Adjusting one's front end

[teacherbill]

I can get on and ride almost in a straight line. But, I am not riding in a straight line for a long period of time or at least long enough for me to adventure out among the cars to commute to school. The question: If I change the "rake" of the front end farther out in front of me, I think it is called negative drag, then I am to experience "wheel flop". It seems to me that this adjustment would lessen the amount of wandering on the pathway but only be negative in causing my turning radius to be larger. It seems logical but is that correct?

 

[Mark B]

With a conversion, it's difficult to say without riding your bike. But, considering it came out f a bike shop, I have to at least consider the fact it's set up correctly.

The neat thing about the conversion is; whatever you do, you can always put back if it isn't right. Try it and see if it makes a difference.

My gut instinct is, you just need more practice. I think I was probably two weeks of playing before I felt comfortable enough to venture out into traffic.

Mark

 

[John Tolhurst]

teacherbill wrote: I can get on and ride almost in a straight line. But, I am not riding in a straight line for a long period of time or at least long enough for me to adventure out among the cars to commute to school. The question: If I change the "rake" of the front end farther out in front of me, I think it is called negative drag, then I am to experience "wheel flop". It seems to me that this adjustment would lessen the amount of wandering on the pathway but only be negative in causing my turning radius to be larger. It seems logical but is that correct?

What does your mechanical trail (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bicycle_and_motorcycle_geometry) measure? Mechanical trail is the least distance from the contact point of the front wheel to the steering axis.

 

[teacherbill]

johntolhurst wrote:

teacherbill wrote: I can get on and ride almost in a straight line. But, I am not riding in a straight line for a long period of time or at least long enough for me to adventure out among the cars to commute to school. The question: If I change the "rake" of the front end farther out in front of me, I think it is called negative drag, then I am to experience "wheel flop". It seems to me that this adjustment would lessen the amount of wandering on the pathway but only be negative in causing my turning radius to be larger. It seems logical but is that correct?

What does your mechanical trail (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bicycle_and_motorcycle_geometry) measure? Mechanical trail is the least distance from the contact point of the front wheel to the steering axis.

John,
Thanks for the link. I think I found the statement I was looking for. It was in the motorcycle area that said "more trail, more stability and easier to ride without hands." So using the wisdom available, the front end will be extended, raked out to the last hole and if it produces a ill ride, I will move it back one hole.

 

[John Tolhurst]

teacherbill wrote:

johntolhurst wrote:

teacherbill wrote: I can get on and ride almost in a straight line. But, I am not riding in a straight line for a long period of time or at least long enough for me to adventure out among the cars to commute to school. The question: If I change the "rake" of the front end farther out in front of me, I think it is called negative drag, then I am to experience "wheel flop". It seems to me that this adjustment would lessen the amount of wandering on the pathway but only be negative in causing my turning radius to be larger. It seems logical but is that correct?

What does your mechanical trail (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bicycle_and_motorcycle_geometry) measure? Mechanical trail is the least distance from the contact point of the front wheel to the steering axis.

John,
Thanks for the link. I think I found the statement I was looking for. It was in the motorcycle area that said "more trail, more stability and easier to ride without hands." So using the wisdom available, the front end will be extended, raked out to the last hole and if it produces a ill ride, I will move it back one hole.

Did you post a pic yet? Side view of the front would be nice.

 

[teacherbill]

johntolhurst wrote:
Did you post a pic yet? Side view of the front would be nice.

Have been too busy riding it in the neighborhood before I venture out on the streets. I did find out that the previous owner had the front wheel placed where he did. He had mounted a 700c wheel on a fork designed for a 26 inch wheel. I was not able to used the last hole but I did place it in the middle mounting hole and took it for a ride. Road much better and not as erratic. It could also be I am getting more comfortable and between you and I, that is dangerous. Had a few real positive comments about the set up. I will do my best to take a few pictures.