On 3 June, 00:35, Andre Jute wrote:
THE LOGIC OF TRIKES
an outsider's viewpoint


Considering a lightweight trike like a motor vehicle is incorrect.
The major problem for which you have identified is that the angle from
the centre of gravity to the line between the outer front wheel
contact and the rear wheel is too steep. Other than making the track
wider or lowering the rider to which you dislike on both counts, there
is the possibility of laterally moving the rider. A wide flat seat
may be provided with grab rails to the side. The rider would need to
relocate and brace for the corner using the outside grab rail. The
simplicity of the system relies on the alertness of the rider for all
cornering over modest speed. The steering bar itself could be used as
the bracing just as it is when a racer laterally shifts the bicycle to
enable pedalling through a corner.

An alternative to the above is a relocating front axle, not nearly so
good, but saving constant attention. The idea is that upon turning,
the 'axle' is moved outwards so setting up a 'lean' in addition to
what the rider does with his upper body.

The most satisfactory system will probably consist of the relocating
axle, relocating seat plus body lean which is partially induced with
an automatic seat relocation. I'm thinking that seat relocation may
be up to 200mm, axle at 140mm plus a further body lean at the shoulder
of 200mm. If all this was done with a Jute height seat with a 6oomm
track, would this enable sufficient cornering angle on a typical
adverse camber?

If the answer is possitive then the design may be considered. Else
I'm thinking the track just has to be wider. If it could be done
along my principles then how far could the machine be narrowed?
Making the machine less than 500mm is some accomplishment when coupled
with a high cornering speed.