Originally Posted by
FBinNY
Table? What table? I guess my shorthand explanation was too shorthand, but I just re-explained it above.
It calls for a string and a ruler (for forks off the bike) and there's no triangulation. Just two easy length measurements, and a simple application of ratios, ie rake/axle to top = measured side/measured short section.
Feel free to knock it, but it might be fairer to actually understand or try it first.
BTW - as far as accuracy goes, it's an analog of the method that surveyors and others have used for well over a century to measure the heights of mtn peaks and buildings.
Sorry, I just re-read, and I misunderstood what you were measuring at each part, even if I got the overall idea.
BUT, it still suffers what CNY and I pointed out - that you are trying to get accurate hypotenuses from very acute triangles measured with crude tools. With angles of just a few degrees, the amount of error even a slight inaccuracy in length measuring or angle measuring produces is giant. Too much to get a useful rake out of.