Pioneering recumbent tricycle manufacturer relies on igubal for smooth steering
EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. – December 8, 2004 – igubal® spherical bearings from igus® Inc. eliminate installation hassles encountered with pivoting bearings thanks to their self-aligning properties which diverts the need for exact placement of shafts and housing. Igubal spherical bearings are made with high-performance plastics, making them lubrication free and completely resistant to corrosion and contaminants.
The polymer material is 80 percent lighter than steel, and delivers excellent vibration dampening as well as maintenance-free operation.Igubal spherical bearings are ideal for use in the packaging, automotive, agricultural, exercise and sports-equipment industries. Big Cat Human Powered Vehicles of Orlando, Florida, used igubal spherical rod ends on its Catrike Speed recumbent tricycle. Recumbent tricycling is the fastest growing category in bicycling today. These trikes alleviate the stress and pain felt in the knees, back and buttocks on upright bicycles.
If a rider has trouble with balance, a trike is the ideal solution. Recumbent tricycles deliver comfort, ease-of-use and speed.When developing the steering component of the Catrike Speed, Catrike creator and company President Paulo Camasmie, first used metal bearings. He changed to igus igubal rod ends based on their lighter weight and better dampening qualities. “The igubal bearings do a much better job of absorbing vibration from wheel to arms.
We also can use a really large rod end without increasing the weight too much. This in turn enables us to use a stiffer rod which produces better wheel alignment.”The igubal bearings are an integral part of the direct steering component. Two igubal rod ends are used on the tricycle. Each bearing connects one of the two front spindles (or steering knuckles) to a tie rod.
The handle bars used to steer the trike are attached directly on the spindles. This provides lighter, cleaner and more reliable steering for the rider because there are fewer moving parts than with conventional indirect steering.Another benefit of igubal plastic bearings is their complete corrosion resistance. Unlike metal bearings, they never rust or need to be replaced due to wear.
Unsightly rust or discoloration will never detract from the aesthetics of the Catrike Speed or any other equipment employing an igubal bearing.Igubal is a complete system of bearing products; spherical, pillow block and rod end bearings. It is also a member of the entire igus suite of bearings, including iglide® plastic plain bearings and DryLin® linear guide systems. All igus bearing products are lubrication-free, oil-free and maintenance-free. Free samples are available upon request.
About igus
Igus Inc., founded in 1985 and based in East Providence, R.I., develops and manufactures industry-leading plastic cable carriers, continuous-flex cables, plastic bearings and linear guide systems. With more than 28,000 products available from stock, the company meets the motion control and machinery component needs of customers worldwide.
Product lines include Energy Chain Systems® to protect and house moving cables, Chainflex® continuous-flex cables, iglide self-lubricating, oil-free, plastic bearings, DryLin linear guide systems and igubal spherical bearings. For more information, contact igus at (888) 803-1895 or visit www.igus.com .