grt@hocda.UUCP (G.TOMASEVICH) (04/17/84)
>Have other people noticed this difference? Is it easier to learn >to ride on a heavy bike because of this? Yes, the lighter frame is less stable because the fork angle is steeper and there is less front wheel castor. There are other factors; years ago Physics Today published an article showing differential equations for bicycle stability with respect to steering and tipping sideways. The gyroscopic effect of heavy wheels is a factor. Track bikes are the least stable. So are track bikies, for that matter. :-)
warrenf@tekig.UUCP (Warren Finke) (04/18/84)
I suspect the greatest stability difference comes from the frame angles. My mountain bike and my whimpy skinny tired 10 speed weigh about the same, (28 lbs), but have radically different frame angles. After riding the mountain bike for the last 6 months, the other bike frankly scares the hell out of me and I don't know why anyone would have one unless they are into racing. The mountain bike is a little 'twitchier' than a real clunker. I suspect the gyroscopic effect of the wheel weight on a clunker would add to it's stability when traveling in a straight line. This would be handy if you lived in Iowa or like to ride great distances with your hands in your pockets. Warren Finke @ Tektronix