[python] Article: Bike to the drawing board - tech - 01 June 2011 - New Scientist
- From: Vi Vuong <vi_vuong@xxxxxxxxx>
- To: Python <python@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Sun, 5 Jun 2011 09:30:23 -0700 (PDT)
http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg21028141.700-bike-to-the-drawing-board.html
A new bike article calls for modeling the rider, and interesting comments on
recumbent (Raptor):
The first mathematically enhanced bike is already on the road. Dutch cycle
maker Raptobike has used the mathematics described in the 2007 paper to improve
its recumbent bikes. The length of recumbent bikes has to be adjusted for each
rider, but this can create problems. When the frame is made longer the centre
of gravity becomes lower, and when the frame is set shorter the opposite
occurs. This means that the bike's handling is different for taller and shorter
riders, says Arnold Ligtvoet of Raptobike. Schwab's model allowed Ligtvoet to
work out the perfect geometry for the bike's frame that would counter this
effect. "The model was used to predict and calculate the change in handling and
adapt the design to prevent the change," he says.
on folding:
Schwab is convinced there is room for improvement in other areas, though:
folding bikes in particular. That's because their design has just been copied
from old designs, he says, and that is not an ideal way to innovate. "The old
process of trial and error could change the design eventually, but we want
these machines now," Schwab says. "So we say we should put some more science
into it."
and on social steering
"The Anaconda project aims at designing an articulated in-line polycycle
propelled by human power and intended to
follow winding roads" by PHD student Python Kabeya, yes a real name and real
coincident
http://hosting.umons.ac.be/mdc2011/upload%5C541.pdf
In terms of further understanding of bike-rider dynamics, I think the python
recumbent has achieved a lot with hands free riding (partially riderless?). I
have been collecting some data on "ride-ability" of different front wheel
sizes, 10, 16, 20, 24". Struggling with the 26" build right now but hope to
share some findings soon...
Vi
PS: I am not able to get through freelist sometimes hence cc
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