Final answer:
The physics of riding a bicycle involves managing forces such as friction, angular momentum, and centripetal force, especially when making turns. A reduced moment of inertia is often seen in the wheels of racing bicycles to enhance performance.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a person rides a bicycle, there are multiple forces at play. Specifically, the forces at work with the bicycle's wheels can include the friction from the gears and chain, the need to maintain balance to prevent tipping over, and the forces involved when making a turn. When riding at a good pace, gyroscopic effects due to the angular momentum of the spinning wheels contribute to the stability of the bicycle, making it more difficult to tip over compared to when the bicycle is stationary.
In the physics of cycling, the design of racing bicycle wheels may have a reduced moment of inertia to allow for quicker acceleration and easier handling. During a turn, stability is achieved by leaning at the correct angle so that the force exerted by the ground is in line with the center of gravity. This involves resolving the forces on the bicycle wheel into two components: friction parallel to the road which supplies the centripetal force necessary for the turn, and the vertical normal force which counters the system's weight.