Originally Posted by
rpenmanparker
Nice! I thought I knew what is the effect of trail regarding handling, but it never occurred to me to ask why. Your explanation of lifting the bike with a lever is a totally new concept to me. Thanks so much!
Robert
Hi Robert...
Yeah...trail is basically the concept of castor and a prevalent component of steering...referred to in automotive engineering as returnability also contributing to tracking and on center feel. If you thinking about the arc of a front wheel axle which doesn't share the same axis with the head tube angle and contact patch, as the axle turns, the physical weight of the bike is lifted. It is this weight that contributes to the steadiness for on center tracking. Lack of it of course is the opposite and contributes to more 'nervous' steering.