Imaginary scenario: Pedal at a steady pace on a deserted stretch preferably grass. Take right hand of bar and gently pull on left. Which way will bike turn?
Its something to do with gyroscopic forces on a Physics book I am reading.
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I ride Brompton and a 100% British Vintage
Turning bicycles which way?
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Re: Turning bicycles which way?
I thought that the gyroscope hypothesis had been superseded by an explanation involving the front of the bike falling faster than the rear, which when combined with caster action (trail) causes self-correction, and depending upon the exact conditions self-over-correction, causing the bike to turn in the “wrong” direction, or rather to oscillate a bit before achieving self-correction.
Re: Turning bicycles which way?
That does sound terribly complicated!
Re: Turning bicycles which way?
There are (at least) two different effects being discussed here.
Gyroscopic forces don't hold a bike up when it's running in a straight line but they do affect a leaning bike.
But that gentle pull on the left sounds like a question about the rôle of countersteering in the initiation of turns.
And the answer is that the bike will initially steer to the left, then lean to the right, and if the rider wants to turn right she will then turn the bars to the right and round the bike goes.
Jonathan
Gyroscopic forces don't hold a bike up when it's running in a straight line but they do affect a leaning bike.
But that gentle pull on the left sounds like a question about the rôle of countersteering in the initiation of turns.
And the answer is that the bike will initially steer to the left, then lean to the right, and if the rider wants to turn right she will then turn the bars to the right and round the bike goes.
Jonathan
Re: Turning bicycles which way?
Personally I run with the gyroscopic effect. I once rode 5 miles entirely no hands, up hill, down dale to impress a girl.
It worked. Which was nice
It worked. Which was nice
Re: Turning bicycles which way?
Good job she wasn't on the back of the tandem at the time
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Re: Turning bicycles which way?
Well i tried it...i think i turned to the left to much and the handles bars just twisted and i fell off
- Tigerbiten
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Re: Turning bicycles which way?
Watch "Most People Don't Know How Bikes Work" by Veritasium -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9cNmUNH ... Veritasium
Then come back and answer the question.
Luck ...........
Then come back and answer the question.
Luck ...........
Re: Turning bicycles which way?
I've been able to ride no hands at around 4 miles an hour. Safely!