Rear wheel steering?
09-06-18 | 09:57 AM
#1
Thread Starter
Cyclist
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 113
Likes: 18
From: Ontario, Canada
Bikes: 1987 Nishiki Altron 7000 (Road), 1983 Norco Monterey (Fixed-gear), 2005 Kona Blast (MTB), 2008 Lemond Poprad (CX)
Rear wheel steering?
I'm probably late to the party on this (video posted in 2016), but:
- Cool.
- WTF?
- Why?
09-06-18 | 10:18 AM
#2
aire díthrub
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 553
Likes: 55
From: chatham-savannah
Bikes: Raleigh Competition, Pashley Roadster Sovereign, Mercian Vincitore Speciale
I’ve seen this video before. In the long history of bicycle design, this actually isn’t all that strange, and honestly i wouldn’t at all be surprised if this hasn’t been invented before. A lot of things that we think are new in terms of bicycle engineering, is often actually really old. In fact, sometimes over a century old. It’s literally all been done before. Well, short of actually ‘re-inventing’ the wheel. There’s no practical use that I can see, other than maybe a tighter turning radius when needed? Maybe. But it seems like it’s mostly meant for fun, which leads me to believe that it will never catch on at all, with anyone. Like that bike where the frame is literally the lock.
It’s pointless. But I’m sure there will be a small special group of people that will buy one. An elite club that will be.
It’s pointless. But I’m sure there will be a small special group of people that will buy one. An elite club that will be.
09-06-18 | 11:11 AM
#5
Thread Starter
Cyclist
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 113
Likes: 18
From: Ontario, Canada
Bikes: 1987 Nishiki Altron 7000 (Road), 1983 Norco Monterey (Fixed-gear), 2005 Kona Blast (MTB), 2008 Lemond Poprad (CX)
09-06-18 | 11:18 AM
#6
Thread Starter
Cyclist
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 113
Likes: 18
From: Ontario, Canada
Bikes: 1987 Nishiki Altron 7000 (Road), 1983 Norco Monterey (Fixed-gear), 2005 Kona Blast (MTB), 2008 Lemond Poprad (CX)
Thanks, that's much more convenient than the link I posted. 
Also just noticed tho, they are clearly running a freewheel on those... false advertising in the video title? Probably more fun as a single-speed than a fixed-gear anyway. Pretty laughable chain tension on the silver one too.
Also just noticed tho, they are clearly running a freewheel on those... false advertising in the video title? Probably more fun as a single-speed than a fixed-gear anyway. Pretty laughable chain tension on the silver one too.
Last edited by SeanBikes; 09-06-18 at 11:22 AM.
09-06-18 | 12:06 PM
#7
aire díthrub
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 553
Likes: 55
From: chatham-savannah
Bikes: Raleigh Competition, Pashley Roadster Sovereign, Mercian Vincitore Speciale
Thanks, that's much more convenient than the link I posted.
Also just noticed tho, they are clearly running a freewheel on those... false advertising in the video title? Probably more fun as a single-speed than a fixed-gear anyway. Pretty laughable chain tension on the silver one too.
Also just noticed tho, they are clearly running a freewheel on those... false advertising in the video title? Probably more fun as a single-speed than a fixed-gear anyway. Pretty laughable chain tension on the silver one too.
09-12-18 | 01:21 PM
#9
Thread Starter
Cyclist
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 113
Likes: 18
From: Ontario, Canada
Bikes: 1987 Nishiki Altron 7000 (Road), 1983 Norco Monterey (Fixed-gear), 2005 Kona Blast (MTB), 2008 Lemond Poprad (CX)
09-12-18 | 08:11 PM
#13
Super-duper Genius
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 1,759
Likes: 1,054
From: Muskrat Springs, Utah
It was indeed a meaningless novelty. I remember them from the mid-70s. I think they were based on the Schwinn Stingray. The only thing the articulated frame offered was the ability to do some silly stunts--showing off--nothing of practical value.
09-12-18 | 11:50 PM
#14
Full Member
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 305
Likes: 119
The various swing bikes are novelties and are no doubt fun to ride for a while. I once rode a bike that was hinged at the seat tube and the head tube, so you could ride it in a Z shape. However, once you've ridden in a Z shape, and done some tight circles, it's, er... well, that's it, really.
Once you start steering with the back wheel, you may as well do the job properly and get rid of the front wheel. You then have a very capable and versatile machine but have to put up with a lot of silly comments from dog walkers.
Once you start steering with the back wheel, you may as well do the job properly and get rid of the front wheel. You then have a very capable and versatile machine but have to put up with a lot of silly comments from dog walkers.
09-13-18 | 11:27 AM
#15
- Soli Deo Gloria -
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 14,779
Likes: 743
From: Northwest Georgia
Bikes: 2018 Rodriguez Custom Fixed Gear, 2017 Niner RLT 9 RDO, 2015 Bianchi Pista, 2002 Fuji Robaix
The entirety of recreational cycling is made up of a long series of silly stunts and lack of practical value.
