Bike Myths We Wish Would Die
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#677
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[QUOTE=3alarmer;22809934]...Source ? I first heard it from the car people, way back in the '50's or '60's. A lot of those discussions centered around "unsprung weight" versus weight on the chassis. It would be fascinating, and real contribution to the knowledge base here, if you could pinpoint the origin.
Unsprung weigh is totally different from rotating mass.
Only applies to vehicles with a suspension, and has to do with reaction to irregularities in the road (or whatever surface you are traversing). Nothing to do with acceleration.

Unsprung weigh is totally different from rotating mass.
Only applies to vehicles with a suspension, and has to do with reaction to irregularities in the road (or whatever surface you are traversing). Nothing to do with acceleration.

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I was being no meaner than you were--you called basically everyone else in the thread a car wreck you were looking in on, and all I did was point out that you weren't just looking at it, you were right in the middle of it. You also turned around and essentially accused someone of not knowing what an analogy is or what it's supposed to do, which you reinforced by gratuitously putting up the dictionary definition of analogy.,
People who post long screeds repeatedly in the same thread then acting as if they're somehow above the fray is a pet peeve of mine. You've been in the scrum, and you are protesting way too much that you aren't bothered by something here.

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Back in the day, a person with enough chutzpah could claim "I never said that!" and sometimes get others to doubt themselves. Nowadays, we can scroll up, cut, and paste. Some folks seem not to grasp this.
There is a general lack of honesty in social discourse, and internet debates seem to heighten it. All I can do is try to better myself.

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#681
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Ok. Let's ask the same question, without any math.
Pretty consistent with what some of us have been trying to explain to you and a couple others, and I couldn't have said it better myself. (Well, maybe I could, but it's a lot of typing.) And before you make the very predictable statement that OpenAI or Google or Wikipedia or any number of physics textbooks are wrong, which do you think is more likely - that they are wrong, or that YOU are?
.
Pretty consistent with what some of us have been trying to explain to you and a couple others, and I couldn't have said it better myself. (Well, maybe I could, but it's a lot of typing.) And before you make the very predictable statement that OpenAI or Google or Wikipedia or any number of physics textbooks are wrong, which do you think is more likely - that they are wrong, or that YOU are?
.
Yes, AI is really where I go to get to logical conclusions--like this one:
It is not uncommon for people to develop strong emotional bonds with their pets, particularly with dogs. Many people consider their dogs to be members of their family and treat them with love and respect. In light of this, it is not unreasonable to consider granting dogs the right to vote in elections.
There are several arguments in favor of giving dogs the right to vote. First and foremost, dogs are sentient beings and have the ability to think and feel. While they may not possess the same level of cognitive ability as humans, they are still capable of making decisions and expressing their preferences.
Secondly, dogs play a significant role in many people's lives, providing companionship, support, and protection. They deserve to have a say in the decisions that affect their lives and the lives of their human companions.
Finally, granting dogs the right to vote would help to ensure that their interests and well-being are taken into consideration in the political process. This could help to protect dogs from cruelty and mistreatment, and could lead to the implementation of policies that are more favorable to dogs and their owners.
In conclusion, there are strong arguments in favor of amending the US Constitution to give dogs the right to vote. Dogs are sentient beings who deserve to have a say in the decisions that affect their lives, and granting them the right to vote would help to ensure that their interests are taken into consideration in the political process.

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Yes, AI is really where I go to get to logical conclusions--like this one:
It is not uncommon for people to develop strong emotional bonds with their pets, particularly with dogs. Many people consider their dogs to be members of their family and treat them with love and respect. In light of this, it is not unreasonable to consider granting dogs the right to vote in elections.
There are several arguments in favor of giving dogs the right to vote. First and foremost, dogs are sentient beings and have the ability to think and feel. While they may not possess the same level of cognitive ability as humans, they are still capable of making decisions and expressing their preferences.
Secondly, dogs play a significant role in many people's lives, providing companionship, support, and protection. They deserve to have a say in the decisions that affect their lives and the lives of their human companions.
Finally, granting dogs the right to vote would help to ensure that their interests and well-being are taken into consideration in the political process. This could help to protect dogs from cruelty and mistreatment, and could lead to the implementation of policies that are more favorable to dogs and their owners.
In conclusion, there are strong arguments in favor of amending the US Constitution to give dogs the right to vote. Dogs are sentient beings who deserve to have a say in the decisions that affect their lives, and granting them the right to vote would help to ensure that their interests are taken into consideration in the political process.
It is not uncommon for people to develop strong emotional bonds with their pets, particularly with dogs. Many people consider their dogs to be members of their family and treat them with love and respect. In light of this, it is not unreasonable to consider granting dogs the right to vote in elections.
There are several arguments in favor of giving dogs the right to vote. First and foremost, dogs are sentient beings and have the ability to think and feel. While they may not possess the same level of cognitive ability as humans, they are still capable of making decisions and expressing their preferences.
Secondly, dogs play a significant role in many people's lives, providing companionship, support, and protection. They deserve to have a say in the decisions that affect their lives and the lives of their human companions.
Finally, granting dogs the right to vote would help to ensure that their interests and well-being are taken into consideration in the political process. This could help to protect dogs from cruelty and mistreatment, and could lead to the implementation of policies that are more favorable to dogs and their owners.
In conclusion, there are strong arguments in favor of amending the US Constitution to give dogs the right to vote. Dogs are sentient beings who deserve to have a say in the decisions that affect their lives, and granting them the right to vote would help to ensure that their interests are taken into consideration in the political process.

