Originally Posted by hisey'shomework
K, so we have this insane teacher (Mr. Hisey) we have to work on researching skills and get the answer to certain stuff from a real person rather than just a website. so here it goes...Question: How do the frame and wheels of a bike keep it from collapsing under the weight of a person? And do bikes always having triangles in the frame have anything to do with it. If anyone knows PLEASE help me. I need this for tomorrow, so I need the answer tonight. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! -herBert
A. he's probably not insane
B. As someone else already pointed out, the triangular frame of a bike is much more rigid that a square frame would be. You can deform a square into a parallelogram, but you can't as easily deform a triangle into a different shape. Some bikes don't have triangles but their frames have to be made of stronger or thicker material than a standard bike
C The high pressure inflated tires spread the weight of the bike out around the wheel rim so no one part of the rim gets bent or crushed.
D The spokes share the load of holding the bike and rider's weight, and they are adjusted to a certain tension so that, like the tires, they spread the weight around the rims, so even though they are individually very thin, together they can support the rider's weight. Also, because they attach to both sides of the axle and are simultaneously pulling the rim to one side and the other, they make the wheels stronger and more resistant to buckling or folding.
I will ask others to chime in and agree or disagree so you won't just have to take my word for it
Robert