Welcome to Velo Vision magazine, covering specialised bikes, cycling as transport and human power. It's a quarterly dose of cycle inspiration.
The current issue is Issue 17. The next issue is out early June 2005.
Subscribe now!
Velo Vision Forum: main page
or direct to latest topics
- Magazine:
- Information:
- Subscriptions:
- Free small ads
|
VV discussion
|
Author: wazabike (---.sympatico.ca)
Date: 07-04-2005 12:30
Just wanted to show you something new from Canada. Tell me what you think. I'm working on a new version.
wazabike.itgo.com
Have a great day
Rob Wazny
WAZABIKE
Only in Canada eh!
|
|
Reply To This Message
|
|
Author: gNick (151.182.140.---)
Date: 13-04-2005 13:35
Interesting tensioning on the chain - would be good for hire bikes but otherwise how often do you adjust a bike?
One problem with seat suspension is that if it is activated by the rider pushing you are absorbing rider energy and varying the rider's position; both of which are BAD THINGS.
gNick
Pity Me, Durham
----------------------------------------------------
I'm just a primitive creature of the heath,
So excuse my savage ignorance
|
|
Reply To This Message
|
|
Author: wazabike (---.sympatico.ca)
Date: 14-04-2005 08:08
Hi gnik
In response to your questions.
Quote: gnick ((Interesting tensioning on the chain - would be good for hire bikes but otherwise how often do you adjust a bike?))
Originally I developed this system for a demonstration bike so I could allow several people to try the bike with just a few seconds to size each person properly. When I have tried other peoples recumbent's that were to long or to short I found it difficult to enjoy the ride. I did not want first time recumbent riders to get a bad impression of the recumbent concept. As I built the first crude version I realized it could change gears as well. When I first designed the Y-Frame it was basically designed around an internal hub with brake. The tensioner system allows the use of a triple with an internal hub. It really creates no more friction than a rear derailer. If you consider it closely it works much the same as a rear derailer. To finally answer your original question The seat adjustment on a regular bike allows handy quick adjustments for riding conditions and if you wear different shoes. On a recumbent you need to make small quick adjustments for the following reasons.
[email protected]
http://wazabike.itgo.com
1.) developed for a demonstration model so I could quickly set up a bike to a new rider to let them try riding a recumbent. I soon realized this a great feature for any recumbent that requires adjusting the bottom bracket for X seam adjustments.
2.) infinite adjustment whereas adjusting chain length can only be done in increments of two chain pitches. This equates to 1/2" increments on the boom unless you can move the wheel axle as well.
3.) Some riders may find the traditional chain adjustment inadequate an bothersome.
4.) If the rider changes shoes
puts on weight
puts on a heavy coat
wants to let friend or family member try the bike
sells the bike
X seam adjustments can be made in seconds
5.) eliminates the need for a rear derailer or similar take up system for use with a multispeed hub.
6,) eliminates the need for a conventional front derailer
7.) With the seat position fixed as it is on this machine any rider will have the same experience on the bike because the center of gravity remains the same. Example older lightning models.
Quote: gnick ((One problem with seat suspension is that if it is activated by the rider pushing you are absorbing rider energy and varying the rider's position; both of which are BAD THINGS.))
Good observation. However this is more relevant with conventional bikes because the suspension osculates in the same plane as the force exerted to the pedals. On a bent the osculation of the suspension is 90 degrees more or less to the pedaling force. Therefore the pedaling force does not induce osculation of the suspension as it would on a diamond frame. The suspension is limited to about �� travel which in turn is equal to approximately 1 1/2� at either wheel. This is adequate for any road surface.
On any suspension system involving the drive wheel there is always the effect of chain tension on the suspension. Yes there are some designs that use a sweet point to limit this effect but as you change gear combinations so does the sweet point change. Therefore energy loss is always a with wheel suspension. The fastest frame designs on the road still use ridged frame construction as the key to optimum power delivery.
[email protected]
http://wazabike.itgo.com
Have a great day
Rob Wazny
WAZABIKE
Only in Canada eh!
|
|
Reply To This Message
|
|
