9 ms·
Sounds like you are agreeing with me then? I'm not saying no handlebars at all, just that if you want to turn right it doesn't seem to actually be necessary to
by joveian 5y ago
Sounds like you are agreeing with me then? I'm not saying no handlebars at all, just that if you want to turn right it doesn't seem to actually be necessary to slightly move the handlebars left first, which is the claim that is often made when this discussion happens.
- HPsquared 5y agoI agree it's possible in principle to ride a bike without the handlebars (have done this myself on many occasions, including motorbikes), but more dynamic maneuvers do require use of the bars (e.g. swerving to avoid an obstacle). Sudden maneuvers are an essential survival skill on two wheels, and it's important to understand how to steer rapidly. A rider who just steers intuitively is vulnerable to a phenomenon known as "target fixation": becoming mentally focused on an obstacle and steering into it. Having a rational understanding of how to steer allows the rider to exert conscious control over the bike's direction in these situations.