Originally Posted by DrkAngel
Pedal assist?
At lower speeds, pedal assist is a major factor.
For example cruising at 10mph requires 68w, adding 265w of pedal power will increase speed to 20mph.
Compare this to 30mph requiring 993w, adding the same 265w of pedal power will increase speed to only 32.6mph.
Lowering to a more aerodynamic position might add more speed than pedaling?
A Mountain bike requires 255w of pedal effort to maintain 18mph.
I chose 18mph because most cyclists are familiar with the effort required to maintain this speed.
This graph demonstrates the additional speed available from adding the effort required to power a bicycle at 18mph.
From 10mph, assist will double speed to 20mph (10mph).
From 20mph, the same amount of pedal assist will increase speed 5mph.
From 30mph, the same amount of pedal assist will increase speed 2.5mph.
From 40mph, the same amount of pedal assist will increase speed <2mph.
However at 50mph, the same amount of pedal assist will increase speed ... barely ... 1mph!
On the other hand ...
This degree of pedal assist will more than triple range (300%) at 20mph and almost double range (200%), cruising at 25mph.
At 30mph assist increases range, possibly 33% (133% total).
Pedal assist contribution percentage declines quickly with speed.
Near 30mph, a more aerodynamic position outperforms even substantial pedal assist from a "proper" pedal seating position.
Even a race bike with cyclist in tuck position demonstrates the aerodynamic advantage clearly.
