Hello Tom,
I was thinking about the stability issue when coasting downhill, and it occurs to me that this is similar to the problem of a tractor + semi-trailer combination which wants to jackknife in the right (actually wrong!) conditions. Like the Python, there is a pivot (with 90 degree angle), drive is on the component forward of the pivot, and the weight is distributed between the forward wheels (through the 5th wheel pivot) and the trailer wheels. As long as the tractor is pulling the trailer, there is no problem, but when trying to brake the system can fold up.
Interesting thoughts and indeed there are some similarities. So thanks for this new idea.
Btw the python pivot is around 65 degrees and not 90, which makes a difference (self centering etc.). But right, as long as the front wheel is pulling the bike, there are no problems.
I never experienced jack-kniving or the merest hint of it, even when braking hard on the front wheel, when rolling fast down- hills. So I don´t know if it really is an issue.
Referring to the spooky feeling at 50+ km/h coasting speed, we have not found a solution yet, but always welcome new thoughts.
Cheers, Jürgen.
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