staying upright on a bike [interesting article]

joe50

basically says gyroscopic effects are negligible for all intents and purposes whilst cycling

http://www2.eng.cam.ac.uk/~hemh/gyrobike.htm

and some more discussion here (linked on the first page)

http://www.phys.lsu.edu/faculty/gonzalez/Teaching/Phys7221/vol59no9p51_56.pdf

MediaMan

But if this is the case, how does balancing on rollers work?

I had assumed it was due to the gyroscopic effect of the wheels and the crank rotating. Interpreting the above article would suggest that instead it is the forward pressure of the front wheel on the front roller creates an effect similar to moving forward over ground. Then the same action/reaction to steering forces would apply although the actual mechanisms are different.

I've never ridden on a roller, but am thinking of getting one, hence the interest. I'm afraid if I don't understand the forces, I'll fall off... :pac:

Darkglasses

MediaMan wrote: »

I've never ridden on a roller, but am thinking of getting one, hence the interest. I'm afraid if I don't understand the forces, I'll fall off... :pac:

No, the science is that regardless of how much you are used to using a set of rollers, you need to swear blindly for about five minutes before you can get up and going them.