How do bicycles work exactly?

Delving into the realm of cycling physics reveals a mystery that continues to baffle scientists to this day. 

Imagine this: you roll a riderless bike down a slope with enough momentum, and it defies gravity by maintaining its upright stance. How is this possible? 

The answer lies in the mechanics of the bicycle itself. As the bike leans to one side, the handlebars turn in the direction of the lean, initiating a self-correcting mechanism. This response keeps the wheels aligned under the bike's center of mass, ensuring stability and balance, no rider necessary! 

Interestingly, scientists still don't completely understand the major driving force behind a bike's stability and how developers can optimize interacting forces to improve performance. Click here to learn more.