Riding a Bicycle Uphill: How Much Torque Is Needed?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the torque required to ride a bicycle uphill using human power versus mechanical assistance. Participants highlight that the torque generated depends on factors such as rider weight and pedal length, with experienced cyclists producing approximately 100 watts at 90 RPM. The conversation also touches on the potential inefficiencies of hydraulic transmission systems compared to conventional bike gearing. Ultimately, while a hydraulic system could be an interesting concept, the consensus is that traditional gearing remains more efficient for uphill cycling.

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  • Understanding of torque and power output in cycling
  • Familiarity with bicycle gearing systems
  • Knowledge of hydraulic transmission principles
  • Basic physics of lever arms and angular velocity
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Cyclists, mechanical engineers, and designers interested in bicycle performance optimization and innovative transmission systems.

ahad_yekta
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how much is the turk that a usual person enter over the bicycle pedal ? ( the range )
i want to know . is it enough to ride a bicycle through drastic uphill bye foot power? or use some booster to drive better . i want to design a hydraulic transmition for bicycle . do i have to use pressure booster to increase the force on rear wheel or the 1:1 transmited turk is enough ?
 
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Welcome to PF, Ahad. I'm afraid that your question is a little vague. The torque that you provide depends upon both your weight and the length of the pedals (lever arms). The gearing system determines the torque/speed ratio. Generally speaking, it works the same way as in a car. You start in low gear for acceleration, and then gradually shift up until you reach your desired speed.
 


I think that maximum and typical energy outputs for humans are relatively standard. Perhaps you could take the energy and back calculate the torque based on the angular velocity?
 


in my opinion, its going to be real hard to beat the simplicity of the conventional bike gear. With a hydrostatic system, you will have more mass on the bike, from the system to generate, transfer, and possibly cool the fluid, along with the mass of the fluid. plus, I suspect, slippage will further reduce the efficiency. Interesting idea, though

dr
 


Agreed. It would make a cool conversation piece, but the space and weight that such a system would require would be better occupied by a motor.
 


The real question is how much torque can a turk generate?

http://weslowery.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/turk-745163.jpg
 
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An experienced bicyclist can produce ~100 watts continuously at ~ 90 RPM.Bob S
 


"The real question is how much torque can a turk generate?"
You can torque the torque but can you worque the worque?
 


I don't think you know what you're torquing about

dr
 
  • #10


I see that this thread is getting twisted...
 
  • #11


Danger said:
I see that this thread is getting twisted...

Hey wait a moment! :rolleyes:
 
  • #12


the bad jokes keep going round and round

its almost "tau" much

dr
 
  • #13


I think with a mountain bike you can produce way more torque than you need. I tried going up a STEEP hill once, and the limiting factor was the front wheel coming off the ground, not the lack of torque...
 
  • #14


That's a wheely wheely serious problem.
 

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