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ow can a bicycle achieve an astonishing 99% mechanical efficiency
Bicycles have become one of the most popular means of transportation for modern people due to their excellent energy efficiency and transportation efficiency. According to research, cycling is the most efficient mode of self-propelled transportation, with the distance traveled per unit of energy surpassing other transportation media. In terms of data, the ratio of the cargo that the bicycle can carry to the overall weight also shows its high efficiency in transportation. Behind these amazing data, what is the secret behind its mechanical efficiency reaching as high as 99%?
The concept of mechanical efficiency
From a mechanical point of view, the mechanical efficiency of a bicycle refers to how much of the energy applied to the pedals by the rider can be effectively converted into motion energy of the wheels. Efficient mechanical structure, smooth transmission system and appropriate gear ratio design all play an important role in improving overall riding performance. Even slight design changes may affect efficiency performance.
According to tests, a clean and well-lubricated chain can transfer up to 99% of the energy input by the rider to the wheels.
Factors affecting energy efficiency
Human energy efficiency on a bicycle actually depends on many factors such as wind resistance, slope, rider weight, vehicle design, etc. As speed increases, wind resistance increases quadratically, which consumes a large amount of energy. In addition, riding postures, such as using a recumbent bicycle or a vehicle covered with a streamlined hood, can effectively reduce wind resistance and further improve energy efficiency.
Energy output and its limits
The amount of power each rider can produce varies depending on their physical condition. For example, a 70-kg adult riding a bicycle on a flat road requires about 60 watts of power, which is much lower than walking at the same speed. For professional riders, the functional threshold power of continuous play can reach 500 watts within 1 hour, which allows them to continue running at high speed during competitions.
Importance of energy input
The energy input into the human body comes from food, which makes the energy conversion of food an important consideration. When traveling for a distance, the energy required includes not only the power required for riding, but also the basal metabolic rate to maintain basic physiological needs. This results in a significant increase in the rider's food needs when riding long distances.
The significance of cycling speed
The speed of different cyclists on flat roads varies greatly. Older or less able-bodied people may not be able to exceed 10 kilometers per hour in Liudun mode, while young people in good physical condition can easily reach it. Higher speed. According to observations, in Copenhagen, the average pedaling speed of each rider is about 15.5 kilometers per hour.
The key to successfully seizing the competition
The success of competitive cycling often depends on the cooperation between riders and the dispersion of wind resistance. The cooperation of the group can significantly increase the overall traveling speed.
The pursuit of lightweight
Reducing the weight of a bicycle is crucial to improving riding efficiency. The UCI has a minimum weight limit for competition bicycles, which fully reflects the need to improve uphill and downhill capabilities and acceleration. But on flat roads, excessive weight reduction may not be worth the gain, because perhaps the most important thing at this time is streamlined and aerodynamic design.
Airflow and rolling resistance
Air resistance and rolling resistance jointly affect the performance of riding speed. Riders need to break these resistances to maintain efficient operation. How to effectively manage these parameters is what everyone who loves bicycles continues to strive for.
High speed extreme record
According to the record, the highest speed a knight can reach on flat ground was set by Todd Reichert in 2016, reaching an astonishing 144.18 kilometers per hour. This is not only a technical challenge, but also a challenge to human limits.
Ultimately, we can see that both your own physical fitness and the design of the bicycle play a vital role behind the bicycle's excellent mechanical efficiency. This makes us wonder, how can future bicycle technology be further innovated to analyze the limits of these basic physical laws and make bicycles more efficient? "
