Originally Posted by badkarma
Sorry if I wasn't clear.
In experiment 2, I just added 0.5 kg to the bike and kept the wheels the same as experiment 1.
In experiment 3, I kept the bike the same weight as experiment 1 (7 kg), and then added 0.25 kg to each wheel.
Does this make more sense?
Much better, thank you. So now you should go back and factor in rider weight (perhaps just add that to the weight of the bike?) and friction as mentioned above, both as constants of course.
Originally Posted by badkarma
When I add rotational weight, I'm not changing the aerodynamic drag model. All I'm trying to show is the difference in distance traveled if you were to hang a 0.5 kg weight on your bike vs. magically making your wheels each 0.25 kg heavier (but keeping the same aerodynamics).
Very well put, you need a control, and that person's suggestion would not allow you to isolate your one variable, rotational mass vs static mass. I'd be interested to see the results with your alterations.
Anyone want to do the same experiment for retention of speed. Meaning, does rotational mass carry more inertia than static mass, making a heavier wheel more idea for maintaining speed?