How to precisely adjust boom position

[marshall2389]

For weeks tried adjusting my book position on the side of the road. Many times I'd lose hold of the boom and it would slip. I'd lose track of where I used to have the boom so I'd have to guess where it used to be.

Solution: place a square of electrical tape next to each boom clamp. Before each adjustment, decide how much you want to adjust. If you decide one millimeter, move the tape one millimeter away from the clamp. Now loosen the bolt, slide the boom until the tape is up against the clamp, tighten the bolt, and you're done!

 

[ratz]

For weeks tried adjusting my book position on the side of the road. Many times I'd lose hold of the boom and it would slip. I'd lose track of where I used to have the boom so I'd have to guess where it used to be.

Solution: place a square of electrical tape next to each boom clamp. Before each adjustment, decide how much you want to adjust. If you decide one millimeter, move the tape one millimeter away from the clamp. Now loosen the bolt, slide the boom until the tape is up against the clamp, tighten the bolt, and you're done!

I think I have had a piece of electrical tape on every boom for every mile since the first time the clamp wasn't tight and the boom moved mid ride.

Never thought to mention it... Good on ya for doing that.

 

[Rick Youngblood]

I think I have had a piece of electrical tape on every boom for every mile since the first time the clamp wasn't tight and the boom moved mid ride.

Never thought to mention it... Go on ya for doing that.

Yep, same here...for me like every recumbent I've ever owned. I just recently removed the piece from the V, but that's ok, cause the residue still remains.

 

[MrSteve]

Blue painter's masking tape for me... it works well with the yellow paint and leaves less residue than electrical tape.
And I've trimmed the ragged edges off because that's how crazy I am.
Oh yeah: I've done this for years too... in case the boom slips.

 

[castlerobber]

I have a ring of red electrical tape around my boom for exactly that reason (not to mention that it matches the other red accents on the bike).

 

[ratz]

Blue painter's masking tape for me... it works well with the yellow paint and leaves less residue than electrical tape.
And I've trimmed the ragged edges off because that's how crazy I am.
Oh yeah: I've done this for years too... in case the boom slips.

so I'm not weird for triming the piece electrical tape so it's only 4mm wide lengthwise?

 

[ratz]

Hi I'm ratz and I have an electrical tape problem.

 

[SamP]

Hi I'm ratz and I have an electrical tape problem.

It's only a problem if you can't admit it!

 

[ReklinedRider]

Hi, I'm the owner of an unmarked boom, and I'm living in denial.......

 

[Rick Youngblood]

Hi, I'm the owner of an unmarked boom, and I'm living in denial.......

- okay okay! Head on over to the hardwear store and get that boom marked asap. Can't have none of that.

 

[ratz]

- okay okay! Head on over to the hardwear store and get that boom marked asap. Can't have none of that.

I always have spare tape with me in the cold season because electrical tape is great for sealing the air vents in the sole of the shoes.

 

[MrSteve]

Only cheapskates use electrical tape, masking tape, and Scotch tape.
Pros who value their lives use reflective tape.

(I'm a cheapskate.)

 

[Robert O]

Doesn't tape add drag unless you chamfer the tape edges? I'm thinking that if you taper the back edge of the tape to an angle of no more than 15 degrees, it would minimize boundary layer separation...

 

[ratz]

Doesn't tape add drag unless you chamfer the tape edges? I'm thinking that if you taper the back edge of the tape to an angle of no more than 15 degrees, it would minimize boundary layer separation...

Nailpolish to feather the edge and create a continuous surface.

 

[Robert O]

Nailpolish to feather the edge and create a continuous surface.

Or, could you apply little tiny trailing edge flaps to smooth laminar flow? And teeny-tine winglets and strakes, and...

 

[bladderhead]

Which tape is the best? Do some brands have a thicker layer of glue? Is it better to stretch the tape as you apply it?

Another project for the Oslund Research Institute.

 

[MrSteve]

Use one of your old steel ball bearings to burnish golf ball like divots into both the leading and trailing edges
of the tape.
Shhh: Do not tell anyone.
-Or I KEEL yoo.

 

[ratz]

Which tape is the best? Do some brands have a thicker layer of glue? Is it better to stretch the tape as you apply it?

Another project for the Oslund Research Institute.

Actually that's a good serious question in the fun.... Scotch Brand Eletrical tape, the most expensive version they make is really really good for taping handle bar wrap and for taping on wheel covers for aero wheel. It's sticky, reusable and very maliable. Until you use some you can't appreciate the difference. I have 10 rolls of the crap stuff in the garage for general use; and 1 roll of scotch in my tool kit hidden at the bottom so the kids don't use it.

 

[SamP]

Actually that's a good serious question in the fun.... Scotch Brand Eletrical tape, the most expensive version they make is really really good for taping handle bar wrap and for taping on wheel covers for aero wheel. It's sticky, reusable and very maliable. Until you use some you can't appreciate the difference. I have 10 rolls of the crap stuff in the garage for general use; and 1 roll of scotch in my tool kit hidden at the bottom so the kids don't use it.

3M makes a whole bunch (around 20) kinds of Scotch-branded electrical tape, so which one? I suspect Super 33+ or Super 88 though.

 

[ratz]

3M makes a whole bunch (around 20) kinds of Scotch-branded electrical tape, so which one? I suspect Super 33+ or Super 88 though.

Bah yes sorry....

Super 33+ (the narrow stuff)