Tuesday, July 29, 2008

thru front wheel drive


http://cruzbike.blogspot.com/

http://www.velovision.co.uk/cgi-bin/show_comments.pl?storynum=593

http://www.schlumpf.ch/uni_engl.htm

D: I wanted a mid-steer too.
http://www.python-lowracer.de/geometry.html
D: see the chart on Flevobike. I read about somebody trying to learn to ride a Chikara on the top link. It was very very hard.

I found a vid of a Cruzbike rider both pedalling and turning in a tight radius.
Putting pedals through a wheel will lead to heel-road-clip just like a standard bike.
So you want very big tires. I was thinking 28".
The measurement system is pretty nuts.
http://sheldonbrown.com/tire-sizing.html

D: I am not sure what raising the seat will do to handling on a mid-steer though.
Plus the weight distribution between tires will be totally different than with a SWB.
It will be all on the rear tire. But the drive is the front tire.
Problem...

With a I-motion9 hub drive, the bike could be quite light.
With a 350% gear range, though, this means no great granny gear and no great fast one either.
This relegates the concept to a simple commuter.
With a Rohloff, particularly the new 2008 with almost 600% range, it could rock.
BUT that will cost likely c. 1500 bux! Ouch.

D: I was thinking to build the frame in front of the front tire to mount battery ballast.
I had considered doing so on the rear for a trailer hitch.
Aside: my bud used 2 forks to make a trailer. He attached it with hydraulic hose connectors and one additional pivot point. It works like a charm!

D: if I make a low bike like this, I will be paranoid about visibility.
I planned to order 2 sets of freelights.
I initially wanted Reelights. They are likely more robust but expensive.
Neither company exhibited any interest in sideways amber running lights- but I think that would be brilliant.
With 2 sets, I
1) take 2 white ones, assign sideways with amber covers.
2) use one red rear
3) place 2nd red one on top of a flag.
4) use a proper high power light at the front for visibility.
Keep in mind I have fore/aft flashing LEDs on my helmet.
http://www.freelights.co.uk/
http://bikehugger.com/2007/10/reelight_review.htm
D: making bikes in the factory with internal wiring and these setups would seem sensible.
The freelights would be good for entry-level bikes.