Direct Steering Component for Recumbent Tricycles

When developing the steering component of the Catrike Speed recumbent tricycle, the manufacturer switched from metal bearings to igubal® plastic rod ends for lighter weight (80% less) and better dampening; they absorb more vibration from wheel to arms. This also enabled the manufacturer to use a larger rod end without significantly increasing weight, which in turn enables the use of a stiffer rod that produces better wheel alignment.

Two igubal rod ends were used on the tricycle’s direct steering component. Each bearing connects one of the two front spindles (or steering knuckles) to a tie rod. The handlebars used to steer the tricycle are attached directly onto the spindles. This provides lighter, cleaner, and more reliable steering for the rider because there are fewer moving parts than with conventional indirect steering. The plastic bearings also rovided a maintenance-free option to metal bearings as they will never rust or need to be replaced due to wear.

More Information
For more information on igubal® plastic rod ends contact Tom Miller of igus Inc., East Providence, Rhode Island, at (401) 438-2200 or tmiller@igus.com. Visit the company online at www.igus.com. Learn more about the Catrike Speed recumbent tricycle from Big Cat Human Powered Vehicles of Orlando, Florida, online at www.catrike.com.