Underseat steering.... Okay why?

[cncman333]

I have been wanting to build a tadpole for some time now and I have been weighing the differences between the warrior and the streetfox. The hand position seems to be about the same for the direct steering on the Fox as it is for the underseat steering on the Warrior. Is there an advantage to the underseat setup?

[Radical Brad]

Direct steering is more "touchy" because as your hands move in the opposite direction of the steer, so at higher speeds, momentum adds a little mechanical advantage into the direction that you moved your arms. USS does not have this effect and feels more like automobile steering.

USS is more difficult to design and includes more parts.

Brad

[cncman333]

I see. It would seem to me that direct steering is more intuitive, but I do not have enough actual experience with either method to say for sure. Which method is best for a non-racing / more casual rider?

[nineball]

Slightly off topic, have we tried Single, lever/joy stick style?

You can also change/adjust the steering response by changing the length of the tabs on the USS tie rod, however this takes a bit of T & E, to adj to your exact liking.

[Freth]

Here's a joystick version ... I think S&B Recumbents uses the same steering mechanism & linkage for both OSS AND USS ...

https://home.pacbell.net/recumbnt/02921bc.jpg

https://home.pacbell.net/recumbnt/page62.htm

[badcheese]

Slightly off topic, have we tried Single, lever/joy stick style?

A single stick doesn't seem very ergonomic for long rides, but it could be well suited to some specialized applications. Like if you need your sword hand free to fight off brigands who are trying to board your trike.

[Radical Brad]

What scares me about joystick steering is that you have nothing at all to hold on to in corners. To make things worse, you will tend to be pushed in the opposite direction of the turn, which will also cause you to steer more into the turns as the joystick move with you. If you were a newbie, you could easily propel yourself right out of the seat.

A seat with wings or a belt would be needed for sure.

Brad

[TheKid]

From what I've read, joystick or any other OSS is preferred by some who have a full fairing, stating it keeps the hands away from the fairing sides. Also, the joystick supposedly makes it easier to mount and dismount.
Others who use OSS on non-faired bikes and trikes claim it's more aerodynamic, because it keeps your arms and shoulders narrower. I tried joystick steering, and it takes some getting used to. As for USS vs. direct steering, direct steering has a drastic tiller effect, which may account for the "touchy" feel. I went to direct steering on my last Fox renovation, but I'll be reinstalling the USS. I feel like I'm shifting my weight too much with the direct steering. That may very well be because of my excess weight, because my fit and trim friends seem to like the direct steering better.

[cncman333]

A single stick doesn't seem very ergonomic for long rides, but it could be well suited to some specialized applications. Like if you need your sword hand free to fight off brigands who are trying to board your trike.

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[nineball]

Sorry I missed this post, I asked the same question in Steering....

I'm thinking more joy stick than tiller, like and airplane. side to side, Lean left, push the stick left, go left. You could also make it pull back to apply brakes.... Also thought about making the seat pivot to do the same thing (steer). And yes, I guess you would need another handle on the frame or seat.

Bare in mind, my trike will have a rear hub motor, and expect it to do 40mph +/-, the pedals are more for show....

[swizz69]

I had a quick go on a Windcheetah a while back. These have joystick steering like the pic of the green trike. The stick is fully articulated with a UJ which as already mentioned, makes getting in & out easier. To steer there is a stub off to one side which you steer with by twisting the stick (holding the stick in position with the other hand). It sounds little weird but it does work - the owner said that the biggest benefit for cornering at speed, was that as the joystick could be articulated without affecting the steering, you could easily lean your body into corners for stability - whereas doing the same with a fixed pivot steering might be awkward.

Nineball - although the idea you describe would help someone who only has the use of one hand, I reckon it might be a bit on the sensitive side when cracking on a bit.

[nineball]

I reckon it might be a bit on the sensitive side when cracking on a bit.

That would depend on the ratio used I guess.