Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.rabbitt
08-08-06, 03:10 AM
i know i have been a post-zilla lately, but i'm just bursting with questions, so whether or not you like it, here it is: What is the minimum wheelbase at which what is known as "passive suspension" occurs? Rans lwb's are famous for being smooth, yet they have no actual suspension on the wheels. Part of it is the chromoly and the other part is the huge wheelbase. I understand that lowracers (which are considered SWB's) have a longer wheelbase than the average SWB. A lot of lowracers also do not have suspension (ie optima baron or challenge jester). are these rides as smooth? anyone have any experience on this? I'm trying to break into the 'bent world and also to start some sort of cycling club in my area to show cars that they suck and to generally have fun. Some of my acquaintances ask if i still ride "that little bike everywhere?",(Yes, i think they mean it derogatorily) and i'd like something with a considerably longer wheelbase than a DF. Also, I'm suspicious that shocks will rob my ride of power, so i'm opting for more of a "natural" smoothing out of bumps. What's a good wheelbase at which i can experience some quality suspension and are longer wheelbases conducive to flexing? (which would also rob one of power)