Steering and Breaking

The steering and braking subsystems for this year’s vehicle is being designed to provide a turning radius and stopping distance that is required by the competition. The steering subsystem will be a direct steering system that will have Ackerman geometry. This way, the wheels will turn at different radii which reduces the amount of wheel scrub and increases efficiency. Direct steering rather than indirect steering reduces weight and provides a more agile steering feel. Disc brakes will be used on all wheels to maximize braking power. This year’s steering will also be updated to reflect advances in bike manufacturing which include sealed bearing headsets and quick release thru-axles.