conversion using Hardtail

[pramodanm]

Hi,

I am Pramodan from India.
I have built probably the first conversion using a front suspension hardtail bike in India.
When I ride it, people around have these types of reactions -
1. They go gaga over it, esp. teenage kids and techie people.
2. Very young one's laugh there guts out.
3. Some bolder people stop me including traffic cops and ask me what am I riding.

I had to choose a hardtail as it was not possible to get a dual suspension with low weight. Lowest weight I
found was 18 kg (around 39 lb). The weight factor was too much for the hind suspension.
The hardtail I used was not a cheap one and it weighed 14 kg before conversion.

Anyways, I did experience a problem on a not a so suitable road.
Esp. when there is gradient to climb and the surface is loose gravel.
As the power to the front wheel is in impulses rather than smooth flow, the front drive wheel tends to slip and I loose traction. It becomes difficult to start from stopped position on the such surfaces.
At the same time, I see other upright bikes are able to go on that surface.
Any of you have experienced this?
Any solutions?

Also I see the point of hind suspension.
I do get jars to my back but they are lateral and to whole back rather than a point in spine.
I have not experienced any back pain after riding 20+ kms on such rough surfaces.
The riding is not enjoyable though. Do you think it will cause harm to spine in long run?

Is the final higher weight a lacuna of the conversion kit? And lighter weight an USP of other models of Cruzbike?

There are certain gradients that I simply cannot do with the converted bike while upright bikes are able to climb them. Will lowering the weight of the converted bike make it possible for me? or simply the upright bikes have an advantage over this?
Mind you that I have developed 'recumbent' legs by now.
I am able to maintain an average of 15 kms per hour on a hilly 50+ km ride in a day.
But I am afraid this is my limit. How to increase this limit?

Regards
Pramodan

 

[John Tolhurst]

hi Pramodan,

1) Weight, will slow you up the hill. You have to lose weight of the bike somehow (Quest?)

2) When you lose traction, you have to lean forward and try to cycle in circles, rather than just pushing the pedals. This will smooth the power. You should clip in.

3) Tire pressure is a big factor for traction, on loose surfaces, you have to have lower pressure, so more surface area on the ground.

Best
John

 

[pramodanm]

Thanks John for your reply.

I will try to reduce weight by removing the carrier and fenders.
And noted other two points - handy they are.

A point - with lower pressure esp. in front wheel, the weight of the forward triangle pushes it flat to ground.
Even when I have filled it full (it is not a high pressure tyre - they do not survive long on roads here.) it looks flat when I am seated on it and with the weight of the front triangle. It is harder to pull with lower pressure also.

I will try to sell it here.
If it goes for a good price, I will try to get the Quest.
I looked at the Quest. I like it.
For starting the planning, what would be the shipping cost for India for Quest?
Would you recommend 20" wheels for rough surfaces? And will 20" be better for climbing hills?

If you are shipping from Taiwan, I could make different arrangements with FOB deal from you. It might reduce
shipping costs for me.

Regards
Pramodan