Variable angle headstock for bikes

variable head angle flyer

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

3 different bikes at 3 different head angles for road and uphill , cross country and downhill

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
70 degree head angle
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
65 degree head angle
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
60 degree head angle

please download this set of images here:  variable head angle flyer

heres the arrangement: a headtube which can slide in a circular motion and supported and positioned by a lead screw running in thrust bearings.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

quicker uphill – faster downhill

it allows the rider to alter the geometry on the move.

by having a rotational headstock with its centre of rotation  in front of the bike and directly over the front axle, the effect is 3 fold

as you decrease (slacken) the head angle these are the effects:

1 – you extend the wheelbase – this gives increased stability downhill

2 – you extend the fork in relation to the frame – maintaining the same frame height and the same attitude to the ground.

3 – you shift centre of gravity rearwards

DOWNHILL RIDING 55-60 degrees

55 degree variable angle headstock wooden mtb

a slack angle 55-60 is best for downhill: a longer wheelbase gives more stability as it keeps your centre of gravity more rearward

with the weight shift rearwards and the bikes height remaining roughly the same it prevents you feeling you are about to go over the bars.

FLAT TRAILS  60-65 degrees

60 degree head angle variable angle mtb

general riding relatively flat tracks, enduro and jumping, is best done with around 60-65  degree head angle:

CLIMBING – 65-70 degrees

65 degree head angle variable angle mtb

the natural inclination when climbing is to get out of the saddle but this loses efficiency if you do : for climbing use  a steeper angle 65-70 degrees and you wont need to.

it gives you a shorter wheelbase and makes you go uphill faster – and around 2 gears easier. A shorter wheelbase transfers centre of gravity forward saving having to get out of the saddle.

framebuilders who wish to use this design simply contact pjcharnaud@gmail.com or submit the form below

PCV Logo COL

%d bloggers like this:
search previous next tag category expand menu location phone mail time cart zoom edit close