Title: Technical Note: A method for quantifying front wheel bicycle hub stiffness

Authors: Eric L. Wang, Mike de Lorenzo, M.L. Huill

Addresses: University of Nevada, Department of Engineering, 312 Reno, Nevada 89557-0154, USA. Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Davis, Davis CA 95616, USA. Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Davis, Davis CA 95616, USA

Abstract: The use of suspension forks has become increasingly common in off-road riding. This is due to their ability to isolate the rider and bicycle from vibration, which in turn can improve handling and comfort. Suspension forks provide vibration isolation by allowing the front wheel to move relative to the rest of the bike. Thus, the bike and rider travel a smoother path than the front wheel which follows the contours of the ground. This project was undertaken to evaluate the stiffness of several currently available suspension hubs and to use the stiffness data to gain a better understanding about how hub design relates to hub stiffness. This information can help hub manufacturers to produce stiffer hubs.

Keywords: bicycle hub stiffness; front wheel; hub design; suspension forks.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVD.2001.001923

International Journal of Vehicle Design, 2001 Vol.25 No.3, pp.249-259

Published online: 18 Aug 2003 *

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