Re: [Phys-l] Bicycle question

["Bob LaMontagne" <rlamont@postoffice.providence.edu>]

Pushing forward on the left handlebar to turn left could get nasty real
quick. The trick is to punch DOWN on the left handle bar and get up on the
pegs. This produces a quick left turn through precession. You let your
weight go back on the seat as the turn develops.

Bob at PC
(A product of a misspent youth at dirt tracks.)

> -----Original Message-----
> From: phys-l-bounces@carnot.physics.buffalo.edu [mailto:phys-l-
> bounces@carnot.physics.buffalo.edu] On Behalf Of Chuck Britton
> Sent: Wednesday, August 23, 2006 9:51 PM
> To: Forum for Physics Educators
> Cc: Forum for Physics Educators
> Subject: Re: [Phys-l] Bicycle question
>
> At 6:52  -0400 on 8/23/06, Martha Takats wrote concerning Re:
> [Phys-l] Bicycle question :
> > Isn't this essentially the same reason it's harder (takes more force)
> > to turn a corner when you're going fast (greater linear momentum)?
> > In this case it's angular momentum (sorry Sam). Tipping changes the
> > angular momentum of the wheel and so requires more torque when the
> > wheel is turning fast.
> > Martha Takats
>
> Indeed the angular momentum becomes WAY more important on a motorbike
> with greater speed and moment of inertia.
>
> When riding a straight path at speed - making a quick turn to the
> LEFT requires the rider to PUSH FORWARD on the LEFT handlebar. This
> is hard to explain without resorting to Sam's nasty Angular Momentum.
>
> (The steering effect of the the tires profile can be well illustrated
> with two foam cups taped together rim to rim. The double cone steers
> as it is tipped. none angular mom. effect)
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