Lewis_Moon

Ur always pedaling up hill

"Civil engineers find savings where the rubber meets the road; Study shows that pavement deflection under vehicle tires makes for a continuous uphill drive that increases fuel consumption"

hueyhoolihan

smaller contact patch, less uphill, more efficient. makes sense.

patrickgm60

I had always suspected as much; now, I have the supporting data. Where's the study showing that the only relative wind is a headwind?

rdtompki

Higher pressure = smaller contact patch, more road deflection, more climbing.

mihlbach

The road springs back as the tire rolls off it, returning the energy, except what's lost as heat. It should work the same way as tire deflection...the tire deflects but returns most of the energy as it returns to its undeflected shape, except whats lost as heat.

hueyhoolihan

LSMFT = lucky strike means fine tobacco...

thump55

"The researchers say the initial cost outlay for better pavements would quickly pay for itself not just in fuel efficiency and decreased CO2 emissions, but also in reduced maintenance costs."

Dear Taxpayers-

We are going to be raising your taxes because we are making the roads harder, so you will save a bunch of money on gas. Please let us know how that works out for you. That is all.


Sincerely-

Your local government

rumrunn6

wonder what cycling on Mars will be like

Lewis_Moon

Around here they are ALWAYS repaving. It's an endless cycle. Switching to harder compounds probably wouldn't make a difference at all. The issue may end up being noise (we use "quiet" rubberized asphalt) and drainage (porous, too).

2manybikes

Ever notice that it is a little harder to pedal on a rough paved surface, compared to a smooth paved surface? It can be noticeable. There is a small hill I go up on my way home. It has smooth road, slightly grooved sidewalk, and a rough finish driveway to cross. The driveway has lots of small stones embedded in concrete.
I can always tell the difference in effort by what surface I choose. It's in a couple of other places I ride too.

mihlbach

Try riding on a chipseal road on a hot sunny day.

pallen

I know we're all too fat for this sport, but isnt this taking it a little too far?

...and wouldnt your back wheels be going downhill?

Manweiser

Agreed. The article is talking about is a different grade of bituminous asphalt. One harder than what is used today to minimize deflection of the surface by the tire. I would not expect anyone to perceive a difference when cycling though.

2manybikes

Good point. I have done it. I understand.

lazerzxr

of course a soft road absorbs energy - ever ridden across that rubbery stuff they put around the base of kiddies climbing frames, its like like riding up hill. Harder the road the less rolling resistance