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There are replica Featherbed frames being made here in Australia. If you are building a race bike and want to use 18 inch wheels, some are made with 26 degree head angles. It makes the bike handle like a 70s Suzuki two stroke, which to my mind is not really what an old style British bike should be about. The Manx frame of the 50s had 24.5 degree head angle and 19 inch wheels. With the centre of gravity correct as in a 500cc Manx Norton, the bike feels very positive and stable coming out of corners and inspires confidence. The 26 degree head angle bike is quite different - more modern and quick steering. If you intend to go that way, you probably need to discuss fork offsets with the maker.

[QUOTE="acotrel, post: 246427, member: 4295"] There are replica Featherbed frames being made here in Australia. If you are building a race bike and want to use 18 inch wheels, some are made with 26 degree head angles. It makes the bike handle like a 70s Suzuki two stroke, which to my mind is not really what an old style British bike should be about. The Manx frame of the 50s had 24.5 degree head angle and 19 inch wheels. With the centre of gravity correct as in a 500cc Manx Norton, the bike feels very positive and stable coming out of corners and inspires confidence. The 26 degree head angle bike is quite different - more modern and quick steering. If you intend to go that way, you probably need to discuss fork offsets with the maker. [/QUOTE]

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