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Re: How Do Bikes Stay Up?

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On Thu, 02 Jul 2015 20:57:48 -0400, benj wrote:

> SPIN IS IN!  That's on the money!
>

Spin?  I didn't view that stupid youtube video but, whatever
its thesis, spin has little to do with keeping a bike upright.

In fact, a bike can be kept upright even when the bike (and
rider) are virtually at zero velocity by simply turning the
handlebars (and hence the front wheel) rapidly from side to
side in response to any imbalance.

Try it at home.  Even standing still (no forward motion),
by moving the handlebars quickly and precisely one can
remain upright for at least a few seconds.

This tactic continually shifts the center of mass in response
to counteract the gravitational torque.

Another related question: Why is it so difficult to steer away
from a curb, assuming that the bike is traveling immediately
adjacent to said curb?

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Re: How Do Bikes Stay Up? benj <nobody@gmail.com> - 2015-07-02 20:57 -0400
  Re: How Do Bikes Stay Up? Fabian Russell <root@localhost.localdomain> - 2015-07-03 03:10 +0000
    Re: How Do Bikes Stay Up? HVAC <Mr.HVAC@gmail.com> - 2015-07-04 14:07 -0400
      Re: How Do Bikes Stay Up? benj <none@gmail.com> - 2015-07-04 17:25 -0400
      Re: How Do Bikes Stay Up? duke <duckgumbo32@cox.net> - 2015-07-05 17:19 -0500

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