4 ms·
The video shows elastic potential energy being converted into torque in the wheel as the wheel slides vertically down (due to gravity, without springs). The spr
by jhanschoo 6y ago
The video shows elastic potential energy being converted into torque in the wheel as the wheel slides vertically down (due to gravity, without springs). The springs help center the resting state. Yes, it looks to me like it's trying to convert the energy wasted in damping into torque. The effect ought to be more pronounced on bumpy terrain and negligible on smooth ground.
- scotty79 6y agoEven on a smooth ground you move your bike up and down as you press the pedals. If you could turn some of that pulsating motion into a torque you could have some gain.
- jhanschoo 6y agoThis happens only if you are riding a bike with suspension. In which case, it's still less efficient than not having suspension in the first case. (Racing bikes do not have suspension because of weight and the inefficiency.)