Balancing on a Bicycle: Weight Distribution Explained

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Bicycles are difficult to balance at low speeds due to insufficient forward momentum and a lack of steering response. At higher speeds, the concept of "trail" plays a crucial role, providing torque that helps keep the front wheel aligned straight. When a bike leans to one side while in motion, the rider instinctively steers in the direction of the lean, which helps to realign the bike under its center of gravity. This dynamic interaction between speed, weight distribution, and steering is essential for maintaining balance. Understanding these principles can greatly enhance cycling stability and control.
bill nye scienceguy!
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why is it that bicycles are extremely hard to balance on and wobble when youre going very slowly, but are easy to balance on and go straight when youre cycling quickly? a friend suggested it might have something to do with weight distribution...

any revelations much appreciated.
 
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look up "trail" on bikes steering:
http://www.phred.org/~josh/bike/trail.html
when the bike is moving, trail provides a torque to keep the wheel straight. As for not just falling over while moving with the wheel straight, when the bike is moving and starts to lean left, the natural response is steer left into the lean which puts the bike back under the center of gravity and uprights the bike.
 
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