bicycle drive train design

[Udo]

I am looking specifications for a typical bicycle drive train mechanism (pedals/sprockets/chain/gears). I would like to know the range forces generated by the user required to propel a bicycle forward under various riding conditions. Also, gear ratios are of interest.

If anybody has reference information on this issue please let me know.

Thanks

Udo

 

[paron]

Have you seen Bicycling Science? It is probably the classic in the field, and is available at Borders sometimes, Amazon anytime.

Ron

 

[mloew]

Paron,

Thanks for the post. I am curious on this subject as well. BTW, here is the full information on the book:

Bicycling Science
Frank R. Whitt, Foreword by James C. McCullagh

Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Mit Pr (08/01/1982)
ISBN: 026273060X
List Price: $21.95

Book notes:
• 'The human being used as an engine may not be the way you look at a bicycle, but that's how nature looks at it. This exceptional book analyzes, compares and judges the measurable aspects of people-power and the bicycle being ridden.


1982! I realize the fundamentals will not have changed, but is a more contemporary text available to highlight modern advances in cycling sciences? Best regards,

Matthew Ian Loew

 

[paron]

I'm not aware of anything outside some maintenance manuals. There really hasn't been a tremendous amount of progress in the fundamentals. Indexed shifting, narrower chains -- basically "fiddles" of the existing 80's tech. Some progress has been made in suspensions and materials, but the mechanics are pretty much unchanged from the '80s.

Have you considered some of the online newsgroups like rec.bicycles.tech or alt.rec.bicycles.recumbent? That and websites like Sheldon Brown's or IHPVA's are about the best sources now.


Ron