When a bicycle is standing still or being ridden it experiences forces due to its own weight, that of the rider, the interaction between the wheels and the ground, and aerodynamic forces. The static forces are illustrated in the diagram. The force magnitudes will govern such engineering decisions as the strength of the tubing from which the frame is constructed, the strength of the wheels, the air pressure required in the tires, and for air resistance, tube and wheel cross-sectional shape.

This laboratory will explore these forces and measure the effect of moving the location and changing the weight of the rider for a stationary bike. It will be necessary to look at these quantities with the bike both vertical and at various angles to the vertical. The results from the latter measurements will help in understanding the cornering of a bicycle at various speeds.