Hey William, I like your attitude.... from "I'm po" to "Blingtastic w/ matching rims & bladed spokes!"
For my rear wheel on my Xtracycle, I went with a rim recommendation from Neil at Cycle Monkey -- the Alex DX32. They're eyeletted, only $45 apiece, available in 36H in 20" and 26" sizes, and probably most importantly to me, comes with a mark of approval from a respected wheel builder. Only problem is they've got machined sidewalls, which might not fit your scheme.
I've built with the CX-Rays and they're OK -- overly priced, good looking (but they don't stand out like those overly fat spokes on some wheelsets, if that's the look you're going for), and not that much of a hassle to build with (they twist, but it's easily overcome). But for a loaded down bike, I'd look to DT Alpine III's, or Sapim Strong or Force -- they've got more meat at the elbows.
Instead of XTR, how about a front Shimano generator hub & an LED light? They're about the same price, and then you can have a bright light without the hassle of batteries.
Check this site for appropriate forks: http://mtbtandems.com/Forks.html
For my rear wheel on my Xtracycle, I went with a rim recommendation from Neil at Cycle Monkey -- the Alex DX32. They're eyeletted, only $45 apiece, available in 36H in 20" and 26" sizes, and probably most importantly to me, comes with a mark of approval from a respected wheel builder. Only problem is they've got machined sidewalls, which might not fit your scheme.
I've built with the CX-Rays and they're OK -- overly priced, good looking (but they don't stand out like those overly fat spokes on some wheelsets, if that's the look you're going for), and not that much of a hassle to build with (they twist, but it's easily overcome). But for a loaded down bike, I'd look to DT Alpine III's, or Sapim Strong or Force -- they've got more meat at the elbows.
Instead of XTR, how about a front Shimano generator hub & an LED light? They're about the same price, and then you can have a bright light without the hassle of batteries.
Check this site for appropriate forks: http://mtbtandems.com/Forks.html
I was mostly thinking of a gas engine because I want to be able to use the Big Dummy for grocerys, errands, shopping and sometimes hualing heavy loads especially when I finish with my trailer. I'm using 4130 CroMoly 1" by 2" rect. tubing with expanded metal plate. I'm building it 3 by 6 feet with folding sides that can fold up from a flat position to make rails or fold completely out to lay flat making the platform 6 by 6 feet...I've just got a couple design issues I need to work out before I go any further namely the best wheel mounting set up and best way to stabilize the folding side arms...I'm actually drawing up drafts trying to figure it out...I've got the majority of it figured out it's just the details that is pissing me off but as soon as it's done I want to have the whole set up profesionally painted. Well night everyone I'm going to go pass out.
