Dear all, I have been following the steering dynamics thread with interest, and I have a question. When one rides a Python-style bike, how does one maintain stability when the lean angle is perturbed (e.g. by a crosswind pushing you a few degrees to one side)? Some thoughts: Clearly, a DF's self-stabilization under these circumstances happens through lean-steer. Positive trail causes the leading half of the front wheel to "fall" in the direction one leans the frame, initiating a turn in that direction. Since the Python has negative trail, it should not lean-steer this way; its front wheel should, if left to its own devices, slew away from the tilt (IMO: those who have Pythons can double-check). While the riderless situation is a contrived one, this still begs the question of how a Python and its rider can stay upright if the lean angle is perturbed. Of the two Python stability mechanisms identified (hanging-pendulum and pulled-front-wheel), can either one (or both) prevent the bike/rider combo from tipping over? TIA, Eric ============================================================ This is the Python Mailinglist at freelists.org Listmaster: Juergen Mages jmages@xxxxxx ============================================================