Fixed Steering Bike

Shem

Erm.... I'm not sure whether this is the correct place or whether it should be in the Workshop forum but it certainly covers special interest.

I've plans for a bike which I've been gathering parts for, and the frame I will custom build myself from bamboo.

My question is, if I fix the steering on both wheels, i.e. include no steering mechanism at all, which problems an I likely to encounter physics wise, aside from the obvious lack if steering.

The bike is going to be a gravity bike to race down mountains on and I plan to use leaning as the method of steering. I've thought about the potential hazards this poses and how to get around having too stiff a frame.

I'm wondering if, besides a lack of turning to some extent, I've missed any major issues regarding a fixed set of wheels?

Any help much appreciated, thanks in advance.

desweller

If I were you I'd test the concept first by locking up the steering on a normal bike. Should be easy to do if you take the bearings out, fit a couple of packing pieces and get the top cap screw tight enough. Would be easier on an old-fashioned threaded fork. You might need to take the star nut out and get a big nut and washer on at the bottom of the fork to get the required tensile load.

pst88

You'll have a hard time staying upright on a bike with no steering. The steering is an integral part of how you balance on a bike. You won't be able to steer by leaning. You'd either go in a straight line or fall off.

MichaelW

Bicycles steer by leaning and balance by steering.
You will fall off and die. horribly.

rolf_f

MichaelW wrote:

You will fall off and die. horribly.

Indeed. I can't see a 'die pleasantly' option here. You'd die horribly trying this on a smooth, flat road. Trying it on a mountain is going to be entertaining to watch to say the least. I suppose the only saving grace is that maybe you won't be able to get fast enough to die horribly.