Developing Driving Skills of a Road Bike for Faster Cornering on Downhills

(Exploring on Leaning and Precision Riding with an Automatic Speed Keeping System)

Abstract

Road bicycle racing is the cycle sport discipline of road cycling, held on paved public roads. The riders travel a long course including flatlands and mountains. In order to improve a record, not only physical abilities but also skill for riding downhill safely as fast as possible (faster cornering skill) are required. The faster cornering skill is composed of three factors, situational analysis, postural control and speed control. Due to the difficulty of considering three factors in a short time and the risk of serious accident, it is difficult to train this skill. Therefore, this study will investigate a method of developing faster cornering skill on downhill. A method of training situational analysis and postural control while speed control automated is contrived. Authors develop a caliper brake with speed keeping function using a servo motor and the parameter of speed control is based on the opinions from a cyclist. Running test on downhill is held and it is suggested that this method will help acquiring faster cornering skill on downhills.