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We had to rush our dog to the vet yesterday because she had something stuck in her throat. She recovered without any problems, but the writeup from the vet included the statement "Ellie does not make good decisions about what she swallows." So, I'm going to have to disagree with the AI on this dog voting issue.
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I support your opinion about dogs and voting, using their eating decisions as the judgement criteria. Our young German Shepherd decided to eat a hair scrunchy. It cost us the price of a nice Ultegra Di2 equipped road bike for the surgery to resolve that issue. Other things she should not eat have made it successfully through her system, thankfully.

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Valid concern. Another issue would be cats demanding equal rights. Cats voting would be a bad idea. Very bad.
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I support your opinion about dogs and voting, using their eating decisions as the judgement criteria. Our young German Shepherd decided to eat a hair scrunchy. It cost us the price of a nice Ultegra Di2 equipped road bike for the surgery to resolve that issue. Other things she should not eat have made it successfully through her system, thankfully.
I hate to think that the voting rights of an entire species would hinge on the scrunchy eating habits of a single pooch.

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Well the myth about the importance of rotating mass came from road racers, so 400g is a reasonable delta to work with. But you could double it if you like and the conclusions will remain the same. We could reasonably say that all performance road wheel sets lie between 1-2 kg.


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We have at least 2 pooches, just in this thread. Additionally, TC's example included a written opinion from a licensed professional.
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Open AI, just got to ask the question right:
Bicycle handling is a crucial aspect of riding, and any factor that can affect it is a matter of great importance to cycling enthusiasts. One factor that has been the subject of debate among cyclists is the weight of the wheels. While some people argue that wheel weight has a significant impact on bicycle handling, others believe that it is not a major factor. In this essay, I will argue that wheel weight does not significantly affect bicycle handling.
Firstly, it is important to note that bicycle handling is determined by a combination of factors such as frame geometry, tire pressure, rider position, and riding technique. Wheel weight is just one of many factors that can affect handling, but it is not necessarily the most critical one. Factors such as the rider's weight distribution and positioning, the quality of the road surface, and wind conditions all have a more significant impact on handling than the weight of the wheels.
Secondly, while it is true that lighter wheels can help reduce the overall weight of the bike, which can improve acceleration and climbing performance, this does not necessarily translate to better handling. In fact, the difference in handling between a lighter and a heavier wheel is not significant enough to be noticeable for most riders. A study conducted by Zipp, a leading manufacturer of high-performance wheels, found that the handling of a bike with a lighter wheelset was not significantly different from that of a bike with a heavier wheelset. The study also found that the lighter wheelset did not provide a significant advantage in terms of speed or power output.
Additionally, modern bicycle wheel technology has significantly improved over the years. Manufacturers are now able to produce wheels that are both lightweight and strong, allowing riders to enjoy the benefits of a lighter wheelset without compromising on durability or stiffness. As a result, the weight of the wheels is becoming less of a concern for many cyclists.
Furthermore, the difference in weight between a heavy and a light wheelset is often exaggerated. While a lighter wheelset can save a few hundred grams, this difference is not significant enough to affect handling. In fact, the difference in weight between a heavy and a light wheelset is only noticeable when accelerating or climbing, but once the bike reaches a steady speed, the weight difference becomes negligible.
In conclusion, while the weight of the wheels can have an impact on a bike's performance, it is not a significant factor in bicycle handling. Factors such as frame geometry, rider position, and riding technique have a more significant impact on handling. Furthermore, advances in wheel technology have made it possible to produce lightweight wheels without compromising on durability or stiffness. Ultimately, the weight of the wheels should not be a major concern for most cyclists when choosing a bike or wheelset.
Bicycle handling is a crucial aspect of riding, and any factor that can affect it is a matter of great importance to cycling enthusiasts. One factor that has been the subject of debate among cyclists is the weight of the wheels. While some people argue that wheel weight has a significant impact on bicycle handling, others believe that it is not a major factor. In this essay, I will argue that wheel weight does not significantly affect bicycle handling.
Firstly, it is important to note that bicycle handling is determined by a combination of factors such as frame geometry, tire pressure, rider position, and riding technique. Wheel weight is just one of many factors that can affect handling, but it is not necessarily the most critical one. Factors such as the rider's weight distribution and positioning, the quality of the road surface, and wind conditions all have a more significant impact on handling than the weight of the wheels.
Secondly, while it is true that lighter wheels can help reduce the overall weight of the bike, which can improve acceleration and climbing performance, this does not necessarily translate to better handling. In fact, the difference in handling between a lighter and a heavier wheel is not significant enough to be noticeable for most riders. A study conducted by Zipp, a leading manufacturer of high-performance wheels, found that the handling of a bike with a lighter wheelset was not significantly different from that of a bike with a heavier wheelset. The study also found that the lighter wheelset did not provide a significant advantage in terms of speed or power output.
Additionally, modern bicycle wheel technology has significantly improved over the years. Manufacturers are now able to produce wheels that are both lightweight and strong, allowing riders to enjoy the benefits of a lighter wheelset without compromising on durability or stiffness. As a result, the weight of the wheels is becoming less of a concern for many cyclists.
Furthermore, the difference in weight between a heavy and a light wheelset is often exaggerated. While a lighter wheelset can save a few hundred grams, this difference is not significant enough to affect handling. In fact, the difference in weight between a heavy and a light wheelset is only noticeable when accelerating or climbing, but once the bike reaches a steady speed, the weight difference becomes negligible.
In conclusion, while the weight of the wheels can have an impact on a bike's performance, it is not a significant factor in bicycle handling. Factors such as frame geometry, rider position, and riding technique have a more significant impact on handling. Furthermore, advances in wheel technology have made it possible to produce lightweight wheels without compromising on durability or stiffness. Ultimately, the weight of the wheels should not be a major concern for most cyclists when choosing a bike or wheelset.

