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The Science


Robert grows a third leg

Trike wheels may be arranged with one in front and two behind (delta) or with two in front and one behind (tadpole). Both designs create very particular problems when it comes to turning.

Delta trikes with their rear-wheel drive are generally more prone to over-steer. This is when the rear wheels do not track behind the front wheels but instead slide out toward the outside of the turn. Over-steer can throw the trike into a spin.

Tadpole trikes suffer the opposite and are prone to under-steer. In under-steer, the front tyres don't follow the trajectory the driver is trying to impose while taking the corner, instead following a more straight line trajectory.

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