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How to Restore a Three Wheel Bicycle

Three-wheeled bicycles, otherwise known as tricycles or trikes, are commonly used by young children for extra balance or by adults who use bikes to transport cargo. The first tricycle as we would recognize it was made in 1881, although three-wheeled bicycles have be made since the 17th century. This means there are many available that will require some restoration.

Things You'll Need

Wire wool
Paint
Paint brush
Inner tubes
Tires
Pry bar
Bike pump
Oil (spray or drip can)
Grips
Grip glue
Craft knife
Chain

Instructions

- 1
  Remove all rust, cracked paint and other damage to the main frame and wheels of the trike using wire wool.
- 2
  Replace the tires. Over time, rubber will perish naturally, so replace them, even if they look good. Remove old tires using a pry bar.
- 3
  Oil the wheels and any moving parts.
- 4
  Paint the frame of the bicycle. Try to get as close to the original color of the bike as possible to maintain its original look.
- 5
  Install new handlebar grips. Remove the old ones by cutting them off with a sharp knife and forcing the new ones on with some grip glue.
- 6
  Attach a new chain to the tricycle. Most tricycles are powered by the front wheel and so will not require a chain, but some of the older ones had a set up more similar to modern bicycles.

Antiquing