I kinda feel like a jerk for getting all this started, but if it prevents you from getting hurt or worse it's worth it.
MHF
MHF
I am glad this topic was readdressed. I had no idea how serious having proper rake and trail was. I just assumed that is a use a standard bicycle head tube angle I would be in the clear. I am in the process of trying to figure this mess out, I know how I will go about fixing the frame but the math killin' me.I kinda feel like a jerk for getting all this started, but if it prevents you from getting hurt or worse it's worth it.
MHF
I would go for 3 inches!You always use the pivot point - HEAD TUBE - !
Always measure on the bike directly! Doing math on paper
can hide flaws in the end result! (two strings, tape and a ruler!)
The range which will work is between 2.5 and 4 inches trail.
Back in the "good old days" they may had less.....but people
got hurt.......!
Roland
Nice link...but it does NOT work with springer or any leading or trailing linkHere is a handy tool I found. Rake and Trail Calculator
RB Racing Rake and Trail Calculator
Just punch in your numbers and it will tell it like it is. You can change your input numbers to see what it will take for you to get to your zone.
I just did my bike with it and came to 2.28 (I said to Roland earlier that I thought it was 1.48 but I did my math wrong) It's very close to 2.5" . I'm not going to sweat 1/4". I'm happy with the handling right now.
63 Degrees? I think your tool is in the wrong direction. Most forks are between 17 Degrees and 25 Degrees. Not being SmartA$$ here, I really want to know what it is for comparison. Mine is 18 Degrees BTW.I have been very, very busy working on this front end, and I finally have it "done". I still need to do some more grinding and welding but the hard stuff is over.
Here are the final measurements.
head tube angle: 63 degrees
trail: 3.5 inches
I want to thank everyone who notice my mistakes and convinced me to change them, even through all my stubbornness.