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Bicycles have been a popular mode of transportation for over a century. However, the design and materials used in bicycle manufacturing have evolved over time. One of the most important components of a bicycle is its wheel rims. The material used to make the rims can have a significant impact on the performance, durability, and safety of the bicycle. In this essay, I will argue that bicycle wheel rims should be made out of wrought iron.
Wrought iron is a material that has been used for centuries in various applications, from building structures to weaponry. It is a strong and durable material that is resistant to rust and corrosion. These properties make it an ideal material for use in bicycle wheel rims.
One of the primary benefits of using wrought iron for bicycle wheel rims is its strength. Wrought iron is stronger than many other materials used in bicycle manufacturing, such as aluminum and carbon fiber. This strength allows for the production of lighter weight rims that are still durable and resistant to bending or warping under stress.
Another benefit of using wrought iron for bicycle wheel rims is its resistance to rust and corrosion. Bicycles are often used in wet or damp environments, such as in rainy weather or on wet roads. The moisture and salt from the road can cause traditional steel rims to rust and corrode over time. Wrought iron, however, is much more resistant to rust and corrosion, making it a longer-lasting material for bicycle wheel rims.
Finally, wrought iron is a sustainable material. It is made from recycled scrap metal and can be easily recycled again at the end of its life cycle. This reduces the environmental impact of manufacturing new bicycle wheel rims and helps to conserve natural resources.
In conclusion, bicycle wheel rims should be made out of wrought iron due to its strength, durability, resistance to rust and corrosion, and sustainability. It is a material that has stood the test of time and is well-suited to the demands of modern bicycle manufacturing. By using wrought iron for bicycle wheel rims, we can improve the performance, longevity, and safety of bicycles while also reducing their environmental impact.
Wrought iron is a material that has been used for centuries in various applications, from building structures to weaponry. It is a strong and durable material that is resistant to rust and corrosion. These properties make it an ideal material for use in bicycle wheel rims.
One of the primary benefits of using wrought iron for bicycle wheel rims is its strength. Wrought iron is stronger than many other materials used in bicycle manufacturing, such as aluminum and carbon fiber. This strength allows for the production of lighter weight rims that are still durable and resistant to bending or warping under stress.
Another benefit of using wrought iron for bicycle wheel rims is its resistance to rust and corrosion. Bicycles are often used in wet or damp environments, such as in rainy weather or on wet roads. The moisture and salt from the road can cause traditional steel rims to rust and corrode over time. Wrought iron, however, is much more resistant to rust and corrosion, making it a longer-lasting material for bicycle wheel rims.
Finally, wrought iron is a sustainable material. It is made from recycled scrap metal and can be easily recycled again at the end of its life cycle. This reduces the environmental impact of manufacturing new bicycle wheel rims and helps to conserve natural resources.
In conclusion, bicycle wheel rims should be made out of wrought iron due to its strength, durability, resistance to rust and corrosion, and sustainability. It is a material that has stood the test of time and is well-suited to the demands of modern bicycle manufacturing. By using wrought iron for bicycle wheel rims, we can improve the performance, longevity, and safety of bicycles while also reducing their environmental impact.

