How Does a Steering Stabilizer Work?

When a cyclist hits the open road, a fork in the road can lead to his forks hitting the open road. Control is the most important part of a biker's ride, and steering stabilizers help keep his wheels on track.

  1. Warning

    • The biking experience provides a feeling of freedom unparalleled in other terrestrial transportation. However, that freedom comes at a price. The same spinning wheels whose gyroscopic motion keeps the bike vertical are subject to the various changes in road condition and, worse still, will work against you when you try to turn. The inertia of spinning wheels can send a rider on a lethal tumble if not well controlled.

    Function

    • Steering stabilizers work on the same principal as the shock absorbers on a car. They take the energy from errant impacts with small rocks or other road irregularities and dissipate it harmlessly. With many stabilizers, this is accomplished with computer circuitry measuring the force of the impact, and allowing tiny valves to open or shut to create tension on the steering shaft. This reduces the ability of the wheel to shift left or right.

    Other Uses

    • Steering stabilizers are found for almost every mode of wheeled conveyance, from autos to RVs. While they are a must-have item for bikes, they exist as a custom option for many vehicles and are not needed, but they do add an extra measure of control that is above the stock driving experience.