I never quite understood why it is so much easier to keep a bike balanced while riding at a certain speed, compared to riding it really slow, or while standing…
In: 540
There are several functions that contribute to bike stabilty. First, the line thru the steering tube extends down to the ground a couple of inches ahead of the tire contact point. So if you lean to the right, that distance makes the front wheel turn to the right and if you’re rolling forward, the wheel rolls in under you and sets you back up straight.
Also, the tire has width, so when you lean to the right, you’re rolling on the right side of the tire. It has rolling friction so it tends to steer to the right same as the above.
Third, if you’re moving at a good clip, the front wheel becomes a gyroscope. Lean to the right and the wheel transfers the torque into steering to the right.
Finally there’s you, correcting any leftover imbalance. You can launch the bike down a hill by itself and it will stay up, but it might hit something
Latest Answers