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Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!burl!ulysses!harpo!seismo!rlgvax!cvl!umcp-cs!fred
From: fred@umcp-cs.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.bicycle
Subject: Re: The Case for Clunkers
Message-ID: <6570@umcp-cs.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 16-Apr-84 13:04:08 EST
Article-I.D.: umcp-cs.6570
Posted: Mon Apr 16 13:04:08 1984
Date-Received: Tue, 17-Apr-84 07:45:13 EST
References: <6586@uiucdcs.UUCP> <1442@sunybcs.UUCP>
Organization: Univ. of Maryland, Computer Science Dept.
Lines: 20

I recently (< 1 month ago) switched from riding a heavy 1-speed
with coaster brakes, to a 12-speed lightweight. One of the greatest
differences (I mean besides learning to use hand brakes) is that
my 12-speed is a lot less stable. I'm assuming this is due, in
part, to the fact that the lighter frame shifts my center of gravity
higher, and I expect that the lighter wheels give much less gyroscopic
action, because of their lower rotating mass.  When I would ride
the one-speed without holding the handlebars it would ride fairly
straight, and I could steer fairly well just by shifting my weight
around. If it hit a pebble or bump, it would swerve, then resume
a straight course. Riding the 12-speed with no hands requires a
lot more concentration. When it hits an obstruction in the road,
it swerves more violently, and I usually have to grab the handlebars
to keep from going off my path completely.

Have other people noticed this difference?  Is it easier to learn
to ride on a heavy bike because of this?

					- Fred Blonder
					  harpo!seismo!umcp-cs!fred