Originally Posted by
cinegabe
On a typical roller setup (a frame, 3 drums and a belt)...
1) What is the function of the belt between the front and middle drum?
2) How would removing the belt affect riding them?
3) How would removing the belt and middle drum affect riding them?
4) How would removing the middle drum but running a belt between the front and rear drums affect riding them?
5) Why do smaller diameter drums provide more resistance than larger ones?
6) Should I have posted this in the mechanics forum?
WARNING: NOT A PHYSICIST
1) keeps your front wheel turning so you can balance by turning handlebars like you do on the road.
2) you wouldn't ride them ^^^
3) not only would you not be able to balance, but you most likely couldn't keep the bike on the thing for even just long enough for a hilarious fail
4) without adjusting the wheelbase, you'd roll right off the front
5) smaller drums cause the wheel to spin more? i don't know how to say that correctly.
6) who knows. my guess is that most people in the mechanics forum are bike mechanics, not roller mechanics, but still mostly mechanics. at least on here you'll have a decent chance of getting a credible response if a physicist replies.
AGAIN, I don't claim to know anything about physics. I have taken one 100-level course. That is my only qualification. Don't listen to me.