Friction is a resistive force
that always acts in a direction that is opposite to the motion of a body. Frictional forces are dependent on two
components; the coefficient of friction and the normal force.
Ffriction = (µ)(n)
There are two different types
of frictional coefficients, static and kinetic.
The coefficient of static friction is the frictional force that must be
overcome before any motion commences. It
is caused by the minuscule contact points between our tires and the riding
surface (There is frictional losses present in every mechanical connection on
the bike but these will not be addressed within the scope of this
article).
The coefficient of kinetic
friction is the acting frictional force when our bicycles are in motion. As with all frictional forces, kinetic
friction acts in a direction that opposes motion.
The normal force is simply
the force that is exerted upon the rider and the bike by the ground. It is in turn equal and opposite to the force
that the rider and the bike apply on ground.
This is in accordance with
Three major frictional forces
affect a bicycle, the friction between the tires and the riding surface,
friction caused by braking, and the wind resistance. There are other frictional forces acting on
the bike such as those found in the bearings and other moving parts, however
for the purpose of this assignment only the previously mentioned forces will be
discussed.