Mechanics of cycling

J.-P. Mariot

This mechanical analysis of cycling includes frictional forces between the tires and the ground, and the influence of the air drag force. The road gradient and the wind are taken into account as well. The movement is studied when an average constant torque is applied on the rear wheel. For a 72 kg cyclist riding a 10 kg racing bicycle, aligned charts are given to illustrate the constant speed movement.

Mots clés: classical mechanics; mechanical analysis; cycling; frictional forces; air drag force; road gradient; wind

Domaines: Articles anciens

J.-P. Mariot. Mechanics of cycling. Revue de Physique Appliquée, 1984, 19 (4), pp.349-357. ⟨10.1051/rphysap:01984001904034900⟩. ⟨jpa-00245203⟩