Adjustable damping

"Damping" is a resistive force put into a mechanical system. Adjustable damping means that the amount of resistance is variable and can be made lighter or heavier. Adjustable damping requires use of special compounds with low static friction (stiction) such as Teflon. Attempts to implement adjustable damping on conventional materials such as bronze bushings is extremely unsafe and can lead to dangerous oscillations in the steering.

Uses include adjustment for personal taste and elimination of harmonic oscillations in the steering.

Catrike implements adjustable damping using a Teflon bearing at the top of the spindle. Pressure can be increased with nominal associated stiction.