Fenders for custom trike

Continuing the custom tadpole recumbent trike project, here are recent posts:

• Foot and leg safety on a recumbent trike — July 10, 2024
• Bash plate for trike — July 09, 2024
• Wheel knuckle modifications — June 29, 2024

The trike came with mudguards (fenders in US English); however, I have to create brackets to mount them in this custom project. Yes, the Wikipedia states that "bicycle fender" is US English, whereas "mudguard" is British English.

As the front now has shock absorber suspension, had to create brackets to hold the fenders:

The rear of the trike came with a tray mounted on the swing-arm, with fender bolted underneath the tray. However, I want the tray, and panniers mounted beside it, to be on the suspended part of the trike frame, not on the swing-arm. It is a basic principle that as much weight as possible be above the shock absorber, not below. So, have to redesign tray and fender mounting.

The fender is still attached to the swing-arm. I used whatever scrap aluminium strap at hand and found mount points the strap could be bolted to:

...notice at bottom-left of first photo, there is a small aluminium plate that I riveted to the swing-arm, to attach the bottom-end of the fender.

There is progress, albiet slowly. Waiting on arrival of a short length of aluminium tube, 55mm OD, that will slide into the trike frame and to which the tray can be attached.   

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