rotofool wrote:
> John Foltz <
[email protected]> wrote in message news:<
[email protected]>...
>
>> David wrote:
>>
>>> I have noticed that some bent riders reverse the front forks of their machines, what is the
>>> reason for this? I can see how this would increase the trail, but have no idea how the amount
>>> of trail affects the handling. In need of enlightenment, David.
>>
>> More trail is supposed to 'slow down' the steering characteristics, that is, make the bike less
>> twitchy. The part I don't understand is that in most cases, reversing the fork causes, for lack
>> of a better term, negative fork flop. The head tube should be at its lowest point when the wheel
>> is pointed forward, and rise somewhat when the front wheel is turned to either side.
>
>
> Actually, for "normal" fork flop the head tube should be at its highest point when the wheel is
> facing forward. As the wheel is turned the front of the bike lowers. Balancing the right amount
> of fork flop with the right amount of trail is one of the most important facets of steering
> geometry. The smaller the head tube angle, the more fork flop will be produced for a given amount
> of fork offset. To keep fork flop from getting out of hand, fork offset must be increased as head
> tube angle is decreased.
>
This is opposite from what I thought I'd read, so I ran out in the garage and tried to measure it.
The effect is slight, but it seems you're right. I guess I can rationalize why it works that way,
but I'll have to study it more when the weather warms up before I can visualize it better. Thanks
for the correction.
--
John Foltz --- O _ Baron --- _O _ V-Rex 24/63 --- _\\/\-%)
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