If someone want's to ride a rear wheel steering bike then its cool with me as long as they aren't killing kittens, stealing food from children or drugging themselves into unconsciousness.
If everyone started to act, think and behave like me I'd probably kill myself, or everyone around me.
Just be nice to the least and lowest - give them some dignity back, and let people live their lives.
-Tim-
If someone want's to ride a rear wheel steering bike then its cool with me as long as they aren't killing kittens, stealing food from children or drugging themselves into unconsciousness.
If everyone started to act, think and behave like me I'd probably kill myself, or everyone around me.
Just be nice to the least and lowest - give them some dignity back, and let people live their lives.
-Tim-
09-13-18 | 07:36 PM
#16
Clark W. Griswold
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 18,274
Likes: 6,631
From: ,location, location
Bikes: Foundry Chilkoot Ti W/Ultegra Di2, Salsa Timberjack Ti, Cinelli Mash Work RandoCross Fun Time Machine, 1x9 XT Parts Hybrid, Co-Motion Cascadia, Specialized Langster, Phil Wood Apple VeloXS Frame (w/DA 7400), R+M Supercharger2 Rohloff, Habanero Ti 26
The entirety of recreational cycling is made up of a long series of silly stunts and lack of practical value.
If someone want's to ride a rear wheel steering bike then its cool with me as long as they aren't killing kittens, stealing food from children or drugging themselves into unconsciousness.
If everyone started to act, think and behave like me I'd probably kill myself, or everyone around me.
Just be nice to the least and lowest - give them some dignity back, and let people live their lives.
-Tim-
If someone want's to ride a rear wheel steering bike then its cool with me as long as they aren't killing kittens, stealing food from children or drugging themselves into unconsciousness.
If everyone started to act, think and behave like me I'd probably kill myself, or everyone around me.
Just be nice to the least and lowest - give them some dignity back, and let people live their lives.
-Tim-
09-13-18 | 10:13 PM
#17
Super-duper Genius
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 1,759
Likes: 1,054
From: Muskrat Springs, Utah
The entirety of recreational cycling is made up of a long series of silly stunts and lack of practical value.
If someone want's to ride a rear wheel steering bike then its cool with me as long as they aren't killing kittens, stealing food from children or drugging themselves into unconsciousness.
If everyone started to act, think and behave like me I'd probably kill myself, or everyone around me.
Just be nice to the least and lowest - give them some dignity back, and let people live their lives.
If someone want's to ride a rear wheel steering bike then its cool with me as long as they aren't killing kittens, stealing food from children or drugging themselves into unconsciousness.
If everyone started to act, think and behave like me I'd probably kill myself, or everyone around me.
Just be nice to the least and lowest - give them some dignity back, and let people live their lives.
09-14-18 | 08:08 AM
#18
Thread Starter
Cyclist
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 113
Likes: 18
From: Ontario, Canada
Bikes: 1987 Nishiki Altron 7000 (Road), 1983 Norco Monterey (Fixed-gear), 2005 Kona Blast (MTB), 2008 Lemond Poprad (CX)
Well, I agree with the I'll do my thing and let them do theirs philosophy. Just because I think something like a swing bike is silly doesn't mean I'm trying to deny them the right to ride it. (Lots of folks probably think some of my bikes are silly, and I don't mind if they say so.)
The concept of a rear-steer bike is just foreign to me and I find it strange. I like cool/fun bike ideas (there are some pretty odd and interesting designs in the frame-builders forum) -- whatever tickles your pickle -- but I'm not going to run out and buy one... It does seem like they're trying to pass it off as a game-changing practical idea with a title like:
"Could this rear-wheel steering single-speed bike be the next big thing?"
I think we can safely answer "no", criticize why it won't (and shouldn't) be, acknowledge it as a fun experiment, and move on.
09-14-18 | 08:16 AM
#19
Thread Starter
Cyclist
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 113
Likes: 18
From: Ontario, Canada
Bikes: 1987 Nishiki Altron 7000 (Road), 1983 Norco Monterey (Fixed-gear), 2005 Kona Blast (MTB), 2008 Lemond Poprad (CX)
The entirety of recreational cycling is made up of a long series of silly stunts and lack of practical value.
If someone want's to ride a rear wheel steering bike then its cool with me as long as they aren't [...] drugging themselves into unconsciousness.
If everyone started to act, think and behave like me I'd probably kill myself, or everyone around me.
If someone want's to ride a rear wheel steering bike then its cool with me as long as they aren't [...] drugging themselves into unconsciousness.
If everyone started to act, think and behave like me I'd probably kill myself, or everyone around me.
[DISCLAIMER: I understand that you're just joshing]
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
The Domestique
"The 33"-Road Bike Racing
53
06-03-15 08:52 AM
