[net.cycle] counterbalance/countersteering/hanging off

pnovak@ihuxa.UUCP (Paul Novak) (02/16/84)

several conflicting definitions have appeared recently, at least some
of which have been wrong.  here's what i've always been taught at
being correct:

hanging off - moving your body weight INTO a high speed turn to allow
              the bike to stand up straighter and keep the most tread
              on the road

counterbalance - moving your body weight in the OPPOSITE direction that
                 the bike is leaning in a low speed turn to allow the
                 bike to turn in the smallest possible radius 

countersteer - (trying to) turn the handlebars in one direction at 
               relatively high speed, which cause the weight of the bike
               to fall in the opposite direction, and thus turn the
               bike in the opposite direction you moved the handlebars.
               this is the FASTEST way to make a turn 

paul novak  ihuxa!pnovak