[python] Re: Intro
- From: mchannon <mchannon@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: python@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Mon, 17 May 2004 14:46:13 -0400
Hi Paul
Good to see another Canuck interested in the python!
If you are willing to accept a higher seat and/or a higher crank position
then you should be able to use the 26" wheels. The cranks, wheel axle and
hinge do not need to be inline. In fact, having the cranks above wheel
center keeps the derailleur out of the way of your legs.
With a higher seat you would be giving up the lowracer nature of the Python
to some extent and ending up with a bike more like the Airbike which
inspired Jurgen to create the Python. I like being able to touch the ground
with my hands while riding the Python...so far that is my training "wheels".
Therefore, I suspect that your end result would be better if you used
smaller wheels. I'm sure that a Python with 20" wheels would work quite
well...and you may be able to use something larger like a 24" wheel. I see
no reason that different wheel sizes shouldn't be used.
The steering angle is measured from horizontal. It would be interesting to
see a frame from wood. I suspct that the investment would be minimal, which
would allow you to try several different design ideas.
It should be possible to build fairings for a Python. Other moving boom
bikes have been faired. Look at the Traylor web site for an example
(http://traylorfwd.home.mindspring.com/critical_mass.html)
As Jurgen said in a previous post, don't be afraid to experiment. I look
forward to reports of your progress.
Mike Channon
London, Ontario, Canada
At 11:35 AM 5/17/04 -0400, you wrote:
>Hello All!!
>
>Well I am a bit slow to respond to this letter but I thought I would take
>the time to read thru all the archives to help answer some of my
>questions. I also tried to read up a bit on wheel sizes but I am still a
>bit confused. I went to an American high school in Bermuda because my dad
>was in the service. Now I am so used to Imperial measures it is going to
>take a while to break the habit ! Plus I think the wheel sizing is/was a
>mess ha ha!
>
>One thing I find ironic is the one design that really catches my eye, the
>Python, seems to be designed for the taller rider and with no fairing. I
>am not tall at all at 5'4" and I was really hoping for front fairing and
>an areo tailbox as a minimum.
>
>OK, that being said, onward with the design challenges :)
>
>My number one question is related to wheel size and hinge angle. Since I
>am short, with an inseam of less than 29 inches/ 73.5 cm, I have no choice
>but to use a smaller front wheel. I am assuming that a 20 inch wheel /
>406mm (is this correct??) will make a good front wheel. I currently have
>two new 26 inch by 1 inch wide (559mm ?) rims with disc brake hubs that I
>would like to use. Looks like I might be able to use at least the rear
>one.
>So any comments on using a 26 inch/559 mm rear wheel with a 20 inch/ 406
>mm front wheel ? If in disscussion people feel that both wheels should be
>the same size then I will just have to purchase a 20inch/406 mm (or about
>this size) wheel set.
>
>As far as hing angle goes, I would like to be in the range of 65 to 70
>degrees. Should this angle be measured from the horizon or from a straight
>line thru the two axles of the front and rear wheel.
>
>I would also like to keep the hinge as close to the front wheel as
>possible due to my short legs. I believe it will give me more
>adjustability for comfort in relatiion to the cranks.
>On the subject of cranks, should the hinge, front wheel axle, and the
>cranks be more or less in straight line with each other or can the crank
>be lower or higher than a line drawn from the hinge thru the front wheel
>axle?
>
>Lastly, is about wheelbase. If I go with two small wheels I could end up
>with a very short wheel base. Any more comments on wheelbase to add to
>what Michael said about long wheelbases turning into a twitchy bike with a
>turning radius of a supertanker??? (what an odd combination and I could be
>wrong on what I just said, If so sorry Michael :) )
>
>I think once I decide these three things I will be able to start a drawing
>and get on with building. I will worry about adding a fairing and hand
>assist after I master riding a prototype model :)
>
>I will probably stick to a wood frame unless some guys from the local HPV
>group convince me to make one from some scrap frames :)
>
>My idea for a fairing will be this. If you can image a tear drop shaped
>fairing mounted to the back frame only. The front bubble of the fairing
>would stick out over the nose long enough for foot and crank room. This
>will leave the front half of the frame free to move. It will not be in the
>wind stream so hopefully this would work. Altho I see that a gust moving
>the the fairing would cause the bike to turn ! Maybe !!!. Anyhow,
>something to try after right?
>
>Cheers to all and thanks again for the help so far :)
>
>Paul Bell
>
>P.S. I am c.c. this to my local HPV list and I think we have some interest
>there in the Python as well : )
>
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