Originally Posted by JavaMan
These arguments are academic. Bikes don't really go at a constant speed. Every pedal stroke is an acceleration. Your bike (and especially your wheels) should therefore be as light as practical.
Tom with a BS in Physics from Kansas State University, 1977.
Agree 100% w/ the value of lightness.
Disagree 98% with the "academic" label
Indeed, bicycles themselves were in part a *product* of textbook, academic science! Today, cycling lends itself to a great deal of scientific analysis, at least by people who know what they're doing (ie, not me
). Most aspects of cycling can be approached quantitatively (mechanics, mass, speed, aerodynamics, enegy input of rider) and then can be (and are) addressed with creative scientific solutions (materials science, engineering, nutrition).