Getting Started with a CycleKart

"THE" Guide to Getting Started with a CycleKart (and other helpful tidbits)

We'll make this real simple. We wrote this because we care enough to lead you in the right direction.

Note: Something to keep in mind is the term "Stevenson Formula." The reality... an actual "Stevenson Formula" car has not been built for 20+ years. A Stevenson Formula car has 2 steel rails bolted to a wood box, little to no welding... is one wheel drive and one wheel brake, all mechanical... a box stock engine and 17 x 2.50 wheels. They are far more rickety than most of the current builds of today.

So, what's really being built today are decendants of the idea. We keep the artistic touch, the engine, wheels and the "build it yourself" idea at the forefront. These are 4 main things governing CycleKarts.

So, we'll move forward here.

What's below was put together by people that are CycleKarters, AND... was also put together with APPROVAL of THE MAN THAT CO-CREATED THE CYCLEKART ITSELF.

Step 1

We suggest going to CycleKarts.com.
Read the main page and the 3 other pages linked on that page. This will give you the background and origins of the hobby.
They are:
CycleKart Specifications
Thoughts on the Breed
Frequently Asked Questions

Now Read this. The Cyclekart Manifesto.
These are "THE" current general guidelines. If you choose not to follow them, you probably shouldn't call your contraption a CycleKart or create a website using the term.

Step 2

Get the Wheels. In the past, a supplier had them to order. Now, you must find them. Look on ebay... and find the CT90 or trail 90 wheels. Buy them. Problem solved.

Step 3

Get tires and tubes. Honestly, the Shinko SR241 is the best bang for the buck. Go get em, 17 x 2.75's and get it done.
Alternately, a list (a bit down the page) of tires suitable) The Wheel Bible

Step 4

Get the Hub Adapters for the wheels. Go to Renegade CycleKarts and ORDER THEM.

Step 5

Get the mechanical go kart gear you'll need to make one. Here's the list: Steve Vinson's part list (you might not need all of it, depending on whether you scavenge things, but his is a killer good list.

Step 6

Now the fun part. Build the car. Don't care how you do it, but get building.

Things to steer clear of when building (if you want it to look right that is...)

a. The wrong adornments: (e.g. LED lights & modern gauges don't look right on a 100 yr old car... do something else, be creative!)

b. Colors: Stick to older colors... NEON did not exist back then.

c. Stickers: Don't use modern stickers. Nothing ruins a 100 yr old caricature more, than a modern sticker. (e.g. Rat fink, Betty Boop, current Race products... schtuff like that was not in this period.) Sticker side note: The only modern stickers that would look right, would be the ones passed out at actual cyclekart events. Those, are badges of honour.

d. Overpowering it: Seriously, don't go all hot on the motor ok? There's no trophy in an actual CycleKart event for winning. You win, if you walk away not limping. Nothing says "you don't get it, I'm in it to win" like putting a hot motor in your tin can of a car. It's an ART FORM, not a pissin match.

e. Worrying about building a car that's been done. Please, stop it. If you like it, make it. Nobody's gonna judge you. We love seeing people's versions of their favorite car.

f. Wrong suspension stuff: Meaning, coilovers... independent suspension creations, using the Front end of some ATV, etc. If the inspiration car didn't have em... don't use em. That ruins the look more than anything. If you do use them, hide them so "Visually" the car looks right.

g. Bomber seats: The bomber seat happened mainly after the war, not before it. If the inspiration car had one, fine... but if it didn't, a bomber seat (or a summit high back aluminum racing seat) will wreck the entire thing.

h. Roll Bars: Few, if any of these vintage jalopies had one. Remember, a small element of danger is actually good for you... it keeps ya safe.

i. Overbuilding: Be real here. It's not a car. It's a toy. It's supposed to be rickety and scare you a little. That's the whole thing about it. It's supposed to give you a thrill, not some weird illusion of safety. It's a home built thing, and will be sketchy. Want safety? Drive it slower. Want faster & such? Get a different hobby.

NOTE: DO keep in mind, the above are simply thoughts & ideas to help you Nail the ride. It doesn't mean you can't do it... they're just pointers for a certain look, should you go for that certain look.

Members of the CycleKart Alliance:
(These are the known sites & resources that all follow the same general ideas of CycleKarting. If you want your site listed, please contact the admins of CycleKarts North America.

CycleKarts.com

Gittreville GP

CycleKarts North America - Facebook

Arizona CycleKart Club

Huntsville Grand Prix Main site

Southeast Cyclekart Group

(does your site belong here? If yes, tell us why.)

Videos worth watching:

The Egarage.com documentary, Tieton 7

Articles Worth a read:

Bring A Trailer Article by Kobus Reyenke

Petrolicious Article by Brian Driggs