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I've spent quite some time racing Downhill Mountainbikes - and believe me - the gyroscopic effect IS there - and it is very noticeable (DH bikes tend to have MUCH heavier wheels).

Riding lighter wheels has a lot of effect on acceleration and braking. Handling also improves ALOT with lighter wheels.

It also contributes to stability. But you do need to ride faster than this "wuss" (pun intended) moving at snail speed.

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Couldn't that effect be simply because of the inertia of the wheels that they also have when they're not spinning?

That might be the case... I mounted a heavy U-lock on the front forks of a mountain bike, made steering very heavy. Felt pretty similar to a heavy wheel to me.

Of course this is all subjective (my observation, and the parent's downhilling observation).

Definitely easier to steer lighter wheels regardless of speed.

Although, when the total weight of the bike is high, it is better to have weight up front too (front+rear panniers). Otherwise, steering feels flimsy.

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