Does a Bicycle Require Less Torque to Maintain Speed Than to Start Moving?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the torque required to maintain speed on a bicycle compared to the torque needed to initiate movement. It is established that when starting from rest, a cyclist must overcome both friction and air resistance, in addition to providing acceleration. Once the bicycle is in motion, the torque required decreases as only friction and air resistance need to be countered. Therefore, less torque is necessary to maintain speed than to start moving.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts such as torque and friction.
  • Knowledge of bicycle mechanics, including gear systems.
  • Familiarity with the principles of motion and resistance.
  • Awareness of how air resistance affects moving objects.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the physics of torque in cycling, focusing on gear ratios.
  • Explore the effects of air resistance on different bicycle speeds.
  • Study frictional forces in mechanical systems, particularly in bicycles.
  • Learn about the relationship between acceleration and torque in motion dynamics.
USEFUL FOR

Cyclists, mechanical engineers, physics students, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of bicycle motion and efficiency.

fisico30
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Hello Forum,

let say we are on a bicycle at rest and in the lowest gear. We start pedaling and the bike moves. The applied torque on the rear wheel is equal the ground frictional torque and the bike moves forward by action reaction...

Once we reach a certain speed on the bike, is the torque that we need to continue to apply the same as the torque we needed to apply to set the bicycle into motion or less?
It feels like it would be less but I am not sure why?

We surely need to keep on pedaling, otherwise the friction in the bearings, ground/tires would bring us to a stop.

thanks
fisico30
 
Physics news on Phys.org
When you start you are overcoming friction as well as air resistance AND providing an additional acceleration, once in motion only the first two are required so less force is needed.
 

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