The fun part of this venture is being my own test pilot. That means I “Have to” put in the miles every day, no excuses. Time lines are tight, and I need to push the bike in some aspect every day.
It is a tough job, but somebody has to do it. I believe there is an added element to products that are tested by their designers, a level of commitment, that they demand firsthand feedback. I will be getting plenty of outside feedback as well, but there is something inherently good about being willing to push your own designs. There are plenty of products out there including bikes that have never actually been used by the guys selling them. Here at Ocean Air, I will be testing everything we produce under our own label.
If you were wondering, today’s test was light load and softish fat tires to see if I could induce shimmy. I was ale to get it to oscillate a few times, but it would settle right back down on its own, and that is a good thing.
Also of note, it has been scientifically proven that red shirts will not only help you go faster, but be more attractive and possibly feel stronger too. The best part is that I still have plenty of said shirts available to satiate the incredible market demand.
Rob:
If you’re trying to induce shimmy, try a rear load of at least 20 -25 lbs. My “test run” is a long gradual downhill where speed builds gradually and I can feel a shimmy developing, then note the speed & see how it changes as the speed increases. With a couple of front panniers it’s nearly impossible to induce shimmy. Move them to the rear & it can happen, depending on weight & placement on the rear rack. I’m still fiddling with my rack design ideas.
dougP
Do I spy the test rack in that picture?
Unfortunately no, the test racks are about 6 weeks out at best. The rack in the pic is a Bruce Gordon Lowrider. His racks are so bomber, and at $180 a steal for a rack that will last you a lifetime. Unfortunately Bruce only seems to halfway believe in lowriders, and the concept of a High/Low rack system is something he will never agree on. My design will pull from the strengths of his and merge it with the demi-porteur rack.