Bicycle Mechanics - Monofork?

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x19guy
09-17-05, 12:25 AM
Hi guys,

I'm designing a pubilc bicycle for uni and was wondering about this partricular feature found on the Strida folding bike; It features mono-forks, or some other name im sure they have, where by the wheels only have a member on one side, not like the traditional fork.

I'm after some more information; how do they work and why arent they common.....like are there wheel ballancing problems etc.

Thanks,

Mark S

Brian
09-17-05, 02:31 AM
They would require a non-standard hub, which limits them greatly. It's more gimmick than anything else.
MichaelW
09-17-05, 03:28 AM
Non standard parts are an advantage in public-bike schemes.
The monofork is a good design. It was used on the carbon fibre Lotus bike in the 1982 Olympics. You need a hub with a fairly fat axle. There are no particular problems with balance but you need to be careful with the alignment of the axle.
You can repair a puncture without removing the wheel.

Brian
09-17-05, 03:55 AM
There's that little matter of availability, as well as weight limits and brake alignment.
Retro Grouch
09-17-05, 07:11 AM
Check out the Cannondale line for some reverse engineering clues. They've been marketing mountain bikes with one side "Lefty" forks for several years.