Author Topic: Am I crazy? (Read 3717 times)

shovelon · « **on:** November 13, 2005, 07:17:36 am »

This is what I did to my forks, and shock.

Terry

will · « **Reply #1 on:** November 13, 2005, 09:38:31 am »

Not if it works!

What's that on the back? What was the effect on the front?

This may keep me awake thing about axel paths and such... [smiley=groucho.gif]

shovelon · « **Reply #2 on:** November 13, 2005, 10:32:10 am »

Yesssss.

Before the change the fork would tuck under the front when braking on steep downhills, and the front end would understeer on corners. Nature of the beast I thought. But whilst trying to take the front brake squeal out and was apart for cleaning, it hit me. I could lenghten the wheelbase by swapping the legs. The axle path is the same. And the brake has perfect clearance.

Combined with a slightly lowered bottom bracket from the new shock location, it is really stable.

I did develope a squeek in the links that I have to find, but it is a keeper until it breaks.

Terry

Frankd3000 · « **Reply #3 on:** November 13, 2005, 12:09:29 pm »

Yeah, but you haven't changed the geometry of the links, so how would the front not tuck under any more? I don't get it. Maybe it still does, but it's not as noticeable?

I like the idea of a longer wheelbase - for sure! What are you using for a shock up there now, anyways? Looks too big/shinny for a Noleen, but it's covered, so I can't tell.

Damn, makes me wanna put mine back on just to try it! [smiley=blankstare.gif]

So, c'mon now, let's get a close-up of your handy-dandy welding work on the rear! Look's like you're running the 7.5 x 2.0 shock?

What's the BB height now, Terry? Inquiring minds want to know this VERY badly!

Darn you, you polished-frame guys!!!!

[smiley=laughing.gif]

Carbon_Angus · « **Reply #4 on:** November 13, 2005, 12:42:31 pm »

wow....just be sure that frame

is willed to me!

[smiley=laughing.gif]
[smiley=beer.gif]

Ionit · « **Reply #5 on:** November 13, 2005, 02:08:29 pm »

Yeah. Your crazy... If your offering.

I always believed if you wanted a longer wheelbase you should extend the back wheel to attain it. I've seen old road bikes with your kind of wheel to head tub difference but never an X country. I guess I would just have to try it.
If I'm correct the wheelbase should be around 46 inches. Am I right.

kiwi · « **Reply #6 on:** November 13, 2005, 07:42:04 pm »

what cm are you running on the fork....is it me,optical illusion or are the crosslinks really NOT parrallel to the headtube.I have always thought they are pretty parralel......

shovelon · « **Reply #7 on:** November 14, 2005, 02:39:11 am »

I have not had a chance to go and measure the wheelbase, but it feels like it is an inch longer. The front fork still has that "J" path, but is more forward.

Kiwi, you are right the fork legs are no longer parrallel to the head tube. The top mount used to lean forward from center of leg. Now it leans rearward of leg. But the big difference is in the dropout which is now forward of center. Other than the sqeak, it feels smoother. And is feeling like I have to stiffen the preload on the spring.

Andrew, the BB is about 5 mm lower. I will get pics of the strut welds and a description of why I did what I did. Yes, it is that 7.5x2inch stroke shock. The front shock is that nospleen smart shock battery eater.

Terry

Frankd3000 · « **Reply #8 on:** November 14, 2005, 08:01:10 am »

Eeenteresting. Very very eeenteresting. Thanks. [smiley=laughing.gif]

Oh, i'm with Ionit - yes, you're crazy! But they said the same thing about Einstein, too, didn't they?

I like it. Keep us updated with future rides. You lucky Cali-bugger you!

bmwcarver · « **Reply #9 on:** November 14, 2005, 02:28:27 pm »

Did you actually measure the wheelbase to see if it was longer?! I took a straightedge to my fork legs from dropout to the top leg pivot bolt and it goes straight through the bottom leg pivot bolt. I did the same with the picture of yours and same result, just moves the brakes to the back instead of the front?

Also, with the brakes under the bottom link that way, you will limit your travel. As you get close to full stroke you may get launched if the link hits that cable as it will activate the brake

My vote would be you gotta be crazy

shovelon · « **Reply #10 on:** November 15, 2005, 12:41:28 am »

I never did measure the actual wheelbase before or after, but I could look up that stat if need be. What I did was through line of sight at head tube, the front axle was aprox 1 inch ahead of the headtube. By switching the legs, the axle is aprox 2 inches ahead of the headtube. I definately feel something.

I have bottomed the fork many times by jumping of curbs and it never actuates the brakes. I did a ride on one of my nasty trails, and same thing. Even turning left all the way until the fork leg hits the frame, it does not actuate the brake.

So far, so good! Now I gotta lighten this puppy up.
XTR casette on the way.

Terry

K2perv · « **Reply #11 on:** November 15, 2005, 12:03:57 pm »

doesn't that make your front brakes rather weak? instead of pushing against the leg it is pulling against the rivets.

sure looks sweet! (although you might want to paint the yellow black or something)

K2perv · « **Reply #12 on:** November 15, 2005, 12:04:45 pm »

whoops. too much beer. that makes your brakes stronger. NICE!

shovelon · « **Reply #13 on:** November 15, 2005, 12:45:34 pm »

Anthony, I kinda llike the yellow.

I figured that the brake would work like the rear.

DID YOU JUST PUT A LOOK FORK ON YOUR BIKE TOO??? They look sweet.

Terry

shovelon · « **Reply #14 on:** November 24, 2005, 02:46:41 am »

Andrew, here is a pic of the strut weld all polished up. Just got the original wheels rebuilt and am preping for a ride. Hoping to break the 24 lb. barrier.

Seeya, Terry

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Author Topic: Am I crazy? (Read 3717 times)

will