Tony S view: flat | tree
Subject: [touring] Re: LWB recumbents and braking
Date: 4/6/2011 6:13:02 PM
List: Touring
I've got a SUN Sport AX, which classifies as a compact LWB recumbent.
I'm 6'2, so have slid the seat just about all the way back, and I
would guess that at least 2/3rds of the bike's weight is on the back
wheel.

I have not noticed the jumping that you mention apart from skipping on
bumpy roads, but definitely I cannot put as much power through the
front brake as I can on my trike SWB or mountain bike. Apart from the
weight distribution compared to any SWB bike / trike, due to the low
center of gravity of the bike and rider compared to an upright, weight
does not transfer to the front wheel nearly as well.

This is particularly noticeable on dirt roads or in rain / snow, where
I can lock the wheel pretty easily, or feel it skip out on bumps,
especially in corners. For rapid stops, using the rear brake is
mandatory.

Something else you may want to think about is tire pressure. The
front of an LWB does not need nearly the same pressure as an upright.

Apart from the headstock, I'd check the rim (assuming rim brakes) for
residues, worn ares or out of true. The lack of weight on the front
end would exacerbate any issues with the wheel.

On Apr 6, 7:24=A0am, Andy Goodell <geekguya...@gmail.com> wrote:
>...........
> I finally took the long wheelbase recumbent out for an errand the
> other day for the first time this season, and it was the first time I
> had ridden it since installing a front brake. However, I can only put
> about 25% on the front brake (instead of more like 50-75% on upright
> road bikes). The whole front end starts jumping around if I put more
> on, especially if the wheel is turned, though even when it's straight.
> I'm pretty sure this is a result of such a long bike having very
> little weight over the front wheel. Other than strapping on some iron
> bars, is there any solution to this?
>
> Andy

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