[python] Re: Questions from a total newbie
- From: Jürgen Mages <jmages@xxxxxx>
- To: <python@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Tue, 21 Mar 2006 18:22:16 +0100
Bienvenue Pierre,
- I am a heavy guy, about 115Kg / 250lbs : presumably my weight will be an
advantage on the Python, as it will strengthen the self-centering effect,
right? I suppose I will need something a bit stronger than a bottom
bracket or steering column to act as center pivot as well.
Weight sure makes a difference. My experience with 25 kg
more luggage on tour: I noticed better downhill stability and
a wider turning circle. The pivot made of tapered roller or
angular contact ball bearings is clearly superior to the BB
solution, regarding endurance, weight and ground clearance.
- Is a Python with a small front wheel, and therefore less negative trail,
more stable than with a large wheel?
I never tried small wheels, but the experience of Dirk seems to
prove that.
- Does the wheelbase and/or weight distribution affect the stability of
the bike, and in what way? in other words, is Python's handling improved
or worsened by moving the rear wheel back?
By moving the CoG backwards the traction of the front wheel
is reduced. Also the self-centering should be best if the CoG
is right above the steering pivot.
- From a purely theoretical point of view, and regardless of the
complexity of such a mechanism if it were implemented, do you reckon a
Python with a variable pivot angle would be a good idea? I'm thinking of a
bike that you could set a steep pivot angle at low speed, and a shallower
one at high speed, so that you get a nimble bike in town and a stable one
at speed and not have to compromise. I realize it would be rather
complicated and heavy, not to mention that it would require an even
steeper learning curve, but I'm just toying with ideas at this stage.
Maybe you know the experiments of Andreas Leutz with his airbike
and flevobike or the Yellow Submachine of Uwe Carstens.
Both can vary the seat height and the pivot angle while riding.
A promising concept, but I fear it will be design-engeneering
overkill. (And I love the simple solutions).
Cheers,
Jürgen.
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