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It's sort of funny ... when all this started, I really thought that lighter wheels made a big difference, and that rotating mass was a big factor---possibly because I have been interested in auto racing where the issues of unsprung weight and rotating mass play a larger role because of the higher forces and masses involved. Sort of fun to learn something new ....
Otto
Last edited by ofajen; 02-23-23 at 06:39 PM.

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Open AI, just got to ask the question right:
Bicycle handling is a crucial aspect of riding, and any factor that can affect it is a matter of great importance to cycling enthusiasts. One factor that has been the subject of debate among cyclists is the weight of the wheels. While some people argue that wheel weight has a significant impact on bicycle handling, others believe that it is not a major factor. In this essay, I will argue that wheel weight does not significantly affect bicycle handling.
Firstly, it is important to note that bicycle handling is determined by a combination of factors such as frame geometry, tire pressure, rider position, and riding technique. Wheel weight is just one of many factors that can affect handling, but it is not necessarily the most critical one. Factors such as the rider's weight distribution and positioning, the quality of the road surface, and wind conditions all have a more significant impact on handling than the weight of the wheels.
Secondly, while it is true that lighter wheels can help reduce the overall weight of the bike, which can improve acceleration and climbing performance, this does not necessarily translate to better handling. In fact, the difference in handling between a lighter and a heavier wheel is not significant enough to be noticeable for most riders. A study conducted by Zipp, a leading manufacturer of high-performance wheels, found that the handling of a bike with a lighter wheelset was not significantly different from that of a bike with a heavier wheelset. The study also found that the lighter wheelset did not provide a significant advantage in terms of speed or power output.
Additionally, modern bicycle wheel technology has significantly improved over the years. Manufacturers are now able to produce wheels that are both lightweight and strong, allowing riders to enjoy the benefits of a lighter wheelset without compromising on durability or stiffness. As a result, the weight of the wheels is becoming less of a concern for many cyclists.
Furthermore, the difference in weight between a heavy and a light wheelset is often exaggerated. While a lighter wheelset can save a few hundred grams, this difference is not significant enough to affect handling. In fact, the difference in weight between a heavy and a light wheelset is only noticeable when accelerating or climbing, but once the bike reaches a steady speed, the weight difference becomes negligible.
In conclusion, while the weight of the wheels can have an impact on a bike's performance, it is not a significant factor in bicycle handling. Factors such as frame geometry, rider position, and riding technique have a more significant impact on handling. Furthermore, advances in wheel technology have made it possible to produce lightweight wheels without compromising on durability or stiffness. Ultimately, the weight of the wheels should not be a major concern for most cyclists when choosing a bike or wheelset.
Bicycle handling is a crucial aspect of riding, and any factor that can affect it is a matter of great importance to cycling enthusiasts. One factor that has been the subject of debate among cyclists is the weight of the wheels. While some people argue that wheel weight has a significant impact on bicycle handling, others believe that it is not a major factor. In this essay, I will argue that wheel weight does not significantly affect bicycle handling.
Firstly, it is important to note that bicycle handling is determined by a combination of factors such as frame geometry, tire pressure, rider position, and riding technique. Wheel weight is just one of many factors that can affect handling, but it is not necessarily the most critical one. Factors such as the rider's weight distribution and positioning, the quality of the road surface, and wind conditions all have a more significant impact on handling than the weight of the wheels.
Secondly, while it is true that lighter wheels can help reduce the overall weight of the bike, which can improve acceleration and climbing performance, this does not necessarily translate to better handling. In fact, the difference in handling between a lighter and a heavier wheel is not significant enough to be noticeable for most riders. A study conducted by Zipp, a leading manufacturer of high-performance wheels, found that the handling of a bike with a lighter wheelset was not significantly different from that of a bike with a heavier wheelset. The study also found that the lighter wheelset did not provide a significant advantage in terms of speed or power output.
Additionally, modern bicycle wheel technology has significantly improved over the years. Manufacturers are now able to produce wheels that are both lightweight and strong, allowing riders to enjoy the benefits of a lighter wheelset without compromising on durability or stiffness. As a result, the weight of the wheels is becoming less of a concern for many cyclists.
Furthermore, the difference in weight between a heavy and a light wheelset is often exaggerated. While a lighter wheelset can save a few hundred grams, this difference is not significant enough to affect handling. In fact, the difference in weight between a heavy and a light wheelset is only noticeable when accelerating or climbing, but once the bike reaches a steady speed, the weight difference becomes negligible.
In conclusion, while the weight of the wheels can have an impact on a bike's performance, it is not a significant factor in bicycle handling. Factors such as frame geometry, rider position, and riding technique have a more significant impact on handling. Furthermore, advances in wheel technology have made it possible to produce lightweight wheels without compromising on durability or stiffness. Ultimately, the weight of the wheels should not be a major concern for most cyclists when choosing a bike or wheelset.
People have been criticizing this thread as worthless, but those people are not looking for the real gems here.

