Tiller Steering
To this end, Martin from LoGo trikes and I devised a
different steering method using a supporting rod & bush and universal joint.
Click for a larger image
The results are very interesting.
Firstly, it's obvious that I haven't yet devised a way to mount the fairing,
this will require extensive modification as it will need to be attached
to the frame rather than the steering handle bar & wheel.
Secondly the steering is much more direct/responsive.
This takes a
bit of getting used to but I have found it to be excellent when riding loaded
as when touring and when needing to keep an accurate track, as in traffic on a
road with a narrow shoulder.
At speed, some extra care is required at first but I have
found that I
have no problems travelling fast (45-50 MPH) loaded on a steep hill amongst
traffic.
Conclusion - much better overall than the tiller arrangement.
Final note - I have all the original components and can revert
back if I wish.
** UPDATE early 2004**
I was scanning the rans page one night and saw the new stratus
with the updated version
of the tiller steering. To me it seemed as though the tiller stem had just
been reversed, in
other words, put on upside down except there were 3 different models.
After mailing rans I found that the stem length of the long section are all
14" to the bend
(same as mine) and the short section varied by approx an inch for each model.
As I had previously shortened that length before, mine was about the same length
as
rans medium model. I was fairly confident that this would work with my
original stem.
After removing the steering mods as described above, I turned
the original tiller stem
upside down to how it was being used before. I did have to play
around with the
cabling a bit as the outers had to be altered somewhat to match the now slightly
changed
placement of the cable end fittings on the stem. That wasn't a big job and
soon had it
all back together with the purchase of a meter length of outer for the small
changes needed..
I took it for a ride and I am absolutely over the hill with
joy. It is what I have
been striving
for the last 3 years. There is next to no tiller effect and wonders
will
never cease, I can
actually ride it hands off, albeit for a short distance with
care, but that was
something
unheard of previously.
I still have the droopy calhoun handle bars of course but I think now that this makes
the rans the package that I have been working towards for the last 3 years.
Try it, you will like it, it's worth the little effort and small cost involved.
Click on images for a larger view.
Update **
On the 17th April 2005 my love affair
with the Rans Stratus came to an end when we parted
company and she moved on to a new owner.
Tuesday, 05 December 2006