Greg Farris writes:



THIS :

Yes, through momentum. But this momentum is eroded by irreversible
effects such as friction with the ground and air. Eventually none is
left, and the bicycle stops.

PLUS THIS:

The cyclist balances it, assisted by the gyroscopic stabilizing effect
of the turning wheel (the heavier it is and the faster it turns, the
better).


EQUALS THIS :

"Yes, I was completely wrong, and everything I wrote was complete bull****,
based on a complete lack of understanding of the facts. . ."

No. If the bicycle cannot turn, it will fall over. It cannot turn on
rollers. It can turn on flat pavement.

You see, the bicycle stays up because it turns. As long as it has
momentum or power and traction, it will continue to turn or roll
straight. It can only stop when it has no propulsive power or
momentum.

This is more obvious in motorcycles than bicycles, but it applies to
both.

Similar principles apply to aircraft, which is why you generally
cannot simply push the yoke forward to descend or pull it back to
climb.

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