What is "trail?"

[logan176]

I've read as many posts as my eyes would allow to find out what trail is. I ask because in time I would like to change the rake of my forks. I've read from this site that bad trees would affect the bike's trail. What does that mean?

Thanks guys

[Mr.Sinister]

I could send you to a rake and trail calculator OR I could tell you that the biker.com trees suck and that the Mortons and Billski trees have already compansated for all that. Either of those two will add 7deg of rake safely.Check the links page for Billski's site. They are the best looking and priced.

[cryin'wolf]

come on Sin the guy wants to know why the bad ones are bad. Trail is the distance between the point where the forks would contact the ground if they extended past the wheel axis and the point where the neck would contact the ground if it were long enough to touch the ground. the neck and forks are at different angles creating the (trail) to much and not enough are both dangerous the especially turning. I like my bike to have 3" of trail, but anywhere from 3 - 7 is concidered acceptable.

[Mr.Sinister]

Check out this site.http://www.nmemfg.com/ They have a rake and trail calculator.

[AirportFF]

trail (trhttp://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/edu/ref/ahd/s/amacr.gifl)

VERB:
trailed , trail·ing , trails
VERB:
tr.

To allow to drag or stream behind, as along the ground: The dog ran off, trailing its leash.
To drag (the body, for example) wearily or heavily.
<LI type=a>To follow the traces or scent of, as in hunting; track.
To follow the course taken by; pursue: trail a fugitive.
To follow behind: several cruisers trailed by an escorting destroyer.
To lag behind (an opponent): trailed the league leader by four games. VERB:
intr.

To drag or be dragged along, brushing the ground: The queen's long robe trailed behind.
To extend, grow, or droop loosely over a surface: vines trailing through the garden.
To drift in a thin stream: smoke trailing from a dying fire.
To become gradually fainter; dwindle: His voice trailed off in confusion.
To walk or proceed with dragging steps; trudge.
To be behind in competition; lag: trailing by two goals in the second period. NOUN:

<LI type=a>A marked or beaten path, as through woods or wilderness.
An overland route: the pioneers' trail across the prairies.
<LI type=a>A mark, trace, course, or path left by a moving body.
The scent of a person or animal: The dogs lost the trail of the fox.
Something that is drawn along or follows behind; a train: The mayor was followed by a trail of reporters.
A succession of things that come afterward or are left behind: left a trail of broken promises.
Something that hangs loose and long: Trails of ticker tape floated down from office windows.
The part of a gun carriage that rests or slides on the ground.
The act of trailing.

[Mr.Sinister]

This is where I am supposed to call you a smart ass.

[AirportFF]

This is where I am supposed to call you a smart ass.

yup:thumbsup:

[cryin'wolf]

God I Love you guys!!!!!!!

[Wild Coyote]

That's a lot of work for a smart ass comment! I liked it!

[AirportFF]

That's a lot of work for a smart ass comment! I liked it!

Amazing what you can do with cut/paste from the Webster online dictionary.:thumbsup:

[RAZOR]

God I Love you guys!!!!!!!
UUUMMMM!!! I DONT THINK ANY OF US GUYS ARE LIKE THAT.BESIDES MAYBE TINY.
BUT THANKS ANYWAY.

[pegscraper]

Trial is for people that can't see so they can read...........
SHIT! Sorry, that BRAILLE:no:

[logan176]

I really appreciate all the advice that comes from you guys. I have been a member of a few different posting sites for bikes, cars, and trucks alike, but this one is by far the most helpful. And yes...I even appreciate Airport's sarcasm. I look forward to the day when I can give a noobie some good advice.

CryinWolf...you said that you like 3 degrees of trail, but 3-7 is acceptable. Is the trail on a stock 750 zero degrees?

[RustyJake]

Here's something that may show you a bit more about what you are dealing with.
http://www.chopper-kit-usa.com/rake_trail.htm
Have a look at the drawings down below and you'll see a visual of rake and trail.

[logan176]

"I see," said the blind man to the deaf woman as he picked up a hammer and saw!

[AirportFF]

I even appreciate Airport's sarcasm.


A day without it, is like a day without sunshine:thumbsup:

[RustyJake]

A day without it, is like a day without sunshine:thumbsup:
Speaking of sunshine, how is your lovely wife?