Freewheeling speed
Freewheeling speed
Forgive my simple ignorance....why do some cyclists and their bikes freewheel faster than others, given a similar start ?
From my experience I have cycled alongside various pals, all with differing freewheeling speeds and never really understood the answer. There doesn't appear to be any common denominator.
Is it the weight of the rider ? Is it therefore the heavier the quicker then ?
Is it the weight of the bike ? The 'quality' of the bike ? The set-up / lubrication ?
A selection of all ?
From my experience I have cycled alongside various pals, all with differing freewheeling speeds and never really understood the answer. There doesn't appear to be any common denominator.
Is it the weight of the rider ? Is it therefore the heavier the quicker then ?
Is it the weight of the bike ? The 'quality' of the bike ? The set-up / lubrication ?
A selection of all ?
Re: Freewheeling speed
Aerodynamics.
“In some ways, it is easier to be a dissident, for then one is without responsibility.”
― Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom
― Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom
Re: Freewheeling speed
Also the size and type of tyre.
All other things being equal the heavier rider (or rider + luggage combo) will freewheel faster downhill. They rarely are equal, though.
All other things being equal the heavier rider (or rider + luggage combo) will freewheel faster downhill. They rarely are equal, though.
Re: Freewheeling speed
It's a combination of everything - tyres and tyre pressure, all-up weight, general aerodynamics, smoothness of the bearings, lack of friction.
Also, bravery.
The amount of times I've freewheeled down hills with others, and I find I often leave them well behind. Many folk dab their brakes when the speed increases even if there's no problem with visibility or junctions.
Also, bravery.
The amount of times I've freewheeled down hills with others, and I find I often leave them well behind. Many folk dab their brakes when the speed increases even if there's no problem with visibility or junctions.
Mick F. Cornwall
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Re: Freewheeling speed
In my youth the DA used to hold an annual freewheeling competition. For some reason this was one of the highlights of the year, was intensely competitive, and there were allegations of all sorts of dirty tricks to get an advantage. Whether this ritual has survived anywhere I don't know.
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Re: Freewheeling speed
ChrisButch wrote:Whether this ritual has survived anywhere I don't know.
http://htrc.co.uk/2013/10/24/freewheele ... ns-report/
- Claireysmurf
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Re: Freewheeling speed
I REALLY love freewheeling past people whether downhill or on the flat. A lot of people I know ride mountain bikes and heftier hybrids and are so dismissive of road bikes and tourers. To freewheel past them is a joy
- Claireysmurf
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Re: Freewheeling speed
johntea wrote:keyboardmonkey wrote:
http://htrc.co.uk/2013/10/24/freewheele ... ns-report/
I like that
Great idea. Would love some video footage
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Re: Freewheeling speed
johntea wrote:keyboardmonkey wrote:
http://htrc.co.uk/2013/10/24/freewheele ... ns-report/
I like that
This ^^
In the day, it was done using toe-straps!
Re: Freewheeling speed
1960s/70s we used string so that it could be snapped if necessary. These days the ones I see are done on trust.
Re: Freewheeling speed
When I freewheel, I often turn the pedals to relax different muscles.
I'd find it rather uncomfortable to be "locked" in one position by string or toe-straps.
Personally, I'd rather remove the chain, and that way I can move my legs without being accused of pedalling.
I'd find it rather uncomfortable to be "locked" in one position by string or toe-straps.
Personally, I'd rather remove the chain, and that way I can move my legs without being accused of pedalling.
Mick F. Cornwall
Re: Freewheeling speed
Personally, I'd rather remove the chain,
I had to do that in order to take part in a club competition. When I got to the bottom I realised that I had left the chain by the road at the start..................
Re: Freewheeling speed
It's mainly down to weight of the rider. I can out-freewheel any of my clubmates because I'm quite a bit heavier than them. Getting in an aero-tuck helps and things like tyres, etc make a small difference but weight is the main thing. This works against you going uphill though!
I rarely win our club freewheel comp because the hill has a double bend in it and I always have to brake, but i always "win" when we freewheel down long hills on club runs.
I rarely win our club freewheel comp because the hill has a double bend in it and I always have to brake, but i always "win" when we freewheel down long hills on club runs.
Sherwood CC and Notts CTC.
A cart horse trapped in the body of a man.
http://www.jogler2009.blogspot.com
A cart horse trapped in the body of a man.
http://www.jogler2009.blogspot.com
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Re: Freewheeling speed
If I can just get above 30 mph down a 4% slope, then in similar conditions I will reach 40 mph down a 8% slope and 50 mph down a 16%.
So to a degree I can work out the angle of the slope from my terminal velocity.
Unless I have a silly tailwind, then all bets are off ...........
Going north I've ridden down the road into Durness three times.
First time I had a good tailwind and got close to 50 mph down it.
Second time in still air and just got above 40 mph.
Third time into a stonking NE gale and was hard pushed to even get above 30 mph pedaling.
So to a degree I can work out the angle of the slope from my terminal velocity.
Unless I have a silly tailwind, then all bets are off ...........
Going north I've ridden down the road into Durness three times.
First time I had a good tailwind and got close to 50 mph down it.
Second time in still air and just got above 40 mph.
Third time into a stonking NE gale and was hard pushed to even get above 30 mph pedaling.