure out the least number of cuts i'd have to make with the saw to make the work go quicker and reduce the waste of steel.
	Before building the frame in steel, it was much easier and cheaper to build models with plastic square tubing. The model designs include a lot of cross-bracing within the side frames. I would ultimately realize this was overkill for the type of steel tubing I have used in the first version (1 1/2" square).
	Here is the frame. I fabricated it in a day.
	This is yet another model. This one helped me to understand the challenges I would face with a single drive axel such as mine. In particular, the lack of a differential meant turning might be nearly impossible. My solution is to have the outermost wheels spin freely on bearings, while the central wheels would be driven by the gearing.
	I set up all my bits and pieces in one assembly area. I got the frame up on supports to better represent its ultimate size and to ease assembly.
	I continued to lay out pieces to help me imagine how to construct the wheel assemblies.
	Most of my attention has been focused on the practical stuff like designing and building the frame. Here is a bit of fun I had in thinking about the Old West theme or style of my creation. I plan on having a sun shade in the style of an old covered wagon. Cardboard or plastic cutouts could simulate wagon wheels where bicycle wheels are actually used. Finally, I am considering suggesting a bull's head (complete with nose chain) out of the front wheel assembly.
	This is a close-up of the prototype wheel assembly.
	I am experimenting with crank positioning that would encourage placement of the chains to the "interior" of the vehicle frame for safety. With this crank reversed, I'll have to weld a tack in place to keep it from unscrewing.
	Mocking up and envisioning the steering system. I want this vehicle to be able to be steered by either a left-handed or a right-handed person. I'm gonna have to extend this and maybe put a steering arm of sorts.
	On the vehicle's front I am using the handlebars from a scrapped bike to simulate the horns of a bull.
	The final form is starting to take shape, but there is so much work left to do!
	071109 - full length. Note: I have reconfigured the front wheel assembly to place the wheel center just behind the "steering column".
	I took this drawing to a local metal shop that specializes in laser cutting and they were able to produce 4 hub & spoke replacement plates that would accomodate the 1" axle I wanted to use.
	081109 - Finally have all the wheels on! The two center-most wheels drive the vehicle. the outermost "center" wheels rotate freely, serving sort of like training wheels to stabilize and support the vehicle. I still need to install the chains and gearing, sun shade, tension rods, lighting system, and brakes.
	081109 - Alternate angle. I've also begun to add some foam padding and rubber material for the hand-grips. The bull's red eyes are brake light housings bought at an automotive supply store. I have removed the incandescent bulbs and will replace with LEDs. The vehicle is getting heavier, but still rolls quite easily.
	081709 - My "transmission modules". There are 4; one for each crank. Note: the outer wheel has been removed for display purposes. Additional Note: Initially I was going to flip the right side cranks in an effort to keep all the chain to the interior of the frame for safety. I trashed this idea for a number of reasons.
	081709 - A close-up of one of the four transmission modules. Each unit consists of a section of 6" x 6" x 1 1/2" steel tubing that serves as a support frame. An attachment bracket is fashioned from a couple pieces of angle iron on each side. A standard freewheel bicycle hub is centered and connected via chain to the crank. An additional sprocket had to be centered (challenging!) and welded to the left side of each hub. That sprocket (salvaged from rear coaster bike hub) will connect via a second chain to the drive axle and will almost certainly require a chain tensioner of some sort.
	081909 - It's Alive! I just rode the Ragin' Bull Bike around the block where I live! This was the first "powered" test run. It needed a little push-off to get going, but everything stayed in one piece. It moves a bit slower than a regular bike with pedaling that is a bit faster than a regular bike. I erred on the side of gearing it low. I am very happy with this trial run.

The vehicle designs contained on this web page are the property of AJ Fisher Design. They may not be used without express written permission. The term "Ragin' Bull Bike" is a trademark of AJ Fisher Design. All rights reserved 2008-2009. For more information contact info@ajfisherdesign.com.