[python] Re: Japan

Thank you very much for inviting me to this mailinglist.

Since it is impossible in Japan to obtain any information about
center-steered recumbent, I hope to gather various information here.

Now, let me answer to questions by Mr. Juergen Mages.

>>the Kalle is the only rideable rear wheel steered twowheeled
>>recumbent that I know. How is your experience with it?

As I understand, Kalle-type is classified as “front wheel 
steered” rather
than “rear wheel steered” since the pivot angle of Kalle-type is 
slanted
in the same direction as that of front wheel steered bicycle. I guess 
it’s
like sitting on the handle bar of ordinary bicycle.

>>what kind of bearing did you use for the Kalle pivot?

As to the selection of the bearing, I relied on a drawing of Flevoracer I
found in the net. It is a taper roller bearing in the same shape as that
used for Flevoracer. It seems to be designed for motorcycles.
http://www.ntn.co.jp/japan/product/catalogmenu/pdf/pdf-bearing/b_132_231.pdf
This bearing is definitely heavy, however, I did not care the weight since
my first priority existed in robustness.
As to the head shell, I had it manufactured by a turnery with whom I have
business connection. It is made of S45C.

>>the Flevo seems to have a very short normal steering head.
>>Any problems with it so far?

After 400km of riding, I have found no problem. As to headparts, I selected
a robust ones designed for downhill mountain bike racing. The Shaft (or
column) is a SUS304 solid round bar, rather than a hollow pipe, which is
extremely robust.

>>I am wondering about the low seat angle <30 degrees and
>>the small ground clearance 36 mm of your Monty clone.
>>Do you intend to keep this?

Having watched the Python movie, I understood that it is necessary that my
hand can reach the ground.
In general, Japanese have shorter arms and legs compared to German or Dutch
people, and so do I. My palms can reach the ground at the seat angle of 30
degrees, however, only my fingertips can reach the ground at the seat angle
of 35 degrees.

I will increase the ground clearance to 50mm by changing the structure of
the pivot. That will suffice since I am planning to ride My Python only in
parks and closed circuits.
http://www.greenspeed.com.au/NewGSweb/web-content/australia/models/specs/slrspec.html
At least, it is larger than that of Greenspeed SLR (1.5 inch=38mm).

In addition, my limited leg length forced me to select small wheels like
ETRTO305.

>>any chance to hear your real name?

My family name is Moriguchi.



Best regards.


============================================================

This is the Python Mailinglist at freelists.org

Listmaster: Jürgen Mages jmages@xxxxxx

To unsubscribe send an empty mail to 
python-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
with 'unsubscribe' in the subject field.

============================================================

Other related posts: