|
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
#1
|
|||
|
|||
Tricycle design advice requested
Finished building my first tricycle (tadpole) a few days ago. Never
ridden one before, in fact, I've never seen one other than on the Internet. I've got most of the bugs worked out and have about 25 miles on it so far. It's faster than my MTB and seems to climb better than my "normal" LWB recumbent but so far I've been reluctant to go over about 18 MPH. The reason being that it has very quick steering. It's stable and straightens out if I let go of the steering bars with only a small amount of oscillation about neutral. It may just be me not being acclimated to a trike but I'm a bit scared of it at speed. After my first tumble I've learned how to stay in the seat until the inside front tire lifts :-) Kind of like flying a hull on a Hobi......... A few facts: Wheel base 43in Front track 32in Center of gravity - The over all balance seems to be good. Turning radius about 12 ft - Don't really need it that tight Steering 2 bars direct to kingpin with neutral ackerman geometry (I like the simplicity and ergonomics) Trail is around 20mm. Wheel size(s) 20x2.125 front 26x2.1 rear I don't really have any complaints about the steering geometry other than a bit too much scrub radius, due to some poor jigging/measuring. It's not all that much - about 15mm - and even with 100% asymmetrical brake application is very controllable. Bump steer is noticeable but not objectionable. What I would like to know is, if this steering quickness and sensitivity are normal for a trike and if not what might I do to reduce the sensitivity? 2 obvious solutions are increased wheelbase and/or a steering mechanism with reduced ratio. I really don't want to mess with the wheelbase as I find the overall balance of weight front to rear to be very good the way it is now. I also like the simplicity of the direct steering, but I'll change whatever needs to be changed to feel comfortable at higher speeds. It's fun to ride the way it is but I was hoping for a practical commuter vehicle. I'd really like to be comfortable/confidant at 45+ mph. Is this at all realistic? ================ Leon McAtee I can't pedal 45mph but we have plenty of hills......... |
Ads |
#2
|
|||
|
|||
Tricycle design advice requested
|
#3
|
|||
|
|||
Tricycle design advice requested
While there is obviously much information about
steering geometry design for multi-track vehicles, solving this issue is not a trivial problem. Seem to have found some luck. 'Tis kind of amazing what another 3-4 degrees of castor does. Didn't get much time to ride last night (no lights and tired) after re-welding but I expect good things today. I now have too much trail, resulting in more bump steer but it's still not all that objectionable. I'll just have to re-jig before I add any fairings. Haven't had this much fun on a bicycle since my old Atala.......When I was still young and in shape :-) =============== Leon McAtee |
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
Just bought secondhand bike need advice | [email protected] | UK | 19 | April 15th 05 05:07 PM |
I could use some advice... | Grim_Malady | Unicycling | 36 | August 23rd 04 01:22 AM |
"Actually you are the first person to bring up this issue" | James Annan | Mountain Biking | 428 | April 4th 04 08:59 PM |
Builing a TT bike advice sought | David G. White | Racing | 20 | September 25th 03 12:45 AM |