Rake and trail
- Thread starter El C
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MattiThundrrr
Rattus All Terrainus
I sometimes have to move a rake out of the way to get to a part or tool in the garage. I often consider the trails as I have a hard time staying off them when I see them. Other than that, I just figure it out on the test ride. Maybe I should have done the math on the Wonky Donkey though
I raised the front end by a few inches, it's a handful. I'm scared to put a drivetrain on it, I use it as a strider
I raised the front end by a few inches, it's a handful. I'm scared to put a drivetrain on it, I use it as a strider
Well, it should be kept reasonable and rideable... I got a wheel flop on one bike. It takes a few seconds to get used to. It also depends on the sturdiness of the fork - the more rake the more lateral forces are applied to the tubing.
There are formulas, probably on wikipedia, or Sheldon Bronw's page.
There are formulas, probably on wikipedia, or Sheldon Bronw's page.
I know how it´s measured and also know where it should be but sometimes the style and look are more important...
I have one bike that has too much trail but it works ok when riding at normal speed but when going very slow it´s bad.
In my case I had the impression that a bigger wheel would worsen the problem - which makes sense considering it raises the front. So a smaller front wheel might improve the situation. A longer stem may be as well.
That's my bike:
I don't know the exact rake. It is a 28" fork. I only looked at the pedal clearance. Also I was looking for a position that would not be in the way of the chain.
That's my bike:
I don't know the exact rake. It is a 28" fork. I only looked at the pedal clearance. Also I was looking for a position that would not be in the way of the chain.
MattiThundrrr
Rattus All Terrainus
Yeah I'm outta my league here. I just assemble parts. You need an expert. Maybe someone with that type of building experience can help. @GuitarlCarl builds his frames long, @tjwilson if he's around...
Good eye, there is a difference aboit 2 cm (less than an inch). Bigger front wheel help?
Do I think about it? Not so much anymore. But you have to understand it. Here's a pretty straight forward description on bike geometry.
https://www.cyclingabout.com/understanding-bicycle-frame-geometry/That said... some bikes take a bit of practice. Harlequin was weird at first but easy after a bit of practice and a smaller front wheel helped a lot.
Carl.
https://www.cyclingabout.com/understanding-bicycle-frame-geometry/That said... some bikes take a bit of practice. Harlequin was weird at first but easy after a bit of practice and a smaller front wheel helped a lot.
Carl.
This bike has zero trail and it is definitely Sketchy!
GC.
You should try a smaller wheel. A bigger wheel raises the front and leads to more rake.
I know it's based around motorcycle design, but if you really want to dive down the rabbit hole on rake and trail effects, research Tony Foale. I own his design book and have used it more times than I can count. It's filled with highlights and sticky notes
