Mechanical, Compatibility & Friction – Energy and Power Use Breakdown* % of Total Power Consumption: Mechanics, Compatibility and Friction: 2%-100% of overall energy/power consumption The bottom line: Friction from an adequately maintained drive train, etc. can use up to 2% of your energy. Component incompatibility and mechanical issues are deal breakers. From flat tires and…
Weight of Bicycle – Energy and Power Use Breakdown* % of Total Power Consumption: Weight of Bicycle: ≈08% of overall energy/power consumption The bottom line: First, never forget that you the rider are 85-95% of the total vehicle’s weight – the bike and components are only 5-15%. Bicycle weight plays a comparatively small role in…
Rolling Resistance Energy and Power Use Breakdown* % of Total Power Consumption: Rolling Resistance: ≈10% of overall power/energy consumption The bottom line: Rolling resistance is affected by friction caused by the weight of the vehicle (bike and rider) and how much of that weight has to be absorbed by the tires while riding. Rolling resistance…
Stiffness & Compliance – Energy and Power Use Breakdown* % of Total Power Consumption: Stiffness and Vertical Compliance: ≈15% of overall energy/power use The bottom line: Unless a design uses an effective suspension system, side-to-side stiffness and vertical compliance/comfort will be directly linked. In almost a 1:1 ratio and regardless of material, as a frame…
Bicycle Aerodynamics Energy and Power use breakdown* % of total power consumption: Aerodynamics Total (combination of rider aerodynamics and bike aerodynamics) – 65-85% Total Bicycle Aerodynamics ≈15% of total power use and ≈25% of total aerodynamics Wheels – 5-9% of total aerodynamics Fork – 6-9% of total aerodynamics Frame – 4%-9% of total aerodynamics Other…
Rider Aerodynamics (Fit and Positioning) Power Use breakdown* % of Total Power Consumption: Rider Aerodynamics: ≈50% of total power use (75% of total aerodynamics) The bottom line: If you are on a solo ride and average 20 mph over a 100 miles of varied terrain, lowering aerodynamic drag by 10%, without changing power output, will…