Categories: all aviation bicycle gadgets misc motorcycle theater

Fri, 12 Nov 2010

Countersteering and Gyroscopic Effects

I've you're a long-time reader of this writing channel of mine, you'll know that I'm a big proponent of clear-headed thinking on countersteering. I've done a Countersteering 101 video, a Slow-Speed Countersteering video (to demonstrate that countersteering is still possible and still happens even at very low speeds), and wrote a long article on countersteering for new riders.

I've always maintained that although gyroscopic forces certainly play some role in cycle steering, it's not very large, but I've never backed that up. It seems intuitively obvious to me, having played with a hand-held bicycle wheel at a museum, and felt the gyroscopic forces involved. They're there, no question, but they're not all that strong.

So I was interested when someone commented on my Countersteering 101 video with a link to an article that goes into a bit more depth on the subject:

Gyroscopic Effects Have Almost Nothing to Do With Your Ability to Ride a Bike

It's nice to see other people out there dispelling myths on the subject.

Posted at 10:38 permanent link category: /motorcycle

Categories: all aviation gadgets misc motorcycle theater

Written by Ian Johnston. Software is Blosxom. Questions? Please mail me at reaper at obairlann dot net.