Abstract

This paper examines reasons why wheel wobble occurs in common production bicycles. In particular, the effects of frame size, rider position and riding style are examined with reference to a range of mathematical models of bicycles which are available in the published literature. Much of the motivation for this work comes from the personal cycling experience of one of the authors and the difficulty in resolving the true cause of wheel wobble from the wide range of advice offered of a variety of cycling experts. It is hoped that recourse to a mathematical analysis will give objective direction as to how wheel wobble can be alleviated through rider intervention.