I need a light, collapsible bicycle

[Math Is Hard]

Hey MIH,
Nice ride, I hope you get used to it soon. Check out http://www.bikefriday.com/" if you haven't already seen their stuff. I know you already have the Dahon, but they have a lot of accessories, ideas, etc. With small-wheeled bikes the best thing you can do is relax and not over-steer. A very small movement in the handlebars can mean a big change in direction. Try steering more with your whole body. Keep us posted and put some pics up already! You do have a helmet don't you?

Thanks, Doc! I had not see the Bike Friday site. VERY cool!

I took the bike down to the bike shop yesterday, and they were able to take care of that problem with that twist in the handlebars so now everything is aligned correctly. They fixed it for free and they even helped me adjust my handlebars and seat while I was there. Afterwards, I took my first little ride and at first I felt a little unsteady, but after a few minutes it began to feel more natural. Getting the bike adjusted made a world of difference in my balance.

I think you are right in that I am probably oversteering a little bit. I need to find a nice easy path to practice on until I get more comfortable.

I haven't gotten my helmet yet. I might do that tomorrow. I don't have a clue about what kind to get. I'll probably try to find the lightest and smallest thing possible.

Oh, and I'll try to take some pics when I do a ride from Marina Del Rey to Santa Monica. There's a really nice bike path that runs by the ocean and through Venice Beach. We used to do that ride frequently in the summers.

 

[rcgldr]

If you don't use body lean, then you steer a bicycle by putting a very small amount of opposite torque on the handle bars. This steers the wheels out from under you which leans the bicycle. The steering geometry should cause the bike to steer inwards once leaned, overcoming the slight amount of opposite torque that you apply. Note that the forces you apply are going to be very light. Sometimes narrow handlebars, which reduce the leverage you can apply will make it easier to ride a bicycle. You can also just hold the handlebars towards the inside portion of the handlebar grips to see if this helps. Some bicyles are just less stable than others, so this may be an issue with the one you have now. Usually increased speed will help as gyroscopic forces will dampen out the reactions to steering inputs.