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In terms of efficiency of bicycles alone, aero frames, deep wheels, carbon fiber. Clipless is also an incredibly significant change, but not as much of efficie

by fnfjfk 4y ago

In terms of efficiency of bicycles alone, aero frames, deep wheels, carbon fiber. Clipless is also an incredibly significant change, but not as much of efficiency as the others.

amluto 4y ago
Carbon fiber? As I understand it, reducing unsprung weight (which is not very much for a bicycle with no suspension beyond the tires) can have an outsized effect, but actually reducing weight mostly matters for ascending. For non-competitive cycling, other factors seem like they should be much more significant. A big one, which is banned in most competitive formats, is a fairing. This is much more effective than having a human hunker down and try to be aerodynamic. Even for an upright cargo bike (which is generally extremely heavy), a fairing in front can make a dramatic difference on level ground with no wind.
- adgjlsfhk1 4y ago
  Carbon fiber isn't better because of strength, but because it's a lot easier to keep somewhat light while making aerodynamic shapes.
- simlevesque 4y ago
  The most important is carbon wheels. Lowering the weight of the wheels makes it easier to turn them, especially uphill.
  - scott_w 4y ago
    It’s only a slight improvement when accelerating. At steady state, the wheel weight is balanced out (half moves backwards, half moves forwards). GCN have done some non-scientific experiments on their YouTube channel on this. The biggest benefit to carbon wheels is you can make them deeper for less weight penalty (vs aluminium) which gives you a significant aero benefit.
- tpm 4y ago
  It's also very stiff so less power is lost due to the flex of various parts.
  - SyzygistSix 4y ago
    Which is great if one is racing but not so much for long distance riding or riding for the joy of it. Most riders are not racing at any level where it makes a difference. A well made steel frame is a joy to ride. They are incredibly comfortable and track exceptionally well, unlike stiff frames.
r00fus 4y ago
Recumbents are noticeably more efficient than uprights. In fact any tech or method that's been banned by UCI should make bikes even more efficient.
kitkat_new 4y ago
carbon fiber is a lot less efficient regarding manufacturing though, compared to aluminum. The difference is even bigger with respect to steel or the life time of the materials

by fnfjfk 4y ago

In terms of efficiency of bicycles alone, aero frames, deep wheels, carbon fiber. Clipless is also an incredibly significant change, but not as much of efficiency as the others.

amluto 4y ago

Carbon fiber? As I understand it, reducing unsprung weight (which is not very much for a bicycle with no suspension beyond the tires) can have an outsized effect, but actually reducing weight mostly matters for ascending. For non-competitive cycling, other factors seem like they should be much more significant. A big one, which is banned in most competitive formats, is a fairing. This is much more effective than having a human hunker down and try to be aerodynamic. Even for an upright cargo bike (which is generally extremely heavy), a fairing in front can make a dramatic difference on level ground with no wind.

adgjlsfhk1 4y ago
Carbon fiber isn't better because of strength, but because it's a lot easier to keep somewhat light while making aerodynamic shapes.
simlevesque 4y ago
The most important is carbon wheels. Lowering the weight of the wheels makes it easier to turn them, especially uphill.
- scott_w 4y ago
  It’s only a slight improvement when accelerating. At steady state, the wheel weight is balanced out (half moves backwards, half moves forwards). GCN have done some non-scientific experiments on their YouTube channel on this. The biggest benefit to carbon wheels is you can make them deeper for less weight penalty (vs aluminium) which gives you a significant aero benefit.
tpm 4y ago
It's also very stiff so less power is lost due to the flex of various parts.
- SyzygistSix 4y ago
  Which is great if one is racing but not so much for long distance riding or riding for the joy of it. Most riders are not racing at any level where it makes a difference. A well made steel frame is a joy to ride. They are incredibly comfortable and track exceptionally well, unlike stiff frames.

r00fus 4y ago

Recumbents are noticeably more efficient than uprights. In fact any tech or method that's been banned by UCI should make bikes even more efficient.

kitkat_new 4y ago

carbon fiber is a lot less efficient regarding manufacturing though, compared to aluminum. The difference is even bigger with respect to steel or the life time of the materials