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How can we improve the efficiency of power and energy?
When looking at how energy translate in to motion in this system of the bike, we tend to look at the physic equation for motion energy also known as Kinetic Energy. This equation is written as:
By looking at this equation of the energy of motion, we can see that if the energy of the system were to remain constant, the only two factors that can change are mass and velocity. In this case of cycling however, we want a higher amount of velocity rather than mass.
In order to get this mass down, cyclist and bike manufactures take many steps to choose better materials that are lighter and stiffer (for more info on material) so that energy is not lost to torque and weight of frame therefore allowing cyclist to achieve higher speeds with less energy required.
Other factors outside of this equation include factors such as drag, mechanical and rolling friction.
Many of these can be reduce through means of making a bike more aerodynamic through the use of airfoils (see Aerodynamics); use of better, almost frictionless ceramic bearings and roller chains in the drivetrain system; and using the correct tire pressure for specific road conditions.
All these changes can help make a cyclist faster and reduce the amount of energy and work required from the cyclist.
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