The influence of mass parameters and gear ratio on the speed and energy expenditure of a cyclist

The wavelength of moment of active forces (driving forces) for a full cycle while pedaling with platform pedals was determined. There was defined the value of moment of passive forces, depending on drag, rolling resistance and grade of surface. Kinematic motion parameters were determined from the equation of motion of the machine, which was solved numerically. In numerical example, there were determined and compared the temporal courses of bicycle speed for possible gear ratios for the two different waveforms of the driving torque – the determined, the time-varying and the constant ones. There were compared extreme values of active and passive forces, the kinetic energy of the bike and work expended by the rider at a specified time.