Why a Wise Cyclist Carries His Load on the Bicycle: Understanding Centre of Mass

In summary, the conversation discusses the reasons why a wise cyclist carries their load on their bicycle instead of on their back. The main reason being the lower center of mass which makes it safer and harder for the cyclist to fall over. The conversation also mentions an assumption that the question makes, which could be related to the distribution of the packs on the bike. It also briefly mentions the syllabus and difficulty level of A level physics. The conversation ends with a discussion about the Applied physics optional module, which covers topics such as rotational dynamics and thermodynamics.
  • #1
QueenFisher
why is it that a wise cyclist carries his load in packs on his bicycle intead of on her back? this is a poor question because of an assumption it makes.

i understand that by carrying the load on the bicycle instead of on his back the cyclist lowers the ecntre of mass so that it is harder for her to fall over (and so safer), but i can't work out the assumption and I'm sure it's a really obvious one...any pointers??
 
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  • #2
Hmm, I don't know it's an interesting question. Nothing initally jumps out. Maybe somehting to do with the distribution of the packs on the bike? I;m just guessing here though! Just out of interest which syllibus are you following?
 
  • #3
What is your definition of a wise cyclist? Tour de France level or commuter level?

How heavy of a pack, and how big? Does the cyclist need to access it easily while riding (like for food and drink)?
 
  • #4
the question is only what i posted so i suppose the assumption can be deduced from it (except that i can't think of it!)

syllabus: AS level AQA
 
  • #5
I do AQA, I'm now doing A2, it's a really interesting course. The only thing I can think of is it assumes the packs are distributed about the bike so as not to create any turning moments and de-stablise the bike.
 
  • #6
meaning it's in equilibrium?

how difficult is the A level as copared to AS? I've looked at the syllabus and it looks a bit complicated
 
  • #7
Yes.

A2 is less volume more detail. If you do Mechanics M2 you'll find the SHM, circular motion stuff easy. The wave stuff is fairly straight forward as is the gravitationaland electromagentic forces, the only thing I found difficult was the magnetic fields. The nuclear instability is also quite easy. We did the Applied physics optional module and its really interesting.
 
  • #8
yeah I'm doing M2 at the mo (even though i won't take the exam til next year...) what's the applied physics module about? i think I'm going to be doing that
 
  • #9
Bit of rotational dynamics - moments of inertia etc. Thermodynamics, 1st and 2nd laws, pressure volumes curves, adiabatic expansion, the internal combustion engine.
 
  • #10
oh yeah. lots to look forward to :)
 

1. Why is it important for a cyclist to carry their load on the bicycle?

It is important for a cyclist to carry their load on the bicycle because it helps maintain balance and stability while riding. If the load is not properly distributed, it can affect the center of mass and make it difficult to steer and control the bike.

2. What is the center of mass and why is it important for cyclists?

The center of mass is the point at which the mass of an object is evenly distributed. In cycling, the center of mass plays a crucial role in maintaining balance and stability. If the center of mass is shifted too far to one side, it can cause the bike to tip over.

3. How does carrying a load on the bicycle affect the center of mass?

Carrying a load on the bicycle can shift the center of mass higher and further away from the bike, making it more difficult to control. It can also cause the bike to become front-heavy, which can affect steering and braking.

4. Are there any tips for properly carrying a load on a bicycle?

Yes, there are a few tips for properly carrying a load on a bicycle. First, the load should be evenly distributed on both sides of the bike to maintain balance. Additionally, it is important to keep the load as low as possible to minimize the height of the center of mass. Finally, it is recommended to secure the load tightly to the bike to prevent it from shifting during the ride.

5. How does understanding the center of mass benefit cyclists?

Understanding the center of mass can benefit cyclists by helping them maintain balance and stability while riding. It can also improve their overall control of the bike, making it easier to steer, brake, and handle unexpected obstacles. Additionally, understanding the center of mass can help cyclists properly distribute their load for a more comfortable and efficient ride.

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