3 ms·
At the pro level, bicycles are regularly below regulation weight, and then dead weight is added to get back to spec. So, there is budget for extra weight for hi
by pcl 6y ago
At the pro level, bicycles are regularly below regulation weight, and then dead weight is added to get back to spec. So, there is budget for extra weight for higher performance parts.
However, the rule of thumb is to minimize rotational weight (e.g., wheels) due to the increase in rotational inertia. I wonder whether chain weight is similarly problematic.
- aardvarkr 6y agoJust for argument’s sake, does rotational weight really give a performance impact? I expect it marginally improves initial acceleration but I also expect top speed is unchanged. Heavier wheels would allow you to coast for longer without needing to pedal (conservation of momentum) but besides the initial acceleration performance is mostly unchanged. Unless you’re constantly stopping and starting idk if it makes much difference. Similarly, I’d expect the chain’s weight to have a minuscule impact on acceleration but the increased efficiency sounds like it is several orders of magnitude beyond whatever trade off there is to a slightly heavier chain.
- TylerE 6y agoYes. More rotating weight = more energy expended to accelerate the wheel.
- pcl 6y agoIn many types of races, cyclists are pretty much constantly changing speed, so the extra inertia matters a fair bit. Often, races are won and lost in the final dash to the finish line, which is pretty much all about acceleration.
- derbOac 6y agoNo. https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=0QDnUkUaQfk https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=0QDnUkUaQfk It's interesting to look into what's actually scientifically supported in biking and other sports, and the implied effect sizes.