[COmtbiker12]

Alright, so I have to do a decent sized science project for the IB program that I'm in, more specifically I need to do it for physics. All the groups are assigned a theme (sports) and it just so happens that my group has chosen cycling. I know that it's virtually all physics but I'm not really sure what I can calculate out or experiment on with a bicycle. I'll need an abundance of quantitative data. Perhaps I can calculate the frictional force of different sized corners while maintaining the same velocity? Or, somehow calculate out power output? Or do something with gear ratios?
Any help/suggestions would be highly appreciated.
Thanks,
Tony

 

[Bldr_DH]

Classic thing would be rotational momentum and such. You could do some experiments on why countersteering works or why bikes are more stable with speed.

 

[Dartman]

Calculate ballistic trajectories of huckers at different speeds and launch angles?

You could use the data to design the perfect tabletop.

 

[stoney]

braking distances with set amount of weight located at different points of the wheel (rotational mass) and then differing weights to show the distance at which unequal mass rotating around a fixed point (ie hub) becomes equal.

 

[OGRipper]

May have been done already but how about comparing the rolling resistance of the same tubed v. tubeless tires?

Or even better, an objective and quantifiable justification for the claim that green is 10% faster?

 

[MMike]

Is rootbeer faster than black

 

[Toshi]

my audition to be a kaplan instructor was on the physics of cycling... i basically drew some curves, put a sub c = v^2/r or whatever it is on the board, and waved my hands

http://www.collegeboard.com/prod_downloads/ap/students/physics/info_equation_tables_2002.pdf <-- pick something and relate it.

 

[Wumpus]

http://www.physicscentral.com/lou/2001/bicycles.html

 

[skinny mike]

calculate the force of kinetic friction when skidding. change tires, velocity, or surface for different results.

 

[-dustin]

wattage gain using a latex tube rather than butyl.

 

[neanderthal]

Have you tried doing a Google Scholar search? I tried the "physics of
bicycles" and got lots of hits. Hopefully there is something there that you can use.

 

[splat]

Do the the pyhsics of an endo , and give them a demonstration.

 

[BigMike]

Do the the pyhsics of an endo , and give them a demonstration.

DING DING DING!

We have a winner!