rareposter wrote: ↑25 Mar 2024, 1:05pm
You don't really need maths to prove anything though. Put some 2.5kg wheels on a bike, go and ride up a hill.
Replace the wheels (keeping the same tyres/pressures etc) with a pair weighing 1.5kg , go and ride up the same hill at the same power.
The lighter wheels will feel better (which is a bit subjective) and will be measurably faster (which is purely objective).
Excuse the shouty but...For me this is where the lighter v heavier wheel debate goes astray.
Yes, taking 1kg off the bike WHEREVER will be 'better', but that doesn't prove if the lighter wheels are actually better or if it's just because the overall bike is lighter.
To do the comparison if lighter wheels are better you need to ADD the equivalent weight to the bike somewhere. Then you can see if the wheels are better. Otherwise all you are doing is feeling the weight loss of the wheels.
Nonetheless, given the scientific/mathematical proof I am happy that lighter wheels accelerate 'more easily*'. This is not to be underestimated as an ongoing advantage as almost all riding is slightly up and down speed wise.
There is also the pre stated advantage of reducing overall bike weight. Win, win.
Excuse me labouring the point, but felt that this post was unfinished. I'm happy now.
Phew!
*attempt to seek a meaningful non scientific term.