Originally Posted by
grolby
Call me crazy, but I consider stability to be a relative lack of response to steering input - being able to do a madison sling means you're very stable.
Ok, I will.
You're talking about a bike's inherent stability. Which is important, but the topic of debate is the stability of the rider on top of it.
Here's my definition of that: Stability means the ability to absorb lateral forces. When standing, I'm stable with my knees bent and feet apart. When riding a road bike, it's when I'm in the hooks. If I have a side impact with another rider whose hands are tight to the stem, it's he who's going to be affected more. Feel free to call me a language twisting lunatic.
Originally Posted by
grolby
What you're referring to with mountain bike bars isn't about what I would consider stability, it's about fine control and high leverage over the front wheel.
Again, I differ. And I'm not talking about the bike, I'm talking about the rider's ability to keep it upright. A chacun son gout, I suppose, but I like my definition more.