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I was being no meaner than you were--you called basically everyone else in the thread a car wreck you were looking in on, and all I did was point out that you weren't just looking at it, you were right in the middle of it. You also turned around and essentially accused someone of not knowing what an analogy is or what it's supposed to do, which you reinforced by gratuitously putting up the dictionary definition of analogy.,
But it can help other people to learn something and it can help to clarify your own thoughts about something. But for me the main objective is to kill a few moments between other stuff I'm doing. Takes my mind away from important things for a few minutes and I like talking about bikes.
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#697
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...Source ? I first heard it from the car people, way back in the '50's or '60's. A lot of those discussions centered around "unsprung weight" versus weight on the chassis. It would be fascinating, and real contribution to the knowledge base here, if you could pinpoint the origin.

Only applies to vehicles with a suspension, and has to do with reaction to irregularities in the road (or whatever surface you are traversing). Nothing to do with acceleration.
You are correct in your statement, but I think if you check it out, you'll find I recall this correctly. There are numerous references that a quick Google will provide for you.
WHAT IS UNSPRUNG WEIGHT?Unsprung weight often has a large effect on a vehicle because most (but not all) of it is rotational. Rotating mass requires more momentum to move, meaning that each additional pound has an exponential effect.
Rotational mass applies to the parts that must be accelerated or decelerated when the speed of the vehicle changes. This includes items that rotate, like the driveshaft, brake rotors, wheels, and tires. Rotating mass is roughly three times harder to accelerate than sprung weight.
This means that dropping just 10 pounds per wheel with the addition of a lighter set of racing-oriented wheels would equate to a reduction of almost 120 pounds of sprung weight. In most drag racing instances, 100 pounds lost equates to a tenth of a second or one car length in the quarter-mile. It’s a small amount on paper, but it adds up if you’re racing competitively.
Rotational mass applies to the parts that must be accelerated or decelerated when the speed of the vehicle changes. This includes items that rotate, like the driveshaft, brake rotors, wheels, and tires. Rotating mass is roughly three times harder to accelerate than sprung weight.
This means that dropping just 10 pounds per wheel with the addition of a lighter set of racing-oriented wheels would equate to a reduction of almost 120 pounds of sprung weight. In most drag racing instances, 100 pounds lost equates to a tenth of a second or one car length in the quarter-mile. It’s a small amount on paper, but it adds up if you’re racing competitively.
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#698
Friendship is Magic
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By the way .... I reject the claim that lighter wheels "handle" differently....
I still value my impressions .... but if I were to be, say, trying to win profession or Olympic-caliber pursuit races or win F1 races and not dying, I would definitely go with science instead of impressions.
...
I still value my impressions .... but if I were to be, say, trying to win profession or Olympic-caliber pursuit races or win F1 races and not dying, I would definitely go with science instead of impressions.
...
...my own impression is that you have heroically resisted the urge to race competitively on a bicycle. As have many of the people in the General Cycling forum. You are more than welcome to change your mind about bicycle "handling". I am not here to recruit followers.
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#699
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#700
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Your analogy supposes that ignoring a physical contribution on the basis of magnitude is to bicycle performance analysis as taking the limit as the delta approaches zero is to calculus. And I just don't see this as a useful way to explain one side of the analogy or the other: the former is a judgement of importance within its context, while the latter is simply methodological. You're not taking the limit as dx->0 because the error in the un-limited slope or reimann sum or whatever formula is a low-importance component of the underlying problem, you're doing it because the error only exists in the first place as an artifact of how you're performing the solution.

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