The discussion explores the reasons why a person can cycle further in a day compared to walking or running. It touches on the physics of movement, energy expenditure, and the mechanics involved in cycling versus other forms of locomotion.
The discussion features multiple competing views on the mechanics and efficiency of cycling versus walking and running. Participants express differing opinions on the role of energy expenditure, the impact of weight, and the effects of momentum, indicating that consensus has not been reached.
Participants reference various assumptions about energy expenditure, the definitions of work in physics, and the conditions under which comparisons are made (e.g., surface type for cycling). These factors may influence the conclusions drawn.
Very little raising and lowering is necessary with the right technique but that technique can be very tiring. russian dance (wait for the ads)A.T. said:But walking and running also involves lifting the center of mass, even on level ground.
Yes, the straight leg acting as an inverted pendulum raises the CoM in normal walking, but is still more efficient than bending the leg to keep the CoM on constant height, because then muscles need more force to stabilize the bent joints.sophiecentaur said:Very little raising and lowering is necessary with the right technique but that technique can be very tiring. russian dance (wait for the ads)
They rightly want to put an end to that in cycling races; it's completely irresponsible.berkeman said:
The muscles 'waste' a lot of energy, just holding a load up and doing no actual work on the load. Fibres keep tensing up and relaxing, which uses significant energy just to stay still. A Bike frame uses no energy just staying rigid and the rider is sitting there, doing no work apart from pedalling etc. when necessary. Far more efficient.A.T. said:Yes, the straight leg acting as an inverted pendulum raises the CoM in normal walking, but is still more efficient than bending the leg to keep the CoM on constant height, because then muscles need more force to stabilize the bent joints.