Re: Rear Luggage Rack Web Site Update

Tom Keats wrote:
> In article <dsKdnTRmhKs7bibbnZ2dnUVZ_vmlnZ2d@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>,
> 	jim beam <spamvortex@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> writes:
> 
>>> In addition to the custom Fraser, there are some more production
>>> longtail bikes lined up for 2008 besides the Yuba and Surly.
>>>
>>> Kona has its new Ute and I read Giant is also releasing one in N.A.
>>> There could well be a few more at Interbike.
>>>
>>> Surly Big Dummy: <http://www.bikemannetwork.com/biking/p/FM3066>
>> eh?  lateral stiffness?  does anybody ever get taught about 
>> triangulation at engineering school any more?
>>
>>> Kona Ute: <http://bikehugger.com/images/blog/kona_ute_white.jpg>
>> ok.
>>
>>> Yuba Mondo: <http://yubaride.com/>
>> nope.  see surly.
> 
> Well, it appears (in the pictures) to have something
> like an extra seatpost effectively shortening the
> Yuba's mixte-ish version of the rear triangle.  And
> perhaps the side platforms tend to reinforce against
> any lateral flex as well?

not if they're not anchored [preferably triangulated] to the frame 
laterally.

> 
> I've hauled fairly heavy loads on a conventional
> mixte (rear rack,) and though the bike underwent
> some fishtail-y whippiness, nothing worse than a
> funny feeling happened.  Maybe I've just been lucky.
> 
> Just how im****tant is lateral stiffness anyway?

****mmy.

> I'm reminded of the parable of the stiff oak and
> the flexible reed in the windstorm; also of the
> impressive flex in B-52 wings.  If there are accounts
> to be told of longtail bikes under load snapping like
> twigs, I'm all ears.
> 
> I wouldn't discount this config until subjecting it
> to the proof-of-the-pudding test.  If I had the
> wherewithal, I'd do it myself  Unless of course I
> get sidetracked with the wherewithal, and blow it
> on something else.
> 
> At any rate, these longtail bikes have been successful
> enough up to this point, to make it as far as they have
> to market.  Surely that says something, if not good, at
> least not bad, about them.

xtracycle appears to be a good compromise.  and kona seem to understand 
the triangulation fundamentals right out of the chute.